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At 17, Huw Ware made history by becoming the youngest Darts referee to officiate in a televised darts match. He refereed the women’s final at the Wimborne World Masters in 2011. Fast forward 14 years, he was millimetres away from Luke Littler being crowned the youngest-ever PDC World Darts Champion after beating Michael van Gerwen. 

“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind, to be honest. It does feel like my life has changed to a certain degree anyway overnight,” says darts referee Huw Ware, sitting smartly in a radio studio in the city centre of the Welsh capital Cardiff, one week after calling gameshot at Alexandra Palace.

The 31-year-old is speaking off the back of creating history himself as he became the first openly gay darts referee to officiate a World Championship final as Luke Littler put aside Michael van Gerwen 7-3 to claim the Sid Waddell Trophy. 

“It’s been lovely. It’s a moment in time, but it’s a moment that I am very grateful to have had the opportunity in my life,” stated Huw, whose refereeing journey began at the age of 12 when he called his first match at Barry Rugby Club. 

“We sort of talked about it (refereeing the World Final) during the course of the World Championship. It must’ve been three or four days before the final when we actually confirmed it. So I knew for properly like three or four days before. There’s always a sense of an occasion around the World Final.” 

What was the lead-up like to the match on the day? “Funny enough, I did some bits and pieces of media before I turned up for the Final, so I was in the venue by about four o’clock, so I had the best part of three and half hours to kill before my media was done, if I wasn’t doing that, I wouldn’t have turned up until an hour or an hour and an half before the game. That’s what we normally we do. 

“We are very lucky as officials. All the staging is done, all the media is done, the crowd is in. All we have to do when we get there is go up on stage and referee and then come off again,” Huw added, making being a professional darts referee sound very easy. 

A professional darts referee’s main job is to call out the scores of each player after each throw, ensuring that the crowd and players know exactly what they are hitting. “It’s like spinning plates up there really,” laughs Huw. 

“You’re hoping that one plate doesn’t fall to the ground and smash. So calling out the scores is the bread and butter that’s the main job you have. But then it could be anything; you’re going to be the go-to guy for anything else that happens on the stage. 

“If there’s issues with the players, issues in the crowd, the dartboard is not straight. The water table is ruined by water being all over the place, which I have had as an issue before, but like I said it could be anything. Even if you’re not the one that will necessarily fix it, you’re going to be the go-to guy for them up there,” insisted Huw.

On January 3rd, he was the main guy on the biggest stages of all in the world of darts as he called, game shot and the match, as Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler hit double 16 as he required 32 points to become the youngest ever PDC World Champion at 17-years-old. It was watched by 3.71 million people, which is an increase of 39% on last year’s final when Luke Humphries won 7-4 to claim the title against Littler. 

“Even in the coverage that I’ve had in the last week, if you’ve seen any of the articles, it’s made me laugh. I’m not a darts referee; I’m the Luke Littler referee. 

“That’s how I’ve been described, the Luke Littler ref blah blah. But that’s a testament to his impact. I suppose that shows even if you’re not into darts or your not the biggest darts fan, you know who Luke Littler is. That’s very rare for that to happen in our sport, it’s difficult to quantify. I mean, darts has been getting bigger for the best part of 20 years anyway. 

“That was one of the pleasures when I was eleven, getting into darts for the very first time. You weren’t just watching a sport. You was watching a sport grow in popularity. I remember watching the Premier League of Darts when it was in leisure centres live on Sky, now it’s in the O2 Arena.

“I watched it grow from year on year which was like a real pleasure to watch as a darts fan first of all. Then the World Championship was getting bigger and bigger, now Luke has taken it to a whole new level again. 

“It’s like a brand new generation, that sort of Gen Z generation now, social media generation are now all getting into darts. That’s all off of Luke Littler and the amount of commercial opportunities that have opened up for the PDC now, the increased prize funds and all the rest of it. We owe so much of that to Luke. He’s changed Darts,” added Huw.

Over the last 12 months, Huw has started up a group dedicated to giving more opportunities for LGBT+ people in darts- Out on the Oche. The 31-year-old also stated that he was inspired by former professional rugby referee and fellow Welshman Nigel Owens, but on January 3rd, he wasn’t the only one to make history. Alongside Littler’s historic triumph, Huw became the first openly gay referee to officiate the World Darts Championship final and perhaps has become an inspiration to many. 

