Seen a lot of crap from some on here questioning Leigh Halfpenny’s position in the Wales team. What a load of rubbish. Still one of the best full backs in world rugby. Tactically flawless while his attacking game is very underrated
#walesvitaly
Hoping there’s a last minute deal to broadcast the Bledisloe Cup this Saturday in the UK.
It’s pretty embarrassing for the sport that one of the biggest games in rugby union isn’t currently being broadcast in one of the sports biggest markets.
#BledisloeCup
EXCLUSIVE: It’s my understanding a sub committee of the WRU board met last week. Warren Gatland and Steve Tandy are being considered as options to take Wales to the Rugby World Cup
So Wales have won six Six Nations championships including four grand slams since the inception of “regional” rugby in 2003.
Hat tip to
@Cardiff_Rugby
@dragonsrugby
@ospreys
and
@scarlets_rugby
for developing the vast majority of these players.
Welsh rugby has hit rock bottom and this has been a long time coming.
This is a result of the WRU's top heavy approach for over a decade and the under resourcing of the regional game and the pathway
Weak pro teams = weak national side.
My verdict
👇
BREAKING: The Welsh Rugby Union's special resolution has passed at today's extraordinary general meeting in Port Talbot.
97.22% of clubs voted in favour of radical change to the way the game is governed in Wales.
Lets put the Matthew Morgan tweet into context. The guy is alone in a room, in a hotel thousands of miles from home, that's essentially being guarded 24/7, and he's only allowed out for a brief period every day. Plus he's probably concerned about covid.
I'd probably lash out too
Watching the Scarlets game back and Leigh Halfpenny was immense.
The amount of ground he covers defensively is unreal.
He’s also far better in attack than he’s given credit for.
I wouldn’t rule him out making a fourth Lions tour.
So the WRU’s controversial 60 cap law has brought Tomas Francis, Ross Moriarty and Josh Adams to Wales while it has also prevented numerous players from leaving.
Sounds like a massive positive to me 👍
Beggars belief how some people genuinely want pro rugby in Wales to fail. Great to see both the Scarlets and Cardiff Blues shove it down their throats. Fantastic stuff
He’s had a lot of crap thrown at him all week but Ryan Elias was excellent today. Found his jumper at the lineout and was very powerful around the park. Deserves to keep hold of the number two shirt moving forward.
Some great performances on the Wales side but a special word for Rhys Patchell who came off the bench in difficult circumstances to kick 14 points. Now a serious test player. Game management from the half-backs was excellent
#RWC19
That's a sensational victory by the Ospreys, the best by a Welsh club for many years.
Tremendous performance from their pack. Not many sides go to Montpellier and win.
The sort of result which can turn your season around.
People like this make my blood boil. Jake Ball has given so much to both the Scarlets and Wales on and off the field, even missing the birth of his son to play for his country. No decent person could criticise him for the decision he’s made.
@g_r_owen
Absolutely not... this boils my blood. I knew this would be the case. Both he and Parkes are prime examples. Also Macnicholl.. here for the coin and cynically for caps. 😡🏴
Exclusive: It’s my understanding talks have taken place which could potentially see Ealing join the URC under the WRU. Would entail one of the regions either folding or merging with Ealing.
Not definite but it’s one proposal which has been put forward
A lack of leadership from the executive level of the WRU over the past few years has led Welsh rugby to this point. A WRU CEO who passed all the risk onto it's supply chain without investing in the game. The treatment of the players has been immoral.
Nicky Smith has given Frans Malherbe a torrid time at the scrum. Don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say he’s one of the best scrummaging looseheads in Europe. Deserves a run of starts for Wales. Rhys Henry also excellent
Fair play that was a tremendous effort by the Scarlets. Sam Lousi, Dan Davis, Aaron Shingler and Sione Kalamafoni immense against a gigantic Bulls pack.
Lousi one of the best locks in URC at the moment. Obviously very skilful but does a lot of the donkey work. Big shit.
Fair play that was a tremendous effort by the Scarlets. Sam Lousi, Dan Davis, Aaron Shingler and Sione Kalamafoni immense against a gigantic Bulls pack.
Lousi one of the best locks in URC at the moment. Obviously very skilful but does a lot of the donkey work. Big shit.
Watching the Ospreys game back and I’m still baffled at the lack of opportunities Nicky Smith has had for Wales. He’s one of the most destructive scrummagers in Europe.
No wonder a host of English and French clubs want to sign him.
EXCLUSIVE: Major Welsh rugby sponsor Oil 4 Wales suspends its investment in Welsh rugby citing the WRU's lack of investment into the professional game.
"Oil 4 Wales do not see any alternative until a change is made to the funding strategy from the WRU."
