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, 1:53
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.
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, 10:43
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
05 Jan 2024, 4:14
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
20 Dec 2023, 9:29
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
06 Dec 2023, 10:46
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
24 Nov 2023, 12:09
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
08 Nov 2023, 12:30
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
02 Nov 2023, 2:28
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
19 Oct 2023, 8:00
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
13 Oct 2023, 6:10
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
03 Oct 2023, 5:01
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
23 Sep 2023, 0:36
Opinion
Wales aiming to avoid sting from Portuguese men of war
The heroics against Fiji mean a much-changed side for Portugal where nothing less than a bonus-point win will do
Mark Orders
15 Sep 2023, 3:39
Interview
Is it time to acknowledge George North's career and give him some credit?
With 114 Wales caps, a Lions series win and four Six Nations titles to his name, George North doesn't get the plaudits he deserves
Mark Orders
09 Sep 2023, 1:22
Interview
The making of Jac Morgan
Wales' co-captain has been a stand-out player for his country and his former club and age-grade coach only expect him to get bette…
Mark Orders
29 Aug 2023, 9:57
Exclusive
Rugby World Cup Stories: How callow Wales came of age in 2011
Inexperienced and heavily criticised, Wales silenced their doubters in emphatic fashion in 2011.
Mark Orders
16 Aug 2023, 11:47
Exclusive
Stephen Jones: 'Difficult periods are when the best learning takes place.'
The widely-respected former Welsh pivot was caught up in a period of turbulence that saw him leave his coaching role early
Mark Orders
20 Jul 2023, 13:26
Interview
Who will replace Liam Williams and Leigh Halfpenny as Wales' first choice full-back?
The two men who have dominated the No 15 shirt over the last decade will leave a gaping hole in the Welsh defence
Mark Orders
10 Jul 2023, 6:01
Interview
Can Wales ever truly replace the Trebanos terror?
Justin Tipuric was one of the most skilful opensides to grace the game and the race is on to find his successor
Mark Orders
21 Jun 2023, 7:34
Interview
Sam Davies: 'All I can say is that Grenoble have given me reassurances.'
The former Ospreys and Dragons pivot is leaving the uncertainty of Wales for the foothills of the French Alps with Grenoble
Mark Orders
09 Jun 2023, 14:07
