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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.

34 Articles
FEATURE
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
Mark Orders
02 May 2024, 11:17
FEATURE
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
Mark Orders
18 Apr 2024, 17:20
FEATURE
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
Mark Orders
04 Apr 2024, 6:35
FEATURE
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
Mark Orders
21 Mar 2024, 17:54
FEATURE
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
Mark Orders
07 Mar 2024, 12:40
FEATURE
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
Mark Orders
22 Feb 2024, 3:12
FEATURE
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
Mark Orders
08 Feb 2024, 15:58
FEATURE
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
Mark Orders
01 Feb 2024, 3:48
FEATURE
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
Mark Orders
26 Jan 2024, 4:53
FEATURE
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
Mark Orders
17 Jan 2024, 13:43
FEATURE
Analysis

Which young thrusters could make Wales' Six Nations squad?

How many fresh faces who have caught the eye this season can we expect to see picked by Warren Gatland?

Mark Orders
Mark Orders
05 Jan 2024, 7:14
FEATURE
Opinion

Silver linings for Welsh teams but European struggles a sign of the times

There were consolations in defeat for the four regions but we shouldn't be surprised by their results in Europe

Mark Orders
Mark Orders
20 Dec 2023, 12:29
FEATURE
Analysis

Will 'risk-taker' Gatland gamble on 'adventurer' Lloyd?

Scarlets fly-half Ioan Lloyd has pace, guile and imagination, but will he be to Warren Gatland's taste for Wales?

Mark Orders
Mark Orders
06 Dec 2023, 13:46
FEATURE
Opinion

'Life is tough': Patience the watchword for Welsh regions

Saddled with debt and stuck in the bottom six of the URC, hope is the only thing left for the Welsh regions to cling to

Mark Orders
Mark Orders
24 Nov 2023, 15:09
FEATURE
Opinion

Wales turn on the style as the rebuild starts in earnest

A friendly, entertaining run out against the Barbarians will have solved a few more problems for Warren Gatland but questions rema…

Mark Orders
Mark Orders
08 Nov 2023, 15:30
FEATURE
Opinion

Wales and Warren Gatland seek radical new project

Saturday's clash with the Barbarians will provide a glimpse of a new Welsh generation.

Mark Orders
Mark Orders
02 Nov 2023, 5:28
FEATURE
Opinion

'Welsh rugby has much to do for the national team to prosper in Australia in 2027'

Warren Gatland exited the World Cup with the goodwill of the Welsh rugby public and will waste no time in preparing for the journe…

Mark Orders
Mark Orders
19 Oct 2023, 11:00
FEATURE
Opinion

'Imagine what Rees-Zammit could do with more ball on Rugby World Cup stage'

The flying wing can obliterate defences, but Wales must do a better job of supplying him with opportunities to prosper in Marseill…

Mark Orders
Mark Orders
13 Oct 2023, 9:10
FEATURE
Opinion

'Like a darts ace on a roll, Warren Gatland keeps finding the target with big calls'

Warren Gatland is nailing the gutsiest decisions as Wales' resurgence continues

Mark Orders
Mark Orders
03 Oct 2023, 8:01
FEATURE
Interview

Dan Biggar prepares to relinquish Welsh jersey on a high

The experienced Welsh fly-half is in the dying embers of his Test career but he has lost none of his fire to succeed

Mark Orders
Mark Orders
23 Sep 2023, 3:36
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