Iestyn Rhys Thomas
@iestyn21.bsky.social
Freelance Sports Journalist | Writer for Talking Rugby Union & South Wales Argus | USW Sports Journalism Graduate | Previous work includes WalesOnline, The Rugby Paper, Pontypridd RFC & WRU website.
After probably one of the worst 30 minutes I’ve ever seen from the Ospreys.
That’s a remarkable comeback, Connacht must be devestated. #OSPvCON
That’s a remarkable comeback, Connacht must be devestated. #OSPvCON
December 7, 2025 at 5:13 PM
After probably one of the worst 30 minutes I’ve ever seen from the Ospreys.
That’s a remarkable comeback, Connacht must be devestated. #OSPvCON
That’s a remarkable comeback, Connacht must be devestated. #OSPvCON
Report for those subscribed to the Argus on a poor showing for the Dragons out in Perpignan, with the Top14's bottom club scoring six tries to beat Filo Tiatia's side. #PERvDRA
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256790...
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256790...
Perpignan 41-17 Dragons: Visitors start EPCR Challenge Cup with heavy defeat
The Dragons are still looking for their first win of 2025 after Perpignan inflicted more misery to Filo Tiatia’s side after a 41-17 defeat at the…
www.southwalesargus.co.uk
December 7, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Report for those subscribed to the Argus on a poor showing for the Dragons out in Perpignan, with the Top14's bottom club scoring six tries to beat Filo Tiatia's side. #PERvDRA
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256790...
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256790...
Jefferson Joseph has some pace about him, some neat link up play from the hosts result in a sixth try against the Dragons through lock Matteo Le Corvec.
The Top 14 bottom club lead 41-12 with less than four minutes to play. #PERvDRA
The Top 14 bottom club lead 41-12 with less than four minutes to play. #PERvDRA
December 7, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Jefferson Joseph has some pace about him, some neat link up play from the hosts result in a sixth try against the Dragons through lock Matteo Le Corvec.
The Top 14 bottom club lead 41-12 with less than four minutes to play. #PERvDRA
The Top 14 bottom club lead 41-12 with less than four minutes to play. #PERvDRA
55' Try Dragons
A lovely line from Joe Westwood and the Welsh side finally get their first points of the afternoon.
Angus O'Brien converts, Filo Tiatia's side trail 22-7. #PERvDRA
A lovely line from Joe Westwood and the Welsh side finally get their first points of the afternoon.
Angus O'Brien converts, Filo Tiatia's side trail 22-7. #PERvDRA
December 7, 2025 at 2:23 PM
55' Try Dragons
A lovely line from Joe Westwood and the Welsh side finally get their first points of the afternoon.
Angus O'Brien converts, Filo Tiatia's side trail 22-7. #PERvDRA
A lovely line from Joe Westwood and the Welsh side finally get their first points of the afternoon.
Angus O'Brien converts, Filo Tiatia's side trail 22-7. #PERvDRA
50' Try Perpignan
A Rhodri Williams knock on after a promising Dragons attack sees the ball spill to wing Jefferson Joseph who runs 80+ meters for a third try for the French side.
Gabin Kretchmann's conversion strikes the post, hosts lead 22-0. #PERvDRA
A Rhodri Williams knock on after a promising Dragons attack sees the ball spill to wing Jefferson Joseph who runs 80+ meters for a third try for the French side.
Gabin Kretchmann's conversion strikes the post, hosts lead 22-0. #PERvDRA
December 7, 2025 at 2:18 PM
50' Try Perpignan
A Rhodri Williams knock on after a promising Dragons attack sees the ball spill to wing Jefferson Joseph who runs 80+ meters for a third try for the French side.
Gabin Kretchmann's conversion strikes the post, hosts lead 22-0. #PERvDRA
A Rhodri Williams knock on after a promising Dragons attack sees the ball spill to wing Jefferson Joseph who runs 80+ meters for a third try for the French side.
Gabin Kretchmann's conversion strikes the post, hosts lead 22-0. #PERvDRA
HT Perpignan 17-0 Dragons
The hosts lead comfortably after tries from James Hall and Mahamadou Diaby aswell as seven points from fly-half Gabin Kretchmann.
The Dragons have had chances, but will be frustrated not to capitalise on a 20-minute red card. #PERvDRA
The hosts lead comfortably after tries from James Hall and Mahamadou Diaby aswell as seven points from fly-half Gabin Kretchmann.
The Dragons have had chances, but will be frustrated not to capitalise on a 20-minute red card. #PERvDRA
December 7, 2025 at 1:53 PM
HT Perpignan 17-0 Dragons
The hosts lead comfortably after tries from James Hall and Mahamadou Diaby aswell as seven points from fly-half Gabin Kretchmann.
