When I was weighing up the pros and cons of going freelance, I didn't write "threat of a global pandemic that will comprehensively wipe out all my work for an indeterminate period of time" in the cons column. Bit naive, that.
I remember Adam Jones telling me a story about touring New Zealand with Wales. A kid from a local school asked if he could join in a touch session, and proceeded to carve it up against a bunch of seasoned internationals.
His name? TJ Perenara
It's difficult to process how someone with such vigour and zest for life has departed. I grew up listening to him, and later, had the absolute privilege of working with him. He was always such brilliant, stimulating company.
RIP, the doyen of broadcasting... Eddie Butler.
Dan Biggar and Leigh Halfpenny
Teenage best buddies and kicking partners
Products of
@GorseinonRFC
who became test Lions and Welsh centurions
Two of the most determined, professional and successful players of a generation
Capped in 2008, they bow out in 2023
Chwarae Teg ๐
Out for a trot. A ball bounces in front of me by the traffic lights. A glance up the bank tells me it's come from a schoolyard where 50 expectant kids are urging me to kick it back. Not just up the bank but over a thirty foot fence. Drivers watching. Nailed it.
#MiddleAgedWins
There I was, boring the pants off these two Welsh supporters with my Warburton/Reffell comparisons, when one of them politely corrected me on the numbers of turnovers Tommy had won...& then casually revealed that he is their son.
#ProudParents
Arrives in Cardiff at midnight having completed an ultra-marathon in Yorkshire, wakes up and runs another 28 miles in sub-zero conditions, then casually strolls into studio without pausing for breath...
#Hero
๐ฃ๏ธ "I think the people of Wales care about people with MND and that's been shown today."
Kevin Sinfield chats to our panel about his ongoing participation in an ultra-marathon to support those with motor neurone disease ๐
Special mention for Tomos Williams for two small but decisive moments in the dying minutes. The way he tidied up that lineout ball at the end showed incredible grace under pressure.
On Six Nations coverage (which has a much broader audience), pundits have to be technical enough to satisfy the hardcore, but accessible enough to engage the casual fan.
Sam Warburton doing a fine job of straddling that line.
#SCOvWAL
Always one of the bravest, most committed players on the pitch, but Hadleigh Parkes still comes across as a laid-back backpacking surfer who's been persuaded to don his boots while on a gap year. The epitome of cool.
Dan Biggar's selection at fly-half is a fantastic story.
From being overlooked in 2013 despite guiding Wales to a record victory over England, to operating in the shadow of Sexton & Farrell in 2017, to undisputed first choice in 2021.
#LionsRugby
Genuinely heartwarming stuff from Cardiff Rugby over the past fortnight. Faced the European and English champions on consecutive weekends, and played with the passion, guts and no little skill. Huge credit to the whole organisation for the positive attitude throughout. ๐
This is what rugby needs. Characters, comfortable enough in their own skin to express themselves, without fear of ridicule or censure from the media managers. More please.
Wales has lost one of its finest.
A dazzling winger on the field, and a gentleman off it.
Time spent in John's company was never dull.
RIP JJ Williams.
When Liam Williams left Scarlets for Saracens saying he wanted to win trophies, no one would've expected that two seasons later Scarlets would reach the European semis, and Saracens wouldn't. This year's semi-final lineup is a real fillip for the Pro14.
I've interviewed Warren Gatland many times during the last twelve years, but this one felt special. Hearing and seeing 60,000 Welsh rugby fans rise as one to salute him as he bids farewell for the final time (for now, at least)...
Considering Wales are the reigning Grand Slam champions, I'm a little surprised at how little they're being talked of as 6N contenders. They'll prefer it that way, though.
When Wales beat England 30-3 in 2013, Dan Biggar was the only member of the Wales XV not to make the Lions squad. This game may have put him in pole position for the Lions test jersey.
Stayed in the same hotel as the Irish rugby team last night. As I checked out, the receptionist wished me good luck for the game. Obviously Ireland still have room in their squad for a 14-stone winger with a bad back and no pace.
#StillGotIt
Take a bow, Adam Jones. No head coach, no problem. Yes, the rock stars behind will get the attention, but Bomb has turned that scrum into a wrecking machine.
