Italy’s renaissance act lands in Cardiff to threaten wooden spoon for Wales

Gonzalo Quesada’s Azzurri are aiming to repeat their trick of 2022 with another statement win over Wales in the Six Nations

What is Italian for joie de vivre? The positive energy permeating Italian rugby was encapsulated by Paolo Garbisi’s early mishap at the Stadio Olimpico last Saturday.

Tasked with a simple penalty to open the scoring against Scotland, the fly-half watched the ball slip off the tee as he prepared to kick: a comical replay of his last-ditch attempt against France that bounced off a post. Despite the painful recent memory, Garbisi clearly appreciated the humour of history repeating itself. He smiled as he replaced the ball, calmly slotted three points as the timer ticked down, and jogged away laughing.

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Scotland will have to ‘do something special’ to beat Ireland, says Townsend

  • Tough task ahead with Ireland winning last nine successive ties
  • Gatland ‘loves’ pressure of avoiding wooden spoon with Wales

Gregor Townsend admits Scotland will have to “do something special” in Dublin as he challenged them to score at least 20 points against Ireland and give themselves a fighting chance of a first triple crown since 1990.

Scotland are heading to the Irish capital looking to save face after a shock defeat in Italy last weekend all but ended their hopes of winning the championship and left them staring at the possibility of finishing fifth if results go against them on Saturday.

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WRU partners with award-winning Welsh sportwear brand MAAREE

In an exciting development for women’s rugby, the Welsh Rugby Union had partnered with award-winning female empowerment sportswear brand MAAREE, to become official sports bra provider to it’s Women’s Senior team. This landmark partnership is set to redefine support for female athletes, both on and off the field, as they head into the Guinness Women’s […]

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Wales U20s announce squad to face Italy U20s

Wales head coach Richard Whiffin has named his matchday 23 to face Italy at Cardiff Arms Park, for the final round match in the 2024 Under 20 men’s Six Nations championship (KO 7.30pm, S4C). There are four changes in the backs plus two positional changes. Huw Anderson moves from full-back to wing to accommodate Matty […]

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George ready to play it one more time to help Wales end on a high

There was a hint of a tear or two, plenty of emotion, a round of applause and certainly no regrets as George North explained his international retirement to the media. A week on from Sioned Harries bringing down the curtain on her wonderful Wales Women’s career, the 120 times capped North took everyone by surprise […]

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George North to retire from playing for Wales after Six Nations

  • Centre has won 120 caps for his country across 14-year span
  • ‘I’ve been very lucky to have lived my dream,’ he says

George North has announced that he will retire from international rugby after Saturday’s Six Nations match against Italy.

North, who has won 120 caps, had been recalled to the Wales team for what is a wooden-spoon decider. Writing on X, the centre said: “I’ve decided that the game on Saturday will bring my international career to an end. After 14 years it feels like now is the right time to step away. I have loved and cherished every second in a Welsh shirt and been able to play alongside some fantastic team-mates.

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Wales team named for 2024 Guinness Six Nations final round

Senior men’s head coach Warren Gatland has named the Wales XV to face Italy at Principality Stadium in the fifth and final round of the 2024 Guinness Six Nations on Saturday 16 March (KO 2.15pm live on BBC and S4C). George North and Nick Tompkins return to the starting line up in the centres. Captain […]

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North to retire from international rugby

George North has confirmed he will retire from international rugby following Wales’ final Six Nations match in the 2024 Championship against Italy on 16 March at Principality Stadium (KO 2.15pm. Live on BBC and S4C). Speaking on social media Wales’ most-capped men’s back said: “I’ve decided that the game on Saturday will bring my international […]

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International Women’s Day 2024: Helping women to lead their sectors, not leave them

To mark International Women’s Day 2024, Vodafone heard insights about how organisations can provide meaningful support for girls and women looking to enter, remain, and then flourish in their chosen careers. Picture the following people: an ex-international rugby player turned coach, a tech entrepreneur with experience in the financial industry, and a corporate director at […]

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Wales U18 show mettle to repel Irish challenge

Second half tries from wingers Tom Bowen and Joseff Jones against Ireland at Terenure College RFC in Dublin ensured the Wales U18 men’s squad head into the U18 Six Nations Festival full of confidence. Backing up victory against Scotland a week earlier at Ystrad Mynach, Richie Pugh’s side secured a 27-19 triumph with a strong defensive display against a […]

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Wales to face Queenslands Reds on their 2024 summer tour to Australia

Wales will play the Queensland Reds in July as part of their bumper 2024 summer tour. A Friday night clash at Suncorp Stadium on July 19 is now a feature fixture on the 2024 calendar. Wales will play two Tests against the Wallabies in Sydney (July 6th) and Melbourne (July 13th), before a final stop […]

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Craig completes epic Wales Coast Path challenge

Craig Maxwell completed his mammoth Wales Coast Path Cancer Challenge on Sunday afternoon at Principality Stadium after 26 days walking the length of Wales. The dad of two, who was diagnosed with incurable and inoperable EGFR+ lung cancer in September 2022, walked the Wales v France match ball, which he had carried on his back […]

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