Iestyn Rhys Thomas
@iestyn21.bsky.social
Freelance Sports Journalist | Writer for Talking Rugby Union & South Wales Argus | Host of The Tyre Whisperer Podcast | USW Sports Journalism Graduate | Previous work includes WalesOnline, The Rugby Paper, Pontypridd RFC & WRU website.
Harlequins have announced four short term deals, with Dragons duo Barny Langton-Cryer and Luke Yendle both linking up with the English club.
Piece below for the South Wales Argus.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/258206...
Piece below for the South Wales Argus.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/258206...
Dragons duo to join Harlequins on short term deals
Dragons duo Barny Langton-Cryer and Luke Yendle are both heading to Gallagher Prem side Harlerquins on short term deals.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk
February 3, 2026 at 12:34 PM
Harlequins have announced four short term deals, with Dragons duo Barny Langton-Cryer and Luke Yendle both linking up with the English club.
Piece below for the South Wales Argus.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/258206...
Piece below for the South Wales Argus.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/258206...
The last two weeks have been really, really cruel for the Men of Gwent with another narrow defeat this time to the Ospreys despite another good performance away from home.
On the whistle report below. #OSPvDRA #URC
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/258144...
On the whistle report below. #OSPvDRA #URC
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/258144...
Ospreys 19-13 Dragons: Last gasp heartbreak for the Men of Gwent in Bridgend
The Dragons almost ended their away woes at the Electric Brewery Field but were cruelly denied by a last minute try from Ospreys wing Keelan Giles…
www.southwalesargus.co.uk
January 31, 2026 at 9:43 PM
The last two weeks have been really, really cruel for the Men of Gwent with another narrow defeat this time to the Ospreys despite another good performance away from home.
On the whistle report below. #OSPvDRA #URC
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/258144...
On the whistle report below. #OSPvDRA #URC
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/258144...
HT: Ospreys 7 Dragons 7.
Visitors arguably unlucky not to be in front after two efforts from Rio Dyer being tackled into touch by Giles and Ratti. Hosts hoping to get upper hand in the set-piece.
Quite enjoying the atmosphere in Bridgend, both sets of supporters contributing. #OSPvDRA
Visitors arguably unlucky not to be in front after two efforts from Rio Dyer being tackled into touch by Giles and Ratti. Hosts hoping to get upper hand in the set-piece.
Quite enjoying the atmosphere in Bridgend, both sets of supporters contributing. #OSPvDRA
January 31, 2026 at 8:39 PM
HT: Ospreys 7 Dragons 7.
Visitors arguably unlucky not to be in front after two efforts from Rio Dyer being tackled into touch by Giles and Ratti. Hosts hoping to get upper hand in the set-piece.
Quite enjoying the atmosphere in Bridgend, both sets of supporters contributing. #OSPvDRA
Visitors arguably unlucky not to be in front after two efforts from Rio Dyer being tackled into touch by Giles and Ratti. Hosts hoping to get upper hand in the set-piece.
Quite enjoying the atmosphere in Bridgend, both sets of supporters contributing. #OSPvDRA
At the Brewery Field for a Welsh derby between the Ospreys and the Dragons.
Protest from Ospreys supporters towards Y11 and WRU pre match, but match report and reaction for the Argus this evening.
Kickoff at 7:45pm #OSPvDRA
Protest from Ospreys supporters towards Y11 and WRU pre match, but match report and reaction for the Argus this evening.
Kickoff at 7:45pm #OSPvDRA
January 31, 2026 at 6:20 PM
At the Brewery Field for a Welsh derby between the Ospreys and the Dragons.
Protest from Ospreys supporters towards Y11 and WRU pre match, but match report and reaction for the Argus this evening.
Kickoff at 7:45pm #OSPvDRA
Protest from Ospreys supporters towards Y11 and WRU pre match, but match report and reaction for the Argus this evening.
Kickoff at 7:45pm #OSPvDRA
Dragons team news ahead of their final game before a Six Nations break, looking forward to seeing Ross Moriarty vs Harry Beddall at openside flanker. An away win would be a very encouraging way to end the block.
Preview here ⬇️ #OSPvDRA
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/258111...
Preview here ⬇️ #OSPvDRA
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/258111...
Fetuli Paea returns for Dragons ahead of URC derby against Ospreys
The Dragons welcome back Tongan international Fetuli Paea to the matchday squad for their BKT URC Welsh derby against the Ospreys at the Electric…
www.southwalesargus.co.uk
January 30, 2026 at 12:33 PM
Dragons team news ahead of their final game before a Six Nations break, looking forward to seeing Ross Moriarty vs Harry Beddall at openside flanker. An away win would be a very encouraging way to end the block.
Preview here ⬇️ #OSPvDRA
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/258111...
Preview here ⬇️ #OSPvDRA
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/258111...
