#walesrugby — Public Fediverse posts

England Dominates Wales in Women's Six Nations Clash

England won against Wales in the Women's Six Nations rugby match on April 25, 2026, at Ashton Gate, Bristol. England continues its winning streak.

#WomensSixNations, #EnglandRugby, #WalesRugby, #WomensRugby, #AshtonGate

https://newsletter.tf/england-beats-wales-womens-six-nations-rugby/

England won their rugby match against Wales by a large score, continuing their 35-game unbeaten run. This is their second big win after beating Scotland 84-7.

#WomensSixNations, #EnglandRugby, #WalesRugby, #WomensRugby, #AshtonGate
https://newsletter.tf/england-beats-wales-womens-six-nations-rugby/

WRU doubles down on three-team plan after EGM as Ospreys supporters warn of “lasting damage” to Welsh rugby

The EGM, held at the Principality Stadium on Monday evening, proceeded despite all three original motions being withdrawn at the start of the meeting after the announced departures of WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood and Professional Rugby Board chair Malcolm Wall. Around 124 of the WRU’s 284 member clubs and districts attended either in person or online — meaning more than half stayed away entirely.

With no votes to cast, the meeting became a lengthy presentation by WRU leadership followed by an hour and a half of questions from the floor. CEO Abi Tierney reiterated the case for reducing to three professional teams, arguing that Wales is attempting to spread a limited talent pool too thinly and that years of underinvestment in development pathways had brought the game to its current point.

In the days before the meeting Swansea Bay News had warned it could end up as nothing more than a chat — and so it proved, with Tierney unable to offer any concrete timeline, detail on how the reduction would be delivered, or clarity on the Cardiff sale process.

Both Tierney and Collier-Keywood admitted during the meeting that they had made mistakes — specifically that they had spent too long trying to maintain four teams and persuade them to sign a new Professional Rugby Agreement before Cardiff went bust. Collier-Keywood said they tried to maintain four sides for too long amid disputes with the regions, with both agreeing the current benefactor model in Welsh rugby is not sustainable in the long term.

It was also suggested the union had suffered a £6 million shortfall in revenue due to poor Six Nations ticket sales, including a record low crowd for the home match against France. Former Principality Building Society COO Rob Regan — a vocal critic of the WRU’s plans who has been working on an alternative model — used the meeting to ask Tierney directly to admit mistakes in order to help rebuild public trust.

The reaction from the Ospreys community was swift and unequivocal. The Ospreys Supporters Club said it was “extremely disappointed, though not surprised” by the outcome, adding that the WRU’s position remained unchanged despite recent leadership changes.

In a statement, the supporters group described the current situation as “the result of years of chronic mismanagement and neglect at the top of the game” and warned that removing a professional side in west Wales would risk “causing lasting damage to the sport in one of its strongest heartlands.” The OSC called on the WRU to “urgently reconsider its position, rebuild trust through genuine engagement, and work collaboratively with stakeholders before further damage is done.”

Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart had urged clubs to maintain maximum pressure going into the meeting, warning that not voting to remove Collier-Keywood — even though he had already announced his departure — “would send all the wrong messages and is open to misrepresentation by the WRU.” He confirmed that Swansea Council’s legal action remains ready, a CMA referral remains live and the commitment to the Ospreys remains at “100%.”

Stewart also confirmed that work on the St Helen’s redevelopment is expected to start soon as part of the co-investment plan agreed with the Ospreys, with the aim of creating a new venue ready for the start of the 2026/27 season.

Torsten Bell MP also called on clubs to use the meeting to oppose the three-team plan, describing the stakes as “not about technical governance issues” but about “safeguarding the soul of Welsh rugby.” He said Wales deserved a WRU that “brings everyone to the table and explores every option before making decisions that will see major changes to our game.”

The meeting heard a notable moment of contrast on the floor. CGRU representative Chris Morgan argued that Wales’s period of international success had been built on four professional teams and that abandoning that structure without a credible alternative amounted to “a dereliction of duty that could destroy Welsh rugby.” His remarks drew applause from parts of the room. However, a separate club representative later claimed a significant proportion of clubs remained firmly behind the WRU’s proposals — drawing what was reportedly the loudest and most sustained applause of the evening.

