Iestyn Rhys Thomas
@iestyn21.bsky.social
Rugby Journalist | Writer for Talking Rugby Union | USW Sports Journalism Graduate | Previous work includes WalesOnline, The Rugby Paper & WRU website.
Santi Carreras has completely changed this game, but how Scotland have let this slip I’ll never know. #SCOvARG
Awesome comeback from Los Pumas, huge questions need to be asked about Townsend’s squad.
But two teams is the way forward, am I right? 😉
Awesome comeback from Los Pumas, huge questions need to be asked about Townsend’s squad.
But two teams is the way forward, am I right? 😉
November 16, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Santi Carreras has completely changed this game, but how Scotland have let this slip I’ll never know. #SCOvARG
Awesome comeback from Los Pumas, huge questions need to be asked about Townsend’s squad.
But two teams is the way forward, am I right? 😉
Awesome comeback from Los Pumas, huge questions need to be asked about Townsend’s squad.
But two teams is the way forward, am I right? 😉
My report from Cardiff as Wales grab a dramatic win over Japan at the Principality Stadium, with a late Jarrod Evans penalty giving Steve Tandy his first win as Welsh head coach. #WALvJPN
opensideblog.wordpress.com/2025/11/15/w...
opensideblog.wordpress.com/2025/11/15/w...
Wales 24-23 Japan: Late Jarrod Evans penalty results in Steve Tandy’s first win as Welsh boss.
Wales picked up their first competitive win at the Principality Stadium in over three years following a late Jarrod Evans penalty to beat Japan by 24-23. A no arms tackle resulted in a late chance …
opensideblog.wordpress.com
November 15, 2025 at 7:58 PM
My report from Cardiff as Wales grab a dramatic win over Japan at the Principality Stadium, with a late Jarrod Evans penalty giving Steve Tandy his first win as Welsh head coach. #WALvJPN
opensideblog.wordpress.com/2025/11/15/w...
opensideblog.wordpress.com/2025/11/15/w...
A crucial test for Wales as they look to remain in the top 12 of the World Rankings, with Eddie Jones’ Japan the visitors to the Principality Stadium.
Kick off at 5:40pm, updates and match report to follow. #WALvJPN
Kick off at 5:40pm, updates and match report to follow. #WALvJPN
November 15, 2025 at 5:13 PM
A crucial test for Wales as they look to remain in the top 12 of the World Rankings, with Eddie Jones’ Japan the visitors to the Principality Stadium.
Kick off at 5:40pm, updates and match report to follow. #WALvJPN
Kick off at 5:40pm, updates and match report to follow. #WALvJPN
For those subscribed to the South Wales Argus, my piece on Wales' team announcement for their game against Japan, with a switch to blindside flanker for Dragons' Aaron Wainwright.
More detail on team news and quotes here from Steve Tandy. #WALvJPN
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256190...
More detail on team news and quotes here from Steve Tandy. #WALvJPN
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256190...
Aaron Wainwright to start at blindside flanker for Wales against Japan
Aaron Wainwright will switch from number 8 to blindside flanker for Wales as the sole Dragons player in the squad ahead of their second Quilter…
www.southwalesargus.co.uk
November 13, 2025 at 11:52 AM
For those subscribed to the South Wales Argus, my piece on Wales' team announcement for their game against Japan, with a switch to blindside flanker for Dragons' Aaron Wainwright.
More detail on team news and quotes here from Steve Tandy. #WALvJPN
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256190...
More detail on team news and quotes here from Steve Tandy. #WALvJPN
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256190...
🏴| Uncapped Ospreys flanker Harri Deaves has been called up into the Welsh squad following Jac Morgan’s dislocated shoulder he suffered vs Argentina.
November 11, 2025 at 10:06 AM
🏴| Uncapped Ospreys flanker Harri Deaves has been called up into the Welsh squad following Jac Morgan’s dislocated shoulder he suffered vs Argentina.
It was a record victory for Argentina in Cardiff, but there were moments of encouragement for Wales.
Here’s my piece for Talking Rugby Union, with a look at the Argentine halfbacks and quotes from Steve Tandy, Dewi Lake and Dan Edwards.
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/breath-of-fr...
Here’s my piece for Talking Rugby Union, with a look at the Argentine halfbacks and quotes from Steve Tandy, Dewi Lake and Dan Edwards.
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/breath-of-fr...
Breath of fresh air’, glimpses of identity but Argentina defeat highlights plenty of work ahead for Wales
Wales opened their Quilter Nations Series with a heavy 52-28 defeat against Argentina at the Principality Stadium - a result that underlined both Los Pumas’ attacking sharpness and work-ons for the ho...
