Illtud Dafydd
@illtuddafydd.bsky.social
Francophone gallois | Sports Journalist/ Newyddiadurwr Chwaraeon with Agence France-Presse | Paris | [email protected] | Jouez: The French Rugby Dispatch on Substack
#ChampionsCup...
A good day for: Saracens, Uini Atonio, Bordeaux-Begles, Bath
A bad day for: Italian referees, Charlie Titcombe, Munster
A good day for: Saracens, Uini Atonio, Bordeaux-Begles, Bath
A bad day for: Italian referees, Charlie Titcombe, Munster
December 6, 2025 at 10:28 PM
#ChampionsCup...
A good day for: Saracens, Uini Atonio, Bordeaux-Begles, Bath
A bad day for: Italian referees, Charlie Titcombe, Munster
A good day for: Saracens, Uini Atonio, Bordeaux-Begles, Bath
A bad day for: Italian referees, Charlie Titcombe, Munster
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!
This is my first time watching the Scarlets this season
Mee's been playing well but on the whole they're lacking that clinical, finishing/ X-factor sort of edge to the team
I get the impression Bristol can find one or two more levels
#ChampionsCup
Mee's been playing well but on the whole they're lacking that clinical, finishing/ X-factor sort of edge to the team
I get the impression Bristol can find one or two more levels
#ChampionsCup
Ellis Mee turning over LRZ is a strong message
December 6, 2025 at 9:39 PM
This is my first time watching the Scarlets this season
Mee's been playing well but on the whole they're lacking that clinical, finishing/ X-factor sort of edge to the team
I get the impression Bristol can find one or two more levels
#ChampionsCup
Mee's been playing well but on the whole they're lacking that clinical, finishing/ X-factor sort of edge to the team
I get the impression Bristol can find one or two more levels
#ChampionsCup
According to L'Equipe, Uini Atonio will make his injury return, after six months out, against Leicester in the #ChampionsCup on Saturday
Nolann Le Garrec not back until December 20
www.lequipe.fr/Rugby/Actual...
Nolann Le Garrec not back until December 20
www.lequipe.fr/Rugby/Actual...
Stade Rochelais : Atonio va rejouer, Sazy dans le staff pour la mêlée
Absent des terrains depuis la fin de saison dernière en raison d'une désinsertion à l'ischio-jambier, Uini Atonio va effectuer son retour à la compétition. Selon nos informations, le pilier du Stade R...
www.lequipe.fr
December 6, 2025 at 9:02 PM
La Rochelle's Gregory Alldritt to be rested for the trip to the Stormers
They leave for Cape Town tomorrow at 1pm tomorrow
Sending a weakened side in just the second round of a tournament is never a good look, especially for the competition
#ChampionsCup
They leave for Cape Town tomorrow at 1pm tomorrow
Sending a weakened side in just the second round of a tournament is never a good look, especially for the competition
#ChampionsCup
December 6, 2025 at 7:58 PM
La Rochelle's Gregory Alldritt to be rested for the trip to the Stormers
They leave for Cape Town tomorrow at 1pm tomorrow
Sending a weakened side in just the second round of a tournament is never a good look, especially for the competition
#ChampionsCup
They leave for Cape Town tomorrow at 1pm tomorrow
Sending a weakened side in just the second round of a tournament is never a good look, especially for the competition
#ChampionsCup
Matthieu Jalibert:
"At half-time we said we had to keep our cool. We had to impose our gameplan and things would open up"
#ChampionsCup
"At half-time we said we had to keep our cool. We had to impose our gameplan and things would open up"
#ChampionsCup
A little insight into what covering the #ChampionsCup is like...
Keeping an eye on La Rochelle v Leicester while listening to a Bordeaux-Begles WhatsApp call press conference after their win over the Bulls in Pretoria
UBB are very happy with the BP from Loftus Versfeld, by the way!