Huw added: “The media have been interested in my sexuality and the idea that a gay referee has refereed the world final. So there’s two things there first of all, the significance of the match that I refereed. 

“Then also it’s like as someone was saying to me the other day it’s kind of been a bit strange that I’ve been out for nearly 11 years now, but it’s as if the media are only just sort discovering that,” concluded Huw.

Words By Harry Tovey

Aaron Wainwright was the first player to face the press after Warren Gatland left his role as Wales’ head coach last week, but the 27-year-old stated that won’t affect his side as he wants to ‘prove people wrong’.

They will play their first home game of the 2025 Guinness Six Nations at a sold-out Principality Stadium on Saturday afternoon against Ireland. Wales will also be under new leadership come Saturday’s game as Matt Sherratt will take charge of the national side for the very first time.

He comes into the role on the back of 14 straight Test defeats and many have serious doubt whether Wales can get the win. Some bookmakers have Wales as 22-1 outsiders, but if they were able to cause an upset it would be one of the biggest in recent times. 

“Obviously, there is no hiding away from the fact this is a pretty low point. We are on a run of defeats,” began Wainwright. 

“I think an important thing for us is that we are going to be playing in a packed-out Principality Stadium, so what a great chance to go out there and put a performance in against one of the best teams in the world and potentially and hopefully come away with a result.

“There isn’t a lot of positivity around at the moment. For some of us, it is about trying to prove people wrong.

“After some of the things we have seen on social media or read in the press, you want to go out and prove them wrong. That is definitely a driver for me.

“There were loads of Welsh fans in Paris and Rome, so we will definitely be thinking about how we can give back to them to get them fully behind us.

“They can sing and shout and put the Irish fans in their place by shouting louder than them. When the crowd gets behind you it literally makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

“That is infectious, drives you on and gives you a boost of energy. The fans do make a massive difference and whoever makes the first big carry or tackle will set the tone,” insisted the back row forward who has represented Wales on 54 occasions. 

Wainwright didn’t have the best of starts in this year’s Championship as he was substituted early in Paris after sustaining a cut on his cheek at the Stade de France. “I think I face-planted Antoine Dupont’s boot,” added Wainwright who revealed that he had to have 11 stitches in his cheek despite still being available for the Italy game 8 days after sustaining the injury.

“And, I wasn’t trying to kiss his feet. I’d just got up and there was blood coming from my face, so I thought I must have done something pretty bad.

“When they stitched it up, they said I couldn’t go back on. A few friends and family have said it’ll be a good story to tell after I finish playing.”

If Wales are to lose on Saturday it would pass their previous streak during the period of the 1994-96 Five Nations, as it would mean their ninth straight defeat in the Six Nations. “We don’t go out there to lose,” insisted Wainwright. 

“The important thing for us this weekend is that we’re going to be playing in a packed-out Principality Stadium. That gives us a great chance to go out and put in a performance against one of the best teams in the world.

“That’s what we’re all aiming towards and that’s what we’ve been speaking about in training.  What a good opportunity this could be to have everyone getting behind us, it will be amazing.

“It could be a real catalyst for us and that’s why you play international rugby, to play in the big pressure moments, big pressure games. I’m definitely excited about getting out there and trying to set things right.

“It’s a massive challenge as Ireland are one of the best teams in the world. They are incredibly well-drilled all the way across the park, so we’ve got to be right on our game.

“Matt has told us he wants us to enjoy these next three days. If we go out there and express ourselves and show that we’ve enjoyed this week then I’m sure the fans will get a sense of that and really get behind us and drive us on.” 

Wales faces an uphill battle on Saturday afternoon as they take on last year’s Six Nations Champions, Ireland at Principality Stadium. That challenge was made no easier after Warren Gatland left his role as Wales’s head coach last week with Matt Sherratt taking over the role for the remainder of the Championship. 

Wales are currently on a run of 14 consecutive Test defeats and have not been given a chance for Saturday’s encounter, with some Irish outlets stating if Ireland are “reduced to 12 men, then it would be game on.”

If they fall to another agonising defeat on Saturday, it would mean their ninth defeat on the bounce in the Six Nations, taking over their previous worst run in the five nations between 1994-96.  

Speaking at the Vale Resort where Wales train, Mike Forshaw, the defence coach of Wales, spoke openly about Wales’ chances but stated being at home could be a helping hand. 

Scroll down for the five main talking points.

1- Should we be writing Wales off on Saturday? 

