Six Nations: Wales Host France in Must-See Clash

Welsh players were visibly upset after their defeat 

Wales faces France in Six Nations, seeking first win since 2023. Steve Tandy's side concedes 49.6 points per game.

“We're never safe from having a bad match...” 

Wales is facing a tough time, both on and off the field, ahead of their Six Nations clash with France in Cardiff. The team is struggling with confidence after a disappointing 48-7 loss to England in their tournament opener.

The pressure is mounting, and Wales needs a strong performance against France to turn things around. France, on the other hand, is looking sharp after their 36-14 win over Ireland last week, led by captain Antoine Dupont.

The Welsh Rugby Union is restructuring its professional clubs, and the Ospreys, based in Swansea, are likely to be cut. This move is part of the governing body's efforts to address off-field issues. The Ospreys' owners are expected to take over Cardiff, while the Scarlets (Llanelli), Dragons (Newport), and the Cardiff team are set to remain.

The restructuring process is expected to be finalized by 2027, with the aim of strengthening Welsh rugby. The Ospreys have been part of the United Rugby Championship, and their potential departure has sparked concern among fans.

“Isn't all of this exhausting?” former Wales back-rower Jonathan Thomas wrote on Instagram last week.

“For the first time in my life I can't watch anything to do with Welsh Rugby. It's so unbelievably negative.”

The Welsh Rugby Union's latest drama is just the tip of the iceberg. The governing body is dealing with allegations of toxic work culture, threatened strike action from players, and the threat of an emergency general meeting by local clubs. As former Wales back-rower Jonathan Thomas put it, “Isn't all of this exhausting?”

The pressure is really showing, and it's affecting the team's performance on the field. With the Six Nations clash with France looming, Wales needs to find a way to turn things around.

“But if Cardiff, Dragons and Scarlets stay and not the Ospreys then count me out,” Thomas said.

“You are single handedly turning people away from the sport.”

Ospreys' Star Players Depart for Gloucester

Wales co-captains Dewi Lake and Jac Morgan are leaving Ospreys for English side Gloucester next season. Hooker Lake started against England, while flanker Morgan is missing the Six Nations due to injury. The pair's departure is amid uncertainty in Welsh rugby, with plans to reduce regional teams from four to three.

Uncertainty Surrounds Welsh Rugby Future

Morgan expressed doubts about the future of Welsh rugby, saying "I can't see how it would work" on S4C. The WRU is working to create a world-class system, guaranteeing existing player contracts and offering financial support for new signings.

“I can't see how it would work,” Morgan told Welsh television channel S4C last week.

“There is so much talent in the villages that are in the Ospreys area.

“We've all supported the Ospreys growing up. Where would you go next?”

Wales' Legendary No. 10

The Wales No. 10 jersey has a rich history, immortalized in Max Boyce's 1970s song “The Outside-Half Factory.” Legendary players like Barry John, Phil Bennett, and Dan Biggar have worn the iconic shirt. Now, Ospreys playmaker Dan Edwards is set to carry on the tradition against France this weekend.

Edwards is taking on a big responsibility, following in the footsteps of rugby greats. 

“I can guarantee you there will be nobody in Wales working harder than what he is to make sure that Wales are more competitive and get results,” Biggar said.

“I'm sure he will get that team improved. It's just a little bit of a longer process than he expected.”

A group of former Ospreys players have released a statement saying the Welsh Rugby Union have not responded to their requests to ensure any further meetings involving the future of the region are "meaningful and representative".#BBCRugby pic.twitter.com/UrdYiDIeOf

— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) February 11, 2026

Wales is facing a tough challenge at home against France this Sunday, with Steve Tandy's side looking to break their Six Nations winless streak since 2023. France, on the other hand, is coming off a convincing 36-14 win over Ireland and is looking to maintain their momentum. The task ahead is daunting for Wales, given their recent struggles - they've conceded an average of 49.6 points in Tandy's five games in charge.

France's attack coach, Patrick Arlettaz, has warned his team not to take Wales lightly, despite their poor recent form. “We're never safe from having a bad match,” Arlettaz said, highlighting Wales' ability to put together long passages of play.