Podcasts about wru

This week on The Attacking Scrum, Ged welcomes Ben Coles from The Observer to break down Wales' performance in their defeat to New Zealand, a match where, despite a 26–52 scoreline, there were genuine signs of progress under new head coach Steve Tandy. Ben explains why Wales' first 50 minutes showed far more fight and structure than many expected, from Tom Rogers' historic hat-trick to a dominant aerial battle and a clearer tactical identity. We explore whether this marks the beginning of a rebuild or simply a rare bright spell in a turbulent era. The conversation also dives deep into the chaos surrounding the WRU and the regional restructure, with ongoing uncertainty over which region will disappear as Welsh rugby moves from four teams to three. Ben gives insight into how the instability is affecting players, coaches, and the national side's ability to prepare. Looking ahead, Ged and Ben preview a daunting clash with South Africa, with Wales set to lose several players due to release regulations, and discuss what “progress” really looks like at this stage of the rebuild. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan, Simon & Tony are joined by Lynn Glaister from the CF10 Trust to discuss the new details about the WRU's plans and the Trust's response to it. There's a preview of the next block of Cardiff fixtures, some Autumn Internationals chat and all the latest news from the Arms Park. #Cardiff #Welshrugby #ZebvCar #CardiffCentral Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

By popular demand the boys are back and they are joined by sports writer Elgan Alderman from The Times as we discuss all things Welsh rugby and ask what's gone wrong? We give our reaction to the WRU shenanigans and another Dragons statement. Then it's the usual Gwent rugby round-up and Leinster preview. #Dragons #Welshrugby #WRU #URC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan, Steve & Harley are joined by Cardiff lock Josh McNally to discuss his career, the RAF, playing under WRU uncertainty, and the many reasons for positivity around the Blue & Blacks. #Welshrugby #Cardiff #JoshMcNally #WRU Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on The Attacking Scrum, Ged is joined by writer and rugby storyteller Luke Upton to break down a huge few days for Welsh rugby. Wales finally claimed their first home victory in two years, but they had to do it the hard way, leaving it until Jarrod Evans' last-kick winner against Japan. Ged and Luke discuss the performance, the positives and concerns, and what this dramatic finish tells us about where Wales are heading under Steve Tandy. With the dust still settling, attention turns to the announcement of Wales' plans for the new Nations Championship, how the structure will impact Tier 1 and Tier 2 competition, and what it means for long-term Welsh development and competitiveness. Then it's back to Welsh rugby politics: the latest twist in the WRU vs regions dispute, including reports that Dragons representatives walked out just 10 minutes into a meeting with the union. What does this say about trust, communication, and the direction of the professional game? Finally, the boys look ahead to the Wales v All Blacks clash, selection questions, tactical tweaks, and whether Wales can build on the Japan win or risk being overwhelmed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rugby is facing a massive few years. A battle to demonstrate financial sustainability, the need for players to build brands that can compete with sport's biggest stars, a threat to established systems from challenger leagues; it's sink or swim time, if that's not being too dramatic.Dan Biggar is one of the game's great fly-halves (though he'd never admit it himself): over 100 caps for Wales including 3 World Cups and a 6 Nations Grand Slam, and a 2-time British & Irish Lion. While it pains me to recognise much of this success with any genuine words of congratulations, what we are seeing from him now in his work behind the scenes in the media and wider business world is much easier to support. It's a great example of the real value an athlete can bring beyond the field. As you've just heard, a quite brilliant segment of this chat is Dan opening up on life after retirement and how to adjust as an athlete to a new reality. Yes this is about the state of Welsh rugby, but it's also a look at the broader game and what needs to happen to ensure rugby can compete for the attention of fans increasingly being pulled in different directions by new and shiny entertainment offerings.Timestamps:00:00 Intro05:49 The Current State of Welsh Rugby10:13 Why Wales' Rugby Results Have Declined12:17 Inside the WRU's Unique Funding Model17:26 What Steve Tandy Brings to Wales20:14 Why Gatland Worked Then30:26 Inside the 2015 Rugby World Cup ‘Group of Death'34:31 Life After a Defining World Cup Moment46:37How Dan Biggar Views the PREM Rugby Today50:53 How Competitive Are Welsh Teams Right Now?54:54 Moving Into a New Environment After Rugby01:00:52 How Personal Brands Shape Today's Athletes01:03:37 The Scheduling Problem Facing Club & Country01:07:37 After Rugby & Media: What Comes Next?On today's show we discuss: The State of Welsh Rugby:Why Welsh rugby finds itself at a crossroads. From funding issues to failed reform and player development.The controversial “One Wales” plan, the fallout from the WRU's regional restructuring proposals, and why leadership and clarity remain missing.Inside the WRU's unique funding model.Why this structure has created dependency, stagnation, and political tension between clubs and the national setup.Why new head coach Steve Tandy represents a complete cultural reset for the national team.The Biggar Years & Playing at the Top:What went right during Wales's recent golden generation and what went wrong since.The evolution from Warren Gatland's hard-edged discipline to Tandy's empathetic, relationship-driven leadership.The psychological toll of success and expectation, and what it really takes to stay at the top for nearly two decades.How contract negotiations, club moves, and personal ambition shaped his career.The Future of Rugby & Athlete Branding:Why players like Henry Pollock are the future of rugby, as entertainers and cultural icons as much as athletes.The value of player branding in driving ticket sales, sponsorship, and engagement in a sport fighting for relevance.Why rugby must embrace individuality, storytelling, and innovation to compete with football, Formula One, and the NFL.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: StrydeBringing sports investment opportunities to your door. Visit http://www.gostryde.com to become part of the movement!SBS: Follow in Dan's footsteps & join the community powering connectivity in sport https://www.sportsbusinesssyndicate.com/