Jarrod Evans is set to become the latest player to leave Wales and is expected to sign for Harlequins by the end of the week.
Would be ineligible for Wales under the 25 cap law but I understand a regional appearance clause is being considered
Don’t understand why people get so irate about this.
If I was a rugby union I would probably even secretly sponsor Jarvo. I don’t watch cricket, but knew all about Jarvo. Raises profile of the sport.
As per this mornings
@TheRugbyPaper
it’s my understanding the Ospreys have signed Wales prop Tomas Francis and are also set to sign Wales under 20s captain Jac Morgan. Two big signings
Hearing Nick Tompkins and Owen Watkin are set to start for Wales against Scotland. Liam Williams and LRZ on the wings with Halfpenny at full back. Davies and Biggar are the half-backs.
This is desperately sad news. Phil Bennett wasn’t just a phenomenal rugby player but a lovely man who had time for everybody he met. Thoughts are with his family and friends.
It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of club legend, former captain and Scarlets President Phil Bennett.
Phil passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday evening surrounded by his close family.
🏆🏆 Double congratulations to our number 🔟
@Rhys_Priestland
, who not only won the Golden Boot for Bath Rugby but also picked up the
@premrugby
Golden Boot award too. What a season this man had, scoring 200 points in the Blue, Black and White (Rounds 1-22)🏉
#WeAreBath
EXCLUSIVE- It’s my understanding that recommendations have been put forward to cut one of Wales’ four professional sides for the 2023/24 season. A decision on which one is expected over the next couple of months.
Hamish Watson believes Zander Fagerson's sending off was "an absolutely dreadful call", says Scotland "chucked away" victory over Wales and insists that the team can beat France.
Morgan Morris is such an underrated player. Does all the unglamorous work and has a huge work rate.
Wales have a lot of depth in the back-row but he deserves to be in the conversation.
Rhys Davies another one who should be considered for the Six Nations.
Exclusive: It’s my understanding the Jaguares are keen to base themselves in Bilbao and join the PRO16.
Any deal is a long way off but overtures have been made. CVC are also keen on further expansion.
Exclusive - It’s my understanding the Scarlets are set to sign 39 times capped Argentina international Tomas Lezana from the Western Force.
Being signed primarily as an openside but can cover the back row. Really powerful and dynamic carrier.
That was the worst Wales defeat of the professional era.
I’m unsure if there’s a way back for Wales under Wayne Pivac. They look rudderless and devoid of ideas. It will take an enormous effort to turn things around before RWC.
Awful day for Wales yesterday but Daf Jenkins and Christ Tshiunza impressed.
Wales are the stage where they have no choice but to throw younger players in at the deep end. They've been here before under Steve Hansen. Short term pain for long-term gain.
Very good win by the Ospreys. Thought Morgan Morris was outstanding. Surely has to be under serious consideration for a place on Wales’ summer tour of Australia
BREAKING: Injury has ruled out AWJ, Ross Moriarty and Taulupe Faletau for the remainder of the autumn campaign.
Shane Lewis-Hughes and Rhys Davies have been called into the squad while Willis Halaholo will rejoin on Friday.
AWJ and RM both need surgery and are 6 Nations doubts
EXCLUSIVE: Wayne Pivac has been given special dispensation to select Wasps openside Thomas Young in his Wales squad. He’s set to move to Cardiff next season
As per my story in the Rugby Paper this morning the Scarlets are set to sign former Wales under 20s centre Corey Baldwin back from Exeter Chiefs.
The 22 year-old is very highly rated by players and coaches at Parc y Scarlets.
Fantastic day for regional rugby. Jonathan Davies, Ken Owens and Rob Evans signing new deals with
@scarlets_rugby
and
@cardiff_blues
signing one of the best wingers in the northern hemisphere.
@3003Rob
@simonrug
But I’m a Wales fan.
I honestly don’t care about the regions.
As long as the regions keep providing quality players for Wales, I’m happy.
Toby Booth is doing a fantastic job with the Ospreys but can’t help but feel Brock James is also having a massive impact.
The Ospreys back division is looking very sharp. Looks to be an inspired appointment.
Speaking to a few friends based in South Africa and they don’t think they’ll start vaccinating until June.
If true how can the Lions tour go ahead?
Surely postpone until 2022 and move the Six Nations to the summer where there’s a better chance of crowds?
Exclusive: It's my understanding the Scarlets are the leading contenders to sign Ioan Lloyd from Bristol.
The 21-year-old has a big decision to make if he wants to play for Wales as he's another who falls way short of 25 caps.
