Welsh rugby’s slide reached another grim milestone with a 73-0 humiliation by South Africa, the heaviest home defeat in their history apart from the 1998 Pretoria loss. It follows a period where Wales have lost 20 of 22 Tests since their 2023 World Cup exit.
Across 2024 and 2025, they have suffered multiple 50-point home defeats, been coached by three different head coaches, and twice been “nilled”. The Six Nations also ended in disaster, bookended by 43-0 and 73-0 scorelines. The WRU faces mounting pressure ahead of Sunday’s AGM as supporters demand structural reform.
Leadership, Players and Structure Under Scrutiny
The WRU’s plan to cut four professional teams to three has stalled, leaving Ospreys, Scarlets, Cardiff and Dragons in limbo. Director of rugby Dave Reddin, chief executive Abi Tierney and chair Richard Collier-Keywood are now under intense scrutiny, especially after Reddin was seen smiling during the South Africa rout.
Head coach Steve Tandy has conceded 27 tries in four November games and urgently needs defensive support before the Six Nations. Players also face job insecurity, with many unsure about contracts for next season. Former fly-half James Hook said the squad cannot be blamed, describing them as “lambs to the slaughter” due to the weakened team and chaotic planning.
For a once-proud rugby nation, this feels like rock bottom — again — and the question now is whether Welsh rugby can finally begin its rebuild.
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