We return with a full consideration of the big weekend test matches, and Josh - having revved up for a week - gets to have his say on the WRU plans. patreon.com/bloodandmud for full and ad free episodes, and more... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our 250th episode of the pod (the sestercentennial, for those of you who wanting to know the official term), and a chance to stretch our legs with a longer-form episode. Rhys is in the chair, with Jamie and Alfie chipping in to discuss where Newport County find ourselves at the end of #OctopusOctober (how did that stick as a name?!?) and what the coming weeks might bring. They also effortlessly weave in clips and contributions from:Max, with a match report on a dramatic and deserved FA Cup victory over Gillingham.Dragons Lair Jamie on last week's WRU announcement regarding pro rugby, and what it means for the Dragons, Rodney Parade and County.Ellie from Rogerstone AFC Women (our featured local team for 2025/26) on their first win, 4-3 over Treorchy.Gary from One Pod Beyond on what County can expect next Saturday when Walsall come to NP19.As we mention at the top of the show, look at our ko-fi page to either buy some 1912 Exiles Bovril Spice, or to throw in a few pounds towards our #WhirmoresWarnings fund. You can also contact us via your social media platform of choice if you have anything you want to share. Thanks to Tinty & The Bucket Hats for letting us use Discoland as our theme tune, and to the Riverside Sports Bar (the home of great sport and burgers in Newport) for their support of the pod.We'll be back soon, but in the meantime look after yourselves and each other, and above all - as always - Keep it County! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Autumn Internationals are around the corner but Welsh Rugby is due for major surgery… which region will the Welsh Rugby Union cut by the end of the 2027/28 season? Payno, Hask and Tins are joined by the man at the heart of the Cymru Crisis: Dave Reddin, current Director of Rugby & Elite Performance at the WRU. Having worked alongside icons such as Sir Clive Woodward and Sir Gareth Southgate, Dave is a turnaround specialist renowned for creating elite winning cultures. The lads dissect Dave's masterplan for reinvigorating Welsh rugby. Season 6 is Sponsored by Continental Tyres. ⏰ 00:00 – Introduction and Current State of Welsh Rugby