#Harlequins
๐ JOSH ADAMS ๐โฃ
โฃ
Llongyfarchiadau enfawr i
@JoshAdams951
am orffen y gystadleuaeth fel Prif Sgoriwr Ceisiau Cwpan Rygbi'r Byd 2019!๐โฃ
โฃ
Josh Adams' 7 Tries in Japan makes him the Rugby World Cup's Top Try Scorer! ๐โฃ
โฃ
#CRB2019
#RWC2019
@WelshRugbyUnion
As someone who's known Steve Tandy for many years, I find some of the vitriol on here quite distasteful.
He's one of the most passionate, committed, and hard-working men you're likely to meet. His conduct, even in hard times, has always been impeccable.
When I was writing Behind The Dragon, Benny was obviously a key interviewee. He invited me to his house, where I was regaled for hours with wonderful stories delivered in that resonant Carmarthenshire brogue, while Pat plied us with endless cups of tea, cakes & biscuits. Legend.
Ken Owens already has the freedom of Carmarthen. Knighthood next? Magnificent leadership from a man anyone would want next to them in the trenches. Could Pivac's CV read Pro12 Champs, Euro Champs, Wales head coach?
Gutted for Dan Lydiate, who's been denied the fairytale finale. In the ten minutes he was on the pitch he justified his selection, marauding around and clattering into Irish ball carriers with relish. Sport can be cruel.
There are some hideous lowlifes, cowards and leeches hiding in the bowels of social media. Well done to the WRU for drawing attention to these clowns...
*Full Time - Online Abuse*
The players are proud to represent their country and their jersey.
The abuse players are receiving has to stop.
This is a tiny example of the abuse just one player received last night โฌ๏ธ
#BeKind
#FullTimeAbuse
Any fears that Nick Tompkins wasn't ready for test rugby, have been decisively laid to rest. Aggressive running, quick feet, and sumptuous distribution. Wales' midfield problems suddenly feel less troublesome. WALvITA
Second in the world rankings, fourteen wins on the trot, deepest talent pool they've had, world class players all over the park. Bookies everywhere are slashing Wales's World Cup odds.
It's stating the obvious but it bears repeating that Beauden Barrett's CV is incredible. 100 caps by the age of 30. Third on the all-time All Blacks scoring list with 693 points overall, and level on tries scored (37) with Jonah Lomu and Tana Umaga.
If you're feeling down about Wales losing, just imagine what it must be like for the players. Jonathan Davies is a player of genuine world class, and has twice suffered semi-final heartbreak. Chwarae teg, Jon...
Dan Lydiate living proof that hard work reaps rewards. Has never given less than 100% in any jersey, and has earned his recall on form, not reputation. Following the same rationale, Jamie Roberts has a right to feel a little aggrieved.
Perhaps the biggest compliment I can pay Sam Warburton, is that through everything -- the pressure, the scrutiny, the hero worship, the criticism -- he hasn't changed one bit. The same decent, level-headed Rhiwbina boy as he was when I first met him.
Hadleigh's Parked his Wales career.
Outstanding shift from one of Wales's most likeable players. Arrived at Scarlets with little fanfare. Leaves for Japan a Grand Slam winner and a World Cup semi-finalist. ๐
Still prefer the old lid though.
Wales's player of the year goes off, after a few minutes. Olly Robinson comes on and wins man of the match. Fau Filise gets himself another trophy days before his 41st birthday. And Gareth Anscombe proves he has ice in his veins.
While Leigh Halfpenny, Justin Tipuric and Alun Wyn Jones are getting their big send-off, Wales's other retiree, Monsieur Dan Biggar, will be down in Catalan country facing Perpignan. A shame he won't be basking in the adulation of a Welsh crowd one last time; few deserve it more
Titulaire cet aprรจs-midi, Dan Biggar est revenu en confรฉrence de presse sur le match qui attend les Rouge et Noir face ร l'
@usap_officiel
๐ฅ
Une confรฉrence de presse ร retrouver en replay sur ๐ฅ
Day one of lockdown in the self-employed world of no income.
@AskNationwide
cheerfully inform me via text that I'm now overdrawn and will be charged 39.9% interest until I'm back in credit. Thanks for that. All in this together.
Hat tip to Sam Wainwright. Never started a top flight game of rugby. Came on, carried hard, and locked out those last two crucial scrums against the most fearsome pack in world rugby. Prospect.
#RSAvWAL
Jake Ball is that rare combination - brutal and uncompromising on the pitch; charming and affable off it. To have become a father again and face not meeting his boy until July was a hell of a wrench. The very best of luck to him and his family for the future.