Tierney, speaking to journalists after the meeting, said she was confident in strong grassroots support for the three-team plan but was unable to provide further detail on how or when a decision would be reached. She denied the reduction automatically meant a straight shootout between the Ospreys and Scarlets for the western licence, saying there were “a few different permutations.” She also declined to comment on the status of the Scarlets’ legal action against the WRU.

On the Cardiff sale, Tierney admitted no deal had yet been agreed with Y11 Sport & Media, with the exclusivity period due to end on April 22 and reports suggesting Y11 may be reconsidering its position. She also confirmed the WRU is working closely with the United Rugby Championship but was unable to say whether a replacement for the fourth Welsh side in the competition had been found.

The WRU confirmed it will use external headhunters to appoint a new independent chair, with the process to begin in May and the new person expected to be in place by early summer. As Swansea politicians called for a reset following Collier-Keywood’s initial announcement, the mood in Welsh rugby remains one of deep uncertainty — and the questions that defined this EGM remain entirely unanswered.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

WRU EGM: Welsh rugby’s extraordinary meeting — but it could end up as nothing more than a chat
Our preview of Monday’s meeting and what was at stake.

Ospreys lifeline as council seals historic St Helen’s deal
The groundbreaking agreement that could secure the Ospreys’ future in Swansea.

Collier-Keywood quits: Rugby Union chair says he’ll leave in July
The announcement that changed the shape of the EGM.

Ospreys fans close in on 10,000-name petition target
The scale of opposition to the WRU’s three-team plan.

Wales international Rogers signs for Ospreys

The 27-year-old has spent the last nine years at Parc y Scarlets after making his senior debut for the west Wallians in 2017.

Having played 88 times for Scarlets as well as winning 13 caps for Wales, including scoring a memorable hat-trick against New Zealand last November, luring Rogers to sign from their rivals will be seen as somewhat of a coup for the Ospreys in an unsettled period of time.

Rogers spoke about the influence Ospreys boss Mark Jones, a former Wales wing himself, brought to help switch to Scarlets bitter rivals.

“I spoke to Mark and a few of the boys about the Ospreys and that played a big role in making the decision to move,” said Rogers.

“The Ospreys have had a lot of success over the years, and I’m really looking forward to testing myself in a different environment.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Scarlets fans for their support during my time at the club, it has always meant a lot to me.”

Scarlets confirmed they tried to keep the Carmarthen-born player at the Llanelli club.Interim director of rugby Nigel Davies said:

“We are obviously disappointed to see him move on. There was a contract offer for him to stay with us and continue his career with Scarlets, but we understand his decision to look for a new challenge.”

Ospreys head coach Jones has admitted that recruitment for next season has been difficult with the region braced to lose Wales pair Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake, but insisted signing of Rogers, who can play across the back three positions, was a statement of intent for the club’s future.

“To secure a player of Tom’s ability is nothing short of a coup and a sign of the project we are building here at the club,” said Jones.

“Tom is an excellent, international talent that will add to our already exceptional core of back-three players.

“He’s a bit of a Swiss Army knife in the fact he is equally adept at full-back and wing, and we have no doubt that he will hit the ground running when he comes in next season.

“A big part of our recruitment strategy this season was to secure our young homegrown talent but it was also important to add quality [and] the addition of Tom definitely fits that bill.”

Despite the loss of a promising Wales international, Davies said he remains positive about the current project to rebuild a Scarlets squad who have struggled in URC this season.

“Our focus now is very clear. We are building a squad that is aligned, competitive and capable of driving this club forward,” Davies said.

“We have real strength and depth developing across the back three, with a group that combines international quality with exciting young talent coming through our pathway. That gives us a strong platform to build from.

“There is real momentum building here and we are excited about what lies ahead.”

