Iestyn Rhys Thomas
@iestyn21.bsky.social
Freelance Sports Journalist | Writer for Talking Rugby Union & South Wales Argus | Host of The Tyre Whisperer Podcast | USW Sports Journalism Graduate | Previous work includes WalesOnline, The Rugby Paper, Pontypridd RFC & WRU website.
Reposted by Iestyn Rhys Thomas
With the Welsh derbies upon us, the teams from a programme from a Wales trial match in the early 1950s.
Two Llanharan boys, both of whom played for Wales and the went North to Halifax
@gwladrugby.bsky.social @iestyn21.bsky.social
Two Llanharan boys, both of whom played for Wales and the went North to Halifax
@gwladrugby.bsky.social @iestyn21.bsky.social
December 23, 2025 at 4:36 PM
With the Welsh derbies upon us, the teams from a programme from a Wales trial match in the early 1950s.
Two Llanharan boys, both of whom played for Wales and the went North to Halifax
@gwladrugby.bsky.social @iestyn21.bsky.social
Two Llanharan boys, both of whom played for Wales and the went North to Halifax
@gwladrugby.bsky.social @iestyn21.bsky.social
Reposted by Iestyn Rhys Thomas
Great news. He’ll have less time for awful rugby takes.
🚨Some News🚨
I’d never thought I would say this but in the New Year, I’ll be starting a Formula 1 podcast and hoping to produce weekly episodes containing previews, reviews and potentially interviews.
First episode hopefully on Monday, 5th of January! #F1
I’d never thought I would say this but in the New Year, I’ll be starting a Formula 1 podcast and hoping to produce weekly episodes containing previews, reviews and potentially interviews.
First episode hopefully on Monday, 5th of January! #F1
December 23, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Great news. He’ll have less time for awful rugby takes.
🚨Some News🚨
I’d never thought I would say this but in the New Year, I’ll be starting a Formula 1 podcast and hoping to produce weekly episodes containing previews, reviews and potentially interviews.
First episode hopefully on Monday, 5th of January! #F1
I’d never thought I would say this but in the New Year, I’ll be starting a Formula 1 podcast and hoping to produce weekly episodes containing previews, reviews and potentially interviews.
First episode hopefully on Monday, 5th of January! #F1
December 23, 2025 at 2:22 PM
🚨Some News🚨
I’d never thought I would say this but in the New Year, I’ll be starting a Formula 1 podcast and hoping to produce weekly episodes containing previews, reviews and potentially interviews.
First episode hopefully on Monday, 5th of January! #F1
I’d never thought I would say this but in the New Year, I’ll be starting a Formula 1 podcast and hoping to produce weekly episodes containing previews, reviews and potentially interviews.
First episode hopefully on Monday, 5th of January! #F1
Always been a little bit envious of the Top14, just look at the crowd in Bordeaux on a Sunday night!
December 21, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Always been a little bit envious of the Top14, just look at the crowd in Bordeaux on a Sunday night!
✍️| Filo Tiatia's reaction following the Dragons' victory over Connacht for the South Wales Argus.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257147...
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257147...
Tiatia: "We're happy, it was a really solid performance"
Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia mentioned how he saw a different Dragons performance following their 48-28 BKT URC victory over Connacht at Rodney…
www.southwalesargus.co.uk
December 21, 2025 at 9:06 AM
✍️| Filo Tiatia's reaction following the Dragons' victory over Connacht for the South Wales Argus.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257147...
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257147...
Driven home from Newport, still not sure what happened at Rodney Parade tonight.
Scoreline flattened Connacht despite Prendergast brace, Dragons outstanding.
Report here. #DRAvCON
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257146...
Scoreline flattened Connacht despite Prendergast brace, Dragons outstanding.
Report here. #DRAvCON
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257146...
Dragons 48-28 Connacht: Winless run in BKT URC comes to an end with six try win
The Dragons' wait for a BKT URC win has come to an end after they stunned Connacht at Rodney Parade with a comfortable 48-26 win to give the home…
www.southwalesargus.co.uk
December 20, 2025 at 11:51 PM
Driven home from Newport, still not sure what happened at Rodney Parade tonight.
Scoreline flattened Connacht despite Prendergast brace, Dragons outstanding.
Report here. #DRAvCON
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257146...
Scoreline flattened Connacht despite Prendergast brace, Dragons outstanding.
Report here. #DRAvCON
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257146...
HT: Dragons 28-7 Connacht
A penalty try and a yellow card for Connacht's Paul Boyle caps off an outstanding first half for the Men of Gwent who have a try bonus point already!