Watching the game back there were some real unsung heroes in that Wales pack. Reffell, Rowlands, and Faletau really caught the eye but I thought Gareth Thomas, and Ryan Elias put massive shifts in.
#SAvWAL
Everybody is entitled to an opinion but when you criticise the work rate of Dan Lydiate it devalues your whole argument.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a player with a higher work rate
I spoke to Glenn Delaney last week about the quality of player coming through the
@scarlets_rugby
academy.
With the likes of Morgan Jones, Jac Morgan, Carwyn Tuipulotu, Jac Price, Harri O’Connor and Osian Knott the future looks bright in west Wales.
Dafydd Jenkins and Christ Tshiunza make such a difference to this Wales U20s side with their power and athleticism. Both showing up well and have big futures ahead of them.
BREAKING: Ken Owens named captain of Wales' Six Nations squad.
Teddy Williams one of 4 uncapped players in the squad along with Rhys Davies, Keiran Williams and Mason Grady.
Recalls for Aaron Wainwright, Rhys Webb, and Owen Williams
I don’t care what people think , this letter of the law is fucking killing the game..
Red card , yes correct decision because the referee has no option.. HOWEVER , the law is awful.. I hate seeing red cards for that.. ruined the game from an Irish point of view
Meet former Wales U20s star Ioan Rhys Davies who was released by Cardiff a couple of seasons ago.
He's since worked hard to make it as a professional rugby player for Sporting club Graulhetois in France.
Interesting tale
Big tackle by Tadhg Beirne and James French on Alfie Barbeary.
Then just check out that counter-ruck from Peter O'Mahony to force a turnover. Big impact.
Dissapointting to hear the eggchasers podcast refer to Wales as a 'large county' & 'not a proper country like scotland' 🏉🏴
@RugbyPodcast
#annibyniaeth
#YesCymru
Thought I'd jump on the Sam Costelow hype train. Excellent performance and looks like he has a big future ahead of him. Welsh back-row were magnificent. Jac Morgan leading by example as always.
Terrible news. Undoubtedly one of the greatest full-backs of all time. Played a crucial role in arguably the most successful era in both Welsh and Lions history.
A huge loss to Welsh rugby. Thoughts are with his family and friends.
Bridgend Ravens are devastated to announce the passing of JPR Williams.
One of Bridgend's most decorated players and an icon of World rugby, JPR served the club most recently as Club President.
Our thoughts are with JPR's family and friends at this sad time 💙
🔵⚪
The most important interview I've done for ages.
WRU board member and co-founder of Admiral Henry Engelhardt insists voting against the proposed governance changes at Sunday's EGM would be catastrophic.
Warns of dire financial and reputational damage.
Despite all the doom and gloom in Welsh rugby there were some really impressive performances yesterday.
Joe Roberts, Dan Davis, Carwyn Tuipulotu, Mason Grady and Keiran Williams all outstanding with international potential. Plenty of quality young talent in Wales.
Most positive Wales performance for a while. James Davies, Rhys Patchell, Gareth Davies and Dillon Lewis outstanding.
But Hadleigh Parkes is a different class. The Welsh Conrad Smith
"In my view it's an economic madhouse. Not even a corner shop would be run in this way."
One to one interview with Scarlets director Ron Jones on the financial situation Welsh rugby finds itself in.
Wayne Pivac confirms that Leigh Halfpenny will 100% be at the Scarlets for the next 2 seasons. The pair have been having a good laugh about certain rumors floating around
BREAKING: Jac Morgan has been named captain for Wales test v England this Saturday.
New caps Corey Domachowski, Kieron Assiratti and Max Llewellyn start with Taine Plumtree and Henry Thomas on the bench.
Leigh Halfpenny set to win his 100th Wales cap.
But the conveyor belt of young talent coming through will eventually dry up unless the game underneath test level is given the investment it deserves. Let’s not bury our heads in the sand. Welsh rugby has got serious issues and unless they are fixed it will hurt the national side
Don't let the pessimistic Welsh rugby types bring you down.
Yes, the finances could be better.
But there are stacks of quality young players pouring through the system.
Some of the commentary in this Australia v Argentina game is extremely irresponsible. Commentator accusing Sanchez of faking an injury despite being forced off with a HIA. Also apparently a shoulder to the head should be legal.
As first reported by
@WalesRugby
on Saturday Wales international Rhys Patchell has signed for the Highlanders. Really good move, style of play should suit him down to the ground.
If Wales do decide to make a change they should turn to Scott Robertson. They desperately need to find inspiration 10 months out from the Rugby World Cup.
Wish people would just give John Mulvihill a chance. The poor bloke hasn't even set foot in Wales and he's being written off. How can people criticize him if they know nothing about him? Clueless