#Nick Tompkins

It has been a hugely eventful year in the world of rugby, amid a plethora of incident and individual excellence. Here's our A-Z guide of what went on in 2021. A is for Alun Wyn Where better to start than with a man who has risen to new heights this part year amid more superhuman exploits. Having skippered Wales to the Six Nations title, he was then…

They have been called the best team in the world after beating New Zealand and Ireland in recent months and they were completely untroubled in putting away Scotland last time out. For France's class of 2022, a Six Nations Grand Slam is very much on as they head into round four. It's an interesting one, though. In a straight man-for-man comparison…

Wales have announced the team that will take on South Africa in Saturday's second Test today. Wayne Pivac has largely kept faith with the 23 that pushed the world champions so close last weekend, with Alex Cuthbert the only addition to the starting XV. Josh Adams moves to the bench, while Tomas Francis is replaced by uncapped Sam Wainwright after…

Wayne Pivac's reign as Wales head coach has come to an end less than a year out from the World Cup in France. He paid the price for some damaging defeats, notably this year against Italy and Georgia. Here, the PA news agency looks at some of the highs and lows during Pivac's time in charge. HIGHS 2021 Six Nations title success Pivac had the…

To say Wayne Pivac needs to start drilling down names into his World Cup plans must be an early candidate for understatement of the year. Quite how many players are inked in at this stage we cannot know after a Six Nations that ended chaotically for Wales, but maybe we can have a stab at projecting how Pivac's squad will look. Alun Wyn Jones has…

Wales are playing for pride on Super Saturday as their Six Nations 2022 campaign draws to a close with a home clash against Italy. The reigning champions are set to relinquish their title but can still claw their way up to third in the table if results fall their way. Wayne Pivac's men have been hamstrung by key injuries and third place would…

Rugby's Greatest Championship returns this Saturday and will feature what is set to be a titanic clash between two fierce rivals at Twickenham. It will be the first home match of the tournament for Eddie Jones' side who are looking to build on their 33-0 demolition job in Rome while Wales are riding a wave of confidence following a 20-17 victory…

WALES face the tricky opponent of Argentina in the latest clash in the autumn internationals. This comes after Wales were thrashed by New Zealand, losing 55-23 last time out. They will be keen for revenge against an Argentina side who were impressive, coming out victors against England on Sunday. And we have all the information ahead of the…

WALES host New Zealand in the first of four autumn internationals TOMORROW. The Welsh side will be looking to pull off a famous victory as they have not beaten the All Blacks since 1953. Wayne Pivac's side will then face Argentina, Georgia and Australia to top off the autumn internationals. The All Blacks have already defeated Japan and will now…

Head coach Wayne Pivac has named the Wales senior men's team to face New Zealand in the opening round of the Autumn Nations Series on Saturday (KO 3.15pm) Wales play the All Blacks in front of a full house at Principality Stadium where the match is live on Amazon Prime, with English and Welsh live broadcasts available. There are also highlights on…

WALES welcome captain Alun Wyn Jones back ahead of schedule as they host whipping boys Italy in their final Six Nations match. Wales' title defence has not gone to plan so far as they have been beset by injuries and lost three of the four games they have played. However, they did show signs of improvement last week as they pushed Grand Slam chasers…

Here are the latest rugby headlines on Thursday, October 27. Wales boss Wayne Pivac will be left sweating on the fitness of star winger Louis Rees-Zammit after the try ace was named in Gloucester's starting XV for their English Premiership clash with Exeter this weekend. The wing flyer is one of just two fully-fit back-three stars currently…

Billy Vunipola and Saracens are out to avenge October's loss to Leicester Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for Saracens v Leicester Tigers in the Gallagher Premiership on Saturday. BT Sport 3, 3pm Saturday Saracens to win by one to 12 points 1pt 6-4 Betfred, Boyles Saracens have the chance to show they are still the yardstick to judge all…

We were treated to a stunning spectacle of rugby last weekend which saw all four Southern Hemisphere nations take the chocolates, while France was the only team from up north to collect a win. With several series on the line can England, Ireland or Wales fight their way to victory in Game 2? Read on for all the line-ups and key team news as it…

Defending Six Nations champions Wales know they have to win when Scotland come to town on Saturday - a second defeat on the spin would all but end their hopes of back-to-back titles. In truth, the odds have been stacked firmly against Wayne Pivac's side due to an injury list which would make any coach in the world gulp. Still, that was no excuse…