Simon Thomas Rugby
@simonrug.bsky.social
Writer for the Rugby Paper and Nation.Cymru
Pinned
Simon Thomas Rugby
@simonrug.bsky.social
· Nov 14
If anyone would like a signed copy of my book “Rugby Lives” to give as a Christmas present, drop me a line at [email protected].
Down to my last eight copies, so first come first served!
Down to my last eight copies, so first come first served!
Reposted by Simon Thomas Rugby
‘Let go of the past and imagine a different future,’ says the WRU. But at the start of the new season, Welsh rugby’s future has never looked more uncertain ✍️ Simon Thomas
Uncertainty reigns in Welsh rugby as new season gets underway
Simon Thomas Political turmoil is nothing new in Welsh rugby, but seldom has a new season dawned amid quite so much uncertainty and controversy. The backdrop, of course, is the proposal from the WRU ...
wp.me
September 21, 2025 at 8:36 AM
‘Let go of the past and imagine a different future,’ says the WRU. But at the start of the new season, Welsh rugby’s future has never looked more uncertain ✍️ Simon Thomas
Reposted by Simon Thomas Rugby
“It wasn’t long ago we were talking about starting pre-season with 12 players.
We changed our training base, we have had a change of ownership, we have had 1800 caps leave the club and new staff”
It’s remarkable that Cardiff are in the fight for a play off place considering everything.
We changed our training base, we have had a change of ownership, we have had 1800 caps leave the club and new staff”
It’s remarkable that Cardiff are in the fight for a play off place considering everything.
Weekends like this don’t come around too often for Welsh rugby, so let’s savour it while we can.
My thoughts on Round 16 of the URC.
nation.cymru/sport/bkt-ur...
My thoughts on Round 16 of the URC.
nation.cymru/sport/bkt-ur...
BKT URC Round 16 Review: Welsh play-off contenders enjoy perfect weekend
Simon Thomas Peel proud as Scarlets down the leaders The Scarlets became just the second team to beat Leinster Rugby this season on a perfect weekend for the three Welsh play-off contenders. Dwayne Pe...
nation.cymru
April 27, 2025 at 12:10 PM
“It wasn’t long ago we were talking about starting pre-season with 12 players.
We changed our training base, we have had a change of ownership, we have had 1800 caps leave the club and new staff”
It’s remarkable that Cardiff are in the fight for a play off place considering everything.
We changed our training base, we have had a change of ownership, we have had 1800 caps leave the club and new staff”
It’s remarkable that Cardiff are in the fight for a play off place considering everything.
Weekends like this don’t come around too often for Welsh rugby, so let’s savour it while we can.
My thoughts on Round 16 of the URC.
nation.cymru/sport/bkt-ur...
My thoughts on Round 16 of the URC.
nation.cymru/sport/bkt-ur...
BKT URC Round 16 Review: Welsh play-off contenders enjoy perfect weekend
Simon Thomas Peel proud as Scarlets down the leaders The Scarlets became just the second team to beat Leinster Rugby this season on a perfect weekend for the three Welsh play-off contenders. Dwayne Pe...
nation.cymru
April 27, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Weekends like this don’t come around too often for Welsh rugby, so let’s savour it while we can.
My thoughts on Round 16 of the URC.
nation.cymru/sport/bkt-ur...
My thoughts on Round 16 of the URC.
nation.cymru/sport/bkt-ur...
Here's my preview of this weekend's matches in the URC kicking off with the thoughts of Cardiff's James Botham about tonight's huge Arms Park showdown with play-off rivals Munster.
nation.cymru/sport/bkt-ur...
nation.cymru/sport/bkt-ur...
BKT URC Round 16 Preview: Cardiff host Munster in must-win game
Simon Thomas Cardiff Rugby v Munster Rugby, 7.35pm, Friday James Botham says Cardiff will have to produce their best performance of the season to come out on top in their huge clash with play-off riva...
nation.cymru
April 25, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Here's my preview of this weekend's matches in the URC kicking off with the thoughts of Cardiff's James Botham about tonight's huge Arms Park showdown with play-off rivals Munster.
nation.cymru/sport/bkt-ur...
nation.cymru/sport/bkt-ur...
Here’s my report on Judgement Day, including all the reaction from the Principality Stadium double header as Cardiff and the Scarlets come out on top, along with a round-up of the other URC matches.
The play-off battle is going down to the wire.
nation.cymru/sport/bkt-ur...
The play-off battle is going down to the wire.
nation.cymru/sport/bkt-ur...
BKT URC Round 15 Review: Sherratt toasts Cardiff players after Judgement Day heroics
Simon Thomas Cardiff Rugby coach Matt Sherratt says his players have done themselves proud with the way they have responded to recent events off the field. In their first game since the club temporari...
nation.cymru
April 20, 2025 at 11:16 AM
Here’s my report on Judgement Day, including all the reaction from the Principality Stadium double header as Cardiff and the Scarlets come out on top, along with a round-up of the other URC matches.
