Opinion
Nations Championship
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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.
96 Articles
Latest
Nations Championship
Wales are building momentum but a trip to Argentina will be real test
20 days ago
Nations Championship
Wales have won two games in a row but the formidable Fijians in sight
2
25 days ago
International Rugby
Wales aim to avoid more horrible history despite daunting schedule
5
33 days ago
Nations Championship
Will the long search for a great Wales tighthead prop end this summer?
3
47 days ago
Opinion
The good, the bad and the unreal – highs and lows of the 2025-26 season in Wales
Record beatings on the field and plenty of acrimony off it, but uplifting moments amid the woe: the highs and lows of the Welsh ru…
Mark Orders
28 May 2026, 5:14
Opinion
Tandy mines the depth chart as Wales look to unearth World Cup gems
The Welsh coach has named an expanded squad for the Nations Championship as he seeks to widen Wales' resources
Mark Orders
12 May 2026, 9:12
Exclusive
Fletcher Anderson: 'They love their rugby in Llanelli. The fans in Wales are as passionate as anywhere.'
The gifted Kiwi No 8 has, arguably, been the regional signing of the season and he has not ruled out playing for Wales in the futu…
Mark Orders
04 May 2026, 12:02
Opinion
The Ospreys are still standing proud and deserve credit for digging in amidst uncertainty
Despite the threat of being wound up, Mark Jones' team, have shown admirable resolve in a battling league campaign
Mark Orders
24 Apr 2026, 8:02
3
Opinion
Dragons' shock Euro win over French giants a welcome tonic for Welsh game
Cardiff and Ospreys were left ruing their luck but the Dragons' upset triumph over Stade Français was a welcome boost for Welsh r…
Mark Orders
08 Apr 2026, 10:11
2
Opinion
‘Some significant Welsh talents could make names for themselves despite U20s results’
They may have finished in the bottom half of the U20 Six Nations but some Wales players showed unmistakable glimpses of talent.
Mark Orders
25 Mar 2026, 2:19
4
Opinion
Wales forced to wear underdog tag against Italy but hope power pack can kickstart renaissance
Steve Tandy's men are targeting a first Six Nations win in three years to stop Italy registering three wins in the tournament for …
Mark Orders
12 Mar 2026, 8:06
5
Opinion
Irish test will prove whether Welsh upturn is a permanent or temporary affair
There were seeds of promise in Wales' stern examination of Scotland's credentials but they now have to back it up in Dublin
Mark Orders
04 Mar 2026, 13:05
2
Opinion
Can bruised Wales use the underdog tag to upset Scottish momentum?
Steve Tandy has rolled the dice with a number of changes to face Scotland but knows a massive improvement is required
Mark Orders
19 Feb 2026, 13:26
7
Opinion
Wales brace themselves for French invasion knowing they simply have to do better
The French juggernaut will roll into Cardiff hellbent and demolishing any Welsh resistance and Steve Tandy's men must show smarts …
Mark Orders
11 Feb 2026, 5:59
8
Opinion
'Small steps are needed, but Wales have much to gain from this Six Nations'
Steve Tandy leads his reinforced squad into the championship against the backdrop of off-field turmoil.
Mark Orders
05 Feb 2026, 11:17
2
Opinion
Steve Tandy seeks calmer waters amidst backdrop of uncertainty
The Wales coach has named a squad he hopes will spirit the country to some much needed victories but off-field issues continue to …
Mark Orders
23 Jan 2026, 5:20
1
Opinion
Hope and salvation fires Welsh rugby into 2026 amidst an uncertain future
A resurgent Dragons, defiant Ospreys and high-flying Cardiff gives Welsh fans hope they can be competitive in the Six Nations
Mark Orders
07 Jan 2026, 3:25
1
Opinion
'To lose one Welsh captain is unfortunate; to lose two might be considered a bit careless'
The departures of Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake has only fuelled the sense of anger and uncertainty over the future of Ospreys.
Mark Orders
18 Dec 2025, 4:37
7
Analysis
Wales are out of luck and out of ideas, so where do they go from here?
Steve Tandy has endured a baptism of fire in his early months as Welsh coach and will only hope matters take an upward curve
Mark Orders
04 Dec 2025, 9:10
10
Opinion
Wales face the mighty Boks as underdogs but hope tentative signs of progress continue apace
Both Wales and the Springboks are weakened for the final Test of the Autumn Series but no one is expecting a Welsh win, just progr…
Mark Orders
27 Nov 2025, 7:58
4
Opinion
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
2
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
