The Welsh Rugby Podcast
370 episodes — Page 2 of 8
France v Wales team reaction: Plenty of experience but no Faletau
Ben James and Steffan Thomas react to Wales' team to face France in their Six Nations opener in Paris. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Warren Gatland, Jac Morgan and a Six Nations launch in Rome
Ben James and Daily Mail writer Alex Bywater sit down in Rome to discuss the Six Nations launch, while we hear from Warren Gatland and Jac Morgan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Six Nations squad surprises and Gatland's future
Ben James and Steffan Thomas return for the first podcast of 2025 as they react to Wales' Six Nations squad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A WRU meeting and a coaching departure
Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss the WRU board meeting that will consider the autumn campaign review, while they also react to Toby Booth's departure from the Ospreys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
No Wales for O'Gara and the latest on Gatland
Ben James is joined by Daily Mail rugby writer Alex Bywater to discuss Ronan O'Gara's Wales comments and the latest goings-on in Welsh rugby. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Are Welsh players fit enough and what needs to change?
Ben James and Steffan Thomas are joined by former Cardiff and Wasps head of performance Trystan Bevan to discuss Warren Gatland's concerns at Welsh players not being fit enough, whether standards have dropped in Wales and the women's game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A big review and still no strategy
Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss the review into Wales' autumn campaign, the new strategy for Welsh rugby and the return of the United Rugby Championship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A winless year: Where do we go next?
Ben James and Steffan Thomas react to Wales' 45-12 defeat to South Africa, capping a winless year for Warren Gatland's side. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Changes for South Africa and a defiant Gatland
Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss Wales' team to face South Africa, as well as Warren Gatland's latest press conference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
End game for Gatland?
Ben James and Steffan Thomas react immediately to Wales' 52-20 defeat to Australia, their 11th consecutive Test defeat that has piled even more pressure on Warren Gatland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
More Fiji reaction and the visit of a resurgent Wallabies
Ben James and Steffan Thomas continue the inquest after Wales' defeat to Fiji, while Sydney Morning Herald writer Iain Payten gives us the Australian view ahead of the visit of the Wallabies this weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
10 defeats in a row and another Fiji nightmare
Ben James and Steffan Thomas reflect on Wales' defeat to Fiji in Cardiff as their winless 2024 goes on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Another Welsh rugby scandal and the Dragons' Welsh duo
Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss the latest allegations of sexism in the Welsh Rugby Union, while Wales duo Aaron Wainwright and Rio Dyer join the podcast to discuss the autumn campaign Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A good weekend in Wales and who plays 12?
Ben James and Steffan Thomas reflect on a positive weekend in Welsh rugby, while looking ahead to Warren Gatland's selection for the Fiji game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wales autumn squad announcement reaction
Ben James and Steffan Thomas react to Warren Gatland's 35-man squad for the upcoming autumn campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Scott Baldwin podcast
Former Wales and Ospreys hooker Scott Baldwin joins Ben James to talk coaching Bridgend in Super Rygbi Cymru and his thoughts on Wales. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A South African scalp goes begging and what Wales want at 10
Ben James and Steffan Thomas discusses the latest issues in Welsh rugby, after a weekend when all four professional sides lost. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
More calls for an Anglo-Welsh league, with Scarlets chair Simon Muderack
Scarlets chair Simon Muderack joins the podcast to talk Anglo-Welsh mergers and the latest goings-on in Welsh rugby. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dragons' dream start with Rhys Blumberg and a chat with Matt Sherratt
Ben James and Steffan Thomas are joined on the podcast by Dragons CEO Rhys Blumberg and Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt to review the opening weekend of the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The big season preview
Ben James and Steffan Thomas sit down to look ahead to a new season in Welsh rugby, amid big coaching changes and shrinking budgets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A contentious captain, an exciting debut and Kemsley Mathias
Ben James is joined by Wales prop Ellis Bevan in Brisbane to talk Wales' summer tour, while BBC Wales writer Gareth Griffiths chats with Ben about Cory Hill's controversial appointment as captain, Regan Grace's Wales debut and the need for a win at the end of a long season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wales' new scrum-half Ellis Bevan and the wait for a win goes on
Ben James is joined by Wales scrum-half Ellis Bevan to discuss his start to life in Test rugby, while BBC Wales writer Gareth Griffiths chats with Ben about Wales' defeat to Australia in Sydney, the second Test in Melbourne and the pressure now building on Warren Gatland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The one from Down Under: Wales v Australia and the new life of a Welsh exile
Ben James is in Australia with the Wales team and met up with former Welsh international Ben Evans to preview Saturday's first Test and hear about his life down under. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The WRU’s big announcement and Wales’ best XV now
Jon Doel and Steffan Thomas assess the fallout from the WRU’s announcement of the new five-year strategy for Welsh rugby. They also review Wales’ performance against South Africa and pick the team for the tour of Australia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wales v South Africa: The teams, the fears and the final score
Steff Thomas and Jon Doel pick through Warren Gatland's Wales team selection and give their predictions on what will happen against world champions South Africa at Twickenham. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ospreys' title hopes ended and a new Wales call-up
Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss the Ospreys' URC playoff defeat to Munster, as well as the call-up for Scarlets centre Eddie James. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wales summer squad reaction: Warren Gatland, Cory Hill and the Ospreys' play-off run
Ben James and Steff Thomas sit down to discuss Wales' summer squad for South Africa and Australia, look at who is in and who isn't, and reflect on Judgement Day. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Judgement Day preview: Toby Booth, Aaron Wainwright and more
Ben James and Steff Thomas are joined by coaches and players from all four regions ahead of the double-header at Cardiff City Stadium. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Morgan Morris, Cory Hill and does four go into three?
