The Welsh Rugby Podcast

A Six Nations win at last! And the usual Welsh rugby politics

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas sit down to discuss Wales' win over Italy to end the Six Nations on a high, as well as the upcoming EGM. EXCLUSIVE Nor...

Positivity grows - so can Wales end the wait for a win?

11 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss the 27-17 defeat to Ireland in Dublin and look at whether Wales could earn their first Six Nations win in three y...

Defeat again, but signs of progress?

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas sit down to discuss Wales' 26-23 defeat to Scotland, as well as the news that Peter Murchie has been appointed defence co...

Another hammering - when can Wales be competitive again?

17 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas sit down to discuss the 54-12 defeat to France in Cardiff, as well as looking ahead to this weekend's clash with Scotland...

Wales team to face France and the England debrief

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss Wales' team to face France, as well as the woeful performance against England at Twickenham. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN...

England v Wales preview: Off-field drama and a tough start to the Six Nations

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James is joined by Daily Mail writer Alex Bywater to discuss Wales' Six Nations opener against England, as well as the off-field issues with the O...

The week from hell and a Six Nations launch to follow

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas break down a manic week in Welsh rugby, with the Ospreys' future plunged into uncertainty, while we also hear from Wales ...

More EGM talk, European shambles and an old face returns

14 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss the latest goings on in Welsh rugby - including the current standstill over a move to go down to three teams, Nig...

New Year, same crisis

07 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas start 2026 with news of an EGM as the uncertainty in Welsh rugby continues, while they also cast an eye over the festive ...

Goodbye Jac and Dewi - what now for Welsh rugby?

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss the weekend's results, as well as the news that both Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake will join Gloucester next season. ...

Trystan Bevan: Where Wales went wrong and how to fix Welsh rugby

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Steffan Thomas speaks to former Cardiff head of performance Trystan Bevan to review Wales' defeat to South Africa and what needs to happen to get Wels...

A debut for Deaves and more off-field mess

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss the Wales team to face New Zealand, as well as more off-field drama in Welsh rugby. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼...

Jonah and Wales

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

10 years on from his passing, Ben James speaks to Kingsley Jones, Josh Navidi, Mark Jones, Rhys Williams and Xavier Rush about Jonah Lomu's impact on ...

Wales team to face Japan: LRZ is back

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss the Wales team to face Japan this weekend. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼  Try it risk-free now with a 30-day m...

Wales 28-52 Argentina: A tough start for Steve Tandy...

11 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas reflect on Wales' autumn defeat to Argentina in Cardiff, as the Steve Tandy era began with a loss. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN De...

Jarrod Evans: Life inside Steve Tandy's Wales camp as new era begins

07 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

WalesOnline Rugby correspondent Steffan Thomas sits down with Wales outside-half Jarrod Evans ahead of this Sunday's clash with Argentina. EXCLUSIVE ...

The key decisions facing Steve Tandy ahead of Wales' autumn opener

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Steffan Thomas and The Observer rugby writer Ben Coles sit down to discuss Wales' prospects and who Steve Tandy should select for autumn opener agains...

'An utter shambles' - Four becomes three

29 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas sit down to discuss the Welsh Rugby Union's plans to cut from four teams to three and how that will affect Steve Tandy's ...

Wales squad reaction: Carre in from the cold

22 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and MailOnline rugby writer Alex Bywater sit down to discuss Wales' autumn squad announcement - including the recall of Rhys Carre. EXCLUS...

An early-season crisis and Wales squad predictions

15 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas sit down to discuss the Scarlets' crisis, Cardiff's possible new investors and Steve Tandy's possible first Wales squad. ...

The Dave Reddin podcast

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welsh Rugby Union director of rugby and elite performance Dave Reddin joins Ben James and Steffan Thomas on the latest episode following the end of th...

A change in direction and the start of a new season

01 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss the opening weekend of the new season, as well as the end of the WRU's consultation process Learn more about your...

Season preview and a big departure days before

24 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas sit down to discuss the start of the United Rugby Championship season, as well as Matt Sherratt's move from Cardiff to Wa...

Pushback against the two-club model

10 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss the latest news from the WRU's consultation into Welsh rugby, with the Dragons and WRPA having pushed back again...

Yet more change in Welsh rugby

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss the WRU's 'optimal system' that could see four professional clubs reduced to two, as well as hearing from WRU dir...

An instant Lions classic and that Jac Morgan clearout

30 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss the classic second Test between the British and Irish Lions and Australia, including the Jac Morgan clearout in t...