A piece on the ongoing situation between Y11, the Ospreys and the WRU for @talkrugbyunion.bsky.social 👇
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/-all-of-us-h...
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/-all-of-us-h...
'All of us have been left in the dark' - WRU have taken the easy decision
TRU’s Iestyn Rhys-Thomas heard from supporters of the Ospreys after a difficult week for the club.
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk
January 29, 2026 at 1:23 PM
A piece on the ongoing situation between Y11, the Ospreys and the WRU for @talkrugbyunion.bsky.social 👇
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/-all-of-us-h...
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/-all-of-us-h...
Reposted by Iestyn Rhys Thomas
💬 "It's been terribly communicated. All of us have been left in the dark - supporters, players, members of staff...
@iestyn21.bsky.social shares his thoughts + heard from @ospreyspodcast.bsky.social about the ongoing situation surrounding the Ospreys.
✍️ www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/-all-of-us-h...
@iestyn21.bsky.social shares his thoughts + heard from @ospreyspodcast.bsky.social about the ongoing situation surrounding the Ospreys.
✍️ www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/-all-of-us-h...
January 29, 2026 at 12:30 PM
💬 "It's been terribly communicated. All of us have been left in the dark - supporters, players, members of staff...
@iestyn21.bsky.social shares his thoughts + heard from @ospreyspodcast.bsky.social about the ongoing situation surrounding the Ospreys.
✍️ www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/-all-of-us-h...
@iestyn21.bsky.social shares his thoughts + heard from @ospreyspodcast.bsky.social about the ongoing situation surrounding the Ospreys.
✍️ www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/-all-of-us-h...
⚽️| A change of scenery after a busy week in Welsh Rugby.
Updates from Cardiff City vs Stockport County this afternoon, the Bluebirds looking for a ninth consecutive home win.
Kickoff at 12:30pm. #CARvSTO
Updates from Cardiff City vs Stockport County this afternoon, the Bluebirds looking for a ninth consecutive home win.
Kickoff at 12:30pm. #CARvSTO
January 24, 2026 at 12:15 PM
⚽️| A change of scenery after a busy week in Welsh Rugby.
Updates from Cardiff City vs Stockport County this afternoon, the Bluebirds looking for a ninth consecutive home win.
Kickoff at 12:30pm. #CARvSTO
Updates from Cardiff City vs Stockport County this afternoon, the Bluebirds looking for a ninth consecutive home win.
Kickoff at 12:30pm. #CARvSTO
Reaction from Filo Tiatia and Angus O’Brien following the Dragons’ narrow defeat away at Munster last night.
A game where the visitors impressed throughout and almost came away with victory. #DRAvMUN
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257933...
A game where the visitors impressed throughout and almost came away with victory. #DRAvMUN
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257933...
Filo Tiatia praises Dragons squad despite narrow Munster defeat
Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia admitted he was "really proud of the effort" of his squad following a 22-20 defeat to Munster in the BKT…
www.southwalesargus.co.uk
January 24, 2026 at 9:09 AM
Reaction from Filo Tiatia and Angus O’Brien following the Dragons’ narrow defeat away at Munster last night.
A game where the visitors impressed throughout and almost came away with victory. #DRAvMUN
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257933...
A game where the visitors impressed throughout and almost came away with victory. #DRAvMUN
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257933...
Considering the week that Welsh Rugby has had.
Four points the difference from being two very impressive victories, now imagine if there was a governing body who were looking to grow the game and not cut it.
Four points the difference from being two very impressive victories, now imagine if there was a governing body who were looking to grow the game and not cut it.
January 23, 2026 at 10:51 PM
Considering the week that Welsh Rugby has had.
Four points the difference from being two very impressive victories, now imagine if there was a governing body who were looking to grow the game and not cut it.
Four points the difference from being two very impressive victories, now imagine if there was a governing body who were looking to grow the game and not cut it.
Brendan Venter back at Saracens?
Bring back Sereli Bobo while we’re at it.
Bring back Sereli Bobo while we’re at it.
January 23, 2026 at 12:25 PM
Brendan Venter back at Saracens?
Bring back Sereli Bobo while we’re at it.
Bring back Sereli Bobo while we’re at it.
On a 20 minute walk home from a teaching assistant job, I’ve seen three statements and a couple of articles about Welsh Rugby Politics.
I am still none the wiser on what on earth is happening.
I am still none the wiser on what on earth is happening.
January 22, 2026 at 3:45 PM
On a 20 minute walk home from a teaching assistant job, I’ve seen three statements and a couple of articles about Welsh Rugby Politics.
I am still none the wiser on what on earth is happening.
I am still none the wiser on what on earth is happening.
The Dragons haven't won away from home in the #URC since April 2022, but face a Munster side that will be looking to avoid a fifth consecutive seat.