The Dragons have had chances, but will be frustrated not to capitalise on a 20-minute red card. #PERvDRA
The hosts lead comfortably after tries from James Hall and Mahamadou Diaby aswell as seven points from fly-half Gabin Kretchmann.
The Dragons have had chances, but will be frustrated not to capitalise on a 20-minute red card. #PERvDRA
28' Despite a player disadvantage, flanker Mahamadou Diaby powers over for a second try.
Kretchmann adds conversion to make it 14-0. #DRAvPER
Kretchmann adds conversion to make it 14-0. #DRAvPER
December 7, 2025 at 1:33 PM
28' Despite a player disadvantage, flanker Mahamadou Diaby powers over for a second try.
Kretchmann adds conversion to make it 14-0. #DRAvPER
Kretchmann adds conversion to make it 14-0. #DRAvPER
13' Perpignan try.
The hosts take the lead with a well worked try, outside centre Duguivalu breaking down the flank and linking up with Jordan Petaia who assists scrum half James Hall for the score.
Conversion from Kretchmann is good. #PERvDRA
The hosts take the lead with a well worked try, outside centre Duguivalu breaking down the flank and linking up with Jordan Petaia who assists scrum half James Hall for the score.
Conversion from Kretchmann is good. #PERvDRA
December 7, 2025 at 1:14 PM
13' Perpignan try.
The hosts take the lead with a well worked try, outside centre Duguivalu breaking down the flank and linking up with Jordan Petaia who assists scrum half James Hall for the score.
Conversion from Kretchmann is good. #PERvDRA
The hosts take the lead with a well worked try, outside centre Duguivalu breaking down the flank and linking up with Jordan Petaia who assists scrum half James Hall for the score.
Conversion from Kretchmann is good. #PERvDRA
Report from home coming up on Perpignan vs Dragons for the South Wales Argus aswell as updates throughout.
Just got underway out in France. #PERvDRA
Just got underway out in France. #PERvDRA
December 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Report from home coming up on Perpignan vs Dragons for the South Wales Argus aswell as updates throughout.
Just got underway out in France. #PERvDRA
Just got underway out in France. #PERvDRA
Reposted by Iestyn Rhys Thomas
Bring back the LVCup!
Enjoyed that Anglo-Welsh tie, Bristol just having enough against the Scarlets who fought very well but had opportunities to win it. #SCAvBRI
December 6, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Bring back the LVCup!
Enjoyed that Anglo-Welsh tie, Bristol just having enough against the Scarlets who fought very well but had opportunities to win it. #SCAvBRI
December 6, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Enjoyed that Anglo-Welsh tie, Bristol just having enough against the Scarlets who fought very well but had opportunities to win it. #SCAvBRI
There’s a lot of rugby on this weekend!
December 5, 2025 at 7:50 PM
There’s a lot of rugby on this weekend!
For those subscribed to the Argus, you can read my preview piece ahead of Perpignan vs Dragons, with Filo Tiatia welcoming back two Wales internationals and Tongan international Fine Inisi to the starting XV.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256758...
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256758...
International trio return for Dragons ahead of Perpignan clash
The Dragons will be hoping to end their 19-match winless run in all competitions in their opening EPCR Challenge Cup tie away at USA Perpignan on…
www.southwalesargus.co.uk
December 5, 2025 at 12:33 PM
For those subscribed to the Argus, you can read my preview piece ahead of Perpignan vs Dragons, with Filo Tiatia welcoming back two Wales internationals and Tongan international Fine Inisi to the starting XV.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256758...
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256758...
My first piece for the Penarth Times as Penarth Bears' centre Harrison Speed made his debut for Hong Kong Rugby League last month and scored a try on his debut.
www.penarthtimes.co.uk/sport/256688...
www.penarthtimes.co.uk/sport/256688...
Penarth Bears teenager making his mark on international Rugby League
Penarth Bears’ Harrison Speed made his international Rugby League debut.
www.penarthtimes.co.uk
December 4, 2025 at 12:38 PM
My first piece for the Penarth Times as Penarth Bears' centre Harrison Speed made his debut for Hong Kong Rugby League last month and scored a try on his debut.
www.penarthtimes.co.uk/sport/256688...
www.penarthtimes.co.uk/sport/256688...
Interesting World Cup draw, at least Wales have different teams compared to 23’ and 19’!
Big chance for Uruguay and Portugal though 😉
Big chance for Uruguay and Portugal though 😉
December 3, 2025 at 10:18 AM
Interesting World Cup draw, at least Wales have different teams compared to 23’ and 19’!
Big chance for Uruguay and Portugal though 😉
Big chance for Uruguay and Portugal though 😉
Saturday's game between Wales and South Africa shows the rebuild that Steve Tandy has got on his hands.
My piece for @talkrugbyunion.bsky.social on Wales' Autumn Campaign and asking the question what is next for Welsh Rugby, any shares appreciated.
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/wales-find-l...
My piece for @talkrugbyunion.bsky.social on Wales' Autumn Campaign and asking the question what is next for Welsh Rugby, any shares appreciated.
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/wales-find-l...
Wales find learnings but off-field instability could stall any progress
It was a chastening day for Wales against South Africa, but amid the autumn campaign there were still some positives for Steve Tandy and his side, despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the domes...
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk
December 2, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Saturday's game between Wales and South Africa shows the rebuild that Steve Tandy has got on his hands.
My piece for @talkrugbyunion.bsky.social on Wales' Autumn Campaign and asking the question what is next for Welsh Rugby, any shares appreciated.
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/wales-find-l...
My piece for @talkrugbyunion.bsky.social on Wales' Autumn Campaign and asking the question what is next for Welsh Rugby, any shares appreciated.
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/wales-find-l...
Reposted by Iestyn Rhys Thomas
The World Cup draw might be tomorrow, but for Wales, the focus needs to be on the immediate future.
There were small glimpses of promise this autumn, yet concerns remain about what’s next for Welsh rugby... 🏴
✍️ @iestyn21.bsky.social
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/wales-find-l...
There were small glimpses of promise this autumn, yet concerns remain about what’s next for Welsh rugby... 🏴
✍️ @iestyn21.bsky.social
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/wales-find-l...
December 2, 2025 at 9:21 AM
The World Cup draw might be tomorrow, but for Wales, the focus needs to be on the immediate future.
There were small glimpses of promise this autumn, yet concerns remain about what’s next for Welsh rugby... 🏴
✍️ @iestyn21.bsky.social
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/wales-find-l...
There were small glimpses of promise this autumn, yet concerns remain about what’s next for Welsh rugby... 🏴
✍️ @iestyn21.bsky.social
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/wales-find-l...
A pretty tough day for the Wales against the Springboks, I offered my verdict to @lbc.co.uk news on Jonathan Ray’s program. (Image a timestamp of when interview starts)
As I type, an excellent win for the Scarlets over Glasgow Warriors in the URC #SCAvGLA
As I type, an excellent win for the Scarlets over Glasgow Warriors in the URC #SCAvGLA
November 29, 2025 at 9:37 PM
A pretty tough day for the Wales against the Springboks, I offered my verdict to @lbc.co.uk news on Jonathan Ray’s program. (Image a timestamp of when interview starts)
As I type, an excellent win for the Scarlets over Glasgow Warriors in the URC #SCAvGLA
As I type, an excellent win for the Scarlets over Glasgow Warriors in the URC #SCAvGLA
A really grim day in Cardiff, 11 tries and a record home defeat and very little learnt for Steve Tandy's side.
At least Dave Reddin can crack a smile or two on TV, Report below. #WALvRSA
opensideblog.wordpress.com/2025/11/29/w...
At least Dave Reddin can crack a smile or two on TV, Report below. #WALvRSA
opensideblog.wordpress.com/2025/11/29/w...
Wales end Autumn campaign with record defeat to South Africa
Wales ended 2025 with a record 73-0 defeat to World Champions South Africa at the Principality Stadium. The scoreboard marked a grim afternoon for a deflated Steve Tandy’s side who were comfortably…
opensideblog.wordpress.com
November 29, 2025 at 5:23 PM
A really grim day in Cardiff, 11 tries and a record home defeat and very little learnt for Steve Tandy's side.
At least Dave Reddin can crack a smile or two on TV, Report below. #WALvRSA
opensideblog.wordpress.com/2025/11/29/w...
At least Dave Reddin can crack a smile or two on TV, Report below. #WALvRSA
opensideblog.wordpress.com/2025/11/29/w...
November 29, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Moodie has just crossed for a seventh South African try as he capitalised from an Edwards miss pass.
The Boks have the entire bench ready and waiting to come on. #WALvRSA
The Boks have the entire bench ready and waiting to come on. #WALvRSA
November 29, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Moodie has just crossed for a seventh South African try as he capitalised from an Edwards miss pass.
The Boks have the entire bench ready and waiting to come on. #WALvRSA
The Boks have the entire bench ready and waiting to come on. #WALvRSA