Zach, Grant and Jack look back at the weekend's fixture at Rodney parade, get immensely annoyed with the WRU and have a chat about Wales' prospects over the autumn. #Ospreys #Welshrugby #WRU #Consultation #URC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on The Attacking Scrum, Ged is joined by top Welsh rugby writer Seimon Williams to break down the end of the WRU's consultation period and the headline decision that one of Wales's professional regions will be cut. Is it really a shootout between the Scarlets and the Ospreys, or is there more going on behind the scenes? Ged and Seimon dig into what the decision means for the regional game, the national team, and the long-term sustainability of Welsh rugby. They also explore the development pathway crisis: will a centralised national academy nurture elite talent and bridge the gap between school, semi-pro, and regional rugby? With funding pressures mounting and squads thinning, can the WRU find a model that actually develops players rather than losing them abroad? From the future of West Wales rugby to the wider vision for player development in Wales, this episode asks whether cutting a region will really fix anything — or just make the challenges even greater. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan, Andrew, Simon & Tony review Cardiff's win over Edinburgh and the first block in general, and discuss the latest WRU announcement, as well as the latest news from CAP, Rags Corner and the Autumn Internationals. #WelshRugby #URC #CardiffRugby #WRU Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Noah Caluori's meteoric rise continues after being named in England's squad for the autumn internationals. Ashy and Ugo discuss his inclusion and if it was the right decision to leave Adam Radwan out of the squad. What would a good November look like for England? Is a clean sweep possible? Lauren is back on the pod fresh from her honeymoon to give us the lowdown on the big news in Wales as the WRU announce they will be cutting one region. Is it realistically a straight shootout between Ospreys and Scarlets for survival? We look at Henry Slade and Exeter's form and another incredible milestone for Ma'a Nonu.

It's the start of the November internationals so Alfie and Will look ahead to the matches this weekend, including England's game against Australia. They discuss Steve Borthwick's bold selection of moving Tommy Freeman to outside centre, which means no Ollie Lawrence, as well as George Ford starting at fly-half. Sam Warburton chats to Will about the WRU's plans to cut the number of regional sides from four to three and he also explains why despite their current poor form Wales should be capable of having a competitive national side again. And, the boys round up the Prem rugby action by asking who has impressed them the most following the first block of fixtures? Plus, which countries will have a successful Autumn campaign and who will be left disappointed? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big M and Huw review the first (ish) block of the URC, discuss the ramifications of the WRU announcement and look forward to what we can expect in the coming weeks. #Welshrugby #URC #Scarlets #Communitygame #WRU #ScrumV #Rugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jamie, Gareth and Gavin look back on a thrilling draw against the Ospreys and ask when will Dragons finally get over the line?! Plus Gwent Round-Up, Wales squad reaction and our thoughts on the WRU's decision to cut to 3 pro teams and what it means for Gwent rugby. #Dragons #URC #Welshrugby #WRU Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Welsh rugby bosses decide to cut the number of professional sides from four to three, Gareth Rhys Owen speaks to WRU director of rugby Dave Reddin about the decision and what happens next.

Zach, Jack, Josh and Grant discuss the PRB meeting with the WRU, have a discussion about that statement, look at who might make the Wales Squad from an Ospreys perspective and look forward to Glasgow down the Brewery. #Ospreys #Welshrugby #URC #WRU #OspvGla #Rugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you've ever wondered what the hell is going on with Welsh rugby all the bloody time, this week Josh is joined by Dan Allsobrook from Gwlad Rugby, who have recently published their alternative survey into the future of the game in Wales. Dan and Josh get into the issues with what the WRU is trying to do, the problems with Welsh rugby media, and why the plight of Welsh rugby should serve as a warning to fans of every other nation about holding power to account. Somehow, they also find time to wang on about the weekend's rugby, news, Barbie dolls and the true identity of Welsh rugby's one turncoat player… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Attacking Scrum, Ged is joined by Christian Nicholas from The Welsh Sports Channel to make sense of another chaotic chapter in Welsh rugby. They dive deep into the WRU's regional restructuring proposals, from four unequal regions to the possibility of three or even two elite sides, and what that means for players, fans, and the game's future. The conversation also explores the potential role of Super Rygbi Cymru (SRC) as a bridge between grassroots rugby and the professional level, and whether it can help reconnect Welsh rugby with its supporter base. Then attention turns to the latest developments around Mike Tindall's proposed R360 breakaway league, which hit major resistance as nine national unions announced bans for players who sign up. Could this radical idea reshape global rugby, or is it destined to collapse under the weight of politics and power? From funding models and fan frustration to the global tug-of-war over the sport's future, Ged and Christian break down where Welsh rugby goes next, and what it will take to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welsh Rugby Union director of rugby and elite performance Dave Reddin joins Ben James and Steffan Thomas on the latest episode following the end of the WRU's consultation process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss the opening weekend of the new season, as well as the end of the WRU's consultation process Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The panel go over Cardiff returning to business in the URC with a bonus point win over Lions and look ahead to Munster on Saturday, plus Halfpenny is back, CF10 meet the WRU, a sad Rags corner and Steve becomes Michael Fish. #Cardiff #Welshrugby #Walesrugby #URC #WRU Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Zach, Grant and Jack as they talk about the WRU's consultation, look back at the many meetings that have been had throughout the week and then finally, preview the bulls game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hattie, Nick and Dan join Harley to preview the Cardiff and Scarlets seasons ahead - after a day of heavy re-writing thanks to the WRU appointing a new attack coach. If you throw everything up in the air - where does it land? Have a listen and find out. #Cardiff #Scarlets #Welshrugby #WRU #URC #Wales Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're back for Season 10 – a decade of rugby chat and we're kicking it off with a bang. Jim and Goodey's apology has been accepted… Red Bull have officially landed in rugby union! Newcastle Falcons are no more – the Red Bulls have arrived – and we've got Director of Rugby Steve Diamond on the pod to take us inside one of the biggest moves the Premiership has ever seen. We've also been busy saving grassroots rugby – Think Ryan Reynolds, Welcome to Wrexham but with worse hairlines... Join us at Rugby Lions RFC on 4th October with Camden Town Brewery (now the official sponsor of rugby, obviously) for a live pod, special guest and a free pint of Camden Hells. GET YOUR TICKETS HERE: https://bit.ly/46FOH8I Elsewhere we're debating Six Nations vs Rugby Championship, chatting England's latest training squad, Lee Blackett's move, WRU cutting regions and loads more so... Settle back, enjoy & make sure you're subscribed on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gareth and Lauren are joined by former Cardiff, Wales and Lions fly-half, and former WRU chairman, Gareth Davies.