A new Wales coach, Abi Tierney and Jac's a Test Lion

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas react to the news that Jac Morgan is in the Lions' squad for the second Test against the Wallabies, as well as the news t...

A win at last - but there's trouble brewing

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas pick apart Wales' win over Japan in Kobe, as well as the WRU's announcement that a reduction to two or three teams will b...

18 in a row and the Blair Murray interview

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss Wales' 24-19 defeat to Japan in Kitakyushu, while Ben sits down with Wales full-back Blair Murray in Kobe ahead o...

The Japan vs Wales preview: Joe Roberts interview, serious heat and maybe a long-awaited win...?

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Welsh Rugby Podcast is back with a bang! Ben James is out in the heat and humidity of Japan ahead of Wales' summer tour - join him as he sits dow...

Another season done and dusted

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas reflect on the Scarlets' URC play-off defeat to Leinster, as the curtain comes down on the 2024/25 season for Wales' club...

Four into three and the Scarlets' URC play-off run

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss the latest crisis in Welsh rugby, as well as the Scarlets' upcoming URC play-off clash with Leinster in Dublin. L...

Welsh rugby divided again and the play-offs in sight

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas sit down to discuss the latest crisis in Welsh rugby, with the Ospreys and Scarlets having not signed the new PRA, as wel...

Lions squad reaction and Jac Morgan's 'emotional' plane journey

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and John Jones react to the British and Irish Lions squad announcement, while we hear from Jac Morgan following his call-up. Learn more abou...

Lions squad beckons and Welsh sides in South Africa

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss the Welsh team's hopes in South Africa, as well as this week's British and Irish Lions squad announcement. Learn ...

The Pat Lam podcast

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas head to Bristol Bears' training base to speak to their head coach, Pat Lam. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podca...

Judgement Day preview and a new Wales coach front-runner

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas sit down to discuss the Ospreys' European exit, Judgement Day and the news that Steve Tandy is now favourite for the Wale...

A massive week in Welsh rugby

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James speaks to business editor Sion Barry and CF10 chair Lynn Glaister after Cardiff were taken over by the Welsh Rugby Union. Learn more about y...

A west Wales derby and the European knockout stages

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas dissect the last weekend of United Rugby Championship, while looking ahead to the Welsh teams' chances in the Challenge C...

The Mark Jones podcast

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ospreys head coach and former Wales wing Mark Jones sits down with Ben James to talk taking over at the Welsh region, his growth as a coach and racing...

The Abi Tierney podcast

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas are joined by WRU CEO Abi Tierney to discuss where Welsh rugby goes next after Saturday's record defeat to England. Learn...

Where do we go now?

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas sit down to reflect on Wales' 68-14 defeat to England and what comes next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcas...

Wales v England preview: Two changes and burying Scottish ghosts

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas preview Wales' final Six Nations clash with England. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Backing it up against Scotland and heroic Ospreys

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas preview Wales' fourth Six Nations match with Scotland, while looking back on the weekend's URC action Learn more about yo...

Finally some signs of hope

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas sit down to discuss Wales' much-improved performance in their defeat to Ireland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ...

Sweeping changes under Jockey and the search for Gatland's successor begins

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss Wales' team to face Ireland, Matt Sherratt's impact and the search for the next Wales coach. Learn more about you...

Gatland gone and a new Wales coach

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas react to the breaking news that Warren Gatland has left his role of Wales coach midway through the Six Nations. Learn mor...

Elliot Dee, a week in Nice and jobs on the line

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James speaks to Wales hooker Elliot Dee and Daily Mail writer Alex Bywater in Nice as Wales prepare for their Six Nations clash with Italy. Learn ...

France v Wales team reaction: Plenty of experience but no Faletau

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas react to Wales' team to face France in their Six Nations opener in Paris. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcast...

Warren Gatland, Jac Morgan and a Six Nations launch in Rome

22 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Daily Mail writer Alex Bywater sit down in Rome to discuss the Six Nations launch, while we hear from Warren Gatland and Jac Morgan. Lea...

Six Nations squad surprises and Gatland's future

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas return for the first podcast of 2025 as they react to Wales' Six Nations squad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit p...

A WRU meeting and a coaching departure

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss the WRU board meeting that will consider the autumn campaign review, while they also react to Toby Booth's depart...

No Wales for O'Gara and the latest on Gatland

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James is joined by Daily Mail rugby writer Alex Bywater to discuss Ronan O'Gara's Wales comments and the latest goings-on in Welsh rugby. Learn mo...

