Steffan Thomas

Cardiff

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

Articles

Wales should bite the bullet and take England U20s star to Japan this summer

2 weeks ago | walesonline.co.uk | Steffan Thomas

As part of the Welsh Rugby Union's One Wales strategy there will be an attempt to repatriate players from England. While it would be pleasing to see the likes of Dafydd Jenkins, Christ Tshiunza and Tommy Reffell ply their trades for one of Wales' four professional clubs - Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets - the priority is to stop the player drain to England at a young age.
Wales Women suffer record defeat to Italy and pick up second wooden spoon

2 weeks ago | walesonline.co.uk | Steffan Thomas

Wales were comprehensively beaten 44-12 by Italy Women in Parma. Wales Women have been condemned to the wooden spoon for the second year in succession after they were comprehensively beaten 44-12 by Italy Women in Parma. Sean Lynn's side have finished bottom of the Six Nations without a single win to their name and will have to improve significantly if they are to stand a chance of being competitive at the World Cup later this year.
What each Welsh club now needs to reach the URC play-offs

2 weeks ago | walesonline.co.uk | Steffan Thomas

The race to reach the URC play-offs will go right down to the wirePositivity has been few and far between in Welsh rugby this season but this weekend was certainly one to treasure for professional rugby in Wales. On Friday night Cardiff claimed a noteworthy 26-21 victory over Munster in front of over 11,000 fans at the Arms Park, while the Scarlets stunned table-toppers Leinster with a 35-22 win in Llanelli which condemned the Irish side to just their second defeat of the season.
English giants move for 'amazing' Welsh-qualified wing tipped for Wales call

2 weeks ago | walesonline.co.uk | Steffan Thomas |Ben James

Interest in the wing has ramped up after his hat-trick at Judgement Day last weekCardiff coach Matt Sherratt is hopeful of keeping in-form wing Gabriel Hamer-Webb amid interest from Gallagher Premiership outfit Leicester Tigers. The Welsh-qualified 24-year-old continued his scoring exploits on Friday night, crossing in Cardiff's 26-21 win over Munster to boost the Blue and Blacks' United Rugby Championship play-off hopes.
Dave Reddin's success stands and falls on ending a 15-year problem

2 weeks ago | walesrugby.substack.com | Steffan Thomas

Deep in the bowels of the Principality Stadium, the Welsh Rugby Union's new Director of rugby and Elite Performance Dave Reddin sat down next to CEO Abi Tierney to face the Welsh press for the first time. Reddin answered a plethora of questions but there were two which were arguably more relevant than the others.
Dave Reddin Q&A: Why I've taken this job, my first task and views on bringing Welsh talent back home

2 weeks ago | walesonline.co.uk | Steffan Thomas

The WRU unveiled their new performance director on Friday afternoon at the Principality StadiumThe Welsh Rugby Union's new director of rugby and elite performance Dave Reddin faced the media for the first time today alongside CEO Abi Tierney. The pair held court at the Principality Stadium to discuss what happens now in Welsh rugby. Here's everything they had to say. DR: "This was a real standout opportunity. Global rugby has probably been grieving for Wales and where they have been recently.
Wales' new chief speaks for first time on head coach search, Steve Tandy and unpopular calls

2 weeks ago | walesonline.co.uk | Steffan Thomas

Wales' new director of rugby gives his first interviewDave Reddin has revealed that Steve Tandy is in the running to become Wales' new head coach, insisting he’s ready to make bold, even unpopular, decisions to shake up Welsh rugby.
Live press conference updates as WRU set to unveil new director of rugby

2 weeks ago | walesonline.co.uk | Steffan Thomas |Ben James |John Jones

The Welsh Rugby Union are set to unveil Dave Reddin as their new director of rugby and elite performance at a press conference this afternoon. Reddin was a member of the Sir Clive Woodward's England coaching team which won the Rugby World Cup in 2003, while he has also held a high-ranking position with the FA. He will now ramp up the process of finding Warren Gatland's long-term replacement as head coach of Wales.
WRU to announce next rugby chief within hours as new era begins

2 weeks ago | walesonline.co.uk | Steffan Thomas

The WRU are going to unveil a massive new appointment tomorrowThe Welsh Rugby Union will officially unveil Dave Reddin as its new director of rugby in less than 24 hours. Reddin faces a huge task trying to turn around the fortunes of Welsh rugby, with the men's national side currently on a record losing run of 17 Test matches, while Wales Women are also winless so far in this year's Six Nations.
Ospreys close in on signing of young Wales international from Welsh rivals

2 weeks ago | walesonline.co.uk | Steffan Thomas

The Ospreys have been busy strengthening their packThe Ospreys have targeted the signing of highly-rated Cardiff hooker and Wales age-grade international Efan Daniel. Daniel, who was a member of Wales' touring squad of Australia last summer, is out of contract at the Arms Park and has also been attracting interest from the English Premiership and another Welsh club, but the Ospreys have emerged as the frontrunners for his signature.