Is Wales Still a Rugby Powerhouse Despite Its Struggles?

Wales head coach Steve Tandy has acknowledged the challenges facing Welsh rugby, particularly highlighted by the concerning ticket sales for upcoming Six Nations matches, including the clash with France. Despite the turmoil—evidenced by a string of poor performances—Tandy insists Wales remains a proud rugby nation, asserting that revitalising the team will require collective effort from players, coaches, and supporters alike.

Last updated: 15 February 2026 (BST)

What’s happening now

The current state of Welsh rugby is concerning, with thousands of tickets still available for home matches at the Principality Stadium. The national team has suffered a staggering 22 losses in 24 international matches, including a record-setting 12 consecutive defeats in the Six Nations. Tandy’s recent tenure has not been smooth, with only one win out of five matches since he took charge. The upcoming fixture against France is crucial, not only for team morale but also for the financial health of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), which relies heavily on matchday revenue.

Key takeaways

Wales has lost 22 out of the last 24 international matches.
There are ongoing concerns about ticket sales for home games, with many seats unsold.
Head coach Steve Tandy emphasises the need for collective support from players, coaches, and fans.

Timeline: how we got here

Wales' struggles have been evident for some time. Key milestones include:

February 2022: Last home Six Nations win against Scotland.
March 2023: Only win in the Six Nations since February 2022, against Italy in Rome.
February 2026: Tandy's fourth defeat in five matches as head coach, following a heavy loss to England (48-7).

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

As Wales prepares to face France, Tandy has made four starting personnel changes in a bid to improve performance. He has retained captain Dewi Lake, despite criticism following the last match's line-out issues.

What was already established

Wales has been on a downward trajectory, suffering more defeats than wins for an extended period. The WRU is facing financial pressure due to low ticket sales, which account for a significant portion of its revenue.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For fans, the ongoing struggles of the national team may affect their willingness to attend matches, impacting local businesses around Cardiff that rely on matchday traffic. The financial implications for the WRU could lead to cuts in funding for grassroots rugby and other initiatives.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses connected to the matchday experience, such as hospitality and retail, may suffer from reduced attendance. Additionally, if the WRU faces financial strain, it could impact jobs within the organisation and at affiliated clubs.

Policy and regulation

There is increasing scrutiny on the WRU's governance, with discussions around leadership and the need for structural changes to support the recovery of Welsh rugby. Tandy’s success or failure may influence future coaching appointments and strategic decisions.

Numbers that matter

22 losses in the last 24 international matches.
50% of WRU's turnover is derived from matchday ticket sales.
63,208: Lowest attendance for a home Six Nations match against France in 2022.
71,242: Attendance for the same fixture on a Sunday two years later.
12: Consecutive Six Nations defeats, a new record.

Definitions and jargon buster

WRU: Welsh Rugby Union, the governing body for rugby in Wales.
Principality Stadium: The national stadium of Wales, located in Cardiff.
Six Nations: An annual rugby union championship contested by England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

The immediate focus for Wales will be on the upcoming match against France, where securing a win is critical for morale and ticket sales. Tandy will look to implement his strategies to improve performance on the field.

Medium term (1–6 months)

In the coming months, Wales must build on any potential momentum from the Six Nations, aiming for consistent performances to re-engage fans and improve ticket sales for future fixtures.

Signals to watch

Attendance figures for the upcoming matches against Scotland and Italy.
Performance metrics such as points scored and conceded in upcoming games.
Public sentiment and media coverage surrounding the WRU and team performance.

Practical guidance

Do

Support local businesses by attending matches and events surrounding the games.
Engage positively on social media to uplift players and coaches.
Stay informed about team developments and upcoming fixtures.

Don’t

Engage in negative commentary that could affect player morale.
Overreact to individual match results; focus on the long-term rebuilding process.
Ignore the importance of collective support during difficult times.

Checklist

Check ticket availability for upcoming matches against Scotland and Italy.
Follow team news and updates to be aware of player changes and strategies.
Encourage others to attend matches and support Welsh rugby.
Monitor social media for positive engagement with players and coaches.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The current state of Welsh rugby poses several risks, particularly if the team fails to improve performance. Continued poor results could further depress ticket sales, leading to financial challenges for the WRU. Additionally, unresolved governance issues within the WRU may hinder progress and fan engagement.

Bottom line

Welsh rugby is at a pivotal juncture, with the potential for recovery hinging on collective support and improved performances on the field. Fans, players, and coaches must unite to navigate through this challenging period, fostering optimism for the future of the sport in Wales.

FAQs

What is the significance of the upcoming match against France?

The match represents a crucial opportunity for Wales to regain confidence and potentially improve ticket sales, amidst ongoing struggles in performance and attendance.

How has ticket sales impacted the WRU financially?

With over 50% of the WRU's turnover coming from matchday receipts, low ticket sales pose a significant financial risk, potentially impacting funding for grassroots rugby.

What are the long-term goals for Welsh rugby?

The aim is to restore Wales' status as a competitive rugby nation, which will require collective efforts from players, coaches, and supporters to achieve consistent performances and engagement.