Tough Times But A Happy Ending? Autumn & AGM Review

I review the Welsh rugby autumn series and look at the WRU AGM

[@robertfridjhon550]

As a Saffa; I love when Wales punch back!!!

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Going to take a while I think my friend

[@hughwilliams3037]

Good video Christian. Agree with everything you say. Especially keeping 4 regions

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Cheers Hugh 👍🏼

[@pauldurkee4764]

Since Nigel Walker joined the WRU, what substantial improvement has he made, has this guy done anything, lets be honest he was a disasterous DEI appointment.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

What I found disappointing about Walker is he was brought in as a dawn of a new era in the WRU and his handling of the women’s game over the last few months clearly just proves that it’s more of the same

[@DM-rp9ik]

Keep the head up a true fan

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Thank you 👍🏼

[@RRTNZ]

To be honest I wasn't shocked by the Autumn games - after the worst 6 Nations in decades and an unsuccessful tour of Australia, I knew we weren't going to win any of them, and we didnt deserve to. I was sad, but definitely not surprised. Something has to change, otherwise this will be what we can expect for the foreseeable future.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I was hoping this was going to be the turning point but it’s just fallen off a cliff

[@RRTNZ]

@TheWelshSportsPodcast We were all hoping that. Hope is all we have left. The way Italy and Scotland are playing , I would put money on us being wooden Spooners again. Something dramatic will have to change....but then nothing lasts forever, even this ruinous state of Welsh rugby. I don't think we've hit rock bottom yet, but it's coming. But no matter what I'll support the bois ( a ddim yn dewis i ddilynwr o'r ffccyin pel droed) ! Cymru am byth

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah, unfortunately, I’d have to agree with you. I think Rockbottom could come at the end of the six Nations which is a depressing thought Like you said, though I’ll be supporting them, no matter what Yma o hyd🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@richarddykes8550]

Good review of past and future aims. Agree with everything and your views of certain individual player’s performance. One thing I don’t understanding about throwing the ball in at the line out, is it not like taking a kick at goal, something you have to constantly practice. Leigh Halfpenny is renowned for the amount of practice hours he put in to get as good as he is. I like the idea of the 60 player development, and noticed that Dan Edward’s was mentioned, who I rate highly. Sam Warburton talked about the need for athletic players in today’s game, and perhaps it’s no longer a game for all sizes, although maybe Antoine Dupont disproves this. The regions need to improve as players are not just loosing in a Welsh jersey but also within their clubs. I don’t know how Aaron Wainwright does it. He could go to a better club even outside of Wales. Have to admire his commitment to Welsh rugby.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Cheers mate, I appreciate it👍🏼 Yeah, the 60 player development thing is a real step in the right direction if they get it right. I disagree with Warburton (never thought I’d say that😂) look at the two South African wingers who just tore us up in the last game, not big men Yeah, agree about Wainwright, keeping him was great for the dragons but in hindsight probably a bad decision on his part😬

[@richarddykes8550]

@ you are right regarding Warburton’s comments as you don’t want to miss a potential Shane Williams if you are only focussed on size, particularly at 15 when body size and shape are still developing. So I hope they take into WRU get the right personal in charge of this (fingers crossed). Does not the women’s game require the same approach?

[@jukeseyable]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast look at their pack who was playing inside of them, not big men at all. no big effing game animals, I'm not sure some of them are actually homo sapiens, they might be the next evolution into a new species. we need to get blood samples, and get cardiff uni inot some hard core cloning work

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I’m not sure that’s completely legal mate 😂

[@MrJGD77]