The play-off battle is going down to the wire.
nation.cymru/sport/bkt-ur...
The play-off battle is going down to the wire.
nation.cymru/sport/bkt-ur...
Here's my look ahead to the Judgement Day double header, with the Ospreys, Cardiff and the Scarlets all vying for URC play-off spots, while the Dragons are looking to reward their loyal fans. The Welsh Shield will also be decided, so there's a lot at stake.
nation.cymru/sport/bkt-ur...
nation.cymru/sport/bkt-ur...
BKT URC Round 15 Preview: Judgement Day looms for Welsh play-off hopefuls
Simon Thomas Ospreys v Cardiff Rugby, 3pm, Saturday It will be knock-out rugby when these two Welsh play-off hopefuls lock horns in the opening game of the Judgement Day derby double header at the Pri...
nation.cymru
April 18, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Here's my look ahead to the Judgement Day double header, with the Ospreys, Cardiff and the Scarlets all vying for URC play-off spots, while the Dragons are looking to reward their loyal fans. The Welsh Shield will also be decided, so there's a lot at stake.
nation.cymru/sport/bkt-ur...
nation.cymru/sport/bkt-ur...
It was good to catch up with former Scotland captain John Barclay to hear how he approaches the job of being a pundit.
He also gave me his URC play-off predictions.
Barclay was speaking in the wake of Premier Sports' new URC TV deal.
www.unitedrugby.com/latest/inter...
He also gave me his URC play-off predictions.
Barclay was speaking in the wake of Premier Sports' new URC TV deal.
www.unitedrugby.com/latest/inter...
Pundit Barclay makes his play-off predictions as Premier Sports sign new BKT URC deal - United Rugby Championship
Premier Sports pundit John Barclay has a key guiding principle when it comes to voicing his opinions about the game.. Read the latest news on URC Rugby Tournament and keep up to date with the latest a...
www.unitedrugby.com
April 18, 2025 at 12:36 PM
It was good to catch up with former Scotland captain John Barclay to hear how he approaches the job of being a pundit.
He also gave me his URC play-off predictions.
Barclay was speaking in the wake of Premier Sports' new URC TV deal.
www.unitedrugby.com/latest/inter...
He also gave me his URC play-off predictions.
Barclay was speaking in the wake of Premier Sports' new URC TV deal.
www.unitedrugby.com/latest/inter...
I really enjoyed listening to Dewi Lake explain just why it’s so special to play at the Principality Stadium.
Here’s my interview with the Ospreys and Wales hooker ahead of Judgement Day.
nation.cymru/sport/dont-l...
Here’s my interview with the Ospreys and Wales hooker ahead of Judgement Day.
nation.cymru/sport/dont-l...
‘Don’t let the experience pass you by’ - Dewi’s Lake's Judgement Day advice
Simon Thomas Dewi Lake has a simple piece of advice for any players making their Principality Stadium debuts on Judgement Day: “Just drink it in.” The Ospreys and Wales hooker has taken the field at t...
nation.cymru
April 16, 2025 at 5:37 PM
I really enjoyed listening to Dewi Lake explain just why it’s so special to play at the Principality Stadium.
Here’s my interview with the Ospreys and Wales hooker ahead of Judgement Day.
nation.cymru/sport/dont-l...
Here’s my interview with the Ospreys and Wales hooker ahead of Judgement Day.
nation.cymru/sport/dont-l...
Reposted by Simon Thomas Rugby
🫡 ‘Don’t let the experience pass you by.’ - Dewi’s Judgement Day advice, as told to @simonrug.bsky.social.
Read more 🔗 ospreys.info/4jrVeHy
Dewi Lake will be fresh and raring to go as he heads into the crucial clash with ninth-placed Cardiff.
“They are a class outfit with dangerous individuals.”
Read more 🔗 ospreys.info/4jrVeHy
Dewi Lake will be fresh and raring to go as he heads into the crucial clash with ninth-placed Cardiff.
“They are a class outfit with dangerous individuals.”
April 16, 2025 at 10:01 AM
🫡 ‘Don’t let the experience pass you by.’ - Dewi’s Judgement Day advice, as told to @simonrug.bsky.social.
Read more 🔗 ospreys.info/4jrVeHy
Dewi Lake will be fresh and raring to go as he heads into the crucial clash with ninth-placed Cardiff.
“They are a class outfit with dangerous individuals.”
Read more 🔗 ospreys.info/4jrVeHy
Dewi Lake will be fresh and raring to go as he heads into the crucial clash with ninth-placed Cardiff.
“They are a class outfit with dangerous individuals.”
It was good to sit down with Blair Murray for a chat this week.
