Tonight’s rugby news as Woodward surprised by Gatland’s decision and pundit impressed by Wales ‘baller’

The dismal record last year saw Gatland’s future as head coach made subject to a Welsh Rugby Union review last month and while he has been kept on, Woodward admits he was “surprised” that the New Zealander didn’t choose to depart anyway.

Suggesting how Wales can get out of their current rut, the 68-year-old admits in his Daily Mail column it’s a “tall order” that will get even worse if they fail to beat Italy in Rome next month – but says Gatland must look to “pick anyone who is qualified to play for Wales” regardless on who they play for at club level.

“I went to school in Wales and it’s tough to see a hugely proud rugby nation struggling so badly,” the World Cup winning coach wrote in his MailOnline column. “I really hope they can get back on track, but it looks a tall order.

“Warren Gatland has lost 12 Tests in a row, including every match in 2024, but he is staying on for the Six Nations. Gatland and Welsh rugby have all manner of problems to deal with and I was surprised to a degree he hasn’t walked away.

“Wales start the Six Nations with France and Italy away,” Woodward added. “If they don’t win in Rome in round two, I am not sure they can recover.

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Pundit impressed by Wales ‘baller’

Former England international Ugo Monye has heaped praise upon Wales centre Max Llewellyn, saying he is “such a baller”.

The 25-year-old returned to Warren Gatland’s squad this autumn having been in fine form for Gloucester and he caught Monye’s eye again during his side’s 22-15 defeat to Exeter, with the pundit surprised by what he saw from the Welshman.

Speaking on the BBC’s Rugby Union Weekly podcast, Monye explained that he already knew the physical impact that the 6ft 5in star brought to his side’s midfield, but hadn’t quite appreciated the work he does off the ball.

Predicting that Wales will break their dismal losing run at the Six Nations, the British & Irish Lions tourist said that Gatland’s side has too much young talent to go winless at the tournament again and identified Llewellyn and Gloucester teammate Josh Hathaway as two shining lights.

“Wales obviously had a disaster in 2024, the worst ever,” said Monye. “But when I look at the individuals that they’ve got, this young crop… Watching Gloucester at the weekend, I know they lost against Exeter, but Josh Hathaway on the wing, I really, really rate.

“Max Llewellyn, I watched him warm up. This fella is a big old unit, he carries super hard. But one thing I’ve not credited him for yet is his organisational skills and work off the ball. Every time Anscombe made a play, he is pushing Anscombe out the way, he’s chatting to his 13, his blindside winger, he wants to be first receiver.

“His timing, his ability to go to line and make these lovely passes, whether it’s over the top or out the back, I didn’t realise he had as much ball-playing ability in him,” he added. “I think he’s such a baller. So [Wales] have got loads of young players who are too talented to have another year similar to the one they’ve just had.”

Wales star frustrated by derby result

Ben Thomas, a star for Cardiff, says he is happy with his team’s start to the season but acknowledges that their derby stalemate with the Ospreys on New Year’s Day left him feeling angry.

The two regions shared the honours in a thrilling match at Arms Park, with fly-half Dan Edwards scoring 13 points to offset tries from Evan Lloyd and Dafydd Hughes. The game, which wasn’t exactly vintage, ended 13–13, although the Ospreys lost James Fender to a red card just before halftime.

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