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 1:16 PM
It was a record victory for Argentina in Cardiff, but there were moments of encouragement for Wales.
Here’s my piece for Talking Rugby Union, with a look at the Argentine halfbacks and quotes from Steve Tandy, Dewi Lake and Dan Edwards.
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/breath-of-fr...
Here’s my piece for Talking Rugby Union, with a look at the Argentine halfbacks and quotes from Steve Tandy, Dewi Lake and Dan Edwards.
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/breath-of-fr...
🏴| Steve Tandy confirms that Wales captain Jac Morgan has suffered a dislocated shoulder and is likely to miss the remainder of the Autumn campaign.
A massive blow for the Welsh side. #WALvARG
A massive blow for the Welsh side. #WALvARG
November 9, 2025 at 5:40 PM
🏴| Steve Tandy confirms that Wales captain Jac Morgan has suffered a dislocated shoulder and is likely to miss the remainder of the Autumn campaign.
A massive blow for the Welsh side. #WALvARG
A massive blow for the Welsh side. #WALvARG
FT: Wales 28-52 Argentina
A seven try win for Los Pumas, who looked a cut above Wales up front and in the kicking game.
Wales’ hunt for a home win continues, Wednesday marks 3 years since they had won at the Principality Stadium. #WALvARG
A seven try win for Los Pumas, who looked a cut above Wales up front and in the kicking game.
Wales’ hunt for a home win continues, Wednesday marks 3 years since they had won at the Principality Stadium. #WALvARG
November 9, 2025 at 5:02 PM
FT: Wales 28-52 Argentina
A seven try win for Los Pumas, who looked a cut above Wales up front and in the kicking game.
Wales’ hunt for a home win continues, Wednesday marks 3 years since they had won at the Principality Stadium. #WALvARG
A seven try win for Los Pumas, who looked a cut above Wales up front and in the kicking game.
Wales’ hunt for a home win continues, Wednesday marks 3 years since they had won at the Principality Stadium. #WALvARG
There has been small moments of encouragement for Wales throughout, but losing both Jac Morgan and Aaron Wainwright to injury during the second half just adds to the blow. #WALvARG
November 9, 2025 at 4:45 PM
There has been small moments of encouragement for Wales throughout, but losing both Jac Morgan and Aaron Wainwright to injury during the second half just adds to the blow. #WALvARG
HT: Wales 14-31 Argentina.
Two scores in the final two minutes for Los Pumas, an encouraging Welsh performance with ball in hand, but a concern defensively. #WALvARG
Two scores in the final two minutes for Los Pumas, an encouraging Welsh performance with ball in hand, but a concern defensively. #WALvARG
November 9, 2025 at 4:01 PM
HT: Wales 14-31 Argentina.
Two scores in the final two minutes for Los Pumas, an encouraging Welsh performance with ball in hand, but a concern defensively. #WALvARG
Two scores in the final two minutes for Los Pumas, an encouraging Welsh performance with ball in hand, but a concern defensively. #WALvARG
An excellent opening quarter in Cardiff, Wales coming back from a 14-0 deficit to draw level with Argentina with tries from Tomos Williams and Dewi Lake. #WALvARG
November 9, 2025 at 3:35 PM
An excellent opening quarter in Cardiff, Wales coming back from a 14-0 deficit to draw level with Argentina with tries from Tomos Williams and Dewi Lake. #WALvARG
Wales kick off the Steve Tandy era against Argentina at the Principality Stadium.
Their last competitive win in Cardiff was against Los Pumas in 2022.
Kickoff at 3:10pm, updates and match report to follow. #WALvARG
Their last competitive win in Cardiff was against Los Pumas in 2022.
Kickoff at 3:10pm, updates and match report to follow. #WALvARG
November 9, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Wales kick off the Steve Tandy era against Argentina at the Principality Stadium.
Their last competitive win in Cardiff was against Los Pumas in 2022.
Kickoff at 3:10pm, updates and match report to follow. #WALvARG
Their last competitive win in Cardiff was against Los Pumas in 2022.
Kickoff at 3:10pm, updates and match report to follow. #WALvARG
Was asked to help out in a brass band concert tonight, without realising the fixture list for today. Whoops.
But Adam Beard is in line to play test match rugby on Sunday, so who’s the real winner?
But Adam Beard is in line to play test match rugby on Sunday, so who’s the real winner?
November 8, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Was asked to help out in a brass band concert tonight, without realising the fixture list for today. Whoops.
But Adam Beard is in line to play test match rugby on Sunday, so who’s the real winner?
But Adam Beard is in line to play test match rugby on Sunday, so who’s the real winner?
Reposted by Iestyn Rhys Thomas
Rhys Carré to start and Rees-Zammit to come from the bench as Steve Tandy names his first Wales team.