[Lead image: Scarlets Rugby]

https://www.europesays.com/uk/824371/ Steve Borthwick is fighting for his job and England need a contingency plan: These are the four leading contenders if RFU need to act ahead of World Cup, the surprise left-field names and why there’s a shortage of top-class English coaches #AllBlacks #Britain #dailymail #England #EnglandRugby #GreatBritain #rugbyunion #SixNations #SouthAfricaRugby #sport #SteveBorthwick #UK #UnitedKingdom #WalesRugby

https://www.europesays.com/ie/359416/ After the high of Twickenham, Simon Easterby knows Wales are aiming to catch Ireland cold – The Irish Times #BreakingNews #BreakingNews #Éire #FeaturedNews #FeaturedNews #Headlines #IE #Ireland #IrelandRugby #LatestNews #LatestNews #MainNews #MainNews #News #SimonEasterby #SixNations #TopStories #TopStories #WalesRugby

‘This is on you WRU’: Swansea Council leader hits out as thousands of seats lie empty for Wales defeat

Rob Stewart posted a text graphic reading “This is on you WRU” on Sunday, accusing the Union of driving fans away and leaving the national game “rudderless” as Wales fell to a heavy defeat against a ruthless French side.

A photo taken by Swansea Bay News sports reporter, Richard Bond showed the reality inside the stadium: long stretches of empty red seats, despite the fixture traditionally being one of the hottest tickets of the championship.

“Fans are voting with their feet”

In a strongly worded statement, Stewart said the attendance — just over 57,000 in a 74,500‑seat stadium — was a clear warning to the WRU.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said fans were sending a message the Union could no longer ignore:

“Fans are voting with their feet and staying away. Their message to the WRU is clear — we will stay away until you go away.”

He said he felt for the players, describing them as working inside a “broken system run by a Union that is rudderless, tone deaf, and totally out of touch with the fans and the clubs”.

Stewart added that the WRU had brought “chaos, uncertainty and despair” to Welsh rugby and said he would now look at “stepping up actions” to oppose the Union’s regional restructuring plans.

A bruising afternoon on the pitch

On the field, Wales were overwhelmed by a mesmeric French performance. As reported by Swansea Bay News’ Richard Bond, France controlled the game from the opening minutes, cutting through Wales with pace, power and precision.

Wales showed flashes of resistance but were outclassed across the park, leaving supporters facing another painful result in a difficult campaign.

The subdued atmosphere inside the stadium reflected the mood — passionate pockets of support, but a crowd far smaller than the fixture usually commands.

Pressure intensifies on the WRU

The WRU has faced months of criticism over governance, regional funding and its long‑term plan for the professional game. Stewart’s intervention adds political weight to the backlash, with the Swansea leader saying he intends to “stand up for the fans, stand up for the regions, and stand up for the future of rugby in Wales”.

The WRU has not yet responded to his comments.

Dear #WalesRugby fans, when the #WRU put on another desperate cash grab in the autumn, outside the IRB's international window, how about we 'don't' give them any money next year.

Show them an empty stadium, maybe go and watch one of the regions instead. Maybe they'll start to learn.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/c30jd4vlr22o

Scarlets and Ospreys dominate Wales squad for South Africa finale amid regional rugby uncertainty

The Principality Stadium fixture (kick‑off 3.10pm, live on TNT Sports, discovery+ and S4C) is Wales’ final Quilter Nations Series match of 2025. Tandy said the group was “excited” to build on recent performances despite being restricted to Wales‑based players because the game falls outside World Rugby’s international window.

Reinforcements after player exodus

Thirteen players have returned to their clubs in England and France this week, including Adam Beard, Rhys Carre, Tomos Williams and Louis Rees‑Zammit. Their departure left gaps across the squad, particularly in the back three, where Josh Adams is also suspended following his red card against Japan.

In response, Tandy has called up Ospreys forwards James Ratti and uncapped prop Garyn Phillips, Scarlets wing Ellis Mee and Cardiff hooker Evan Lloyd. Mee, 22, made his Test debut in the Six Nations against Ireland and is regarded as strong in the air and dangerous in broken play. Ratti brings versatility in the lock and back row, while Phillips, who toured Japan last summer, is rewarded with his first senior call‑up. Lloyd replaces Cardiff teammate Liam Belcher, who is sidelined with a neck injury.

Scarlets and Ospreys at the core

Scarlets and Ospreys dominate the selection, with 18 of the 30 players drawn from west Wales. The Ospreys provide 12 names, including captain Dewi Lake, Gareth Thomas, Rhys Davies, Morgan Morse and Kieran Hardy. The Scarlets contribute six, among them Taine Plumtree, Joe Hawkins, Joe Roberts, Blair Murray, Tom Rogers and Ellis Mee.

Their prominence underlines the strength of the two clubs in supplying talent to the national side, even as both face uncertainty under the WRU’s proposed regional rugby restructuring. Civic leaders and supporters have warned that the changes risk destabilising west Wales rugby, despite its players continuing to form the backbone of the national squad.

Fresh faces and uncapped talent

The revised squad also features several uncapped players. Ospreys trio Garyn Phillips, James Fender and Ben Warren are joined by Cardiff prop Danny Southworth in seeking their first senior appearances. Their inclusion reflects the WRU’s commitment to blooding new talent alongside established internationals, with the autumn finale offering a chance to test depth against the world champions.

Springboks reshuffle too

South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has also been forced into changes, with 15 players returning to clubs in Japan and South Africa ahead of a full round of United Rugby Championship fixtures. “We are going to lose quite a few players,” Erasmus admitted, adding that the Springboks would train with only 25 players this week. Despite the absences, he stressed the importance of the clash with Wales for world ranking points, describing it as “another massive Test match” to close the year.

Full Wales squad

Forwards: Gareth Thomas (Ospreys), Danny Southworth (Cardiff), Garyn Phillips (Ospreys), Dewi Lake (Ospreys, capt), Evan Lloyd (Cardiff), Brodie Coghlan (Dragons), Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff), Christian Coleman (Dragons), Ben Warren (Ospreys), Ben Carter (Dragons), Rhys Davies (Ospreys), James Fender (Ospreys), James Ratti (Ospreys), Taine Plumtree (Scarlets), Alex Mann (Cardiff), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons), Morgan Morse (Ospreys), Harri Deaves (Ospreys).

Backs: Kieran Hardy (Ospreys), Reuben Morgan‑Williams (Ospreys), Dan Edwards (Ospreys), Callum Sheedy (Cardiff), Joe Hawkins (Scarlets), Ben Thomas (Cardiff), Joe Roberts (Scarlets), Jacob Beetham (Cardiff), Rio Dyer (Dragons), Blair Murray (Scarlets), Tom Rogers (Scarlets), Ellis Mee (Scarlets).

Match details

• Wales v South Africa
• Quilter Nations Series 2025
• Principality Stadium, Cardiff
• Saturday 29 November, 3.10pm
• Live coverage: TNT Sports, discovery+ and S4C; commentary on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru

#blairMurray #dewiLake #ellisMee #evanLloyd #garethThomas #garynPhillips #jamesRatti #joeHawkins #joeRoberts #kieranHardy #morganMorse #ospreys #quilterNationsSeries #quilterNationsSeries2025 #rassieErasmus #rhysDavies #rugby #scarlets #southAfrica #tainePlumtree #tomRogers #walesRugby

WRU outlines next steps in elite rugby restructure amid backlash

WRU Director of Rugby and Elite Performance, Dave Reddin, said the transition will be collaborative, fair and focused on the long‑term strength of Welsh rugby.

Consultation marks “start of the next phase”

The WRU began consultation in August, engaging widely with clubs, players and stakeholders. Reddin said the announcement of the board’s decision was a milestone, but stressed that the detailed work now begins.

“We have already met with each of the four professional sides in a structured way and will be working through the detail with them all,” he explained. “We’ll look together at everything from financial stability and governance to player development, community connection, facilities and demographics.”

Difficult decisions ahead

Reddin acknowledged that deciding which three teams will continue in the new model will be challenging. “Every team carries its own heritage supported by a passionate community, and that deserves full respect,” he said. “But we have to balance this with the shared goal of building something sustainable, competitive and fit for future success on and off the field.”

The WRU will also continue discussions with the United Rugby Championship (URC) to ensure the new structure works for the competition, and will meet with the Welsh Rugby Players Association (WRPA) to keep players at the heart of planning.

Backlash across Wales

The proposals have sparked fierce opposition across South and West Wales, with community leaders, politicians and fans voicing anger at the potential loss of historic clubs. In Llanelli, councillors branded the WRU’s plan “a back of a fag packet proposal” and warned it would devastate the Scarlets’ future. The town’s mayor joined thousands of supporters in a “Save Our Scarlets” march, accusing the WRU of ignoring Llanelli’s rugby heritage.

In Swansea, civic leaders slammed the three‑club plan as “not fit for purpose,” warning it would undermine the Ospreys and damage the city’s rugby identity. Meanwhile, MPs have criticised the WRU, describing the move as a “U‑turn” and accusing the union of “bully boy tactics.” This backlash has highlighted the depth of feeling in communities where rugby is seen as central to local identity, and has raised questions about whether consensus can be reached.

No deadline set

WRU Chair Richard Collier‑Keywood has confirmed there is no fixed deadline for the process. “We’re not setting an arbitrary deadline,” Reddin said. “Everyone wants certainty, but rushing could risk getting it wrong. We are hopeful of reaching a consensus as quickly as possible. If that is not possible, we will move to an open, fair and transparent competitive tender for the three future licences – one in the capital, one in the East and one in the West of Wales.”

Commitment to clubs and players

Reddin stressed that Wales will continue to field four professional sides during the transition period. “Our commitment to the URC remains absolute. We also have commitments to the current agreements in place with the four professional clubs and to honouring the contracts of players,” he said.

£28m investment in Welsh rugby

Alongside the restructure, the WRU is preparing detailed plans for investment in five key areas: men’s player development, the women’s elite programme, a national talent insights and management scheme, coaching investment, and the new Super Rygbi Cymru competition. The WRU has pledged £28m over five years to support these pillars, which Reddin said will bring “hugely positive change to the game.”

The WRU say that more detail is set to be published in the coming weeks.

#daveReddin #ospreys #richardCollierE28091keywood #rugby #scarlets #superRygbiCymru #unitedRugbyChampionship #urc #walesRugby #walesRugbyRegions #welshRugbyPlayersAssociation #welshRugbyUnion #wrpa #wru

WRU expected to announce plan to cut to three professional sides by 2028

Four regions safe for now

Reports suggest the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) will confirm its long‑term strategy in the coming days, following months of consultation and debate.

The governing body is understood to favour a three‑team model, with one side in the east, one central and one in the west. That would mean Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets continue for now, but one region could be lost before the end of the current United Rugby Championship (URC) cycle in 2028.

From four options to one

Back in August, the WRU put forward four possible futures for the professional game. Two involved cutting to three teams, one with equal funding and one with unequal. Another suggested halving to two sides – described as the “optimal system” – while the fourth kept four teams but with a financial reshuffle.

The two‑team option provoked fierce opposition from players, supporters and politicians, with more than 7,000 people responding to a public survey. Wales captain Jac Morgan warned he would leave the domestic game if Ospreys were axed.

Stakeholder pressure

It is also understood that tournament organisers were reluctant to see an immediate reduction, with the URC keen to maintain four Welsh teams alongside its Irish, Scottish, Italian and South African participants.

The WRU’s current URC commitments run until the end of the 2027‑28 season, meaning any change would align with the next league cycle.

What happens next

While no official statement has yet been published by the WRU, reports indicate the governing body will announce its decision before the end of October.

If confirmed, the plan would provide short‑term stability for all four regions but leave the longer‑term future of professional rugby in Wales uncertain.

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#Consultation #Ospreys #Rugby #Scarlets #UnitedRugbyChampionship #WalesRugby #WalesRugbyRegions #WelshRugby #WelshRugbyUnion #WRU

@jacqui76
I agree Jacqui. You have captured my thoughts exactly. He is chasing the money. I wouldn't entertain him to play for Wales.
So different in values and loyalty compared to Jac Morgan.
#walesrugby

#6nations I'm going to back Wales to beat France. Well someone has to 🤣

#Rugby #RugbyUnion #WalesRugby

@enigmajx
Oh yes!
#WalesRugby

WALES!!!!

#rugbyworldcup2023
#rugbyworldcup
#walesrugby

Wales head coach Wayne Pivac replaced by Warren Gatland - https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/63770196

#Wales #WalesRugby #rugby #rugbyunion

Superb forward play from #WalesRugby for the opening try. #WALvAUS

Distinctly apathetic performance from #cymru today. Sat back in 2nd half & allowed #georgia back into the game.

Keep scoreboard ticking over.
Turn the screw.
Push on.

All things #cymrurygbi failed to do.

#Disappointing
#walesrugby

I was trying not to express my anger here in the friendly village but the insipid Welsh rugby performance against Georgia has broken that vow. #Walesrugby #WellDoneGeorgia #RugbyRubbish