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Iestyn Rhys Thomas @iestyn21.bsky.social · 1d

Feels proper weird to say this, but looking forward to covering some live rugby this weekend in the URC after watching the first two rounds of the season from home.

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Iestyn Rhys Thomas @iestyn21.bsky.social · 5d

I think Sutton is a solid player at regional level, probably a hint of rotation to allow Ratti to move to 6.

They could have really done with a signing at TH, doesn’t feel like Henry or Warren will kick on if injury problems persist.

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Iestyn Rhys Thomas @iestyn21.bsky.social · 5d

The Ospreys ran out of steam in both of their games in South Africa and probably a missed opportunity for a couple of points in Cape Town.

They were able to make a contest in defence and the breakdown, but the scrum is a major concern for Mark Jones’ side. #STOvOSP

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Iestyn Rhys Thomas @iestyn21.bsky.social · 6d

Forgot to share this year when published, but my URC Round 2 preview can be found below.

Three Welsh teams searching for a first win of the season. Any likes or shares would be appreciated. 🏉
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/united-rugby...

United Rugby Championship Round 2: Welsh teams seek victories after mixed opener

The second instalment of the United Rugby Championship season gets underway on Friday night following a tricky opening weekend for the four Welsh teams.

www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk

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Iestyn Rhys Thomas @iestyn21.bsky.social · 7d

I’ve been called a lot worse!

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Iestyn Rhys Thomas @iestyn21.bsky.social · 7d

Official start date being the Sunday quarter finals of the 2015 World Cup?

Good wins for Argentina and Australia to kick us off

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Iestyn Rhys Thomas @iestyn21.bsky.social · 7d

Penblwydd Hapus Ed!

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Iestyn Rhys Thomas @iestyn21.bsky.social · 10d

✍️ | My recap of the opening weekend of URC action for the Welsh teams for Talking Rugby Union can be found here!

Any likes or shares would be greatly appreciated!
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/united-rugby...

United Rugby Championship recap: Cardiff shine but Welsh regions endure tough start

The weekly Welsh view from the United Rugby Championship with Iestyn Rhys-Thomas as Cardiff’s bonus-point win over the Lions was the bright spot for the regions in Round One.

www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk

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Iestyn Rhys Thomas @iestyn21.bsky.social · 10d

The Ryder Cup admittedly stealing the spotlight tonight (had it on laptop)

But the Top 14 clash between Bayonne and Toulon is one to catch up on for those who missed it. Proper game.

A seriously good weekend of sport, job hunt properly continues tomorrow.

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Iestyn Rhys Thomas @iestyn21.bsky.social · 11d

He’s currently out in SA with the Ospreys squad, one to keep an eye on for the rest of the season

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Iestyn Rhys Thomas @iestyn21.bsky.social · 12d

It always felt like a tighthead was needed around the age profile of 26/27.

Henry and Warren could be the answer, yet haven’t had much rugby in them.

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Iestyn Rhys Thomas @iestyn21.bsky.social · 12d

Yeah the set-piece a major concern, despite matching the physicality outside of the set-piece.

I could see Rhys Henry starting next weekend against the Stormers.

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Iestyn Rhys Thomas @iestyn21.bsky.social · 12d

A try fest in Pretoria, with the Bulls beating the Ospreys 53-40.

Discipline a problem at the beginning of the second half proved costly, with the hosts dominating up front in the set-piece.

Cheswill Jooste will be one for the future! #URC #BULvOSP

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Iestyn Rhys Thomas @iestyn21.bsky.social · 12d

3 tries in 8 minutes. This is bonkers. #BULvOSP #URC

Iestyn Rhys Thomas @iestyn21.bsky.social · 12d

What a start for the Dragons!

Might need to update the quickest try list in the URC thanks to Aaron Wainwright. #ULSvDRA #URC

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Iestyn Rhys Thomas @iestyn21.bsky.social · 12d

Well I’m not sure many had this scoreline to start the URC season, a big result incoming for the Stormers! #STOvLEI #URC

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Iestyn Rhys Thomas @iestyn21.bsky.social · 14d

My latest piece for Talking Rugby Union, a season preview of the Welsh teams ahead of the #URC

Any likes or shares would be appreciated, still open for any freelance opportunities over the coming season!
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/united-rugby...

United Rugby Championship 2025/26: What defines a strong campaign for the Welsh regions?

Uncertainty still hangs over Welsh rugby, but for now, the four regions are preparing for the new United Rugby Championship season. TRUs Iestyn Rhys-Thomas looks ahead.

www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk

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Iestyn Rhys Thomas @iestyn21.bsky.social · 18d

Wales international Adam Beard’s first start with Montpellier ends up in a convincing 44-14 win over Toulouse.

Australian internationals Tom Banks and Jordan Uelese amongst the try scorers. #Top14

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Iestyn Rhys Thomas @iestyn21.bsky.social · 18d

From the 2 Top14 games I have watched today from start to finish.

There has been 156 points scored in all.

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Iestyn Rhys Thomas @iestyn21.bsky.social · 20d

A new experience for me last night to attend the Welsh Rugby Writers' Association awards evening, many congratulations to the award winners.

Piece below includes quotes from Jac Morgan and Kate Williams. Any likes or shares would be appreciated.
opensideblog.wordpress.com/2025/09/19/j...

Jac Morgan and Kate Williams named Wales’ players of the year

18.09.25 – Welsh Rugby Writers Awards – Image credit: Huw Evans Agency Jac Morgan and Kate Williams have been named men’s and women’s player of the year by the Welsh Rugby Writers’ Asso…

opensideblog.wordpress.com

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Iestyn Rhys Thomas @iestyn21.bsky.social · 25d

Yes.

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Iestyn Rhys Thomas @iestyn21.bsky.social · 26d

I want to say Australia are top on 11 points, this is what RugbyPass are saying before updating the NZ vs SA result.

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Iestyn Rhys Thomas @iestyn21.bsky.social · 26d

And after all that, Australia are top of the Rugby Championship.

And the rest of the day will be spent watching 2 women’s RWC QFs and whatever Top14 offering Premier Sports is providing (3 games!)

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Iestyn Rhys Thomas @iestyn21.bsky.social · 26d

November the 22nd can’t come soon enough!

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Iestyn Rhys Thomas @iestyn21.bsky.social · 26d

Biggest ever defeat according to Sky Sports NZ.

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