Sport

Wales v England: A battle for pride and the title

Published

1 year ago

March 15, 2025

TODAY the Six Nations reaches its climax – it’s Super Saturday, Wales and England prepare for a clash in Cardiff that could have significant implications—both for England’s title hopes and for Wales’ battle to avoid the Wooden Spoon.

Match Details

Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Date: Saturday, 15 March
Kick-off: 16:45 GMT
Coverage: Watch live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer; listen live on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru & BBC Sounds; text commentary and highlights on BBC Sport website and app.

England’s Title Aspirations

Steve Borthwick’s men remain in contention for their first Six Nations title since 2020, but their fate is not entirely in their own hands. Victory over Wales is essential, but they must also rely on Scotland to upset France in Paris—a scenario that, given Les Bleus’ dominance against Ireland, seems a tall order. Still, even if the title eludes them, England will be keen to finish strongly and avoid a slip-up against a struggling Welsh side.

England have faced criticism for their performances in the tournament, yet they have managed to put themselves in a position to challenge for silverware. Their forward dominance and defensive resilience have been key, but question marks remain over their attacking game. A convincing win in Cardiff would not only bolster their standings but also send a message ahead of future international campaigns.

Wales’ Fight to Avoid the Wooden Spoon

Wales find themselves in an unfamiliar and uncomfortable position. A 16-Test losing streak, including defeats to Ireland and Scotland in this tournament, has left them rooted to the bottom of the table. While performances have improved under interim attack coach Matt Sherratt, Wales have yet to turn competitiveness into results.

There have been glimpses of promise, particularly in the fightback against Scotland, where Wales came close to pulling off an unlikely comeback. However, their inability to sustain pressure for the full 80 minutes remains a concern. A victory over England would be a morale-boosting triumph and a statement that Welsh rugby is on the path to recovery.

Team News

Wales: Sherratt has made two changes, with Joe Roberts making his professional debut on the wing in place of the injured Tom Rogers, while Aaron Wainwright replaces Tommy Reffell in the back row.

Starting XV: Murray; Roberts, Llewellyn, B Thomas, Mee; Anscombe, T Williams; N Smith, Dee, John; Rowlands, Jenkins; Wainwright, Morgan (capt), Faletau.
Replacements: D Lake, G Thomas, K Assiratti, T Williams, Reffell, R Williams, J Evans, Tompkins.

England: Borthwick has made multiple changes, including Marcus Smith’s return at full-back and Tommy Freeman’s shift to centre. Ben Curry starts in the back row, and Luke Cowan-Dickie takes over at hooker.

Starting XV: Smith; Roebuck, Freeman, Dingwall, Daly; F Smith, Mitchell; Genge, Cowan-Dickie, Stuart; Itoje (capt), Chessum; T Curry, B Curry, Earl.
Replacements: George, Baxter, Heyes, Cunningham-South, Pollock, Willis, Van Poortvliet, Ford.

Where the Game Will Be Won

England’s defensive structure will be tested by Wales’ improved attacking shape, with the hosts looking to move the ball quickly and expose weaknesses. The selection of Tommy Freeman at outside centre for England is a bold call, and Wales will likely target him defensively.

The visitors’ back row—featuring Ben Earl and the Curry twins—will be instrumental in slowing Welsh ball at the breakdown. Meanwhile, England’s set-piece superiority could give them a crucial platform, particularly at scrum time, where Wales have struggled.

For Wales, the return of Taulupe Faletau and the inclusion of Aaron Wainwright in the back row could provide the dynamism needed to challenge England’s forwards. However, they must find a way to generate front-foot ball, as their lack of dominant ball carriers has hindered their ability to break down defences.

Key Battles to Watch

One of the standout head-to-head contests will be between number eights Faletau and Earl. Faletau reminded everyone of his class against Scotland, and his ability to carry, tackle, and influence the breakdown will be crucial for Wales. Earl, meanwhile, has been one of England’s most consistent performers over the past two years, and another standout display could cement his place in the British and Irish Lions conversation.

Elsewhere, the duel between Wales’ Gareth Anscombe and England’s George Ford at fly-half will be pivotal in dictating the tempo. Both are experienced playmakers capable of controlling a game with their kicking and tactical awareness. The aerial battle will also be a major factor, with England likely to test Wales’ back three under the high ball.

Match Facts

England have won nine of the last 11 Six Nations meetings between these sides, including the last three in a row.
Wales have lost 10 straight matches in the Six Nations.
Saturday marks 525 days since Wales’ last victory, against Georgia at the Rugby World Cup in October 2023.
England have the highest dominant carry (39%), tackle evasion (27%), and gainline success (65%) rates in this Six Nations.
Maro Itoje is just two turnovers away from surpassing Brian O’Driscoll’s all-time Six Nations record of 53 turnovers won.
Tommy Freeman could become only the second player after France’s Philippe Bernat-Salles (2001) to score in all five rounds of a single Six Nations.

Prediction

Despite Wales’ improvements, England’s superior set-piece, defensive organisation, and breakdown work give them the edge. While the Principality Stadium crowd will be in full voice, Borthwick’s side should have enough to secure victory—though it may not be the free-flowing performance England fans crave.

Final score prediction: England by 10.

Sport

Lloyd and Reynolds take on France with Supra GT4 challenge

Published

1 day ago

March 28, 2026

Herald Sport

WELSH drivers Rhys Lloyd and Harri Reynolds are set to take on Europe as they launch their 2026 campaign in the French GT4 Championship.