Are Welsh players fit enough and what needs to change?

04 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas are joined by former Cardiff and Wasps head of performance Trystan Bevan to discuss Warren Gatland's concerns at Welsh pl...

A big review and still no strategy

27 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss the review into Wales' autumn campaign, the new strategy for Welsh rugby and the return of the United Rugby Champ...

A winless year: Where do we go next?

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas react to Wales' 45-12 defeat to South Africa, capping a winless year for Warren Gatland's side. Learn more about your ad ...

Changes for South Africa and a defiant Gatland

20 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss Wales' team to face South Africa, as well as Warren Gatland's latest press conference. Learn more about your ad c...

End game for Gatland?

18 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas react immediately to Wales' 52-20 defeat to Australia, their 11th consecutive Test defeat that has piled even more pressu...

More Fiji reaction and the visit of a resurgent Wallabies

13 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas continue the inquest after Wales' defeat to Fiji, while Sydney Morning Herald writer Iain Payten gives us the Australian ...

10 defeats in a row and another Fiji nightmare

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas reflect on Wales' defeat to Fiji in Cardiff as their winless 2024 goes on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcas...

Another Welsh rugby scandal and the Dragons' Welsh duo

06 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss the latest allegations of sexism in the Welsh Rugby Union, while Wales duo Aaron Wainwright and Rio Dyer join the...

A good weekend in Wales and who plays 12?

30 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas reflect on a positive weekend in Welsh rugby, while looking ahead to Warren Gatland's selection for the Fiji game. Learn ...

Wales autumn squad announcement reaction

21 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas react to Warren Gatland's 35-man squad for the upcoming autumn campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastc...

The Scott Baldwin podcast

16 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Former Wales and Ospreys hooker Scott Baldwin joins Ben James to talk coaching Bridgend in Super Rygbi Cymru and his thoughts on Wales. Learn more abo...

A South African scalp goes begging and what Wales want at 10

09 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas discusses the latest issues in Welsh rugby, after a weekend when all four professional sides lost. Learn more about your ...

More calls for an Anglo-Welsh league, with Scarlets chair Simon Muderack

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Scarlets chair Simon Muderack joins the podcast to talk Anglo-Welsh mergers and the latest goings-on in Welsh rugby. Learn more about your ad choices....

Dragons' dream start with Rhys Blumberg and a chat with Matt Sherratt

25 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas are joined on the podcast by Dragons CEO Rhys Blumberg and Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt to review the opening weekend...

The big season preview

18 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas sit down to look ahead to a new season in Welsh rugby, amid big coaching changes and shrinking budgets. Learn more about ...

A contentious captain, an exciting debut and Kemsley Mathias

18 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James is joined by Wales prop Ellis Bevan in Brisbane to talk Wales' summer tour, while BBC Wales writer Gareth Griffiths chats with Ben about Cor...

Wales' new scrum-half Ellis Bevan and the wait for a win goes on

10 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James is joined by Wales scrum-half Ellis Bevan to discuss his start to life in Test rugby, while BBC Wales writer Gareth Griffiths chats with Ben...

The one from Down Under: Wales v Australia and the new life of a Welsh exile

03 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James is in Australia with the Wales team and met up with former Welsh international Ben Evans to preview Saturday's first Test and hear about his...

The WRU’s big announcement and Wales’ best XV now

27 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jon Doel and Steffan Thomas assess the fallout from the WRU’s announcement of the new five-year strategy for Welsh rugby. They also review Wales’ ...

Wales v South Africa: The teams, the fears and the final score

19 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Steff Thomas and Jon Doel pick through Warren Gatland's Wales team selection and give their predictions on what will happen against world champions So...

Ospreys' title hopes ended and a new Wales call-up

11 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss the Ospreys' URC playoff defeat to Munster, as well as the call-up for Scarlets centre Eddie James. Brought to y...

Wales summer squad reaction: Warren Gatland, Cory Hill and the Ospreys' play-off run

04 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steff Thomas sit down to discuss Wales' summer squad for South Africa and Australia, look at who is in and who isn't, and reflect on Jud...

Judgement Day preview: Toby Booth, Aaron Wainwright and more

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steff Thomas are joined by coaches and players from all four regions ahead of the double-header at Cardiff City Stadium. Brought to you...

Morgan Morris, Cory Hill and does four go into three?

22 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas sit down to discuss the Ospreys keeping their slim play-off hopes alive, rumours of Welsh call-ups and the latest talk ah...