Great summary as always. If we did have an East and West, there may be greater support than you suggest? If the regions were effectively named East Wales and West Wales, and played in red (apart from when they played each other) I believe there would be support. As a nation we’ve always turned out to support Wales, and if the regions are a version of Wales; with the club names completely dropped, it gets rid of the Newport, Cardiff etc. rivalry. Despite being a Cardiff fan, I would support an East Wales team playing at Rodney Parade. Simply because it’s Wales. I do agree that having just 2 regions does not deliver a large enough playing pool. Shame we could never deliver a North region. 3 teams in Wales, given our player population feels about right.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Thank you 👍🏼 An interesting idea. I take your points, I just worry that it would be difficult to separate the teams from where the home games are. For example, if you had a West Wales region playing in Llanelli, then it’s impossible for them not to be associated with the Scarlets (particularly if they’re playing in red) I agree about North Wales though I know we have RGC, but I think it would great to see them try to do more in North Wales

[@MrJGD77]

Yes I quite agree. If they go down the East and West route, they would presumably have to do a tour of the grounds to generate support across the region. Sounds good in my head. How that works in the real world is another matter. Parc y Scarlets was built for regional Rugby. Not sure how they would feel sharing games with the Liberty, Knoll and the Brewery field, particularly from a financial point of view. I can imagine the shouts of ‘Scarlets’ at Parc-y-Scarlets, even if it was a West Wales Region. Any solution we deliver needs to have time to bed in and of course be financially sustainable over the long term. Do any of the regions have benefactors anymore? By going East and West, funding would immediately stop if they did. Would the WRU even be able then to financially support 2 regions? Lots of questions I don’t have answers for 😂

[@shaun30-3-mg9zs]

Hi Christian, In some way I'm glad the Autumn internationals is over but in a sad way I was hoping for 2 wins even just by a few points. Nigel Walker contract needs a good looking at and the WRU needs to have a good look at it's self and hopefully find the answer why we are in this state, is it money probably. As I said before it's not Warren Gatland and we got a completely new team, we just got to start from scratch and we are up against all teams with players with 60 75 80 or more than a 100 caps in there team, we just don't have that now. We are the whipping boys now till we get established again, this will take time and removing Warren Gatland will not solve it, if we get a new coach they will have the same problem, a new coach is not the answer, may be we need a new board at the WRU. As always good to catch your thoughts, Take care

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah, I take your point, mate, and I agree with you that the core of the problem is the WRU. I think part of that though is Gatlin as head coach. You’re right, getting rid of him isn’t going to fix everything but at the moment under his stewardship we’re getting worse and worse and the displays on the pitch frankly not good enough

[@shaun30-3-mg9zs]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast Your are right mate, just not good enough.............

[@tonycollins2708]

Great video Christian, Young team. Gats played the least new caps between 2015 -2019 world cups , Slashing the cash is worse !, 99 problems in🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏉but passion isn’t one. Need to win in Rome or the losing streak is going to be scary 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿😘

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Thanks Ton. Yeah, passion is not the issue and I don’t think lack of effort from the place is too. It’s just a systemic failure from the top all the way down. I agree if we don’t beat Italy this losing streak could go on and on

[@tonycollins2708]

@ Hi Christian , I hope you’re doing well. What do you think about Jordie Barrett .1 of 🌎🏉 highest paid players , playing for Leinster , whilst the Welsh teams can not afford to pay good wages ,🙁, 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🙏😘👍🏻

[@robertfridjhon550]

Wales didn't just lie down and take it!! Good on them for pushing the Boks!!

[@jiffy23]

2 Regions. Centralised academy. Promote the club game. No cap rules.

[@olibedford]

Hi Christian, I’d love to see Pat Lam too. For me Gatland isn’t the man. It’s not all his fault but I don’t believe he’s getting the best or picking the best available to him. I also think the 25 cap rule has to go. The regions this weekend were shocking. I think if the best players left the regions it would likely improve them. Coaching, fitness etc. If Gats stays, I see even less benefit of the players staying in Wales because under him this time round, the longer they stay in camp the worse they get.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah, I’d love to see Pat Lam. let’s hope they can somehow persuade him but if I was him, I’m not sure if I’d fancy the job😂 I think, if the 25 rule goes, we can kiss goodbye to any success that the regions might have. The only answer to me is simply to fund it better. There’s no other way around it.