“It is our first home game and I think it is a sell-out,” said Forshaw. 

“I know we will have a bunch of blokes who will work hard for each other. You can never question the effort of these lads. It is a game no one expects us to win, so it’s a game for us to go out there and put our stamp on.

“They (Ireland) go through more phases than anybody else and are really difficult to contain. So for us, it is about how we manage that game and the territory.

“The lads here don’t die wanting. They’ll be effort. Once the team is named this evening, I think there’ll be some positivity.”

2- 2024 Champions head to the Welsh Capital. 

Wales take on Ireland, who have won both of their opening two games against England (27-22) and Scotland (32-18). They currently sit on 10 points compared to Wales’ single bonus point, and the last time they met in Cardiff it finished 34-10 in favour of Ireland.  

Forshaw explained what he expects from Ireland: “It’s a massive challenge. 

“We’ve got to be a bit patient. It’s a tough job to create something in four sessions. I think we’ve got about 12 sessions over the next three games. We lose players in fallow weeks. Matt knows what he’s after.

“I think from a defensive point of view, they play a lot of long phases. It’s a massive challenge. We played them last year and did a good job of containing them. They get more entries in your 22 than any other team. That’s where it becomes difficult.”

3- “He’s a great guy”- Forshaw on the appointment of T. Rhys Thomas 

Also announced this morning was that T. Rhys Thomas had been added to the coaching setup for the remainder of the Six Nations. However, like head coach Sherratt, they will both return to their clubs come the conclusion of the Championship. 

He represented Cardiff, Dragons, Wasps and made 27 appearances for Wales. Thomas’s role will mainly focus on improving forwards skills as he will work closely with scrum consultant, Adam Jones and forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys.

“I think he’s worked with Matt before,” added Forshaw. 

“He’s been brought in to do some fundamentals around the forwards. He’s a great guy. I look forward to working with TR over the next few weeks.”

4- New appointments to the Welsh squad- Evans, Anscombe and Llewellyn. 

Wales interim head coach Matt Sherratt has wasted no time in bringing new faces into his squad, with a trio of call-ups confirmed to have joined his training group today. Sherratt took over from Warren Gatland early last week after the New Zealander could not lead Wales to a Test match win in 14 consecutive fixtures.

Harlequins fly-half Jarrod Evans along with Gloucester fly-half Gareth Anscombe and centre Max Llewellyn, have been called up to the Welsh squad for the remainder of the Six Nations. 

“They’re all good players. It just adds to our depth. They’re all good players in their own right,” said Forshaw. 

“Whoever gets to play, we need to step up as a team.

“Gareth and Jarrod have come in. You’ve got Dan Edwards, who I’ve been impressed with. We’ll see what route we go down.”

5- “He’s worked with quite a lot of the players- Forshaw on Matt Sherratt’s appointment

“I know Matt, not just from this morning, but going to Cardiff a lot. 

“He’s a very personable guy, very focused on his attack. We were installing some early parts on that. He’s laid back. We had a good meeting on that last night. 

“He’s worked with quite a lot of the players. He’s coached in a few environments. The players have been comfortable this morning. 

“There’s a lot of language, but I don’t think his coaching will frighten players.

“The lads here don’t die wanting. There’ll be a real confidence when we pick the team. Players sometimes feel a responsibility when coaches leave,” Forshaw concluded. 

Matt Sherratt will take charge of Wales for the very first time on Saturday as they take on Ireland at Principality Stadium. He’s already added three players, Jarrod Evans, Max Llewellyn and Gareth Anscombe to the squad.

Having taken charge of Cardiff Rugby’s last outing in the United Rugby Championship (URC), Sherratt will begin his new role as head coach of the Welsh national side for the remainder of the 2025 Six Nations.

With all that said and done, here is who Ruck Rugby thinks is likely to be named in the starting XV for Saturday’s encounter.

1. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys, 37 Caps)

Thomas has had a solid campaign so far and has been one of the more consistent players in this Welsh squad, especially when it comes to scrum time. He didn’t make much of an impact against Italy last timeout, but he does a lot of the unseen work well.

2. Elliot Dee (Dragons RFC, 53 Caps)

Saturday’s game is huge and with an experienced front row expected to travel to Cardiff, the 30-year-old will need to be on top form. After coming off the bench in the last two outings, Dee who is smaller than the bigger Evan Lloyd should get the nod especially because of his arrows success at lineout time.