Keeping an eye on La Rochelle v Leicester while listening to a Bordeaux-Begles WhatsApp call press conference after their win over the Bulls in Pretoria
UBB are very happy with the BP from Loftus Versfeld, by the way!
December 6, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Matthieu Jalibert:
"At half-time we said we had to keep our cool. We had to impose our gameplan and things would open up"
#ChampionsCup
"At half-time we said we had to keep our cool. We had to impose our gameplan and things would open up"
#ChampionsCup
A little insight into what covering the #ChampionsCup is like...
Keeping an eye on La Rochelle v Leicester while listening to a Bordeaux-Begles WhatsApp call press conference after their win over the Bulls in Pretoria
UBB are very happy with the BP from Loftus Versfeld, by the way!
Keeping an eye on La Rochelle v Leicester while listening to a Bordeaux-Begles WhatsApp call press conference after their win over the Bulls in Pretoria
UBB are very happy with the BP from Loftus Versfeld, by the way!
December 6, 2025 at 7:13 PM
A little insight into what covering the #ChampionsCup is like...
Keeping an eye on La Rochelle v Leicester while listening to a Bordeaux-Begles WhatsApp call press conference after their win over the Bulls in Pretoria
UBB are very happy with the BP from Loftus Versfeld, by the way!
Keeping an eye on La Rochelle v Leicester while listening to a Bordeaux-Begles WhatsApp call press conference after their win over the Bulls in Pretoria
UBB are very happy with the BP from Loftus Versfeld, by the way!
Ballsy from UBB
After a rusty start to the season it could really kickstart their campaign
Rayasi was superb off the bench, and Matiu belied his age
#ChampionsCup
After a rusty start to the season it could really kickstart their campaign
Rayasi was superb off the bench, and Matiu belied his age
#ChampionsCup
After leading 33-22 at HT, the Bulls lost the 2nd half 24-0!
Discipline and game management let them down, but has to be a concern that overseas teams are outscoring them in the last 40... at altitude!
UBB never stopped working, deserved win for the champs.
Discipline and game management let them down, but has to be a concern that overseas teams are outscoring them in the last 40... at altitude!
UBB never stopped working, deserved win for the champs.
December 6, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Ballsy from UBB
After a rusty start to the season it could really kickstart their campaign
Rayasi was superb off the bench, and Matiu belied his age
#ChampionsCup
After a rusty start to the season it could really kickstart their campaign
Rayasi was superb off the bench, and Matiu belied his age
#ChampionsCup
This week's Jouez: The French Rugby Dispatch
All about the #ChampionsCup
illtuddafydd.substack.com/p/le-guide-champions-cup
All about the #ChampionsCup
illtuddafydd.substack.com/p/le-guide-champions-cup
Le Guide: Champions Cup
What are the French hopes for this year's tournament?
illtuddafydd.substack.com
December 5, 2025 at 9:16 PM
This week's Jouez: The French Rugby Dispatch
All about the #ChampionsCup
illtuddafydd.substack.com/p/le-guide-champions-cup
All about the #ChampionsCup
illtuddafydd.substack.com/p/le-guide-champions-cup
Reposted by Illtud Dafydd
Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands all confirm their withdrawal from the Eurovision. The competition has lost one of big-five, the next largest contributor to it's budget outside of the big-five and the country who holds the record number of wins in the competition.
The EBU can go shite 🖕🖕🖕
The EBU can go shite 🖕🖕🖕
December 4, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands all confirm their withdrawal from the Eurovision. The competition has lost one of big-five, the next largest contributor to it's budget outside of the big-five and the country who holds the record number of wins in the competition.
