Betting suspended on next Wales head coach, Warren Gatland has a new job
Rugby NewsWednesday, 23 April 2025 at 20:17
It looks like the race to replace Warren Gatland is over before it really began.
Welsh bookmaker Dragon Bet has pulled the plug on all bets surrounding the identity of the next permanent Wales head coach—usually a telltale sign that someone’s name is already being scribbled on the official paperwork.
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From Scotland with Love: Steve Tandy Takes Centre Stage
And that man? It’s none other than Scotland's current defensive mastermind, Steve Tandy.
The 45-year-old Welshman might not have worn the head coach crown on the international stage just yet, but make no mistake—he’s built an impressive rugby résumé. He guided the Ospreys to a PRO12 title during his time in charge and has been a key cog in Gregor Townsend’s Scottish setup.
Lion-Hearted Credentials
Tandy’s defensive brilliance hasn’t gone unnoticed either. Warren Gatland himself trusted him to marshal the defence on the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa—a ringing endorsement if ever there was one.
With Wales navigating choppy waters post-Gatland, Tandy could be just the steady hand they need at the helm.
Gatland new job:
Well, sources at Ruck suggest that Gatland has been in talks with Sky Sports to join their punditry team for the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia. The report suggests an announcement will be made in the coming weeks.
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Antoine Dupont didn’t hesitate when naming his toughest opponent so far
In a recent Q&A, Dupont shared the players he respects most, and the list includes some seriously tough competition. When asked about his toughest opponents, he didn’t miss a beat: “There are lots of great players around these days. Beauden Barrett, Faf de Klerk, Owen Farrell to name a few.”
Let’s dive into why these three legends have earned Dupont’s respect and what makes them so hard to beat.
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Beauden Barrett – The All Blacks' Game-Changer
If anyone can make even Dupont sweat, it’s Beauden Barrett. New Zealand’s speedster isn’t just lightning fast—his rugby IQ is next level. Whether he’s running the show at fly-half or sweeping in at full-back, Barrett’s ability to read the game and create opportunities is unmatched.
With over 100 international caps and two World Rugby Player of the Year awards, Barrett’s legacy is already cemented. His breakneck pace, combined with silky offloads, make him a nightmare to defend. Dupont knows better than anyone how dangerous Barrett can be.
Game-changing ability? Through the roof. Usually found ghosting past defenders before anyone knows he’s there.
Faf de Klerk – South Africa’s Defensive Dynamo
South Africa’s Faf de Klerk may stand at 5’7”, but his impact on the game is absolutely towering. The Springbok scrum-half is a constant menace in defence, relentlessly disrupting the flow of opposing playmakers. His speed, fearlessness, and pinpoint kicking make him a major threat at every turn.
Dupont has faced off against De Klerk in some of rugby’s biggest clashes and knows how effective the Springbok can be. Whether it’s through his fierce tackles or clever box kicks, De Klerk embodies the high-energy, physical style that has made South Africa a force to be reckoned with.
Rugby’s most ferocious disruptor? You bet. You’ll find him at the heart of South Africa’s World Cup triumphs.
Owen Farrell – England’s Enforcer
Owen Farrell is the kind of player who can turn a match into a war of attrition. Known for his uncompromising leadership, fierce defence, and cool-headed game management, Farrell is the ultimate no-nonsense enforcer.
His physical presence on the pitch is impossible to ignore—whether he’s crashing into tackles, controlling the game with his kicking, or barking orders at his team. Farrell thrives in pressure moments, and Dupont has had to contend with his relentless intensity more than once.
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QUIZ: Can You Name the England XV that Won the 2020 Six Nations?
England last won the Six Nations in 2020, in what was a crowning achievement during the Eddie Jones era. Coming off the back of the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final heartbreak, England bounced back to win their seventh Six Nations title since the competition's Italian expansion in 2000.
England secured the trophy with a win in Rome, as they handed Italy a one-sided 34-5 bonus point defeat. We are challenging you to remember who started for England that day, as the match was played in front of an empty stadium during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
You have five minutes to provide your answers, good luck!
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