With the sad passing of Glanmor Griffiths – the father of our very own world rugby stage, the Principality (Millennium) Stadium – we look at the new stages being created on and off-line to keep Welsh fans hooked to the pitch-side action.
There’s a fire in every Welsh belly right now. As a nation we live and breathe rugby, and when it comes to the Rugby World Cup, that excitement reaches fever pitch.
From the unforgettable experience in our national stadium, to watching on the telly box – in English and Welsh – we’re a nation of rugby-watching-bingers and, while the lucky few have made it to France to cheer on Gatland’s squad, for most of us, there’s a world of ways to catch (and catch up) on every nail-biting second online.
1. The official bits
The official Rugby World Cup website is the first stop for comprehensive coverage of the tournament, including live scores, fixtures, and news updates; while the Welsh Rugby Union offers video highlights, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes content from the team based in their home-from-home camp in Versailles – making it a one-stop-shop for all things Wales at the Rugby World Cup.
2. Read all about it
For all those with a nervous disposition when it comes to the games themselves, for lots of us, rugby enthusiasts and bloggers provide in-depth coverage and analysis of the tournament. Websites like WalesOnline and the BBC’s Scrum V offer a back catalogue of articles, opinion pieces, and match reports to keep you updated on every angle – weather you agree or not. And for immediate ramblings at any time of day – but especially after that first kick – and X (Twitter) has real-time updates and insights from pundits, former players, and like-minded fans.
3. Listening in
For those who prefer to listen to lively debates, interviews with players and coaches, and analysis form experts and like-minded armchair-pros, then rugby podcasts are your tournament best buddy. Welsh rugby fans can tune in to podcasts 5 Live’s Rugby Union Daily, Scrum V’s The Welsh Rugby Podcast, and The Welsh Rugby Roundup Podcast has a lot of the banter you’d expect down the pub.
4. Watching on telly
While the tournament is being streamed on ITV channels across the board, each and every Wales game is available on S4C – with English and Welsh commentary available at the click of a button. Keep an eye on BBC One, BBC Two, and BBC iPlayer for highlights, and post-match analysis.
5, Binge online
Online rugby communities and forums can be a great way to connect with like-minded fans. Websites like Rugby Forum and the Rugby World Cup subreddit offer platforms to discuss the tournament, sharing insights, and participating in pre and post-match analysis.
While nothing can quite replicate the atmosphere of being in the stadium, experiencing the tournament online can help you stay connected to all the nail-biting action – whether you’re reading insightful blogs, listening to passionate podcasts, or watching the games on TV.
And with ultrafast broadband from us – you can keep up with the pace of Louis Rees-Zammit, without the fear of hearing the cheer from the other room.
So, gear up, stick on something red and Welsh, and get ready to immerse yourself in every twist and turn of the Rugby World Cup from the heart of Welsh rugby fandom, right on your home screen.