The EBU can go shite 🖕🖕🖕
The EBU can go shite 🖕🖕🖕
"We have the motivation of being title holders and wanting to keep that status"
Bordeaux-Begles' Tiaan Jacobs as they open the defence of their #ChampionsCup crown at the Bulls on Saturday
More to come via @afp.com
Bordeaux-Begles' Tiaan Jacobs as they open the defence of their #ChampionsCup crown at the Bulls on Saturday
More to come via @afp.com
December 4, 2025 at 3:51 PM
"We have the motivation of being title holders and wanting to keep that status"
Bordeaux-Begles' Tiaan Jacobs as they open the defence of their #ChampionsCup crown at the Bulls on Saturday
More to come via @afp.com
Bordeaux-Begles' Tiaan Jacobs as they open the defence of their #ChampionsCup crown at the Bulls on Saturday
More to come via @afp.com
According to L'Equipe, Uini Atonio will make his injury return, after six months out, against Leicester in the #ChampionsCup on Saturday
Nolann Le Garrec not back until December 20
www.lequipe.fr/Rugby/Actual...
Nolann Le Garrec not back until December 20
www.lequipe.fr/Rugby/Actual...
Stade Rochelais : Atonio va rejouer, Sazy dans le staff pour la mêlée
Absent des terrains depuis la fin de saison dernière en raison d'une désinsertion à l'ischio-jambier, Uini Atonio va effectuer son retour à la compétition. Selon nos informations, le pilier du Stade R...
www.lequipe.fr
December 3, 2025 at 3:15 PM
According to L'Equipe, Uini Atonio will make his injury return, after six months out, against Leicester in the #ChampionsCup on Saturday
Nolann Le Garrec not back until December 20
www.lequipe.fr/Rugby/Actual...
Nolann Le Garrec not back until December 20
www.lequipe.fr/Rugby/Actual...
Stade Francais full-back Leo Barre was Opta's 'European' club player of the weekend
He's a kicking full-back who can create very well
The Parisians are fourth in the #Top14 table before the #ChallengeCup double-header
He's a kicking full-back who can create very well
The Parisians are fourth in the #Top14 table before the #ChallengeCup double-header
December 3, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Stade Francais full-back Leo Barre was Opta's 'European' club player of the weekend
He's a kicking full-back who can create very well
The Parisians are fourth in the #Top14 table before the #ChallengeCup double-header
He's a kicking full-back who can create very well
The Parisians are fourth in the #Top14 table before the #ChallengeCup double-header
"I guess we are new to this competition, so we want to come in and make a mark"
Pau's Australian full-back Jack Maddocks on their first #ChampionsCup appearance since 2000/2001
A full piece on La Section via @afp.com later this week
Pau's Australian full-back Jack Maddocks on their first #ChampionsCup appearance since 2000/2001
A full piece on La Section via @afp.com later this week
December 3, 2025 at 2:55 PM
"I guess we are new to this competition, so we want to come in and make a mark"
Pau's Australian full-back Jack Maddocks on their first #ChampionsCup appearance since 2000/2001
A full piece on La Section via @afp.com later this week
Pau's Australian full-back Jack Maddocks on their first #ChampionsCup appearance since 2000/2001
A full piece on La Section via @afp.com later this week
Galthie on facing Japan, the USA and Samoa
"It is indeed a friendly group. It is a perfect draw to build momentum"
#RWC2027
"It is indeed a friendly group. It is a perfect draw to build momentum"
#RWC2027
Fabien Galthie confirms France will play three warm-up games before #RWC2027
December 3, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Galthie on facing Japan, the USA and Samoa
"It is indeed a friendly group. It is a perfect draw to build momentum"
#RWC2027
"It is indeed a friendly group. It is a perfect draw to build momentum"
#RWC2027
Reposted by Illtud Dafydd
Huh, judging from the RWC kickoff video that just dropped, looks like Australia have become the latest team to go Castore
December 3, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Huh, judging from the RWC kickoff video that just dropped, looks like Australia have become the latest team to go Castore
Reposted by Illtud Dafydd
Portugal v Uruguay feels like such a Pro D2 fan choice for game of the tournament.
They even put those 2 teams in Group D to help people work it out!