3. Kieron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby, 12 Caps)

With Henry Thomas not really firing, this should be a welcome start for the tighthead whose last start for Wales came against South Africa last June. He’ll be up against experienced Andrew Porter so the 27-year-old needs to be on it. He’s a solid scrummager and when he has come on in the last two games, he has added more strength to the pack.

4. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs, 8 Caps)

Having dropped out of the encounter in Rome due to illness, it’ll be a welcome return to the starting XV for last year’s Six Nations captain. He is a great asset in defence with his physicality and has probably been one of the standout performers in this year’s Championship for Wales.

5. Teddy Williams (Cardiff Rugby, 3 Caps)

Despite not meaning to be involved last timeout, the 24-year-old was brought onto the bench after Jenkins pulled out due to illness. Williams has been playing a lot of good stuff for Cardiff in the URC and when he came on it seemed at lineout time it vastly improved. Sherratt, knows a lot about Williams and with him being on the verge of getting a first start, surely Saturday his time will come?

6. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons RFC, 54 Caps)

With James Botham having a quiet game in Rome, when Wainwright came on he quickly made an impression having scored after breaking away from a driving maul. He is a huge ball carrier, has great footwork and does a lot of the unseen work around the breakdown area extremely well.

7. Jac Morgan (Ospreys, 20 Caps)

Another player who has had a strong start to this year’s Championship, especially in the opening round against France when his performance was the only positive from the evening. Morgan has been incredible, setting the bar high for other players to aspire to.

Also with the likelihood of the 25-year-old locking horns with Josh van der Flier as his opposite number this could be a battle for a British and Irish Lions Tour spot.

8. Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff Rugby, 105 Caps)

Definitely wasn’t at his best last timeout after returning to the international stage after a long period out due to injuries, but when Faletau is on form is there anyone better to have in the eight jersey?

He’s an outstanding ball carrier and he’ll have the expectation of an entire nation wanting him to be the Faletau of old come Saturday afternoon.

9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby, 61 Caps)

Creating two brilliant chances against Italy for Josh Adams to cross the whitewash but was unable to take them. The Gloucester Rugby player hasn’t been firing like he has been in recent times this Championship but still is dangerous when given the opportunity to exploit the opposition.

If Wales want any chance of getting on the front foot against Ireland, they’ll need Williams to be firing on all cylinders.

10. Gareth Anscombe (Gloucester Rugby, 38 Caps)

With a lot of people raising an eyebrow and maybe in complete shock that the 33-year-old wasn’t involved in the Warren Gatland’s initial squad for the Six Nations, this was a no brainer from Sherratt.

He’s got a brilliant rugby IQ and just with starting at ten he can calmly control Wales’ game management, something they have been lacking so far this Six Nations.

11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby, 61 Caps)

Despite fumbling two golden opportunities (albeit tough conditions) in the Italian capital last timeout, I think Adams is still the right personnel to have in the starting XV. But like many of the experienced players in the Welsh squad when he is at his very best there’s no stopping the 29-year-old and Wales will need exactly that come Saturday afternoon.

12. Nick Tompkins (Saracens, 40 Caps)

Even though Tompkins has had a rough start to this year’s Championship and looked emotionally deflated after the 22-15 defeat to Italy, with him potentially starting back in his preferred 12 shirt this might kick start his Championship.

In attack he’s great at running hard lines and is a great asset in defence, something that you’ll need when your opposite number is likely going to be Bundee Aki.

13. Max Llewellyn (Gloucester Rugby, 5 Caps)

Llewellyn was another surprise absentee to Gatland’s Six Nations squad, but one of the first moves Sherratt did was to recall the 26-year-old who has been playing some quality stuff in the Gallagher Premiership for Gloucester.

And with potentially experienced Tompkins on the inside of Max this will add to maybe getting Wales on the front foot more often instead of being on the back foot.

14. Blair Murray (Scarlets, 5 Caps)

The Scarlets speedster was another late call-up for the Italy game as he replaced, Liam Williams who has left the squad after sustaining a leg injury.

Murray probably had the only real attacking threat which put his side on the front foot at the Stadio Olimpico. One of the areas he needs to be on form is in defence as at times it can be easy for the opposition to get past the 23-year-old.

15. Tom Rogers (Scarlets, 7 Caps)

With Liam Williams no longer involved in this year’s Championship, I feel Rogers is suited best to take over the role at fullback. He’s great under the high ball and when given space to run he can cause a serious problems and create opportunities.

