Opinion
Six Nations
Steve Tandy seeks calmer waters amidst backdrop of uncertainty
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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.
80 Articles
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Are Wales simply playing damage limitation against the All Blacks?
The All Blacks have rung the changes in a nod to the fact they don't expect much resistance from a down-at-heel Welsh side
Mark Orders
20 Nov 2025, 9:07
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Opinion
Steve Tandy needs to get Wales back to basics to overcome Japan's World Cup ranking threat
Wales showed signs of promise against Argentina but their flaws were there for all to see and they will need to sharpen up against…
Mark Orders
12 Nov 2025, 14:18
8
Opinion
‘This is Welsh rugby. Never expect too much’ – Uncertainty rules as Tandy tenure takes flight
As uncertainty and acrimony reigns off the pitch, Wales are also looking for clarity on it in key positions.
Mark Orders
05 Nov 2025, 9:07
4
Opinion
Despite the positivity Steve Tandy knows only results will lift the gloom around Welsh rugby
Welsh rugby is in a bind but there are tentative signs of positivity with a fresh young squad and the return of Louis Rees-Zammit
Mark Orders
23 Oct 2025, 13:15
2
Exclusive
‘It’s really important the Ospreys continue to exist’ – Wales’ most successful region mounts case for survival
How are Wales' pro sides coping with the uncertainty over their futures? Players, officials, fans and a club legend have their say…
Mark Orders
16 Oct 2025, 3:22
3
Opinion
Is Welsh rugby set to emerge from the shadows?
It is not an exaggeration to say the regions are fighting for their future and amidst the doubt Steve Tandy has to get Wales back …
Mark Orders
01 Oct 2025, 6:43
2
Opinion
URC season preview: How will the four Welsh regions fare?
Will Scarlets maintain momentum? Do Cardiff have the forward power? Can Ospreys soar again? Is the only way up for Dragons?
Mark Orders
23 Sep 2025, 10:23
1
Opinion
The A-Z of Welsh rugby for 2025-26
Welsh rugby is in the midst of a tumultuous period where it is searching for the right path forward as the 2025-2026 season starts
Mark Orders
10 Sep 2025, 14:40
7
Opinion
‘With vision and the right backing, pro rugby can be made to work in Wales’
Cutting the player pool to two elite men's teams seems fraught with peril, so what is the right remedy for Welsh rugby?
Mark Orders
26 Aug 2025, 7:01
3
Interview
‘There are coaches who make you believe in yourself more than ever. Steve is one of those’
Steve Tandy's in-tray as Wales' head coach is overflowing, but his authenticity should serve his country well.
Mark Orders
29 Jul 2025, 4:42
Opinion
Are green shoots emerging after annus horribilis? Wales' turbulent year reviewed
Coaching change, losing streaks and off-field controversy have blighted the Welsh game, but there may be some cause for optimism.
Mark Orders
16 Jul 2025, 3:02
3
Opinion
Welsh rugby continues to soul search as it seeks to end tortuous losing run
The beleaguered national team could really do with breaking the 18-game losing streak against Japan to give the Welsh public hope …
Mark Orders
09 Jul 2025, 13:53
Opinion
‘Wales need a leap forward from Edwards or Costelow to show there is life after Biggar’
The two young fly-halves have a big opportunity to stake their claims and Wales need one or both to deliver.
Mark Orders
30 Jun 2025, 9:54
1
Exclusive
Adam Beard: 'It’s a bit clichéd, but you only have one life. You want to experience things.'
The 58-cap Welsh second-row is leaving Wales for the South of France with few regrets and fond memories of his time with the Ospre…
Mark Orders
15 Jun 2025, 0:30
3
Opinion
'The stakes are high, with a bad decision or two likely to have painful consequences.'
The future of professional rugby in Wales in on a knife-edge with West Walian regions and the WRU still at loggerheads over how to…
Mark Orders
28 May 2025, 6:21
6
Opinion
'If any Welsh side makes the URC knockout games, it will be worth applauding’
Many expected the Welsh regions to be URC whipping boys this term, but three have proved largely competitive.
Mark Orders
15 May 2025, 9:52
3
Opinion
'For Tips, it’s never about him. It’s always about the team.'
The Welsh legend may have played his last game for his beloved Ospreys but the tributes will come from far and wide when he steps …
Mark Orders
01 May 2025, 4:17
2
Opinion
Can likely lads deliver long overdue positivity in Wales?
Reeling from more financial strain, and still seeking a new head coach, Wales' summer tour of Japan may offer shafts of light.
Mark Orders
16 Apr 2025, 11:21
Opinion
No definites, but which Wales players could still make Lions squad?
Some suggest Andy Farrell’s class of 2025 could be a Wales-free zone, but who has the best chance of touring?
Mark Orders
02 Apr 2025, 9:13
4
Opinion
How to solve a problem like Welsh rugby
Fighting fires at every level, Welsh rugby is in a rut and there doesn't seem to be any easy escape routes
Mark Orders
20 Mar 2025, 6:59
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