The Huw Bevan and Geraint John podcast

15 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

WRU performance director Huw Bevan and community director Geraint John join us on the podcast to talk the EDC, community game and women's rugby. Brou...

The Adam Jones podcast

19 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Former Wales prop and Harlequins coach Adam Jones joins Ben James and Steff Thomas on the latest episode of the podcast to talk Quins' European succes...

The Graham Henry podcast

12 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James is joined by former Wales and New Zealand coach Graham Henry to celebrate 25 years since the win over England at Wembley, as well as his mem...

The Abi Tierney and Nigel Walker podcast

28 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas are joined by WRU CEO Abi Tierney and executive director of rugby Nigel Walker to talk Warren Gatland, a wooden spoon and...

The start of the Women's Six Nations and a timely win in Llanelli

27 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas discuss Wales' Women's defeat to Scotland, as well as the four regions' matches in the United Rugby Championship. Brough...

Just where do we go from here?

20 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas sit down to discuss Wales' winless Six Nations and just what needs to change to improve Welsh rugby's fortunes. Brought ...

Wales 21-24 Italy: A dismal Wooden Spoon

17 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Times rugby writer Elgan Alderman sit down to react to Wales' dismal defeat to Italy that secured them the Wooden Spoon. Brought to you...

Wales 24-45 France: Into a Wooden Spoon week we go

11 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas react to Wales' Six Nations defeat to France, which leaves them staring at a Wooden Spoon next week. Brought to you by W...

Wales v France preview: A surprise centre pairing

07 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas react to the Wales team to face France and look at where this weekend's match will be won and lost. Brought to you by Wa...

Ireland 31-7 Wales reaction: We are where we are

25 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steff Thomas react to Wales' Six Nations in Dublin. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit po...

Ireland v Wales Six Nations preview: A debut for Big Mac

21 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steff Thomas discuss the Wales team to face Ireland, as well as the daunting task facing Warren Gatland's side in Dublin. Brought to yo...

The Kieran Hardy podcast

14 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Wales and Scarlets scrum-half Kieran Hardy joins Ben James for a brief chat about life in Wales' Six Nations camp. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reac...

England 16-14 Wales reaction: So, so close

11 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Daily Mail rugby writer Alex Bywater react to Wales' narrow defeat to England at Twickenham. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach PLC. L...

Wales v England preview: Bold changes, Alex Mann and Cameron Winnett

08 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steff Thomas discuss Wales' team to face England, Telegraph writer Charlie Morgan offers insight on Steve Borthwick's side and we hear f...

Wales 26-27 Scotland reaction: How do you sum that up?!

04 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas do their best to dissect Wales' Six Nations opener in Cardiff that saw them nearly come back from 27-0 down to win. Brou...

Wales v Scotland Six Nations preview, with Jamie Lyall

31 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rugby commentator Jamie Lyall joins Ben James to preview Wales' Six Nations opener against Scotland in Cardiff. Brought to you by WalesOnline/Reach P...

Gatland, Farrell, Borthwick and the superb Ospreys

25 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steff Thomas discuss the latest in Welsh rugby, while we hear from a number of coaches and captains ahead of the Six Nations. Brought t...

The Louis Rees-Zammit bombshell and Wales' Six Nations squad

17 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas sit down to react to the news Louis Rees-Zammit is leaving rugby to pursue a career in the NFL, as well as Wales' Six Nat...

The Richard Whiffin podcast: Wales U20s new coach talks teaching tomorrow's stars

10 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Wales U20s coach Richard Whiffin chats to Ben James and Steffan Thomas about his new job, the upcoming Six Nations and how best to develop Wales' youn...

Scarlets' nadir, Anglo-Welsh desire and the end of 2023

20 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas talk what's gone wrong at the Scarlets, why there needs to be more Anglo-Welsh matches and look back at an eventful 2023....

The Rob Howley podcast: 'Can't believe it... I can't believe it'

15 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Rob Howley joins Ben James and Steffan Thomas on the podcast to talk about his return to the Wales coaching set-up, four years after leaving the role....

What's gone wrong with Welsh rugby?

13 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ben James and Steffan Thomas are joined by Seimon Williams - author of new book 'Welsh Rugby: What Went Wrong?' - to talk Welsh rugby's woes and just ...

Backing Dwayne Peel and what happens next for Welsh rugby

06 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Scarlets chair Simon Muderack joins Ben James and Steffan Thomas to discuss the Scarlets' start to the season, the pressure on head coach Dwayne Peel,...