Scrum V

Welsh rugby journalist Matt Lloyd, former Wales hooker Scott Baldwin, and ex-Wales international and broadcaster Philippa Tuttiett review a dramatic weekend. They discuss the Ospreys’ return to St Helens, Wales’ gritty win in Japan, the Scarlets’ thriller against the Stormers, Cardiff’s tactical battle, and the WRU’s finances. Lloyd also shares what new chairman Lyndon Faulkner could mean for the regions.

Alex Cuthbert, former Wales and Lions wing, and Ellis Jenkins, ex-Wales captain and Cardiff flanker, join Liam Williams and Lauren Salter to dissect Steve Tandy’s squad. They debate Max Page and Aaron Owen’s chances, Wales’ starting team for Japan, midfield and back-three combinations, and unlucky omissions. Cuthbert also tackles Welsh rugby’s financial crisis, while the panel previews European battles and the Ospreys-Dragons derby.

WRU chief financial officer Gavin Marshall explains the union’s £18.1m loss, Cardiff’s finances, falling attendances and plans to reach break-even. Welsh rugby journalist Matt Lloyd examines proposed cuts to regional funding, the case for reducing four regions to three, Cardiff’s ownership future and the human cost of restructuring. A candid look at Welsh rugby’s financial fault lines.

Steve Tandy, Wales head coach and former international, discusses his autumn squad, recalls for Tane Basham and Rio Dyer, Aaron Owen’s recognition, selection principles and overseas players. Rugby journalist Alex Bywater reviews Cardiff, Scarlets, Ospreys and Dragons in Europe, debates Eddie James’ position and questions the Champions Cup format. He also shares a wild private-jet trip to Georgia, while the panel explores Welsh rugby finances and Canada’s landmark win over England.

Alex Callender, Wales captain and dynamic flanker, joins former Welsh and British & Irish Lions hooker Scott Baldwin and Wales head coach Sean Lynn. They discuss rebuilding Wales Women, rising competition through domestic pathways, youth development, Japan’s fast style, selection challenges and returning from injury. Seren Lockwood’s breakthrough, blistering pace and growing confidence also take centre stage.

Liam Williams, a Wales and British & Irish Lions back, joins former Wales centres Jonathan “Foxy” Davies and hooker Scott Baldwin for a packed European rugby preview. They compare domestic and continental glory, assess Welsh sides facing tough opposition, and debate artificial pitches, young forward development and coaching standards. Plus, Baldwin’s love of podcasts gets an unexpected outing.

Gabriel Hamer-Webb, a Wales-capped Leicester Tigers winger, joins Welsh internationals Aaron Wainwright and Tommy Reffell, plus versatile back-rower Olly Cracknell. They discuss Leicester’s Welsh connection, a complementary back row, Premiership intensity and chasing club and country success. Hamer-Webb opens up about rebuilding confidence, his first Wales cap and ambitions for the 2027 World Cup.

Scott Baldwin, former Wales and Ospreys hooker turned Bridgend coach, joins a lively review of the Welsh regions’ URC form. They discuss Blair Murray’s match-changing spark, Gareth Davies’ World Cup credentials, Cardiff’s defensive progress and the appeal of unpredictable rugby. The conversation also tackles the WRU’s three-region plan, funding, flawed evidence, player pathways, finances and new leadership.

Former Wales captain Ellis Jenkins, ex-Wales and Lions stars Liam Williams and Alex Cuthbert preview a pivotal URC weekend. They discuss Liam’s new life in Spain, retirement and dressing-room friendships, the Dragons’ revival, Scarlets’ injury crisis and Welsh rugby’s shifting fortunes. The trio also explore media nerves, player leadership, Wales’ back-three options and major derby and Leinster tests.

Fletcher Anderson, the Scarlets’ New Zealand number eight, joins recruitment officer James “Cubby” Davies, Managing Director Jon Daniels and Director of Rugby Nigel Davies. They discuss rebuilding after derby defeats, developing young talent and scouting players beyond statistics. The conversation also explores Welsh rugby’s uncertain future, financial pressures, investment, recruitment challenges and Anderson’s ambitions to qualify for Wales.