Ben James and Steffan Thomas sit down to discuss the Ospreys keeping their slim play-off hopes alive, rumours of Welsh call-ups and the latest talk ahead of the WRU's strategy reveal in June. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Huw Bevan and Geraint John podcast
WRU performance director Huw Bevan and community director Geraint John join us on the podcast to talk the EDC, community game and women's rugby. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Adam Jones podcast
Former Wales prop and Harlequins coach Adam Jones joins Ben James and Steff Thomas on the latest episode of the podcast to talk Quins' European success and the art of being a tight-head. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Graham Henry podcast
Ben James is joined by former Wales and New Zealand coach Graham Henry to celebrate 25 years since the win over England at Wembley, as well as his memories and thoughts on the game now. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Abi Tierney and Nigel Walker podcast
Ben James and Steffan Thomas are joined by WRU CEO Abi Tierney and executive director of rugby Nigel Walker to talk Warren Gatland, a wooden spoon and a new strategic plan. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The start of the Women's Six Nations and a timely win in Llanelli
Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss Wales' Women's defeat to Scotland, as well as the four regions' matches in the United Rugby Championship. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Just where do we go from here?
Ben James and Steffan Thomas sit down to discuss Wales' winless Six Nations and just what needs to change to improve Welsh rugby's fortunes. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wales 21-24 Italy: A dismal Wooden Spoon
Ben James and Times rugby writer Elgan Alderman sit down to react to Wales' dismal defeat to Italy that secured them the Wooden Spoon. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wales 24-45 France: Into a Wooden Spoon week we go
Ben James and Steffan Thomas react to Wales' Six Nations defeat to France, which leaves them staring at a Wooden Spoon next week. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wales v France preview: A surprise centre pairing
Ben James and Steffan Thomas react to the Wales team to face France and look at where this weekend's match will be won and lost. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ireland 31-7 Wales reaction: We are where we are
Ben James and Steff Thomas react to Wales' Six Nations in Dublin. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ireland v Wales Six Nations preview: A debut for Big Mac
Ben James and Steff Thomas discuss the Wales team to face Ireland, as well as the daunting task facing Warren Gatland's side in Dublin. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Kieran Hardy podcast
Wales and Scarlets scrum-half Kieran Hardy joins Ben James for a brief chat about life in Wales' Six Nations camp. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
England 16-14 Wales reaction: So, so close
Ben James and Daily Mail rugby writer Alex Bywater react to Wales' narrow defeat to England at Twickenham. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wales v England preview: Bold changes, Alex Mann and Cameron Winnett
Ben James and Steff Thomas discuss Wales' team to face England, Telegraph writer Charlie Morgan offers insight on Steve Borthwick's side and we hear from Wales debutants Alex Mann and Cameron Winnett. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wales 26-27 Scotland reaction: How do you sum that up?!
Ben James and Steffan Thomas do their best to dissect Wales' Six Nations opener in Cardiff that saw them nearly come back from 27-0 down to win. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wales v Scotland Six Nations preview, with Jamie Lyall
Rugby commentator Jamie Lyall joins Ben James to preview Wales' Six Nations opener against Scotland in Cardiff. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Gatland, Farrell, Borthwick and the superb Ospreys
Ben James and Steff Thomas discuss the latest in Welsh rugby, while we hear from a number of coaches and captains ahead of the Six Nations. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Louis Rees-Zammit bombshell and Wales' Six Nations squad
Ben James and Steffan Thomas sit down to react to the news Louis Rees-Zammit is leaving rugby to pursue a career in the NFL, as well as Wales' Six Nations squad. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Richard Whiffin podcast: Wales U20s new coach talks teaching tomorrow's stars
Wales U20s coach Richard Whiffin chats to Ben James and Steffan Thomas about his new job, the upcoming Six Nations and how best to develop Wales' young talent. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Scarlets' nadir, Anglo-Welsh desire and the end of 2023
Ben James and Steffan Thomas talk what's gone wrong at the Scarlets, why there needs to be more Anglo-Welsh matches and look back at an eventful 2023. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Rob Howley podcast: 'Can't believe it... I can't believe it'
Rob Howley joins Ben James and Steffan Thomas on the podcast to talk about his return to the Wales coaching set-up, four years after leaving the role. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices