Steffan Thomas

Cardiff

Rugby Correspondent @WalesOnline. Former editorial director at Westgate Sports Agency. #CardiffTrained Got a story? Email me at - [email protected]

Articles

Wales' big new rugby hope being mentored by England and Lions star

1 week ago | walesonline.co.uk | Steffan Thomas

Sam Scott has been taken under the wing of an England internationalBig things are expected of Wales U20 tighthead Sam Scott in the coming seasons, but the rising Welsh prop is receiving invaluable guidance from an unlikely mentor — England international Ellis Genge. The two are team-mates at Bristol Bears, with loosehead Genge having taken Scott under his wing at Ashton Gate.
Wales coach clarifies his future and makes feelings on top job clear

1 week ago | walesonline.co.uk | Steffan Thomas

The Wales forwards coach is optimistic about the future of Welsh rugbyDanny Wilson has confirmed his role as Wales forwards coach will not extend beyond this summer’s tour of Japan, but he remains confident there is enough talent in Welsh rugby to reverse the national team’s recent poor run of form. The 48-year-old has joined Matt Sherratt's new-look backroom team for this summer's two-Test tour of Japan on secondment from Harlequins.
Wales coach explains why rising Welsh talent has been completely overlooked this summer

1 week ago | walesonline.co.uk | Steffan Thomas

He is one of the best prospects in British rugby but won't be in action this summerWales U20s boss Richard Whiffin believes rising Ospreys star Morgan Morse will come back stronger after his shock omission from the summer tour to Japan. Morse is one of the brightest backrow prospects in the British game, with many pundits expecting the Ospreys backrower to tour with Wales this summer.
Wales announce strongest squad in years as young talent returns for huge summer

1 week ago | walesonline.co.uk | Steffan Thomas

Wales U20s head out to Italy this summer for the World ChampionshipsRichard Whiffin has named the strongest Wales U20s squad for years to compete in this summer's World Rugby U20s Championship. Wales have been drawn in a tough pool alongside Argentina U20s, France U20s and Spain U20s but there is every reason to believe they can be very competitive in Italy this summer. Whiffin's side impressed during the U20s Six Nations with victories over Italy, Ireland and world champions England.
Wales star set to switch regions on loan in hope of reigniting career

1 week ago | walesonline.co.uk | Steffan Thomas

The Wales international looks to be on the move for the 2025/26 seasonThe Dragons are set to sign Wales international Mackenzie Martin on loan from Cardiff. WalesOnline understands Martin has agreed a move to Rodney Parade, with the deal expected to get finalised over the next few days. The 21-year-old backrower burst onto the scene last season and has won five caps for Wales after making his Test debut against Ireland in the 2024 Six Nations.
The people in the room who are now deciding Welsh rugby's future

1 week ago | walesonline.co.uk | Steffan Thomas

There are a number of key stakeholdersBehind closed doors, the future structure of the professional game in Wales is being decided and all the signs are that big change is coming. The Welsh Rugby Union and its four professional clubs - Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets - are currently locked in discussions as to what the best way forward for Welsh rugby is.
Steve Tandy remains leading contender for Wales job despite Townsend claim

1 week ago | walesonline.co.uk | Steffan Thomas

The WRU will announce the Warren Gatland's successor in the near futureSteve Tandy is still in the mix to be the new Wales head coach despite Scotland boss Gregor Townsend insisting his right-hand man is going nowhere. Tandy has been a contender throughout the process and is admired within the upper echelons of the Welsh Rugby Union. The 45-year-old is currently defence coach of Scotland, where he has done an impressive job for the past six years.
The best young Welsh players ready to take on the world this summer

1 week ago | walesonline.co.uk | Steffan Thomas

Wales U20s are confident they can go deep into the World Rugby U20s Championship this summerWales' best young rugby talents will compete at the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy this summer and will want to lay down a marker. Richard Whiffin's side made great strides during the U20s Six Nations, claiming victories over Italy U20s, Ireland U20s and England U20s, respectively, so will be full of confidence when they travel out to Italy.
Welsh couple set to break Guinness World Record in brutal rugby challenge

1 week ago | walesonline.co.uk | Steffan Thomas

The Welsh couple will be pushed to the brink this weekA Welsh couple are aiming to break a Guinness World Record by taking part in the world's longest ever rugby match this week. James and Melanie Burge-Davies from Porthcawl will travel to Ireland this week where they will participate in non-stop full-contact games of rugby which will last 36 hours. There will be a men's and a women's game at Mulligar RFC, just outside of Dublin, between June 18-19.
WRU to meet with regions for crunch talks as bosses braced for significant development

1 week ago | walesonline.co.uk | Steffan Thomas

A pivotal meeting will take place this week with the game in Wales still shrouded in uncertaintyThe Welsh Rugby Union is set to meet with its four professional clubs this week - Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets - in a bid to map a way forward for the game in Wales. Professional Rugby Board meetings are commonplace but WalesOnline understands this Wednesday's meeting is of particular importance.