Here's the interval in full.
www.rugbypass.com/news/blair-m...
Here's the interval in full.
www.rugbypass.com/news/blair-m...
'I was gutted' - Blair Murray opens up on controversial Six Nations incident
Blair Murray tells a little tale which shows just how much his life has changed over the past six months.
www.rugbypass.com
April 13, 2025 at 2:25 PM
It was good to sit down with Blair Murray for a chat this week.
Here's the interval in full.
www.rugbypass.com/news/blair-m...
Here's the interval in full.
www.rugbypass.com/news/blair-m...
There are just six points separating fifth and 13th in the URC with three Welsh teams still in the mix for the play-offs.
Here’s my piece on how things stand after Round 14, kicking off with reaction to Dwayne Peel’s Scarlets’ derby day victory over the Ospreys.
nation.cymru/sport/bkt-ur...
Here’s my piece on how things stand after Round 14, kicking off with reaction to Dwayne Peel’s Scarlets’ derby day victory over the Ospreys.
nation.cymru/sport/bkt-ur...
BKT URC Round 14 Review: Peel praises players after Scarlets stunning derby comeback
Simon Thomas Peel proud of derby day comeback Scarlets coach Dwayne Peel said he was proud of the resilience his players showed as they fought back from a nightmare start to claim a vital 38-22 bonus ...
nation.cymru
March 30, 2025 at 3:59 PM
There are just six points separating fifth and 13th in the URC with three Welsh teams still in the mix for the play-offs.
Here’s my piece on how things stand after Round 14, kicking off with reaction to Dwayne Peel’s Scarlets’ derby day victory over the Ospreys.
nation.cymru/sport/bkt-ur...
Here’s my piece on how things stand after Round 14, kicking off with reaction to Dwayne Peel’s Scarlets’ derby day victory over the Ospreys.
nation.cymru/sport/bkt-ur...
Reposted by Simon Thomas Rugby
Ospreys soar up table after “crazy” contest - @simonrug.bsky.social 🗞️
"Ospreys coach Mark Jones says the target is to keep on climbing the URC table now they are up to seventh after beating Connacht Rugby 43-40 in a “crazy” 12-try thriller."
Read more: ospreys.info/4izRlR2
#TogetherAsOne
"Ospreys coach Mark Jones says the target is to keep on climbing the URC table now they are up to seventh after beating Connacht Rugby 43-40 in a “crazy” 12-try thriller."
Read more: ospreys.info/4izRlR2
#TogetherAsOne
Ospreys soar up table after “crazy” contest - Simon Thomas | Ospreys
ospreys.info
March 24, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Ospreys soar up table after “crazy” contest - @simonrug.bsky.social 🗞️
"Ospreys coach Mark Jones says the target is to keep on climbing the URC table now they are up to seventh after beating Connacht Rugby 43-40 in a “crazy” 12-try thriller."
Read more: ospreys.info/4izRlR2
#TogetherAsOne
"Ospreys coach Mark Jones says the target is to keep on climbing the URC table now they are up to seventh after beating Connacht Rugby 43-40 in a “crazy” 12-try thriller."
Read more: ospreys.info/4izRlR2
#TogetherAsOne
Reposted by Simon Thomas Rugby
Ospreys coach Mark Jones says the target is to keep on climbing the URC table now they are up to seventh after beating Connacht Rugby 43-40 in a ‘crazy’ 12-try thriller ✍🏻 Simon Thomas
BKT URC Round 13 Review: Ospreys soar up table after 12-try thriller
Simon Thomas Ospreys soar up table after “crazy” contest Ospreys coach Mark Jones says the target is to keep on climbing the URC table now they are up to seventh after beating Connacht Rugby 43-40 in...
wp.me
March 23, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Ospreys coach Mark Jones says the target is to keep on climbing the URC table now they are up to seventh after beating Connacht Rugby 43-40 in a ‘crazy’ 12-try thriller ✍🏻 Simon Thomas
The Ospreys’ 43-40 victory over Connacht was one of the wildest games I have ever covered.
Here are Mark Jones’ thoughts on the 12-try thriller, plus an interview with Cardiff’s Callum Sheedy on another nerve jangler at the Arms Park.
nation.cymru/sport/bkt-ur...
Here are Mark Jones’ thoughts on the 12-try thriller, plus an interview with Cardiff’s Callum Sheedy on another nerve jangler at the Arms Park.
nation.cymru/sport/bkt-ur...
BKT URC Round 13 Review: Ospreys soar up table after 12-try thriller
Simon Thomas Ospreys soar up table after “crazy” contest Ospreys coach Mark Jones says the target is to keep on climbing the URC table now they are up to seventh after beating Connacht Rugby 43-40 in...
nation.cymru
March 23, 2025 at 12:52 PM
The Ospreys’ 43-40 victory over Connacht was one of the wildest games I have ever covered.