Team news piece for the South Wales Argus below, good to see Seb Davies back into the 23. #DRAvMUN
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257877...
Team news piece for the South Wales Argus below, good to see Seb Davies back into the 23. #DRAvMUN
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257877...
Dragons make three changes ahead of URC game with Munster
The Dragons welcome the return of Welsh international second row Seb Davies ahead of their BKT URC game away at Munster on Friday night.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk
January 22, 2026 at 12:30 PM
The Dragons haven't won away from home in the #URC since April 2022, but face a Munster side that will be looking to avoid a fifth consecutive seat.
Team news piece for the South Wales Argus below, good to see Seb Davies back into the 23. #DRAvMUN
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257877...
Team news piece for the South Wales Argus below, good to see Seb Davies back into the 23. #DRAvMUN
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257877...
A couple of Dragons players could count themselves rather unlucky not to be named in Steve Tandy’s Welsh squad.
Piece below for the South Wales Argus.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257817...
Piece below for the South Wales Argus.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257817...
Two Dragons selected in Wales Six Nations squad with five missing out
Dragons forwards Wainwright Carter are in Wales’ Six Nations squad following an announcement
www.southwalesargus.co.uk
January 20, 2026 at 6:45 PM
A couple of Dragons players could count themselves rather unlucky not to be named in Steve Tandy’s Welsh squad.
Piece below for the South Wales Argus.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257817...
Piece below for the South Wales Argus.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257817...
Normally, Six Nations squad announcements are a time to look at the uncapped players and potential combinations.
Sadly, today wasn’t the day due to the uncertainty surrounding Welsh Rugby.
Piece below for @talkrugbyunion.bsky.social
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/tandy-names-...
Sadly, today wasn’t the day due to the uncertainty surrounding Welsh Rugby.
Piece below for @talkrugbyunion.bsky.social
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/tandy-names-...
Tandy names Wales Six Nations squad amid latest developments in the pro game
Steve Tandy has named his squad for the 2026 Guinness Six Nations, including two uncapped players, while the Wales head coach refused to be drawn on speculation surrounding the future of his former si...
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk
January 20, 2026 at 6:41 PM
Normally, Six Nations squad announcements are a time to look at the uncapped players and potential combinations.
Sadly, today wasn’t the day due to the uncertainty surrounding Welsh Rugby.
Piece below for @talkrugbyunion.bsky.social
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/tandy-names-...
Sadly, today wasn’t the day due to the uncertainty surrounding Welsh Rugby.
Piece below for @talkrugbyunion.bsky.social
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/tandy-names-...
Reposted by Iestyn Rhys Thomas
🗣️ "There will be frustration and anger..."
The potential merger between Ospreys and Cardiff overshadowed Steve Tandy's #GuinnessM6N squad announcement...
🏴✍️ @iestyn21.bsky.social 1 was there for TRU: www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/tandy-names-...
The potential merger between Ospreys and Cardiff overshadowed Steve Tandy's #GuinnessM6N squad announcement...
🏴✍️ @iestyn21.bsky.social 1 was there for TRU: www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/tandy-names-...
January 20, 2026 at 6:01 PM
🗣️ "There will be frustration and anger..."
The potential merger between Ospreys and Cardiff overshadowed Steve Tandy's #GuinnessM6N squad announcement...
🏴✍️ @iestyn21.bsky.social 1 was there for TRU: www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/tandy-names-...
The potential merger between Ospreys and Cardiff overshadowed Steve Tandy's #GuinnessM6N squad announcement...
🏴✍️ @iestyn21.bsky.social 1 was there for TRU: www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/tandy-names-...
Clubs representation in Steve Tandy's Six Nations squad:
Ospreys - 7
Cardiff - 7
Scarlets - 9
Dragons - 2
Players outside of Wales - 13
Ospreys - 7
Cardiff - 7
Scarlets - 9
Dragons - 2
Players outside of Wales - 13
January 20, 2026 at 12:41 PM
Clubs representation in Steve Tandy's Six Nations squad:
Ospreys - 7
Cardiff - 7
Scarlets - 9
Dragons - 2
Players outside of Wales - 13
Ospreys - 7
Cardiff - 7
Scarlets - 9
Dragons - 2
Players outside of Wales - 13
I understand that Ospreys supporters should direct frustrations over previous mismanagement in Welsh Rugby at the WRU.
But if the reports are true, they should be seething at Y11. Feel sorry for all involved at the moment.
But if the reports are true, they should be seething at Y11. Feel sorry for all involved at the moment.
January 19, 2026 at 8:34 PM
I understand that Ospreys supporters should direct frustrations over previous mismanagement in Welsh Rugby at the WRU.
But if the reports are true, they should be seething at Y11. Feel sorry for all involved at the moment.