The pairing will compete in the Championnat de France FFSA GT – GT4 France, driving a Toyota Supra GT4 run by Circuit Toys in partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing France.

The highly competitive series features five rounds across some of France and Belgium’s most iconic circuits, with the season getting underway at Circuit Paul Armagnac in Nogaro over Easter weekend (April 5–6).

European step up

Both drivers bring experience as teammates, having competed together in the 2024 Britcar Trophy Championship and earlier this year in the Dubai 24 Hours — giving them a solid platform heading into their first full European campaign.

The FFSA GT4 series also offers a significant incentive, with a €150,000 prize fund available through the SRO Motorsports Group’s GT Academy programme, aimed at helping drivers progress to higher levels such as GT2 and GT World Challenge Europe.

Aiming for the title

Reynolds, from Narberth, said he was eager to build on the pair’s recent success.

“I’m really looking forward to the season ahead,” he said. “After the Dubai 24, Rhys and I have built a strong understanding of how the team operates, and they now know how we work as drivers.

“Taking our first proper step into European racing, it’ll be exciting to experience the competition and get to know new drivers and teams.

“We’re aiming to put ourselves in a position to fight for the championship. As drivers, that’s always the goal. Rhys and I have worked well together, and if we can continue that momentum, we’ll be right in the mix.”

He added that racing abroad would bring new challenges, including travel demands and adapting to unfamiliar circuits and conditions.

Motivated return

Lloyd, from Carmarthen, said he was relishing his return to racing after time away in 2025.

“I’m super excited about the 2026 season,” he said. “Having taken a year out, I’m more motivated than ever to be back.

“The Toyota Supra GT4 is an incredible car, and to be back driving with Harri is a great partnership.

“It’s a big step for us both to race in France — all the circuits and competitors will be new — but I’m really looking forward to getting started in Nogaro.”

Further announcements about the team’s 2026 campaign are expected in the coming months.

Sport

World Cup dream shattered for Wales in penalty agony

Published

3 days ago

March 26, 2026

Herald Sport

James strike undone by late Bosnia leveller before shootout collapse in Cardiff

WALES suffered heartbreaking World Cup play-off defeat as their hopes of reaching the 2026 finals ended in a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in Cardiff.

Craig Bellamy’s side looked to be in control after Daniel James fired them ahead early in the second half, sending the Cardiff City Stadium into raptures.

But just as Cymru edged towards victory, the game turned cruel.

Veteran striker Edin Džeko struck in the 86th minute to level the tie at 1–1, silencing the home crowd and forcing extra time.

Despite chances at both ends, neither side could find a winner, sending the contest to penalties.

Shootout agony

Wales made the perfect start when Karl Darlow saved Bosnia’s opening spot kick, handing the hosts an early advantage.

But the momentum slipped away.

Brennan Johnson blazed over under pressure, before Neco Williams saw his effort saved — and from there Bosnia held their nerve.

The visitors converted their remaining kicks to win the shootout 4–2, sparking wild celebrations as Wales were left stunned.

Dream ends in familiar fashion

The defeat sees Wales miss out on a place in the World Cup finals, extending a painful run of play-off heartbreak decided from the penalty spot.

For Bellamy’s side, this will be remembered as a night when qualification was within touching distance — only to be snatched away at the death.

Cover image:

Cymru team photo ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Play-off semi final between Cymru Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales. (Pic by John Smith/FAW)

News

Tenby waterman riding high in global hydrofoil rankings

Published

3 days ago

March 26, 2026

Herald Sport

Local athlete Mogsy Morgan breaks into world top ten in elite ocean discipline

TENBY waterman Gareth “Mogsy” Morgan is making a name for himself on the world stage after breaking into the top ten of one of the most demanding single-handed watersports disciplines.

Morgan has been ranked sixth in the world in the latest Hydrofoil Downwind leaderboard for 2026, based on performance over a 10km ocean swell navigation split—an elite benchmark in the sport.

Hydrofoil downwinding involves riding offshore ocean swells using a board, hydrofoil and paddle, often far from shore and exposed to challenging conditions. Athletes use GPS tracking to log their routes, which are then uploaded to global ranking systems for comparison.

Morgan said he is now competing alongside some of the sport’s biggest names, including Hawaiian world champions John Florence and Nathan Florence.

“I’m right up there in the world rankings,” he said. “I’ve trained hard to get into peak condition, and I’m continuing to improve my performance. The momentum is definitely on my side.”

He added that the sport offers a unique experience: “There’s a real flow state when you’re riding ocean swells—linking one wave to the next. It’s an incredible, almost meditative feeling, even though you’re exposed to real hazards offshore.”

Morgan has spent recent years travelling internationally to develop his skills, bringing that experience back to Wales as he pushes towards even higher rankings.

His recent success builds on a strong 2025, when he placed 69th in the world for the same 10km category and also ranked within the top 100 for shorter sprint distances.

“I’ve already improved on my 2025 results in the first few months of this year,” he said. “My goal now is to break into the top 50 worldwide.”

Morgan was an early pioneer of hydrofoiling in Wales, first adopting the technology during his time competing in the British Kite Racing Circuit, where he secured a third-place podium finish in his division.

He was also invited to take part in Olympic kite racing trials at the British Sailing Academy in Weymouth and has previously been crowned UK Kitesurfing Circuit Wavemaster Champion in his category.

Today, he continues to promote the sport locally by organising hydrofoil events across Pembrokeshire and South Wales, helping to grow interest and develop new talent.

With his sights firmly set on climbing the global rankings, Morgan added: “I’m still getting faster and pushing the limits. Watch this space—Cymru am byth.”