Here are Mark Jones’ thoughts on the 12-try thriller, plus an interview with Cardiff’s Callum Sheedy on another nerve jangler at the Arms Park.
nation.cymru/sport/bkt-ur...
Here are Mark Jones’ thoughts on the 12-try thriller, plus an interview with Cardiff’s Callum Sheedy on another nerve jangler at the Arms Park.
nation.cymru/sport/bkt-ur...
Here’s my long-read interview with Cardiff captain Liam Belcher.
A fascinating insight into what makes him tick as a player.
His thoughts on the flak hookers receive when a lineout goes wrong were particularly interesting.
www.zeeon.co.uk/article/play...
A fascinating insight into what makes him tick as a player.
His thoughts on the flak hookers receive when a lineout goes wrong were particularly interesting.
www.zeeon.co.uk/article/play...
Player Feature: Liam Belcher
To get an idea of just how dedicated Liam Belcher is to his profession, it’s worth listening to the words of Matt Sherratt.
www.zeeon.co.uk
March 21, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Here’s my long-read interview with Cardiff captain Liam Belcher.
A fascinating insight into what makes him tick as a player.
His thoughts on the flak hookers receive when a lineout goes wrong were particularly interesting.
www.zeeon.co.uk/article/play...
A fascinating insight into what makes him tick as a player.
His thoughts on the flak hookers receive when a lineout goes wrong were particularly interesting.
www.zeeon.co.uk/article/play...
Reposted by Simon Thomas Rugby
ICYMI - Our 2025 Men's Six Nations Team of the Championship. Lineup.
March 18, 2025 at 5:17 PM
ICYMI - Our 2025 Men's Six Nations Team of the Championship. Lineup.
An interview with Cardiff wing Harri Millard - a player who knows all about the ups and downs of life as a rugby pro. t.co/2cAh6h2u7C
https://nation.cymru/sport/harris-game-the-highs-and-lows-of-life-as-a-rugby-pro/
t.co
March 18, 2025 at 9:23 PM
An interview with Cardiff wing Harri Millard - a player who knows all about the ups and downs of life as a rugby pro. t.co/2cAh6h2u7C
Some thoughts on where now for Welsh rugby after the darkest of days at the Principality Stadium.
nation.cymru/sport/wales-...
nation.cymru/sport/wales-...
Wales 14 - 68 England: Wales plumb the depths of despair
Simon Thomas Another whitewash, another wooden spoon, more unwanted records and now some huge decisions for Welsh rugby. There have been plenty of lows for Wales over the past 18 months, but yesterday...
nation.cymru
March 16, 2025 at 10:31 AM
Some thoughts on where now for Welsh rugby after the darkest of days at the Principality Stadium.
nation.cymru/sport/wales-...
nation.cymru/sport/wales-...
But, playing devil’s advocate, you could argue some tries which are allowed involve jumps over tackles where players don’t stay on their feet. Not sure the wording of the law is always applied in those cases.
March 9, 2025 at 12:29 PM
But, playing devil’s advocate, you could argue some tries which are allowed involve jumps over tackles where players don’t stay on their feet. Not sure the wording of the law is always applied in those cases.
Many thanks.
Just wish I could have a Wales win to write about!
Just wish I could have a Wales win to write about!
March 9, 2025 at 11:39 AM
Many thanks.
Just wish I could have a Wales win to write about!
Just wish I could have a Wales win to write about!
As a side dish to my report…
March 9, 2025 at 11:37 AM
As a side dish to my report…
The one caveat I would add is Wales do have more attacking shape and threat when they have the ball now - the problem was they hardly had it at all while being blown away in the first 50 minutes.
March 9, 2025 at 11:08 AM
The one caveat I would add is Wales do have more attacking shape and threat when they have the ball now - the problem was they hardly had it at all while being blown away in the first 50 minutes.
It was certainly an eventful encounter at Murrayfield yesterday.
But just where does it leave Wales going into their Six Nations finale against England?
Here are my thoughts.
nation.cymru/sport/scotla...
But just where does it leave Wales going into their Six Nations finale against England?
Here are my thoughts.
nation.cymru/sport/scotla...
Scotland 35 Wales 29: The good, the bad and the ugly
Simon Thomas We’ve seen the good and the bad from Wales under Matt Sherratt so far. The question now is will we see the ugly or can his brief tenure end in handsome fashion against England? There has ...
nation.cymru
March 9, 2025 at 11:06 AM
It was certainly an eventful encounter at Murrayfield yesterday.
But just where does it leave Wales going into their Six Nations finale against England?
Here are my thoughts.
nation.cymru/sport/scotla...
But just where does it leave Wales going into their Six Nations finale against England?
Here are my thoughts.
nation.cymru/sport/scotla...