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.
56 Articles
Latest
14 days ago Six Nations
Wales would love to stop a 16-game losing run by beating England
19 days ago Six Nations
Wales need to prove the improved Ireland performance was no fluke
27 days ago Six Nations
Wales must match the effort against Ireland for rest of Six Nations
35 days ago Six Nations
Wales are looking for an instant uplift from a coaching switch
Opinion
Rome beckons as defining day of days for Gatland and Wales
A deflating start in Paris makes Wales' visit to Rome one potentially 'laden with consequences'.
Mark Orders
06 Feb 2025, 3:30
Opinion
Gatland facing his greatest challenge as Wales pencilled in for a Wooden Spoon
Wales are in a horrendous losing streak of 12 games and need to eke out a win from an intimidating set of Six Nations fixtures
Mark Orders
28 Jan 2025, 12:01
Opinion
Gatland will stand or fall on controversial Wales calls as feelings run high
Warren Gatland is shy of quality in some areas but the Wales coach's Six Nations picks must deliver if he is to keep his job.
Mark Orders
15 Jan 2025, 7:57
Opinion
2024 was an annus horribilis for Wales, so can 2025 provide an upturn?
Wales will hope the drama of 2024 is left behind and sunnier climes lay ahead for the game in the Principality
Mark Orders
31 Dec 2024, 10:25
Opinion
Return of 30-something brigade provides welcome tonic for Wales
The enduring class of Taulupe Faletau, Liam Williams and Josh Adams on their returns gives Wales hope after a wretched year.
Mark Orders
19 Dec 2024, 5:46
Opinion
Patience the watchword for Wales as sobering reality dawns
Warren Gatland's wish for more muscular players will not be quickly - or easily - satisfied.
Mark Orders
05 Dec 2024, 9:02
Opinion
Gatland defiant but Welsh rugby no nearer escape route with Springboks looming
No one is expecting Wales to beat South Africa but the performance will go a long way to proving Gatland retains the faith of his …
Mark Orders
22 Nov 2024, 6:13
Opinion
Wales 'in one of their deepest holes for a long time'
With no evidence of progress and 400 days since Wales' last win, Warren Gatland is under intense scrutiny.
Mark Orders
14 Nov 2024, 5:58
Opinion
Signs of promise that Wales' barren run is over and brighter times lie ahead
Warren Gatland is said to be privately optimistic that with a raft of experience returning and maturing youngsters, Wales will be …
Mark Orders
07 Nov 2024, 2:31
Opinion
Recalled stars and in-form exiles give Wales autumn upgrade
Wales's autumn prospects are boosted by returning stars, but their first job is to end a nine-Test losing run.
Mark Orders
23 Oct 2024, 9:32
Analysis
Should Wales look to their oldest rivals for an uptick in fortunes?
With the Welsh regions on special measures financially and struggling, should Warren Gatland cast his net further afield?
Mark Orders
11 Oct 2024, 10:11
Interview
Scott Baldwin: 'Mindset is a powerful thing'
The Wales hooker has taken up his first head coach role with his home town club, Bridgend, and he likes to think he's learnt from …
Mark Orders
28 Sep 2024, 15:54
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, 7:40
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, 2:56
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, 1:50
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, 16:49
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, 0:21
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, 7:32
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, 2:17
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, 5:30