Best performance from the Dragons in some time. #DRAvCON
A penalty try and a yellow card for Connacht's Paul Boyle caps off an outstanding first half for the Men of Gwent who have a try bonus point already!
Best performance from the Dragons in some time. #DRAvCON
December 20, 2025 at 8:37 PM
HT: Dragons 28-7 Connacht
A penalty try and a yellow card for Connacht's Paul Boyle caps off an outstanding first half for the Men of Gwent who have a try bonus point already!
Best performance from the Dragons in some time. #DRAvCON
A penalty try and a yellow card for Connacht's Paul Boyle caps off an outstanding first half for the Men of Gwent who have a try bonus point already!
Best performance from the Dragons in some time. #DRAvCON
32' Try Dragons
A brilliant break from Fine Inisi, before the ball is spun out to the other wing where Rosser has an easy finish.
O'Brien converts.
🟡21-7🟢 #DRAvCON
A brilliant break from Fine Inisi, before the ball is spun out to the other wing where Rosser has an easy finish.
O'Brien converts.
🟡21-7🟢 #DRAvCON
December 20, 2025 at 8:22 PM
32' Try Dragons
A brilliant break from Fine Inisi, before the ball is spun out to the other wing where Rosser has an easy finish.
O'Brien converts.
🟡21-7🟢 #DRAvCON
A brilliant break from Fine Inisi, before the ball is spun out to the other wing where Rosser has an easy finish.
O'Brien converts.
🟡21-7🟢 #DRAvCON
26' Try Dragons
The hosts lead after scrum half Che Hope broke through the defence from a bouncing ball to score unopposed.
O'Brien converts, a really good opening from the Men of Gwent!
🟡14-7🟢 #DRAvCON
The hosts lead after scrum half Che Hope broke through the defence from a bouncing ball to score unopposed.
O'Brien converts, a really good opening from the Men of Gwent!
🟡14-7🟢 #DRAvCON
December 20, 2025 at 8:14 PM
26' Try Dragons
The hosts lead after scrum half Che Hope broke through the defence from a bouncing ball to score unopposed.
O'Brien converts, a really good opening from the Men of Gwent!
🟡14-7🟢 #DRAvCON
The hosts lead after scrum half Che Hope broke through the defence from a bouncing ball to score unopposed.
O'Brien converts, a really good opening from the Men of Gwent!
🟡14-7🟢 #DRAvCON
December 20, 2025 at 7:45 PM
At Rodney Parade for the URC clash between Dragons and Connacht.
Hosts looking for a first URC win in 15 months after ending losing run in all competitions last weekend.
Kickoff at 7:45pm, match report and reaction to follow in the South Wales Argus. #DRAvCON
Hosts looking for a first URC win in 15 months after ending losing run in all competitions last weekend.
Kickoff at 7:45pm, match report and reaction to follow in the South Wales Argus. #DRAvCON
December 20, 2025 at 6:56 PM
At Rodney Parade for the URC clash between Dragons and Connacht.
Hosts looking for a first URC win in 15 months after ending losing run in all competitions last weekend.
Kickoff at 7:45pm, match report and reaction to follow in the South Wales Argus. #DRAvCON
Hosts looking for a first URC win in 15 months after ending losing run in all competitions last weekend.
Kickoff at 7:45pm, match report and reaction to follow in the South Wales Argus. #DRAvCON
They’ll be singing in the streets of Pontcanna tonight!
Gareth Davies superb, Cardiff will be devastated to lose after the number of opportunities and 22 entries but a much needed league win for Dwayne Peel’s side. #CARvSCA
Gareth Davies superb, Cardiff will be devastated to lose after the number of opportunities and 22 entries but a much needed league win for Dwayne Peel’s side. #CARvSCA
December 19, 2025 at 9:42 PM
They’ll be singing in the streets of Pontcanna tonight!
Gareth Davies superb, Cardiff will be devastated to lose after the number of opportunities and 22 entries but a much needed league win for Dwayne Peel’s side. #CARvSCA
Gareth Davies superb, Cardiff will be devastated to lose after the number of opportunities and 22 entries but a much needed league win for Dwayne Peel’s side. #CARvSCA
For those subscribed to the South Wales Argus, my preview of Dragons vs Connacht can be found below with two potential debuts for the Men of Gwent. #DRAvCON #URC
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257120...
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257120...
Potential debuts for Cebo Dlamini and George Roberts ahead of hosting Connacht
Filo Tiatia could hand out two debuts in Dragons RFC's BKT United Rugby Championship match against Connacht on Saturday night at 7:45pm.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk
December 19, 2025 at 1:30 PM
For those subscribed to the South Wales Argus, my preview of Dragons vs Connacht can be found below with two potential debuts for the Men of Gwent. #DRAvCON #URC
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257120...