They even put those 2 teams in Group D to help people work it out!
December 3, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Portugal v Uruguay feels like such a Pro D2 fan choice for game of the tournament.
They even put those 2 teams in Group D to help people work it out!
They even put those 2 teams in Group D to help people work it out!
Highly unlikely that there will be only one SH team in the semi-finals of a SH-hosted tournament.
Mind you the fact that one of the QFs will almost certainly be between two SH teams does increase that possibility.
Mind you the fact that one of the QFs will almost certainly be between two SH teams does increase that possibility.
December 3, 2025 at 10:19 AM
Pau centre Emilien Gailleton has been ruled out for 2-4 months with a shoulder injury, according to L'Equipe
A doubt for the #SixNations and a blow to Pau's very good season so far
#ChampionsCup #Top14
www.lequipe.fr/Rugby/Actual...
A doubt for the #SixNations and a blow to Pau's very good season so far
#ChampionsCup #Top14
www.lequipe.fr/Rugby/Actual...
Touché à l'épaule gauche contre La Rochelle, Émilien Gailleton absent pendant deux à quatre mois
Victime d'une luxation de l'épaule gauche lors de la victoire de Pau sur La Rochelle dimanche soir (53-33), le centre international Émilien Gailleton (22 ans, 12 sélections) sera indisponible entre de...
www.lequipe.fr
December 2, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Pau centre Emilien Gailleton has been ruled out for 2-4 months with a shoulder injury, according to L'Equipe
A doubt for the #SixNations and a blow to Pau's very good season so far
#ChampionsCup #Top14
www.lequipe.fr/Rugby/Actual...
A doubt for the #SixNations and a blow to Pau's very good season so far
#ChampionsCup #Top14
www.lequipe.fr/Rugby/Actual...
December 2, 2025 at 2:48 PM
When players say "I don't read the press"...
December 2, 2025 at 12:17 PM
When players say "I don't read the press"...
Further bad injury news for Toulouse after Juan Cruz Mallia
Matthis Lebel is ruled out for at least six weeks with a hand issue
Busy period coming up with the #ChampionsCup and #Top14
www.lequipe.fr/Rugby/Actual...
Matthis Lebel is ruled out for at least six weeks with a hand issue
Busy period coming up with the #ChampionsCup and #Top14
www.lequipe.fr/Rugby/Actual...
Victime d'une fracture d'un métacarpe de la main gauche, l'ailier toulousain Matthis Lebel sera indisponible au moins un mois et demi
L'ailier du Stade Toulousain Matthis Lebel s'est fracturé un métacarpe de la main gauche face au Racing 92, samedi (48-24), et a été opéré lundi. Il sera absent pendant au moins un mois et demi.
www.lequipe.fr
December 2, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Further bad injury news for Toulouse after Juan Cruz Mallia
Matthis Lebel is ruled out for at least six weeks with a hand issue
Busy period coming up with the #ChampionsCup and #Top14
www.lequipe.fr/Rugby/Actual...
Matthis Lebel is ruled out for at least six weeks with a hand issue
Busy period coming up with the #ChampionsCup and #Top14
www.lequipe.fr/Rugby/Actual...
Reposted by Illtud Dafydd
The rugby community was shocked and saddened to see the great Penarth Athletic Club destroyed by fire over the weekend.
You can contribute to the rebuild here:
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/fc7d003113...
You can contribute to the rebuild here:
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/fc7d003113...
Rebuild Penarth Athletic Club.
Rebuild Penarth Athletic Club after the fire, replace lost memorabilia and equipment, and keep rugby, cricket and hockey thriving.
www.crowdfunder.co.uk
December 2, 2025 at 10:05 AM
The rugby community was shocked and saddened to see the great Penarth Athletic Club destroyed by fire over the weekend.
You can contribute to the rebuild here:
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/fc7d003113...
You can contribute to the rebuild here:
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/fc7d003113...
