Wales Rugby News
Richard Whiffin admits that if he had any hair to pull out he would have been taking handfuls as he watched the final few moments of his Wales U20 side’s dramatic 20-18 win over Italy in Treviso. Having seen Harri Ford kick Wales into a two point lead with a penalty in the 69th minute […]
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Dafydd Jenkins and Liam Williams have been withdrawn from the starting Wales XV for this afternoon’s Guinness Six Nations clash against Italy in Rome. Jenkins has been ruled due to illness while Williams misses the game due to a knee injury. Gloucester’s Freddie Thomas now starts in the second row, while Scarlerts’ Blair Murray comes […]
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Brython Thunder recorded a first win of the season with a dramatic 38-32 victory against Edinburgh in Round 7 of the Celtic Challenge at Parc y Scarlets this afternoon. Wales centre Hannah Bluck’s two tries in the dying moments secured a famous win in a pulsating contest at the home of the Scarlets. Bluck came […]
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Warren Gatland said he “understands people’s frustration” after his Wales team slumped to a 14th consecutive defeat and a worst‑ever world ranking of 12th, one place below Georgia, losing 22-15 to Italy in Rome.
Speaking to the Welsh language broadcaster S4C, Gatland empathised with his team’s supporters. “I can understand people’s frustration and we are frustrated and disappointed as well because we created opportunities but we have made mistakes and the penalty count was disappointing,” he said. “As a coaching team and players they are not hard fixes but we need to make sure we focus in those key moments.”
Continue reading...Another week, another Welsh defeat, another 80 minutes in which those in red gave their best as individuals but proved that it is nowhere near good enough for this level. A 14th straight defeat has dropped them to 12th on World Rugby’s rankings, one place below Georgia and the lowest position in their history. In Roman rain, Warren Gatland’s Divine Comedy descended another circle.
Perhaps the most damning point of all is that this never felt like a contest. The losing bonus point, procured at the death with a penalty try after two Italians received yellow cards, felt undeserving and failed to gloss over the preceding dross. Even with so much riding on this result, and even with the weather stifling Italy’s attacking threat, Wales simply failed to manufacture a challenge. Forget about a Plan B, Gatland’s team now appear bereft of any plan at all beyond aimless kicks, toothless carries and unjustified hope.
Continue reading...Wales slumped to their 14th consecutive defeat after a hugely disappointing display in Rome
8 mins. Will Rowlands loses a lineout under pressure from Cannone, but Page-Relo ruins the work of his team-mate by booming his clearing kick out of the full from outside the 22.
6 mins. Wales are off their feet at the ruck as Italy venture into their territory. Allan calls for the tee and opens his account for the day.
Continue reading...Gwalia Lightning hit the road to face league leaders, Wolfhounds, in Round 7 of the Celtic Challenge at Virgin Media Park, Cork, on Sunday, February 9th (KO:12.30pm). The Welsh side travel to Ireland on the back of a three-match winning streak to face the reigning champions in their own backyard. Welsh international Bryonie King captains […]
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Welsh rugby’s four professional clubs Cardiff, Dragons RFC, the Ospreys and the Scarlets have reached agreement with the Welsh Rugby Union on the final guiding principles of a new financial and rugby focused deal which will sustain the game in Wales over the next five years. The new Professional Rugby Agreement for 2025 (PRA25), will […]
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Wales front row forwards Gareth Thomas and Elliot Dee have committed their futures to their respective regions. The 31-year old Thomas has extended his stay at the Ospreys, while the 30-year-old Dee has given Dragons fans a huge boost by signing up for more at Rodney Parade. Both will be in action for Wales in […]
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Aberavon and Newport will be hoping for fairer weather when they meet against at the Talbot Athletic Ground having had their first attempt in Super Rygbi Cymru washed out by a deluge at half-time back in September. The Black & Ambers were leading 3-0 at the time and since then Ty Morris’ men have picked […]
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Gatland’s men aim to avoid a 14th consecutive defeat against an Italy side in the rare position of being favourites
Italy are the biggest favourites of the weekend to win their Six Nations match. And it is highly unlikely that sentence has been written before.
Admittedly, there is barely anything in it. At the time of writing, Italy are widely available at evens with a handicap of seven; for France and Ireland, the handicap is six. All three are a little shy of 2-1 on to win their respective matches. That is quite the company Italy are keeping.
Continue reading...Brython Thunder return home after time on the road to face Edinburgh in Round 7 of the Celtic Challenge at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday, February 8th (KO: 12.30pm). The Welsh side are still looking for a first win of the league campaign and face a Edinburgh side sat mid table in the Celtic Challenge. […]
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Warren Gatland says Taulupe Faletau’s 100+ cap experience and X-factor can provide his young Welsh side with a real boost in confidence ahead of Round 2 of the Guinness Six Nations championship in Rome on Saturday. The 34-year-old Cardiff Rugby No. 8 returns to pick up his 105th cap at Stadio Olimpico at the weekend, having not featured […]
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Warren Gatland has dismissed the notion Wales are facing their biggest game for two decades against Italy in Rome on Saturday.
The former Wales outside-half Dan Biggar described the Six Nations fixture match as Welsh rugby’s biggest game for the “last 15 to 20 years” after an opening 43-0 thrashing by France left Gatland’s side surveying a record-breaking 13th consecutive defeat. A 14th at the Stadio Olimpico would leave Wales with the very real prospect of a second winless Six Nations campaign and championship wooden spoon and put Gatland in almost an untenable position.
Continue reading...Senior men’s head coach Warren Gatland has named the Wales team to play Italy in the second round of the 2025 Guinness Six Nations at Stadio Olimpico, Rome on Saturday 8 February (KO 14.15h GMT, live on ITV and S4C). Taulupe Faletau is named at No. 8 and will make his first appearance for Wales […]
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