With the Welsh Rugby Union considering reducing the number of Welsh rugby regions from four down to two, this episode explores some of the potential ramifications - not just for rugby, but for Rodney Parade, for Newport County, for the city centre and for local businesses. To get a full range of insights, we hear from Jamie (of the Dragons Lair podcast), Dan (from the Riverside Sports Bar) and from our own Ed.As well as unpacking some of the factors which might inform the WRU's decision, they discuss an excellent piece by Chris Kirwan for BBC Wales Sport about the issue, wonder where the Dragons' support might go if the team disappeared, consider the viability of Spytty Park as a football venue, and urge fans and local politicians to respond to the WRU's consultation document.As always, you can contact us via your social media platform of choice, and you can also donate as little as £2 via our ko-fi page towards our running costs - with a special gift coming next month for all monthly contributors. Thanks as always to the Riverside Sports Bar (the home of great sport and burgers in Newport) for their support; we'll be there after the Gillingham match for a live event if you want to come and say hullo. Thanks too to Tinty & The Bucket Hats for letting us use Discoland as our theme tune. Our outro music is Virgo by Sean T.We'll be back soon with analysis of the Tranmere and Gillingham games. But until then: look after yourselves, look after each other, and above all – as always – Keep It County! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss the latest news from the WRU's consultation into Welsh rugby, with the Dragons and WRPA having pushed back against it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Six league games, two cup games, one win, two draws (inc. a penalty shootout win) and five losses. But what have we gleaned from those games about the Dai Hughes era at Newport County? Rhys is joined by Ian and Ed to divine what we can about this team, to ponder what's needed in the last 24hrs of the transfer window, and make some predictions about the month ahead. No spoilers, but basically Wake Us Up When September Ends.As always, you can contact us via your social media platform of choice, and you can also donate as little as £2 via our ko-fi page towards our running costs. Thanks as always to the Riverside Sports Bar (the home of great sport and burgers in Newport) for their support, and to Tinty & The Bucket Hats for letting us use Discoland as our theme tune. Our outro music is Virgo by Sean T.We'll be back soon with analysis of the Bristol Rovers game, and to explore what the WRU's desire to halve the number of Welsh rugby regions might mean for Rodney Parade and for Newport County. But until then: look after yourselves, look after each other, and above all – as always – Keep It County! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Attacking Scrum, host Ged is joined by author and rugby writer Seimon Williams to tackle the WRU's controversial proposal to cut the number of professional teams in Wales down to just two. Will this bold restructure strengthen the men's national team or gamble away the game's future? We explore whether Dave Redding is betting it all on this plan, the potential impact of Super Rygbi Cymru, and what the changes could mean for the women's game in Wales. Essential listening for anyone who cares about the future of Welsh rugby. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Will cutting two of the four regions save the game in Wales? Ugo chats to Lauren Jenkins about the WRU's radical proposal that has sent shockwaves through the game in Wales. In this bumper pod you will also hear from two of the biggest names in world rugby. Ugo has been chatting to Ilona Maher ahead of the Women's Rugby World Cup opener in Sunderland as she reflects on a remarkable year and tells us about her next career move. And Lauren has been to Bristol to catch up with Louis Rees-Zammitt, who is back after his spell in the NFL. He talks about his ambitions with Wales, life back in Cardiff and why American food wasn't for him.

Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss the WRU's 'optimal system' that could see four professional clubs reduced to two, as well as hearing from WRU director of rugby and elite performance Dave Reddin about the plans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lauren Jenkins and Matt Lloyd are at the Principality Stadium as the Welsh Rugby Union announces its plans for the future of Welsh rugby. We hear from WRU director of rugby Dave Reddin as the governing body insists that cutting the number of professional clubs from four to two is the "radical step" needed to save the game in Wales.

We look ahead to the Women's Rugby World Cup, hearing from coach Sean Lynn, hooker Carys Phillips, the Metcalfe sisters Nel and Branwen, along with WRU director of rugby and elite performance Dave Reddin.

The Clemson transformation to WRU started with DeAndre Hopkins, who evolved the position at Clemson, and Sammy Watkins, who lit the program on fire and holds too many records to list. And it has carried over to Mike Williams, Tee Higgins, Hunter Renfrow and more (and it doesn't look like it's going to slow down any time soon). The 2025 wide receiver room boasts talents including Antonio Williams, Bryant Wesco, TJ Moore, Tyler Brown, Tristan Smith (a transfer! gasp!) and more. For extra content, see our 2025 season-previews playlist on our YouTube channel. We're glad you found us!

Will Andy Farrell make big changes for the second Test? Will the fitness of Joe McCarthy force his hand? Lauren steps in for GRO this week as we are forced to make our own selection calls ahead of the second Test. Has Jac Morgan done enough to force his way into the 23? A rugby nation holds its breath. We hear about Tom's burgeoning love of cricket after a trip to the MCG as the Lions look to wrap up the series at one of the most iconic sporting venues in the world. There's also big news out of the WRU to discuss as Steve Tandy leaves Scotland to become the new Wales head coach.

Wales have a new head coach Steve Tandy is in, and the Attacking Scrum team have thoughts. Ged is joined by The Mighty Murph to react to the WRU's appointment, what it means for Welsh rugby's future, and how Tandy's style might shape the next era. Also in this episode: Reaction to Wales' win over Japan Breakdown of the Lions' first Test victory over Australia Preview of the second Test PLUS: a brand new quiz — “Tandy or Not Tandy?” — where Murph tries to separate fact from fiction in Tandy's coaching past. If you love Welsh rugby, the Lions, or just want to hear Murph panic under quiz pressure, this one's for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lauren Jenkins, BBC Wales rugby reporter Gareth Griffiths and Daily Mail rugby reporter Alex Bywater discuss Steve Tandy's appointment as Wales head coach and hear from WRU chief executive Abi Tierney and performance director Dave Reddin about the recruitment process and the next steps for Welsh rugby.

Ben James and Steffan Thomas pick apart Wales' win over Japan in Kobe, as well as the WRU's announcement that a reduction to two or three teams will be considered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gareth Rhys Owen and Matt Lloyd explain the Welsh Rugby Union's latest proposals for structural change as they consider halving the number of regions in Wales. The governing body says it's entering a formal consultation with the Professional Rugby Board (PRB) and could reduce the number of regions to three or even two. In a statement, the WRU said the current system is failing and is unsustainable, having already confirmed it does not intend to continue equally funding four professional teams in the men's game. Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets are the four current sides, with the WRU saying it wants a "more radical" strategy to be completed by October.

