Tough weekend for Welsh rugby fans! The first round of European matches was a mixed bag, with the Ospreys delivering a stunning comeback to be the only Welsh side pulling off a win by tackling a 21-point deficit to beat Connacht 24-21. Newbie Ryan Smith really shone, scoring a crucial try that turned the tide.
In less cheery news, the Scarlets took a narrow hit from Bristol in a 17-16 defeat. In a bizarre moment, Louis Rees-Zammit scored an awkward but vital try for Bristol—only to be booed by the Scarlets fans! Despite the boos, Louis had the last laugh, sealing the win for Bristol.
The Cardiff side started strong against Stade Francais but unfortunately crumbled in the second half, despite standout performances from young guns Evan Lloyd and Matty Young. Lloyd, in particular, showed off why he’s been eyed for international play, delivering a powerhouse performance of 11 carries, 14 tackles, and two turnovers.
On a tougher note, the Dragons continued their winless streak in 2025 with a heavy 41-17 loss to Perpignan, who hadn’t grabbed a win in 11 matches. A frustrating game where the Dragons couldn’t quite hit their stride, missing a chance to shine against a relatively weak opponent.
The bad luck didn’t stop there—Wales centre Max Llewellyn limped off in Gloucester’s match against Castres with a knee injury. With the Six Nations squad announcement on the horizon, fingers crossed he rebounds quickly!
Overall, while there were some bright sparks, it was a rocky start to the European challenge for Welsh teams. Here’s hoping for a turnaround in the next round of matches! 🏉✨