Opinion
International Rugby
Contributors
Mark Orders
Mark is a freelance journalist who has covered many sports across three decades, focusing mainly on rugby. He was named Welsh Sports Hall of Fame Sports Journalist of the Year in 2017 and Sports Journalist of the Year at the Welsh Media Awards in 2019. The first rugby result he looks for on a Saturday is Maesteg RFC's and he follows Tottenham Hotspur at football, learning over the years to manage his expectations.
44 Articles
Latest
14 days ago Autumn Nations Series
Wales hope their annus horribilis will end on a high note this autumn
28 days ago International Rugby
Wales boosted by returning stars but must end nine-Test losing run
40 days ago International Rugby
With the regions struggling, should Warren Gatland look to England?
53 days ago United Rugby Championship
Scott Baldwin has started his coaching journey in his home town
Interview
Taine Basham: ‘I want the Wales No. 7 jersey back on my back’
Taine Basham faces a battle to reclaim a Wales berth but the Dragons flanker is up for the fight.
Mark Orders
18 Sep 2024, 8:40
Exclusive
Tomas Francis: ‘If I’m still good enough and Wales need me, I’ll be there’
Experienced tighthead has “never retired from Test rugby” but says his current focus is on his family and contract in France.
Mark Orders
28 Aug 2024, 3:56
Exclusive
Nicky Smith: 'I really didn’t think I was going to leave the Ospreys.'
The highly-rated Ospreys loosehead has left Wales after 12 years, with no regrets and relishing making an impression with Leiceste…
Mark Orders
15 Aug 2024, 2:50
Analysis
How good are the uncapped youngsters attracting serious attention in Welsh rugby?
The Welsh national team maybe going through a chastening period but there is a rich seam of talent coming through
Mark Orders
05 Aug 2024, 17:49
Opinion
Wales ‘must end barren run soon or losing could become ingrained’
Wales will have gone a year without victory by the time of their next Test, but Warren Gatland is probably bomb-proof for now.
Mark Orders
18 Jul 2024, 1:21
Interview
Liam Williams shows his enduring value to Wales as Wallabies lie in wait
He maybe a veteran at 33, but the well-travelled full-back is still a class act and provides Wales with all-important X-Factor
Mark Orders
03 Jul 2024, 8:32
Opinion
Gatland braces himself for a summer of short term pain for long term gain
With a raft of injuries and unavailable players Wales are depleted against South Africa and will travel to Australia in hope rathe…
Mark Orders
21 Jun 2024, 3:17
Opinion
Gatland playing the long game but Wales must start moving forwards
The shrewd coach knew what he signed up for, but Wales cannot continue delivering mediocrity this summer.
Mark Orders
06 Jun 2024, 6:30
Opinion
Long overdue for Wales to look at high-flying Osprey Morgan Morris
The Ospreys No 8 has been a model of consistency for his region but has yet to persuade Warren Gatland he deserves a call-up.
Mark Orders
28 May 2024, 9:53
Exclusive
Wyn Jones: 'I feel fitter now than at any time since the Lions tour.'
The British and Irish Lion has seen his long stay at the Scarlets end and he is looking for a new opportunity
Mark Orders
15 May 2024, 12:52
Interview
'Had Feyi-Waboso stayed with us, he’d be playing for Wales by now - he should be playing for Wales.'
The direction of travel eastwards, over the Severn Bridge has turned from a trickle to a torrent and Wales must somehow stem the p…
Mark Orders
02 May 2024, 11:17
Opinion
Glimmers of positivity but Welsh rugby not moving anywhere fast
The regions have battled manfully with ever reducing budgets but while Welsh rugby awaits another reboot other nations forge ahead
Mark Orders
18 Apr 2024, 17:20
Analysis
Where have all the Welsh wings gone?
With Louis Rees-Zammit heading for the NFL and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso plumping for the Red Rose, Wales' depth chart is stuck in the …
Mark Orders
04 Apr 2024, 6:35
Opinion
Gatland faces tricky questions after Wales' Six Nations trauma
The longstanding Welsh coach may see light at the end of the tunnel but the worry is it might be an onrushing train.
Mark Orders
21 Mar 2024, 17:54
Opinion
The cavalry will soon return but Wales need to end grim streak
Wales will soon be boosted by the return of some leading lights but the immediate aim is to end a losing home run.
Mark Orders
07 Mar 2024, 12:40
Interview
No doubting Tommy
Tommy Reffell has been Wales' standout player in this year's Six Nations but for those who know it, it comes as no surprise
Mark Orders
22 Feb 2024, 3:12
Opinion
Gatland game-plan must play to strengths of class of 2024
Wales look better suited to a game of pace and guile rather than the attritional style of Warren Gatland's first stint in charge.
Mark Orders
08 Feb 2024, 15:58
Opinion
Gatland forced to play a youthful hand as golden generation ebbs away
Wales have been forced to drum up their own hype with neutral observers writing them off before the tournament has started
Mark Orders
01 Feb 2024, 3:48
Analysis
Fledgling Ospreys offer hope with 'Gucci galacticos' long gone
They can no longer afford big-ticket imports but an emerging crop of talented youngsters gives Ospreys cause for optimism.
Mark Orders
26 Jan 2024, 4:53
Opinion
Rees-Zammit blow and injury crisis leave Wales with Himalayan task
Star winger's exit to NFL and a bloated injury list means Wales need to manage expectations.
Mark Orders
17 Jan 2024, 13:43
