Rough night for Welsh rugby as Women’s head coach Sean Lynn didn’t hold back after Wales’ tough 38-8 opener against Scotland in the World Cup. Lynn slammed the team for lacking the physicality they promised, particularly pointing out weaknesses in defence. “Not good enough,” he told the BBC, stressing the need for improvement before facing Canada and Fiji next. Some late-game energy from substitutes wasn’t enough to stop the Scottish onslaught and leaves Wales needing to up their game for a shot at the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, former Wales star Tom Shanklin has warned the WRU’s plan to reduce professional men’s teams from four to two could spell the end of Welsh rugby. In a vibrant online chat, Shanklin argued having four teams provides better pathways for new talent and a larger pool of players to keep Welsh rugby competitive in the long run. “Investment in the next generation is key,” he emphasised.
In a brighter spotlight, England’s Red Roses soared in their World Cup opener with a blistering 69-7 win over the USA at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, drawing a record crowd of over 42,000. Coach John Mitchell was thrilled with the second-half push, highlighting the team’s depth and work ethic. With a 28-game winning streak, the Roses’ relentless drive hints at even more growth as the tournament progresses. Notable performances across the team demonstrated England’s prowess, particularly in the scrums and individual player contributions, setting a high standard for the matches ahead.
Stay tuned for more from the world of rugby as teams strive for victory in this exciting World Cup season! 🌍🏉