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/257120...
Reposted by Iestyn Rhys Thomas
The URC returns tonight! 🙌
Three rounds of fixtures over the festive period and plenty to look forward to 🏉🎄
And after an encouraging European window, @iestyn21.bsky.social shares his thoughts on what’s coming up next for the Welsh regions 🏴👇
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/urc-back-for...
📸 Inpho
Three rounds of fixtures over the festive period and plenty to look forward to 🏉🎄
And after an encouraging European window, @iestyn21.bsky.social shares his thoughts on what’s coming up next for the Welsh regions 🏴👇
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/urc-back-for...
📸 Inpho
December 19, 2025 at 8:21 AM
The URC returns tonight! 🙌
Three rounds of fixtures over the festive period and plenty to look forward to 🏉🎄
And after an encouraging European window, @iestyn21.bsky.social shares his thoughts on what’s coming up next for the Welsh regions 🏴👇
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/urc-back-for...
📸 Inpho
Three rounds of fixtures over the festive period and plenty to look forward to 🏉🎄
And after an encouraging European window, @iestyn21.bsky.social shares his thoughts on what’s coming up next for the Welsh regions 🏴👇
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/urc-back-for...
📸 Inpho
One of the good things about the URC? Good to be back with @talkrugbyunion.bsky.social ahead of a busy festive period for the Welsh teams.
Any shares would be appreciated!
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/urc-back-for...
Any shares would be appreciated!
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/urc-back-for...
URC back for festive run as Welsh regions look to build after European highs and lows
Following an encouraging European block for the Welsh regions, the United Rugby Championship returns with three rounds of fixtures across the festive period.
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk
December 18, 2025 at 4:07 PM
One of the good things about the URC? Good to be back with @talkrugbyunion.bsky.social ahead of a busy festive period for the Welsh teams.
Any shares would be appreciated!
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/urc-back-for...
Any shares would be appreciated!
www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/urc-back-for...
Well, that last 15 minutes was intriguing.
Just driven back and forgot to post my report from Rodney Parade, but here's my on-the-whistle report as the Men of Gwent finally end their losing run following a brilliant comeback. #DRAvLYO
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256968...
Just driven back and forgot to post my report from Rodney Parade, but here's my on-the-whistle report as the Men of Gwent finally end their losing run following a brilliant comeback. #DRAvLYO
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256968...
Dragons 23-21 Lyon: Men of Gwent end winless run with dramatic comeback
The Dragons ended their winless run with a dramatic 23-21 win over Lyon in the EPCR Challenge Cup at Rodney Parade.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk
December 14, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Well, that last 15 minutes was intriguing.
Just driven back and forgot to post my report from Rodney Parade, but here's my on-the-whistle report as the Men of Gwent finally end their losing run following a brilliant comeback. #DRAvLYO
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256968...
Just driven back and forgot to post my report from Rodney Parade, but here's my on-the-whistle report as the Men of Gwent finally end their losing run following a brilliant comeback. #DRAvLYO
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256968...
FT: Dragons 23-21 Lyon.
The Dragons end their near year winless run after coming back from 21-6 down to beat Lyon 23-21 at Rodney Parade.
Amazing comeback, report and reaction to follow. #DRAvLYO
The Dragons end their near year winless run after coming back from 21-6 down to beat Lyon 23-21 at Rodney Parade.
Amazing comeback, report and reaction to follow. #DRAvLYO
December 14, 2025 at 5:08 PM
FT: Dragons 23-21 Lyon.
The Dragons end their near year winless run after coming back from 21-6 down to beat Lyon 23-21 at Rodney Parade.
Amazing comeback, report and reaction to follow. #DRAvLYO
The Dragons end their near year winless run after coming back from 21-6 down to beat Lyon 23-21 at Rodney Parade.
Amazing comeback, report and reaction to follow. #DRAvLYO
HT: Dragons 6-7 Lyon
Janse Roux with the only try of the game in Newport as the French side lead after 40 minutes, not a lot of quality from either side throughout. #DRAvLYO
Janse Roux with the only try of the game in Newport as the French side lead after 40 minutes, not a lot of quality from either side throughout. #DRAvLYO
December 14, 2025 at 4:05 PM
HT: Dragons 6-7 Lyon
Janse Roux with the only try of the game in Newport as the French side lead after 40 minutes, not a lot of quality from either side throughout. #DRAvLYO
Janse Roux with the only try of the game in Newport as the French side lead after 40 minutes, not a lot of quality from either side throughout. #DRAvLYO
32' Try Lyon
Lock Janse Roux powers over from a quick tap penalty for the visitors' first points.