[@deanjones6149]

I wouldn't be surprised if Walker is given the heave-ho and Gatland is moved into Walkers role. A new head coach, and coaching team, is brought in and that'll be about the extent of the changes and the proverbial can gets kicked down the road yet again. Whilst I mention a new coach, I may as well throw my thoughts in on who. I suggest Pam Lam, I watch the premiership every week and Bristol play a really attractive and expensive type of rugby under Lam and they aren't a physically "massive' team so in my mind that fits the Welsh style of old and would suit our current squad physicality.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Would love to see Pat Lam mate. He’s got a great track record of getting teams above the sum of their parts. Think he would be great 👌🏼

[@deanjones6149]

@TheWelshSportsPodcast and to top it off, he has mentioned that he'd like to coach Wales in the past too so........

[@jaynelouise1969]

He'd have to teach the players to catch and pass first, then how to draw and give, how to create space for others, the list is endless, and that's just the backs...

[@deanjones6149]

@jaynelouise1969 sad but true. I'm sure he could manage it though 👍

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

He could definitely manage it. His track record speaks for itself

[@psjimmy2081]

I'm really hoping SRC can capture the attention of the public. It could revitalise the game in some areas of Wales where the professional game has ignored slightly.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah great shout. Hoping the same thing too. The product in the pitch is good so let’s hope they get some buy in

[@matthewharries5895]

I think the Criticism of Anscombe is a bit unfair. He thrives on confidence and players playing confidently around he. He’s not the type of player to just improve the performances of players around him. He needs players around him playing well to get the best out of him

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

That’s fair but as one of the most senior players in the squad with a lot more experience than anyone else you would’ve liked to see a bit more of him dragging up the players around him

[@cassandrasmith8576]

Thanks for a great review Christian. I’m still hopeful that things will turn around 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼 BTW it’s women’s rugby not ‘ladies’ - otherwise we have to call the men’s team the ‘gentlemen’ … 😂😂😂😂

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Thank you 👍🏼Yeah fair enough, my apologies 😂😂

[@garethdavies4515]

Some of the forwards and back line sub standard I think 👍

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah a few of them I think Ga

[@alanwilks1555]

Didn't agree about keeping four regions. We can only have 2 regions in Wales, East and West. We haven't got the player base, etc, for 4 professional clubs. Plus, that would mean 12 million a year for 2 clubs, which means we could complete with the Irish sides. If people from Newport and Swansea don't want to watch the regional sides, they've got Newport and Swansea clubs to watch instead, as people in Ebbw Vale, Pontypool, Merthyr, Pontypridd, Bridgend, Neath and Aberavon have already.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

That’s a very reductive argument.East and West simply won’t work, you might as well call it Cardiff and Llanelli and everyone else can just suck eggs. First of all, I don’t believe that the WRU would ever give 12 mill to any side, they would just shave some extra profit off the top (just my opinion) the player base could be there, we just haven’t invested any money into pathways and once there in the pathways we simply are not developing them to a high enough standard. It all comes down to money at the end of the day. With only two teams, the opportunity cost for young players is just too high for me

[@davidwhite4518]

And exactly who do you think will want the Wales poison chalice.....WRU need to rethink the whole thing If Gats wants it let him it can't get much worse Sorry for bad punctuation

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

No probs 😂 i’m not sure, Pat Lam is a name that’s being thrown around a lot. I think he would suit the predicament we find ourselves in with the way he’s managed to develop squads to perform better than some of the parts in the past. Not sure if he would want the job though if we’re being honest but just because finding a replacement is difficult it doesn’t mean we should just leave the guy who is failing in his post?

[@huwwebb8059]

Is the women’s game a luxury that we can afford right now? We can’t afford to adequately fund the professional game for men’s rugby yet are obliged to fund the women’s game knowing that it will never make a return. They’ll get slammed for it if they change anything of course, so it’s just an expensive bit of PR mitigation the way I see it. The pathway project is a brilliant idea and a real positive, definitely feels a few years too late but in fairness to the WRU they probably didn’t have the cash a few years back. So at least they are finally starting something after being asleep at the wheel for a very long time

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I don’t think it’s fair to call the woman’s game luxury. Though the results have been great recently the women’s game is certainly growing traction and they’ve managed to sell out Cardiff Arms Park which is an attendance higher than most of the other regionscan say there getting . Yeah, better late than never, I guess. could’ve done with this being started about four years ago or just never disbanded from its original iteration but as long as they’re trying to develop in this way because I think that’s the only way we’re going to improve long-term

[@jukeseyable]

What are you on about, the women are playing rugby, that is the game, if it isnt rugby, then what is it, last time I looked, its definitely not cricket!, your comment though definitely has a tinge of misoginism about it though

[@huwwebb8059]

@@jukeseyable who said it wasn’t rugby what are you on about? Did you even read what I said, or were you too giddy to jump in and say words like “misogynistic” to anyone that comments on womens rugby just to give yourself a pat on the back? Just to clarify for you… I’ve zero issue with women’s rugby at all, I wish them all the success in the world and it’s great to see how far it’s grown the last few years. My question was in relation to increased funding that doesn’t bring in the return

[@thomasbarry8243]

@@huwwebb8059 Firstly, while the WRU is a business, it is also an organisation with impact in Welsh society. I'd say it has a responsibility not just to run efficiently but to leave a lasting legacy for the future of rugby. Investing in women’s rugby is about more than just the sport-it’s about giving young women opportunities and role models, and making sure rugby thrives for generations to come. Like any good business, the WRU should balance its financial goals with its social responsibility, and I think promoting women’s rugby is a key part of that. Secondly, just defunding one area to fill a hole somewhere else is ultimate short termism. Fixing the cost inefficiencies and improving the frankly piss poor marketing of all aspects of the game in this country, Men's and Women's, are long term solutions that are required. The hard part is how to do it, but how we can't monetise rugby in the country, given our obsession with it, is beyond me.

[@endmaker2151]

How much of the men's funding which is generated by the men from Wales and domestic games is used towards the women's team? I can't see the point of supporting projects which do not make money.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Not sure I agree with that. The woman’s game. Has grown substantially over the last three years and they have managed to sell out Cardiff arms Park, which is higher attendances than practically all the regions so there’s clearly an interest there

[@endmaker2151]

One exception of peak attendance doesn't prove the rule. On current evidence it seems women's rugby is about 15% of the attendance that the men get and thats at stadiums, i bet the tv vieweing are much less, so that's roughly the total of funding it should have. Our national and domestic game is on its knees it needs all the funding it makes without waste.

[@thomasbarry8243]

I'm not sure if the figures have been released at that level of granularity, but I'd be shocked if Women's rugby got anywhere near 15% of the overall spend.

[@endmaker2151]

@@thomasbarry8243 I looked at 6 nations figure and standardised it for eveyone, understandably not the best method. I do agree with you, the statistics are not there for the domestic game which i also woulf be surprised if it was anywhere near 10%.

[@justinthomas6942]

I knew win or lose against Fiji would have determined the australia game but the SA game was going to be a loss either way, I was just hoping to see improvement and whey up some of the new guys like Hathaway and F. Thomas etc. If I were building a team up I would slide in one or two easier games for confidence boosting because that is what I believe is lacking Fiji are not an easy team to start, Scotland played portugal that win gave confidence but Gatland and Co insist on playing top 5 teams wich is destroying the confidence of these youngsters. There is a glimmer , these guys have talent, Freddie Thomas did not shy away from the safas and got stuck in he had guts, there was Teddy Williams a year or two ago came on against South Africa and he was also getting stuck in but has fallen to the shadows beard is good for lineouts but thats about it, I have lost faith in Gatlands strategy but that 1 win we are chasing may just be the turning point but it does not look like it will happen soon.

[@robertwilliams9234]

What would be an easy game for this Welsh team?