But if the reports are true, they should be seething at Y11. Feel sorry for all involved at the moment.
Said a final goodbye to Jasper earlier, a lovely boy who I’ve had the pleasure of being with for the last 14 years.
Some boy, apologies for the rather personal post.
Some boy, apologies for the rather personal post.
January 18, 2026 at 7:58 PM
Said a final goodbye to Jasper earlier, a lovely boy who I’ve had the pleasure of being with for the last 14 years.
Some boy, apologies for the rather personal post.
Some boy, apologies for the rather personal post.
The Dragons will head to Stade Francais in the Round of 16 in the EPCR Challenge Cup.
A mention of the meetings during the 2014/15 season, where Angus O'Brien scored 18 points in a win in Paris, also quotes from the fullback after Friday's win.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257746...
A mention of the meetings during the 2014/15 season, where Angus O'Brien scored 18 points in a win in Paris, also quotes from the fullback after Friday's win.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257746...
Dragons set for away tie to Stade Francais in last 16 of Challenge Cup
The Dragons are set for an away tie to Top 14 side Stade Francais in the round of 16 in the EPCR Challenge Cup.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk
January 18, 2026 at 3:15 PM
The Dragons will head to Stade Francais in the Round of 16 in the EPCR Challenge Cup.
A mention of the meetings during the 2014/15 season, where Angus O'Brien scored 18 points in a win in Paris, also quotes from the fullback after Friday's win.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257746...
A mention of the meetings during the 2014/15 season, where Angus O'Brien scored 18 points in a win in Paris, also quotes from the fullback after Friday's win.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257746...
The Ospreys might have thrown away a home tie over the last two weeks and the Dragons are heading to Stade Francais in the round of 16 (probably a work from home gig)
But watching Stuart Hogg getting boo’ed at every given opportunity was sublime.
But watching Stuart Hogg getting boo’ed at every given opportunity was sublime.
January 18, 2026 at 12:08 AM
The Ospreys might have thrown away a home tie over the last two weeks and the Dragons are heading to Stade Francais in the round of 16 (probably a work from home gig)
But watching Stuart Hogg getting boo’ed at every given opportunity was sublime.
But watching Stuart Hogg getting boo’ed at every given opportunity was sublime.
Reaction from Filo Tiatia following the Dragons' 35-12 victory over Newcastle Red Bulls at Rodney Parade, the results over the last month at home have been something that supporters have long deserved.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257735...
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257735...
"They're a massive part of our success" Tiatia praises fans following Cup victory
Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia praised the Rodney Parade crowd like a 16th player following their EPCR Challenge Cup victory over Newcastle Red…
www.southwalesargus.co.uk
January 17, 2026 at 9:09 AM
Reaction from Filo Tiatia following the Dragons' 35-12 victory over Newcastle Red Bulls at Rodney Parade, the results over the last month at home have been something that supporters have long deserved.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257735...
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257735...
Forgot to post this last night, but Dragons produced a brilliant second half display to be within a shout of a last 16 place in the Challenge Cup.
Should go through unless Perpignan vs Emirates Lions is officially bananas this afternoon. #DRAvNEW
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257734...
Should go through unless Perpignan vs Emirates Lions is officially bananas this afternoon. #DRAvNEW
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257734...
Dragons 35-12 Newcastle Red Bulls: Hosts keep Challenge Cup hopes alive with victory
A brilliant second half performance from the Dragons ensured they kept their EPCR Challenge Cup hopes alive following a 35-12 victory over Newcastle…
www.southwalesargus.co.uk
January 17, 2026 at 8:50 AM
Forgot to post this last night, but Dragons produced a brilliant second half display to be within a shout of a last 16 place in the Challenge Cup.
Should go through unless Perpignan vs Emirates Lions is officially bananas this afternoon. #DRAvNEW
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257734...
Should go through unless Perpignan vs Emirates Lions is officially bananas this afternoon. #DRAvNEW
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257734...
Good to be at Rodney Parade for the crucial Pool 2 clash between Dragons and Newcastle Red Bulls.
The hosts must win to stand any chance of qualifying, English side looking for 100% pool record.
Kickoff 8pm, report and reaction for the Argus #DRAvNEW
The hosts must win to stand any chance of qualifying, English side looking for 100% pool record.
Kickoff 8pm, report and reaction for the Argus #DRAvNEW
January 16, 2026 at 7:10 PM
Good to be at Rodney Parade for the crucial Pool 2 clash between Dragons and Newcastle Red Bulls.
The hosts must win to stand any chance of qualifying, English side looking for 100% pool record.
Kickoff 8pm, report and reaction for the Argus #DRAvNEW
The hosts must win to stand any chance of qualifying, English side looking for 100% pool record.
Kickoff 8pm, report and reaction for the Argus #DRAvNEW