The director of the Scarlets, Ron Jones has implied that the Welsh Rugby Union cannot afford to run four regional sides and at least one will have to go.

Wales has four professional teams that currently play in the United Rugby Championship, Scarlets, Ospreys, Cardiff Rugby and Dragons RFC. Regional rugby was introduced in 2003, which included five teams before it was later reduced to four.

Speaking on S4C’s Newyddion programme, Jones said: “The idea that we can afford four professional clubs in Wales is for the fairies.

“Welsh rugby is in huge financial trouble and we don’t seem to be able to react sufficiently to deal with what could be a fatal amount of damage to the game unless we balance what we’re doing with the money we think is coming in.

“We have to come down to three or two regions to reflect the financial realities of Welsh rugby.

“Over the years, there’s been a fear inside the union of criticism and so difficult decisions get deferred.

“We’ve seen that with Gatland’s dismissal. I think we’re going to be seeing it as well with the decision to stay with four regions when, in their gut, they must know that it isn’t the right way forward to present a good future for Welsh rugby,” added Jones.

Abi Tierney has been at the forefront of the WRU for over a year now having been appointed as chief executive, but the Scarlets director believes that the Union hasn’t made any sort of impact. Wales are currently on a streak of 14-Test defeats and earlier in the week they sacked head coach, Warren Gatland half way through this year’s Six Nations.

“One has to question how can you take so long before any decisions are taken or any improvements are seen in any single aspect of Welsh rugby,” he explained.

“I think journalists have been slow to ask what has actually happened, what has changed for the better during their time.

“In most parts of business, they wouldn’t be given the luxury of a year without having to make any announcements about what they think needs to be done longer-term and actually showing evidence things are happening.

“It’s difficult to have faith in the union at the moment when one can’t see where the acceptance of the financial realities of the game are,” Jones insisted.

On Tuesday, the Welsh Rugby Union announced that Warren Gatland had left his role as Wales head coach by mutual agreement, and Cardiff Rugby’s Matt Sherratt will steer the ship for the remainder of the Six Nations.

Sherratt, who had the call on Monday evening, will continue to work with Cardiff this week as they prepare for Connacht Rugby on Saturday, and will have only four sessions with the Welsh squad leading up to the Ireland game.  

The former Wales international, now Ospreys head coach Mark Jones, was included in the Grand Slam-winning 2008 squad under Warren Gatland. However, the 45-year-old knows about stepping up into the Welsh setup as he supported Rob Howley in the 2012 Autumn Internationals for Wales.

Then in 2013, he became the interim attacking head coach for the Six Nations and later that year, he joined Robin McBryde on the 2013 tour of Japan. 

“I got brought in to support Rob Howley as it was at the time,” said Jones, speaking at the pre-match press conference for the Ospreys United Rugby Championship game against Leinster on Friday evening.

“They (Wales) were coming off the back of some pretty poor results when I went in there. I can feel the similarities around Matt, but what an opportunity and that campaign ended up a really successful one. 

“I think we won it on that particular occasion, but that’s not up for grabs at the moment. I definitely think Matt can have a positive impact on the group, and I’m sure the players will be excited about getting stuck in and trying some new ideas out.” 

Jones on the good old days with Gatland in charge

“We just need to remember Gats for the four Six Nations titles, three Grand Slams and semi-finals (Rugby World Cups), and the impact that he had on the Welsh team when he took over for the past 10-15 years,” said Jones.

“Unfortunately, it’s like the old saying, all good things must come to an end and sometimes they don’t end as positively as you would’ve liked. He’s put his heart and soul into it over the last couple of years, done the best he possibly can. 

“It’s run its course and obviously now let’s hope the next guy gets the similar type of success.”

“Pieces are scattered out at the moment”- Jones on Welsh Rugby

“I know that the board have been working behind the scenes with themselves with the regions trying to come to a new agreement, and obviously that’s another strand to the puzzle, and the pieces are scattered out at the moment, aren’t they. 

“We just need to get a big picture view from the WRU on what they want Welsh Rugby to look like and then myself as a regional coach I can look at the pieces that I am holding, and I can help put those pieces together for the best of Welsh Rugby. 

“I think once we see what that looks like, we can all start aligning those pieces so everybody in Welsh Rugby is clear on where we need to be, competing in every game and competing to win stuff. 

Sherratt as the new interim head coach of Wales 

“It’s great for Matt, what an opportunity to coach Wales,” added Jones.