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah, no doubt getting a win under our belt against a lesser team up first might’ve helped. Like you said once we lost the first game, the rest was a house of cards. There is some talent there, but like you lost faith in Gatland to guide these players back to the table

[@jaynelouise1969]

He's obsessed with the women's game, being that they've been professional for the last two seasons, they're skill-sets, tactics and kicking haven't improved one iota, and the backs need to learn how to catch and pass, and also tackle, what the hell is the money being spent on? The men's side isn't much better, after 3/4 phases, we run out of ideas, tackling and kicking leaves a lot to be desired too...

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah spot on. Something clearly isn’t right at the top. Needs a refresh

[@4nomynou5]

I can't even see us winning a game in 2025

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Same. 6nations is going to be hard work

[@StopTheRot]

Only chances in 6N are Italy and England, but both will be tough.

[@StopTheRot]

I think they’ll sack Howley. They really should: Gats can then go if he wants to. Ignoring Falatau for now, I think our best 23 is probably something like the below. However - as can be seen - there is a lack of size, so we need to base our game around speed and movement. Gats is NOT the man for that. Thomas. Lake. Thomas Jenkins. Freddie T Botham. Wainwright. Morgan Tomos Jarrod Thomas Page Grady. Rogers Williams Dee Smith Griffin Beard Rowlands Reffell Davies (new coach talk to him) Lloyd

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I agree. Don’t think Gats is the man to take us forward. Some decent players in that team but I’m not sure if thy team is strong enough to compete with the mother teams in the 6N

[@clivesilver463]

I think looking ahead to the six nations, or dreading the six nations which ever way you look at it, I think a win must come from the tournament where and how is anything story, if we get whitewashed and get some hammerings in the process, They will be forced to change the coach we cannot go on being this bad, the question has Gatland lost the dressing room is a tough one only the players will know that and a review is in progress, The problem is that all of the six nation teams have advanced one way or another Wales have gone backwards, only England seem to be struggling but that is clutching at straws.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah, I agree with you. We’re clearly getting left behind as everyone else’s developing and moving forward. Like you said England are having issues, but it’s nothing compared to what we’re going through Obviously, I don’t know if Warren has lost the changing room, but we always saw players improve and play better once they got into the well structure and to be honest if anything they’ve looked worse since being in camp. Also, and of course hear say but Danny care said on a podcast that he he that the rumours coming out of the wales camp were that the players weren’t happy with the training. Again, just rumours but no smoke without fire

[@clivesilver463]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast I understand there is review going on into the latest demise, players from the Wales camp must be given an opportunity to give their views, without fear of reprisal, if there is clear evidence that things aren't right then Gatland will have to step aside, things are clearly not right, where is our defence and I have to repeat, myself but why is it the conditioning of players is not being done by the regions, there is a disconnect between the regions and the WRU, it has to be put to right, with one simple aim to make our national sport competitive, I know the WRU want to have a more of say in the clubs, I think its the way to go an d I like the sound of 60 players being primed for international duty, but for god's sake lets keep our players wanting to play for Wales, get rid of the 25 cap rule and make sure top class player's play for us not England like Feyi Waboso who was born in Cardiff , but left for Exeter, he's a superstar in the making and we lost him .

[@arthurarsekey6634]

Gatland is the best thing about the current team. They have Morgan and Lake as the only players who wouldve had a small chance of sitting on the bench ten years ago. THe only person I could imagine replacing Gatland is Shaun Edwards

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I would be open to Shaun Edwards

[@LazMan-w2g]

The modern game has passed by Gatland, he needs to go. It was evident a few years ago when he went back to NZ to coach a very talented Chiefs team and they went on a big losing streak, only for Gatland to go offf on Lions duty and current coach Clayton McMillan to step in temporarily and completely turn the team around into a top contender. Needless to say Gatland was dropped as coach after that and ended up back in Wales trying to re-live past glory as head coach of a national team that desperately needs to rebuild and work towards the future and not be constantly looking in it rear view mirror.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah I couldn’t agree more. He’s had plenty of time to turn things around and it’s only getting worse. Time for some fresh ideas I think

[@LazMan-w2g]

@TheWelshSportsPodcast There's a few good coaches here in NZ that could replace him. If you want to give us another chance that is LOL I highly rate Clayton McMillan and also Neil Barnes. Both got an eye for talent and an ability to bring out the best in them while creating a positive team environment.

