LATEST NEWS
Taine Plumtree Called Back By Wales With Fears Over Aaron Wainwright Loss
Scarlets back-rower Taine Plumtree has been drafted into Wales’ Six Nations squad as they prepare for their crucial clash against Italy in Rome on Saturday. His call-up follows ongoing injury concerns for Aaron Wainwright and centre Owen Watkin, who both sustained injuries in Wales' 43-0 defeat to France in Paris.
Josh Adams Admits Winless Wales' Trip To Rome Has Massive Significance
Josh Adams has labeled Wales’ upcoming Guinness Six Nations showdown with Italy as a pivotal moment in their campaign, as Warren Gatland’s side look to end a harrowing losing streak. Defeat in Rome would leave Wales staring down the prospect of a second consecutive Six Nations wooden spoon, with formidable fixtures against Ireland, Scotland, and England still to come.
Sinking Swansea City Reach For Loan Deals To Refloat Season
Swansea City are working to finalise loan deals for Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O'Brien and Manchester City prospect Jacob Wright ahead of Monday night's transfer deadline. O'Brien has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Swans, who appear to have overcome interest from Preston North End, Luton Town, and Derby County.
Jonny Clayton Denied Despite Epic World Masters Comeback
Jonny Clayton produced an inspired comeback to threaten Luke Humphries but it was not quite enough to claim the World Masters title. Welsh star Clayton rallied from 5-2 down but eventually lost 6-5 victory in a dramatic last-leg decider in Milton Keynes.
Aaron Ramsey Return Provides Some Light on Dark Weekend For Cardiff City
Omer Riza is hoping the return of Aaron Ramsey can offer a chink of light for Cardiff City after a dark weekend left the manager needing to apologise to fans. Amid the gloom of a 7-0 thrashing at Leeds United - which required a humbling “sorry about that” to travelling Bluebirds supporters - was the boost of Ramsey playing 45 minutes for Cardiff's Under-21s in a 3-2 victory over Everton in the Premier League Cup.
Warren Gatland Facing New Crisis Point In Rome
Warren Gatland has admitted he’s already reached a new crunch point just one game into the Six Nations. The Wales coach - who managed to cling on to his job before the tournament - will know his team’s opening day defeat will fuel more doubts over his ability to halt a steep decline.
Emanuel Boys Go From Back Garden To Vannes Trip With Wales U20
The back garden of the Emanuel household used to resemble “a war zone” when their sons Ioan and Steff were growing up. Straight and hard running was always the requirement when the two boys, who are only 18 months apart in age, played “one-on-one” rugby matches.
Wales Exposed By France As Lightweight Six Nations Also-Rans
It looks like things are getting to get even worse before they get any better for Warren Gatland's Wales after they were blown away by France in a 43-0 humiliation in Paris. As an opening gambit in a Six Nations championship, it was a pretty dire scoreline - the first time Wales had failed to score in a Five or Six Nations game since France won 51-0 at Wembley back in 1998.
Where There’s a French-Based Will, There May be a Way for Wales
Wales might be entering their opening clash of the 2025 Guinness Six Nations as massive underdogs on Friday night, but for second row Will Rowlands, at least the match at the Stade de France will feel like home turf. Currently playing his club rugby for Racing 92 in the Top 14, Rowlands is relishing the opportunity to start the tournament in the city where he now lives.
Wales Have A Friday Night Problem . . . He’s Called Antoine Dupont
As if things were not tough enough for Wales on Friday night – French crowd, the return of Romain Ntamack, and, of course, the irresistible will of Antoine Dupont – comes news of a new opponent. Dupont – widely regarded as the best rugby player in the world, and by many as the best of all-time – is now fueled, not just by the Euros paid to him by Toulouse, but also by bitcoin.
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Rome Wasn't Built In A Day . . . And Neither Will The Wales Recovery
Wales youngsters Joe Hawkins and Mason Grady have been backed to come through the jeers and taunts of a Roman amphitheatre on Saturday - even if they don’t win. The centres - both 20-years-old and with a combined tally of just five caps - will form the raw midfield defensive... Read More
The End Of 2020 Is A Time For Grass Roots Footballers To Take A Bow . . . Not Those Still Taking Their Cash
The end of the year is often a time for taking stock, for looking back and maybe offering a pat on the back to those who have done well. More unusual is for a sport to pat itself on the back. Fraser Watson says the conceit of Welsh football leaders... Read More
Premier League Clubs Want 30% Wage Cuts For Players
Premier League clubs will consult with players over wage reductions and deferrals amounting to 30 per cent of salary as they grapple with the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The worsening of the Covid-19 outbreak has led the English professional game to acknowledge that football will not return at... Read More
Company 03419514 And The Problem Of Welsh Rugby's Food Chain
The Welsh Rugby Union’s recent accounts paint a picture of increasing revenues and falling debt. So what to do with the cash in a members’ organisation. Geraint Powell recognises that some mouths need more feeding than others, but says the solution is an orderly queue. Who owns company 03419514, otherwise... Read More
WRU Chairman Tells Clubs The Game Is At A Crossroads
Welsh Rugby Union chairman Gareth Davies has told member clubs they face a “pivotal moment” in the running of the game. Davies has written to the 320 clubs and districts of the Union, urging them to back his proposals for reform which go before the AGM next month. If the... Read More
That Difficult Second Tier: What To Do With Welsh Rugby's Premiership
For regions and clubs, the rugby season starts this weekend with plenty of pre-season friendlies. Then, the league action begins three weeks later. For the Principality Premiership, this campaign will be another of re-structure and upheaval. Geraint Powell examines the twists and turns of the semi-professional league and suggests a... Read More
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