Guests: Christian (Welsh Sports Channel), Iestyn Thomas (journalist) The boys are back to pick through a busy weekend of Welsh rugby. This week:

Welsh rugby faces renewed turmoil as Scarlets and Ospreys reject the WRU's new Professional Rugby Agreement, sparking fears of regional collapse. With communities, players, and sponsors caught in the fallout, questions are growing over the sport's long-term viability. Author Seimon Thomas breaks down the latest developments and explores whether radical change is now the only way forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The penultimate week of games in the Premiership threw up some belters. Also the rumoured Red Bull incursion into rugby and more dram at the WRU. LTBP! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Ged is joined by journalist Iestyn Thomas and fan favourite Mighty Murph to unpack a big week in rugby. The panel reacts to Andy Farrell's Lions squad announcement , who earned their ticket to Australia, and who's unlucky to miss out? Off the field, tensions escalate as the WRU clashes with the Scarlets and Ospreys over a controversial funding agreement, with major implications for the regions' futures. On the pitch, the Scarlets grab a vital win in Johannesburg, keeping their playoff hopes alive, while Cardiff hang on by a thread despite a tough loss. Selection shocks, regional politics, and URC playoff drama, it's all in this week's episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cole Thompson is back with"Sunday Funday," breaking down his thoughts on the College Football Playoff expansion, his top 10 transfer portal additions, if LSU is still WRU, his "hatred" for Texas A&M and MORE! ⬇️ Support SECU ⬇️ FANDUEL Visit FanDuel.com/SECU to join today and get started with $300 dollars in bonus bets when you win your first $5 dollar bet! Subscribe to SEC Unfiltered, the best SEC podcast on the internet: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Website: https://www.secunfiltered.com/ X: ​ / secunfiltered Instagram: / secunfiitered Facebook: ​ / secunfiitered Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/pl/podcast... Let's get it! Must be 21+ and present in select states (for Kansas, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino) or 18+ and present in D.C. First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat in Connecticut, or visit mdgamblinghelp.org in Maryland. Hope is here. Visit GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support in Massachusetts or call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY in New York.

Gareth Rhys Owen and Lauren Jenkins head to the Principality Stadium for a sit down with new Welsh Rugby Union director of rugby Dave Reddin and WRU chief executive Abi Tierney. Reddin speaks about his vision for the game in Wales and the immediate tasks he faces which includes helping to appoint a permanent head coach for the Wales men's team to replace Warren Gatland.

WRU top dogs Abi Tierney and Richard Collier-Keywood sit down with Gareth Rhys Owen to reveal their vision for the future of Welsh rugby.Up to 20 jobs could go as the Union implements a restructure aimed at saving £5m a year to make the professional game in Wales financially stable.Tierney also reveals they are close to appointing a new Director of Rugby and have already spoken to potential candidates to be their next men's head coach.

On Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the team news for Ireland's Women's Six Nations meeting with England at Virgin Media Park. We hear from the recalled Dorothy Wall and head coach Scott Bemand ahead of that game in Cork. Munster have received a HUGE boost before their Investec Champions Cup quarter-final with Bordeaux - a game you can hear live on Saturday's Off The Ball. Jordie Barrett is named to start for Leinster in their quarter-final with Glasgow.Richie has the latest on the WRU, where job cuts are expected, and on Cardiff. Plus, a worrying update on the neurological health of former France international Sebastian Chebal. And Benetton have thrown a spanner in La Rochelle's preparations for next season.

Tell the truth: How confident were you when Chris Henry, Jr., verbally committed to Ohio State in late July of 2023? Were you a 'Wake me when signs' type? Henry, Jr., the former Ohioan now starring for California powerhouse Mater Dei, shut down all other suitors earlier this week and confirmed his commitment to Ohio State. Score another for WRU. Our Bill Kurelic and Mark Porter dive deep on Henry, Jr., dating back to his time on the Ohio gridiron (and hardcourt, where he was a standout hoopster) and projecting how he will fit into the Buckeyes upon arrival. Then it's get-to-know Favour Akih time. The Class of 2026 running back from Delaware (Ohio) Hayes will be back in Columbus this weekend. Akih has an announced final trio of Ohio State, Miami and USC. Commitment watch, anyone? We then discussed Ohioans headed elsewhere despite Buckeye offers and a whole lot more.  Spend 5ish with us this a.m., 'Nutters! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices