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.
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
Wales have made 104 tackles to South Africa's 24.
Boks with 63% possession and 74% territory and imposing their power game, Wales just can't cope. #WALvRSA
Boks with 63% possession and 74% territory and imposing their power game, Wales just can't cope. #WALvRSA
November 29, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Wales have made 104 tackles to South Africa's 24.
Boks with 63% possession and 74% territory and imposing their power game, Wales just can't cope. #WALvRSA
Boks with 63% possession and 74% territory and imposing their power game, Wales just can't cope. #WALvRSA
HT: Wales 0-28 South Africa
One way traffic as expected, World Champions' power game taking its toll on the Welsh defence particularly in the scrum.
Could be a very long second 40 minutes. #WALvRSA
One way traffic as expected, World Champions' power game taking its toll on the Welsh defence particularly in the scrum.
Could be a very long second 40 minutes. #WALvRSA
November 29, 2025 at 3:57 PM
HT: Wales 0-28 South Africa
One way traffic as expected, World Champions' power game taking its toll on the Welsh defence particularly in the scrum.
Could be a very long second 40 minutes. #WALvRSA
One way traffic as expected, World Champions' power game taking its toll on the Welsh defence particularly in the scrum.
Could be a very long second 40 minutes. #WALvRSA
Wales have just won a scrum penalty against South Africa and have entered the 22 for the first time.
Got to take the small victories, I suppose. #WALvRSA
Got to take the small victories, I suppose. #WALvRSA
November 29, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Wales have just won a scrum penalty against South Africa and have entered the 22 for the first time.
Got to take the small victories, I suppose. #WALvRSA
Got to take the small victories, I suppose. #WALvRSA
Underway in Cardiff for Wales vs South Africa.
Loads of green and gold at the Principality Stadium and quite a few empty seats too. #WALvRSA
Loads of green and gold at the Principality Stadium and quite a few empty seats too. #WALvRSA
November 29, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Underway in Cardiff for Wales vs South Africa.
Loads of green and gold at the Principality Stadium and quite a few empty seats too. #WALvRSA
Loads of green and gold at the Principality Stadium and quite a few empty seats too. #WALvRSA
At the Principality Stadium for Wales’ final Autumn test of 2025.
Steve Tandy’ side face a daunting task without 13 players against the World Champions, Kickoff at 3:10pm.
Updates and report to follow. #WALvRSA
Steve Tandy’ side face a daunting task without 13 players against the World Champions, Kickoff at 3:10pm.
Updates and report to follow. #WALvRSA
November 29, 2025 at 2:37 PM
At the Principality Stadium for Wales’ final Autumn test of 2025.
Steve Tandy’ side face a daunting task without 13 players against the World Champions, Kickoff at 3:10pm.
Updates and report to follow. #WALvRSA
Steve Tandy’ side face a daunting task without 13 players against the World Champions, Kickoff at 3:10pm.
Updates and report to follow. #WALvRSA
Post match reaction from Filo Tiatia following the Dragons' 24-10 defeat to Leinster last night for the South Wales Argus. #DRAvLEI
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256600...
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256600...
Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia "proud" of Dragons effort despite Leinster defeat
Dragons RFC head coach Filo Tiatia was “proud” of his team’s display following a 24-10 defeat to Leinster at Rodney Parade.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk
November 29, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Post match reaction from Filo Tiatia following the Dragons' 24-10 defeat to Leinster last night for the South Wales Argus. #DRAvLEI
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256600...
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256600...
For any South Wales Argus readers, my report from Rodney Parade as the Dragons fall to Leinster in controversial final few minutes.
Mackenzie Martin excellent for the hosts, RG Snyman quite a handful for the visitors. #DRAvLEI
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256598...
Mackenzie Martin excellent for the hosts, RG Snyman quite a handful for the visitors. #DRAvLEI
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256598...
Dragons 10-24 Leinster: Hosts fall to defending champions in gusty effort
The Dragons fell to a 24-10 home defeat to Leinster at Rodney Parade in the BKT United Rugby Championship.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk
November 28, 2025 at 10:28 PM
For any South Wales Argus readers, my report from Rodney Parade as the Dragons fall to Leinster in controversial final few minutes.
Mackenzie Martin excellent for the hosts, RG Snyman quite a handful for the visitors. #DRAvLEI
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256598...
Mackenzie Martin excellent for the hosts, RG Snyman quite a handful for the visitors. #DRAvLEI
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256598...
HT: Dragons 7-5 Leinster
Despite an early score from flanker Alex Soroka and 20 minutes of Leinster controlling the game, the Dragons lead with a Matthew Screech try and a De Beer conversion. #DRAvLEI
Despite an early score from flanker Alex Soroka and 20 minutes of Leinster controlling the game, the Dragons lead with a Matthew Screech try and a De Beer conversion. #DRAvLEI
November 28, 2025 at 8:39 PM
HT: Dragons 7-5 Leinster
Despite an early score from flanker Alex Soroka and 20 minutes of Leinster controlling the game, the Dragons lead with a Matthew Screech try and a De Beer conversion. #DRAvLEI
Despite an early score from flanker Alex Soroka and 20 minutes of Leinster controlling the game, the Dragons lead with a Matthew Screech try and a De Beer conversion. #DRAvLEI
November 28, 2025 at 7:47 PM
✍️ | Rodney Parade for me this evening as the Dragons welcome URC defending champions Leinster.
Kickoff at 7:45pm, match report and reaction to come for the South Wales Argus. #DRAvLEI
Kickoff at 7:45pm, match report and reaction to come for the South Wales Argus. #DRAvLEI
November 28, 2025 at 7:13 PM
✍️ | Rodney Parade for me this evening as the Dragons welcome URC defending champions Leinster.
Kickoff at 7:45pm, match report and reaction to come for the South Wales Argus. #DRAvLEI
Kickoff at 7:45pm, match report and reaction to come for the South Wales Argus. #DRAvLEI
Will Austin joins the Dragons from Sale on a loan deal as Filo Tiatia names his side to face URC defending champions Leinster.
For those subscribed to the South Wales Argus, you can read my piece on the Dragons team news here.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256549...
For those subscribed to the South Wales Argus, you can read my piece on the Dragons team news here.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256549...
Dragons draft in former Wales U20s Hooker Will Austin ahead of Leinster clash
The Dragons have brought in Sale Sharks hooker Wills Austin on a short term loan deal ahead of their URC game against Leinster on Friday night.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk
November 27, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Will Austin joins the Dragons from Sale on a loan deal as Filo Tiatia names his side to face URC defending champions Leinster.
For those subscribed to the South Wales Argus, you can read my piece on the Dragons team news here.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256549...
For those subscribed to the South Wales Argus, you can read my piece on the Dragons team news here.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256549...
New Zealand continued their winning streak against Wales weekend.
But, there was some moments of positivity for Welsh supporters to take after a heavy defeat, my piece for Talking Rugby Union can be found here 👇
Any shares would be appreciated!
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/positives-am...
But, there was some moments of positivity for Welsh supporters to take after a heavy defeat, my piece for Talking Rugby Union can be found here 👇
Any shares would be appreciated!
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/positives-am...
Positives amid pain as Wales fall again to ruthless All Blacks
Wales displayed attacking promise in their heavy defeat to New Zealand as Steve Tandys side offered some positives ahead of facing South Africa.
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 11:59 AM
New Zealand continued their winning streak against Wales weekend.
But, there was some moments of positivity for Welsh supporters to take after a heavy defeat, my piece for Talking Rugby Union can be found here 👇
Any shares would be appreciated!
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/positives-am...
But, there was some moments of positivity for Welsh supporters to take after a heavy defeat, my piece for Talking Rugby Union can be found here 👇
Any shares would be appreciated!
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/positives-am...
Adam Beard’s job isn’t to carry into contact and gain metres. Yes, it would be an added bonus but if you’re relying on him to do that at test then I worry for you.
This whole agenda, like below. Is pretty boring and however many times people explain it, it weirdly still comes back.
This whole agenda, like below. Is pretty boring and however many times people explain it, it weirdly still comes back.
I’m not going to name him but it doesn’t exactly take sherlock holmes to work it out, Wales fans will know who it is straight away
There is a Wales tight 5 forward who in 231 minutes of rugby this autumn has made 3 carries for zero metres.
There is a Wales tight 5 forward who in 231 minutes of rugby this autumn has made 3 carries for zero metres.
November 23, 2025 at 10:16 AM
Adam Beard’s job isn’t to carry into contact and gain metres. Yes, it would be an added bonus but if you’re relying on him to do that at test then I worry for you.
This whole agenda, like below. Is pretty boring and however many times people explain it, it weirdly still comes back.
This whole agenda, like below. Is pretty boring and however many times people explain it, it weirdly still comes back.
I’ve noticed I had some mentions during the #IREvRSA game, I’ve seen a score result but hadn’t had time to catch up, could someone fill me in to what happened?
November 22, 2025 at 9:15 PM
I’ve noticed I had some mentions during the #IREvRSA game, I’ve seen a score result but hadn’t had time to catch up, could someone fill me in to what happened?