Scrum half Charlie Cassang kicks the conversion to give his side a 7-6 lead. #DRAvLYO
Lock Janse Roux powers over from a quick tap penalty for the visitors' first points.
Scrum half Charlie Cassang kicks the conversion to give his side a 7-6 lead. #DRAvLYO
December 14, 2025 at 3:56 PM
32' Try Lyon
Lock Janse Roux powers over from a quick tap penalty for the visitors' first points.
Scrum half Charlie Cassang kicks the conversion to give his side a 7-6 lead. #DRAvLYO
Lock Janse Roux powers over from a quick tap penalty for the visitors' first points.
Scrum half Charlie Cassang kicks the conversion to give his side a 7-6 lead. #DRAvLYO
23' Yellow card Dragons.
Wing Jared Rosser is shown a yellow card after an illegal clearout on openside flanker Beka Shavangiradze. #DRAvLYO
Wing Jared Rosser is shown a yellow card after an illegal clearout on openside flanker Beka Shavangiradze. #DRAvLYO
December 14, 2025 at 3:47 PM
23' Yellow card Dragons.
Wing Jared Rosser is shown a yellow card after an illegal clearout on openside flanker Beka Shavangiradze. #DRAvLYO
Wing Jared Rosser is shown a yellow card after an illegal clearout on openside flanker Beka Shavangiradze. #DRAvLYO
11' | Penalty Dragons
Angus O'Brien opens the scoring with a penalty to give his side the lead, some strong carries from Levi Douglas in the build up.
Dragons 3-0 Lyon. #DRAvLYO
Angus O'Brien opens the scoring with a penalty to give his side the lead, some strong carries from Levi Douglas in the build up.
Dragons 3-0 Lyon. #DRAvLYO
December 14, 2025 at 3:25 PM
11' | Penalty Dragons
Angus O'Brien opens the scoring with a penalty to give his side the lead, some strong carries from Levi Douglas in the build up.
Dragons 3-0 Lyon. #DRAvLYO
Angus O'Brien opens the scoring with a penalty to give his side the lead, some strong carries from Levi Douglas in the build up.
Dragons 3-0 Lyon. #DRAvLYO
In position at Rodney Parade for the EPCR Challenge Cup second round tie between the Dragons and Lyon.
Kickoff at 3:15pm, match report and reaction to come for the South Wales Argus. #DRAvLYO
Kickoff at 3:15pm, match report and reaction to come for the South Wales Argus. #DRAvLYO
December 14, 2025 at 2:44 PM
In position at Rodney Parade for the EPCR Challenge Cup second round tie between the Dragons and Lyon.
Kickoff at 3:15pm, match report and reaction to come for the South Wales Argus. #DRAvLYO
Kickoff at 3:15pm, match report and reaction to come for the South Wales Argus. #DRAvLYO
For those subscribed to the South Wales Argus, you can read my preview on Dragons vs Lyon here. #DRAvLYO
The Men of Gwent in desperate need of victory and for the second week in a row will face a team in the bottom half in the Top 14.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256932...
The Men of Gwent in desperate need of victory and for the second week in a row will face a team in the bottom half in the Top 14.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256932...
Aaron Wainwright returns as Tiatia makes changes ahead of Lyon pool game
Dragons number 8 Aaron Wainwright returns for the Dragons ahead of their crucial EPCR Challenge Cup tie against Lyon at Rodney Parade.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk
December 12, 2025 at 12:37 PM
For those subscribed to the South Wales Argus, you can read my preview on Dragons vs Lyon here. #DRAvLYO
The Men of Gwent in desperate need of victory and for the second week in a row will face a team in the bottom half in the Top 14.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256932...
The Men of Gwent in desperate need of victory and for the second week in a row will face a team in the bottom half in the Top 14.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/256932...
I don’t blame any player for jumping ship with so much uncertainty in Wales. (seems to be the case following today’s media reports)
But a real shame that it will totally rip up a tight knit Ospreys squad, you hope that this isn’t the case across Wales but I’m fearing the worst.
But a real shame that it will totally rip up a tight knit Ospreys squad, you hope that this isn’t the case across Wales but I’m fearing the worst.
December 10, 2025 at 5:20 PM
I don’t blame any player for jumping ship with so much uncertainty in Wales. (seems to be the case following today’s media reports)
But a real shame that it will totally rip up a tight knit Ospreys squad, you hope that this isn’t the case across Wales but I’m fearing the worst.
But a real shame that it will totally rip up a tight knit Ospreys squad, you hope that this isn’t the case across Wales but I’m fearing the worst.