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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.

LONG READ
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
Mark Orders
26 Aug 2025, 7:01
LONG READ
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
Mark Orders
29 Jul 2025, 4:42
LONG READ
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
Mark Orders
16 Jul 2025, 3:02
LONG READ
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
Mark Orders
09 Jul 2025, 13:53
LONG READ
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
Mark Orders
30 Jun 2025, 9:54
LONG READ
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
Mark Orders
15 Jun 2025, 0:30
LONG READ
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
Mark Orders
28 May 2025, 6:21
LONG READ
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
Mark Orders
15 May 2025, 9:52
LONG READ
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
Mark Orders
01 May 2025, 4:17
LONG READ
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
Mark Orders
16 Apr 2025, 11:21
LONG READ
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
Mark Orders
02 Apr 2025, 9:13
LONG READ
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
Mark Orders
20 Mar 2025, 6:59
LONG READ
Opinion

Wales desperate for England scalp to arrest record losing run

Despite a tortuous losing run, an upturn in attacking ambition has Matt Sherratt's men dreaming of an unlikely win in Cardiff

Mark Orders
Mark Orders
12 Mar 2025, 5:10
LONG READ
Opinion

Wales need to back up Ireland performance and rattle Scotland's self-belief

Matt Sherratt put a spring in the step of every Welsh supporter against Ireland but he is wary of any regression up in Edinburgh

Mark Orders
Mark Orders
06 Mar 2025, 23:42
LONG READ
Opinion

'Wales' challenge now is to make the effort against Ireland their default setting’

Two more big Six Nations displays might yet send Wales into the summer feeling the worst is behind them.

Mark Orders
Mark Orders
27 Feb 2025, 5:11
LONG READ
Opinion

Sherratt hoping he can inspire an upturn in Welsh fortunes as Ireland loom large

As aftershocks from Warren Gatland's departure continue to be felt, Matt Sherratt is hoping some positivity can stir Wales into ac…

Mark Orders
Mark Orders
19 Feb 2025, 8:37
LONG READ
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
Mark Orders
06 Feb 2025, 1:30
LONG READ
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
Mark Orders
28 Jan 2025, 10:01
LONG READ
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
Mark Orders
15 Jan 2025, 5:57
LONG READ
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
Mark Orders
31 Dec 2024, 8:25
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