Astonishing to reflect that a few years ago, Pieter Steph du Toit was lying in a hospital bed while doctors discussed amputating his leg. A performance of jaw-dropping intensity from the big man tonight.
#RugbyWorldCup
As Wales appears to slide into another existential crisis, let it be acknowledged that whatever the problems bedevilling the Welsh game are, Ireland were very, very good.
Scott Williams was sensational again last night. It's like he's emerged Han-Solo-esque from an ice chamber. As quick, powerful, and elusive as the 2012 vintage. The 2021 version is the Gran Reserva. I'm convinced he'll play for Wales again
Take down from my five-year old when I was walking around in an old playing jersey...
"Why are you wearing that?"
Me: "Why not?"
"Because you don't play rugby. You just speak it."
Brutal. I suppose a cap's out of the question, then.
Scarlets fans have taken over at the Rec. Sospan Fach, Hymns and Arias, and Yma o Hyd being bellowed from every corner. That was a performance that will live long in the memory.
"A burst from Scott Gibbs. Scott Gibbs is through, Scott Gibbs has scored."
A quarter of a century ago, Dad and I headed to Wembley more in hope than expectation. Imagine my surprise when - decades later - while working on a documentary about the day, I stumbled on this image.
Ellis Jenkins is a seven, who started at six and has shifted to eight, and is halfway to man of the match. Crucial tackle to deny Kriel, and equally crucial turnover in first half injury time.
This is a truly confounding era for Welsh Rugby. From free-scoring champions to stuttering also-rans in the space of 12 months. From a team that should have beaten the Grand Slam Champions to one that lost to perennial losers, Italy in the space of eight days. Feast to famine.
Evidence that not everyone has to come through the academy system. 3 years ago, Aaron Wainwright was playing in division 3b for Whitehead RFC. Today he'll run out in Rome for his first 6N start. And he's earned his place on merit in a Wales squad overflowing with back row talent.
Funny how fortunes can change. A few weeks ago, Josh Adams seemingly had his dreams of touring dashed, a pawn in a political dispute. Fast forward a few weeks, and he scores an outstanding individual try against the Pumas.
And to think the Scarlets have done this without their Lions Man Of The Series, and their two most dangerous backs. Kudos to Wayne Pivac, Stephen Jones, Byron Hayward and Ioan Cummingham.๐
Gripped by the
#ThePembrokeshireMurders
Thanks to
@MattMurray29
's dig through the archives, here I am reporting on the Cooper trial back in the day. I still vividly remember the Bullseye moment in court.
.
@rossharries1
pays tribute to Eddie Butler, and speaks to what he has meant to Wales and the wider rugby community
"His voice has been a constant companion to us who love our rugby in Wales. The soundtrack of a generation."
John Barclay's departure from Parc y Scarlets will be keenly felt. Arrived under the radar, leaves as Scotland captain. A fine, versatile player, and strong leader. Wholly unsurprising that Scottish rugby have persuaded him to come home.
Unbelievable scenes at Welford Road. Ospreys snatch the win with 92 minutes on the clock. Jac Morgan with the crucial try, Owen Williams with the winning conversion against his old club. Breathless.
Fell into conversation with an elderly couple at click n' collect. Lovely gentle banter.
Driving home, changed lanes. Car behind accelerated to block the space while its livid, puce-faced occupants spouted angry, spittle-flecked bile. ๐คฌ
Checked rear-view mirror.
Same couple.
2011: Defied odds by making semi, lose by a point after controversial red card.
2015: Lose at the death in quarters after multiple injuries decimated squad.
2019: Lose after tightest match imaginable with a squad tipped to be genuine contenders.
Which is most painful?
Gavin Henson looks like someone from a 1980s computer game with a force-field around him. Gliding languidly through heavy traffic, yet no one can lay a finger on him. Still got it...
How's your bottle, Dan Biggar? ๐
The Welsh fly-half had a kick to win the game with the scores tied and clock in the red...
Straight down the middle! A big away win for
@SaintsRugby
๐
#HeinekenChampionsCup
24 hours, and a 2nd viewing later, I'm still a little perplexed by the yellow cards
Biggar's - pen yes, but was trapped and didn't prevent ball being played
AWJ's - baffling
LRZ's - on another day could have been penalty Wales for perfect tackle/jackal
Carre's - fair
#RSAvWAL
In an era of media-trained sportspeople afraid to voice opinions or reveal character, Siya Kolisi is a shining beacon. A phenomenal player, an even better bloke.