“It’s a hell of a privilege, and being a passionate Welshmen you know it’s an amazing job, he’ll have great people to work with. The players will be hungry to get stuck into his philosophy and his ideas. 

“Well done to him, but it will be a challenge because he hasn’t even picked the squad of players really has he. He’s inherited a group of players that were selected by somebody else.

“He’s going to have a vision in four training sessions on how he wants the game to be played and how he thinks he can set the boys up to win. So it’s really difficult, but he’ll be excited by it.

“He’s obviously thought it through, and he thinks he can help and we’ll be supporting him as regional coaches as best as we can,” concluded Jones.

Despite being contracted until the 2027 Rugby World Cup, the Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed that Warren Gatland has left his role by mutual consent.

Now interim head coach Matt Sherratt will take over for the remainder of the 2025 Six Nations before returning to Cardiff Rugby after the tournament. He takes charge of the remaining fixtures in this year’s Championship, which include Ireland, Scotland and England. 

Gatland reached out to Abi Tierney on Monday to discuss the future of Welsh Rugby. 

He said: “I would like to thank the WRU Board for the faith shown in me after a tough campaign throughout 2024 and for affording me the time and resources to try to turn things around for this 2025 tournament.”

The newly appointed interim head coach was called on Monday evening around 8 pm. Before attending this monumental press conference, he was coaching Cardiff Rugby this morning and afternoon as they build up to their clash with Connacht in the United Rugby Championship before rushing over to the Vale Resort (WRU HQ) to speak to the press. 

Scroll down for the five main talking points from both Sherratt and Abi Tierney.

1: “I sprinted off the training pitch to come here”- Sherratt on the call-up 

As previously mentioned, Sherratt still has responsibilities with Cardiff before taking on this new role. He will enter the training camp on Monday morning and have just four sessions with the Welsh Squad before the Ireland encounter at Principality Stadium. 

“Genuinely, I found out at 8 pm last night,” admitted Sherratt. 

“I had two meetings with Cardiff today and sprinted off the training pitch to come here.

“I’ll be honest, it feels a bit like how I started with Cardiff. They were at a low ebb. It’ll be about mindset.

“It’ll be hard to change things tactically. But we can get a mindset shift. It doesn’t matter what tactical stuff you put on the pitch if there’s a lack of belief or fear.

“The first step is that the players are really excited to take the field.”

2: Tierney on Gatland’s departure- “It’s in the best interest of Welsh Rugby”

Also at the head table for this afternoon’s press conference was WRU CEO Abi Tierney, who began by expressing her thanks to Gatland for everything that he has done for Welsh Rugby and also asked the Welsh public to get behind Sherratt for the remainder of the tournament. 

“I just wanted to begin by saying a huge thank you to Warren Gatland and his contribution to Welsh rugby,” Tierney said.

“A huge thank you to Matt Sherratt. I spoke to him last night, and we’re delighted to have him on board.

“It was mutual, he (Gatland) phoned me. We catch up after games. We had a conversation and decided it was best for him to finish his role.

“There was a mounting sense that it wasn’t working and that something had to change. Warren has always felt he was the right man. It was really important we made that change.”

3: Matt Sherratt openly admitted he doesn’t want the role long-term

This is the third time a Wales head coach has left in the middle of the Six Nations following Graham Henry (2002) and Mike Ruddock (2006). With Sherratt not being the permanent coach for the future, Tierney explained that they are looking for a successor to Gatland before the Summer Tour to Japan.

Some of the long-term successors are Former Australia coach Michael Cheika, Glasgow coach Franco Smith and Ireland interim boss Simon Easterby. 

“We’ve started, but we’re not close,” said Tierney.

“I don’t think there’s one single criteria that will fit. We’re not ruling anybody out at this stage.

“I do think you’d want your Director of Rugby in first. 

“But I wouldn’t want to miss out on a stand-out coach before we have a Director of Rugby. Ideally, we’ll have a Director of Rugby, even if they’re not in position.

“The money is there to get someone and it’s in our financial plan to do so. It won’t be chosen on cost.

“In terms of characteristics, Matt was the obvious choice for an interim coach. Someone who can work collaboratively across the ecosystem and lift a young team will be important. Someone who has experience of winning,” added Tierney.

4: Tierney on where Welsh Rugby is at the moment 

“We’ve got a strategy. We’re very close to signing a PRA. That’s 95 per cent of it.

“I could have done the new deal by imposing on the clubs. But I’ve been able to phone up Cardiff and ask for their help. The trust still has a long way to go, but it’s better than it has been. The effort behind the scenes.

“I can understand because they care passionately about the game. But when I speak to ex-players, there’s always an understanding it’s been a long time coming.

“I think there’s a crisis in rugby globally with what we’re seeing with TV rights and the fanbase. We’re competing with other sports. It’s not just a Welsh challenge.

“It’s a small country so it feels that volatility. It’s why the strategy is so important. We’ve got to attract new fans and build stars that people want to watch.”

5: Sherratt’s thoughts on the remainder of the Six Nations

“When you think of players in a dressing room, I’ve been in the game 20 years, guys I’ve worked with – they want to win. If I go in there and speak about trying our best, you’ve lost the room immediately.

“We go out to win every game, same as at Cardiff. It’ll be about changing mindset.

“I’ve learned you’ve got to be yourself. I’ve learned to play the game the way I want. I want players to be brave and take 50/50 calls. Sometimes the opposition are further down the line than us.

“I’m not going to come in and overthink it. I’m pretty set on how I like to play. It won’t be any different to what I do at Cardiff.

“That’s what I believe in. I do think we’ve got a duty that people enjoy watching rugby. I took my boy to watch three games last year. I took him to a Liverpool game and he loved it. A cricket game and he loved it. And a rugby game and he asked to leave after 50 minutes.

“I’m at that stage of my career where it’s important to me that people enjoy watching a team. Not at the expense of losing, but let’s take the brave option,” concluded Sherratt.

Nick Tompkins apologises to the 1000s of Welsh fans that headed to the Italian Capital as Wales fell to their 14th consecutive defeat. Welsh fans packed the streets of the Eternal City and prior to the match they gathered on the Spanish Steps singing hymns passionately including, Calon Lân.

This 22-15 defeat is the first time since 2007 that Wales have lost in Rome, now they have dropped to a new low as they now sit in 12th place with the wooden spoon looking more and more likely.

“It’s amazing. You want to say sorry,” Tompkins sends a message to the travelling supporters.

“We appreciate every bit of support they give us. We know it’s tough times at the moment, but they keep supporting and shows what an amazing nation Wales is. 

“We are trying for them. We want to keep going and hopefully we can give them something to cheer about.”

The last time Wales had won in the Six Nations was back in 2023 but with a lack of inventiveness they fell to a “devastating” 14th consecutive defeat. Despite a catch and drive leading to Aaron Wainwright crossing, a penalty try and two yellow cards in the closing moments meant Italy finished with 13 players. It wasn’t enough for Warren Gatland’s men at a drenched Stadio Olimpico.

“Putting something specific on it is tough. We are frustrated. It’s devastating,” admitted Tompkins.

“The frustration and disappointment around the camp is there. It is hard because the boys are trying so hard and it’s not quite coming off. 

“The lads care a lot and when it doesn’t come off you’re gutted, and you know how hard it is for the fans as well.

“We’ve got to try and stick together and come back. No one is going to do it for us.”

Up next for Wales is their first outing at Principality Stadium in this year’s Six Nations as they host last year’s Champions, Ireland next Saturday afternoon,

“We have to keep going and keep trying, and hopefully something comes our way. 

“I get there is frustration, but it’s not as easy as saying it’s one thing or the other. It’s everyone together.

“All I can do as a player is keep trying and be better. That’s what we can do. It’s not as easy as saying this needs to change or that,” concluded a deflated Tompkins.

Wales’ discipline proved rather costly as Wales fall to a new low as they now sit in 12th place in the World Rugby Rankings after an another brutal defeat at a drenched Stadio Olimpico. Their 22-15 defeat to Italy means they have now fallen to their lowest ever ranking and now sit below Georgia.

There was some kind of late onslaught from the visitors as Aaron Wainwright crashed over, Italy were reduced to 13-men in quick succession and Matt Carley awarded a penalty try, but it proved not to be enough. As Ange Capuozzo’s brilliant finish in the corner was enough to see Italy pick up their first win of the 2025 Six Nations.

Now the serious questions begin to be asked as this defeat most definitely puts Warren Gatland on the brink of losing his job.

Gatland sat down at the post-match press conference and here are the main talking points.

Is time nearly up for Warren Gatland?

“When you’re under pressure, some of your decision-making goes off-cue,” said Gatland.

“You definitely feel the pressure as a team that hasn’t won for a while. It’s the same when we’ve been on winning streaks. 

“You can see the composure and the calmness of the team, waiting for those opportunities. That’s just where we are at the moment. We just need the bounce of the ball and a couple of decisions to go our way. Those things can quickly turn around.

“It’s not the easiest position to be in but you have to be strong in terms of that, continue to go back as a group of players and look at the review stuff, highlight areas where we can still get better.

Back at the end of the Autumn Nation Series, Gatland was under threat of losing his job after a winless 2024 and was even told that there needed to be improvements in this Six Nations.

“We trained well but we just have to make sure that we are a bit more clinical,” admitted Gatland.

“That’s what we’re focusing on, some of the turnovers, the soft penalties allowing them easy access out of their 22 or to keep the scoreboard ticking over. 

“Those are the things that hopefully are fixable. They are fixable. We just have to keep hammering home how important those parts of the game are in terms of us kicking accurately and to make sure we are better disciplined.”

Is this Welsh team better than a 14-game losing run ?

The last time Wales tasted a test match win was against Georgia at the Rugby World Cup back in 2023 and since then they’ve not won.

“We’ve been in those games for periods and we knew today’s game was going to be an arm wrestle because of the weather conditions. At 3-3 we had done that and Josh will be disappointed with how they’ve ended up scoring, we’ve missed a couple of our chances as well. 

“You just have to keep working hard and know that at some stage those things are going to come, you are going to get the bounce of the ball, that decision that goes your way.

Wales Now at an All Time Low

After yesterday’s 22-15 defeat to Italy, Wales now sit at the lowest they have ever been in the World Rankings. This is because Georgia put aside the Netherlands 40-7 to climb above Wales in the rankings.

On this Gatland said: “It’s disappointing.

“That’s where we are at the moment. Obviously we will continue to work hard to try and rectify that and to give these players some confidence and self-belief so they can go out there with that calmness in terms of their skills and decision-making process to hopefully execute the things we’ve been working hard on.

“We’re frustrated as a group of players, there is no one more disappointed than we are. There was a great contingent of fans, they are incredibly supportive of the players and want them to do well. We’re disappointed we could not give them something more to cheer about,” concluded Gatland.

Cardiff RFC return to Super Rygbi Cymru league action as they welcome Rygbi Gogledd Cymru (RGC) to the Cardiff Arms Park late Saturday afternoon (KO: 16:30).

After back-to-back games in the SRC Cup against Llandovery and RGC, Dan Fish’s men return to league action where they sit in third place. Their last outing in the league came against Swansea RFC at the start of the year where the Blue and Blacks won 32-22. However, Cardiff come into the match on the back of defeats to Llandovery (40-33) and RGC (34-31) losing narrowly on both occasions.

RGC will make the long journey south to the Arms Park for the second consecutive week as they take on the Blue and Blacks in a rescheduled fixture that was supposed to had taken place back in December.

In the pairs last outing it was the Gogs that had the spoils as tries from Pedr Jones, Danny Cross, Afon Bagshaw and a brace from hooker, Rhodri King saw the North Walians record their first win in Cardiff since April 2018.

However, tries from Jared Williams, Ollie Das, Gavin Parry and two crosses from Charlie Manship means the Blue and Blacks sit in fourth place in Pool A.

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Pre-Match thoughts

Ahead of the game Dan Fish said: “It’s back to league action this weekend so we know how important this game is.

“Been great the past couple of weeks in the cup to see some of the younger players getting there first taste of Men’s rugby. We have looked over the game from last weekend and are looking to improve on some key areas for us, we have some players returning to the side.

“We know it’s going to be a tough game but we have done everything that we can control to be in the best position come 4:30pm Saturday afternoon.”

Head-to-Head

Saturday afternoon will be the nineteenth meeting between the two sides, with the first meeting being back in 2011 where it finished 29-26 in favour of Cardiff. The Blue and Blacks have always had the upper hand in the meetings winning thirteen out of the nineteen meetings.

The biggest win came back in September 2021 as it saw Cardiff cross the whitewash eight times. A hat-trick from Ellis Bevan was accompanied by tries from Dan Fish, Harri Millard, Efan Daniel and a brace from Ryan Wilkins saw the Blue and Blacks win 60-5.

Those unable to make it to the Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday afternoon can stay updated via our social media channels (X, Facebook, Instagram).