More from @iestyn21.bsky.social 🔽
t.co/9uwx2Qdpzp
📸 Michael Steele - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images
More from @iestyn21.bsky.social 🔽
t.co/9uwx2Qdpzp
📸 Michael Steele - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images
November 7, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Rhys Carré to start and Rees-Zammit to come from the bench as Steve Tandy names his first Wales team.
More from @iestyn21.bsky.social 🔽
t.co/9uwx2Qdpzp
📸 Michael Steele - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images
More from @iestyn21.bsky.social 🔽
t.co/9uwx2Qdpzp
📸 Michael Steele - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images
An interesting Wales squad, who start a new era under Steve Tandy on Sunday against Argentina.
My piece for Talking Rugby Union can be found here. Any shares would be appreciated!
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/wales-boss-t...
My piece for Talking Rugby Union can be found here. Any shares would be appreciated!
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/wales-boss-t...
Wales boss Tandy hands Carré start, with Rees-Zammit on bench vs Argentina
Amid ongoing domestic uncertainty, Wales and head coach Steve Tandy begin their Quilter Nations Series campaign this weekend against Argentina.
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk
November 7, 2025 at 12:25 PM
An interesting Wales squad, who start a new era under Steve Tandy on Sunday against Argentina.
My piece for Talking Rugby Union can be found here. Any shares would be appreciated!
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/wales-boss-t...
My piece for Talking Rugby Union can be found here. Any shares would be appreciated!
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/wales-boss-t...
Had a busy few weeks with rugby writing / teaching assistant work. Thought I’d see what the job market was looking like earlier.
Ooooft. Nearly as much of a shock as somehow hitting 400 TikTok followers.
Ooooft. Nearly as much of a shock as somehow hitting 400 TikTok followers.
November 5, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Had a busy few weeks with rugby writing / teaching assistant work. Thought I’d see what the job market was looking like earlier.
Ooooft. Nearly as much of a shock as somehow hitting 400 TikTok followers.
Ooooft. Nearly as much of a shock as somehow hitting 400 TikTok followers.
✍️| The opening block of the URC has come to an end, here's my round up on all four Welsh teams and how they have gone on this season for @talkrugbyunion.bsky.social.
Any likes or shares would be greatly appreciated!
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/welsh-region...
Any likes or shares would be greatly appreciated!
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/welsh-region...
Welsh regions in focus: URC form and the state of play before autumn internationals
The opening block of fixtures in this season’s United Rugby Championship has drawn to a close and as the league pauses for the Quilter Nations Series, the Welsh regions have plenty to ponder both on a...
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk
October 28, 2025 at 12:22 PM
✍️| The opening block of the URC has come to an end, here's my round up on all four Welsh teams and how they have gone on this season for @talkrugbyunion.bsky.social.
Any likes or shares would be greatly appreciated!
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/welsh-region...
Any likes or shares would be greatly appreciated!
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/welsh-region...
I thought Dale MacLeod spoke well following the Dragons’ game Saturday, despite admitting he didn’t address the situation to his players following Friday’s announcement.
For those subscribed to the SWA, a piece from me below ⬇️
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/255734...
For those subscribed to the SWA, a piece from me below ⬇️
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/255734...
Dragons coach Dale MacLeod questions WRU's decision to cut professional team
Dragons defence coach Dale MacLeod has questioned the Welsh Rugby Union’s decision to cut from four professional teams to three.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk
October 27, 2025 at 12:29 PM
I thought Dale MacLeod spoke well following the Dragons’ game Saturday, despite admitting he didn’t address the situation to his players following Friday’s announcement.
For those subscribed to the SWA, a piece from me below ⬇️
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/255734...
For those subscribed to the SWA, a piece from me below ⬇️
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/255734...
I will never know what the Ospreys did to Rodney Parade in a previous life, but they can’t buy a win there.
An enjoyable Welsh derby, for those subscribed to the South Wales Argus you can read my report below ⬇️
t.co/x5mdUHMO0p
An enjoyable Welsh derby, for those subscribed to the South Wales Argus you can read my report below ⬇️
t.co/x5mdUHMO0p
https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/25572066.dragons-19-19-ospreys-kicks-costly-hosts-make-comeback/
t.co
October 25, 2025 at 9:09 PM
I will never know what the Ospreys did to Rodney Parade in a previous life, but they can’t buy a win there.
An enjoyable Welsh derby, for those subscribed to the South Wales Argus you can read my report below ⬇️
t.co/x5mdUHMO0p
An enjoyable Welsh derby, for those subscribed to the South Wales Argus you can read my report below ⬇️
t.co/x5mdUHMO0p