[@DavidShort-q1d]

To be honest i just dont see ANYTHING CHANGING in WELSH RUGBY until the WRU bite the bullet and disband /merge a region or two So they can fund the remaining regions at a realistic level As for W.Gatland going well who will replace him ?? No one of note wants the Wales job As it has to much expectation and very little funding and currently a lack of quality players It will take three years i feel of the regions being properly funded for Wales to regain the hieghts of Gatlands 1st era in charge As for the regions developing young talent Well that very obviously isn't happening currently I do agree that the 25 cap rule has to go It woulf help Wales short term Although i do agree that there isn't alot of players who would return to the regions Given the lack of funds

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I have to disagree with you, mate. I don’t see there being anyway of them getting rid of a region. If we were to region, how would you pick the one that gets disbanded? These clearly plenty of money coming into the WRU and enough to fund all four it’s just all in it all different areas. If four regions are costing us 28 million and the turnover for the WRU is over 100 million you can’t tell me we can’t afford to increase that and sustain 4 clubs

[@vincentchristoph9042]

I think in addition to the WRU administration getting their act together, gatlan needs to build a fresh coaching team around him. Howley is no longer delivers us an exciting attacking force, Jonathan Humphrys has little track record of success and Neil Jenkins…… most expensive water boy in the world. You can’t tell me that his experience is relevant to any of the modern kickers. Gravy train

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah, I agree with your assessment of the staff that’s currently there. Been listening to Dan Biggers audiobook and he really speaks highly of the work he did with Jenkins, kicking drills he brought in apparently really helped bigger in his development

[@erhardtjoubert3455]

This is going to be a weird thing to say, but hear me out... Wales needs Eddie Jones. The problem with Jones is, he creates a top down hostile high performance environment with only one way implemented... His way or you go A way 😊. He cannot coach a team as head coach if he does not have full control and he can dictate every facet of prep and play. I believe he is very bad at team building and the Kumbaya stuff. But when it comes to evolving a technical and tactical from scratch... He may be the best that has ever coached the game. Im a South African and therefore believe Rassie is the greatest coach to ever manage a rugby team... and he is, if you take every single facet of coaching like belief, emotional prep, instilling confidence, tactics and gameplan. But if you are rebuilding from 0... Eddie did it for England (they hated him, but he got them to a final). If Wales can stomach him and are willing to compromise their DNA... he will get you past the pool stages in 2027. The price may be too high though. I want Welsh rugby to flourish and give us games like the 2019 semi final. In my opinion, one of the best games of rugby ever played (tactically between two world class flyhalves).

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

That’s an interesting idea and I get your thought process. To me though Eddie is just shot at this point. I think going back to Australia was a bad move and I’m not sure his style is what gets the best out of players anymore

[@erhardtjoubert3455]

@TheWelshSportsPodcast you are probably right... It depends on how desperate Welsh rugby gets... I dont think you are there yet. Depends on how the 6 nations goes.

[@DisAstra-qx9gq]

You call it positivity. I call it delusional. Jac Morgan was the only quality player in the autumn. Probably the only man with a shot at a lions call up. Everyone else looked like ametuers. So many are lucky to be playing at this level. I do like lake but to call him world class when he can't hit his jumpers, c'mon.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Pretty sure he only missed 2 line outs all autumn 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@DisAstra-qx9gq]

@TheWelshSportsPodcast Iirc he missed 3 vs Fiji alone. Not wasting my time watching them again. I rate lake very highly but his throwing is his only weakness in his game. He's only been playing 2 a few years, others spent their whole youth playing 2. And to think he was nearly let go by the ospreys as they thought he wasn't good enough to play in the backrow.