Did Lake Let Down Those at Home?

Wales captain Dewi Lake expressed deep disappointment following a dismal 48-7 defeat to England in the Six Nations, acknowledging that the team failed both themselves and their supporters. Lake's comments reflect a broader issue within Welsh rugby, as they face ongoing struggles on and off the pitch, compounded by a disappointing record since the 2023 World Cup.

Last updated: 12 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Welsh rugby team is currently experiencing a tumultuous period, marked by a string of poor performances and a worrying trend of disciplinary issues. Dewi Lake's sentiments following the defeat to England underscore the urgency to improve as they prepare to face France next week. With ticket sales lagging for upcoming home matches, the atmosphere among fans is becoming increasingly tense. The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) is also under scrutiny as it navigates potential changes to the professional game in Wales, adding further pressure on the players.

Key takeaways

Dewi Lake expressed disappointment over Wales' performance against England.
The team has conceded 65 penalties in five matches under head coach Steve Tandy.
Wales has not won a Six Nations match since March 2023.
There are significant off-field challenges facing Welsh rugby, including potential cuts to professional teams.
Ticket sales for upcoming home games are reportedly slow.

Timeline: how we got here

The following timeline highlights key moments in Welsh rugby leading up to the current situation:

March 2023: Wales secures its last Six Nations victory against Italy.
2023 Rugby World Cup: Wales finishes with a disappointing record of 22 defeats in 24 Tests.
October 2023: Dewi Lake criticises the team's performance after a heavy loss to England.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Dewi Lake's candid remarks following the defeat reflect a growing awareness among Welsh players that their performance levels must improve. The team is also grappling with off-field uncertainties, such as the potential cuts to professional sides within the WRU structure.

What was already established

Wales has been struggling significantly since the 2023 World Cup, with a poor record and numerous disciplinary issues. Previous performances have shown that the team has not been able to maintain discipline, leading to an alarming number of penalties and yellow cards.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The ongoing struggles of the Welsh rugby team could impact fan engagement and attendance at matches. With ticket sales reportedly lagging, households may be less inclined to invest in attending games, which could have financial repercussions for the WRU and associated businesses.

Businesses and jobs

The uncertainty surrounding the WRU and potential cuts to professional teams may affect jobs within Welsh rugby. Local businesses that rely on matchday revenues could also be adversely impacted if fan attendance continues to decline.

Policy and regulation

The WRU faces scrutiny as it navigates the future of professional rugby in Wales. Discussions around restructuring and funding for teams are ongoing, and any decisions made will likely have significant implications for the sport's landscape in the region.

Numbers that matter

22: The number of defeats Wales has faced in 24 Tests since the 2023 World Cup.
65: The total penalties conceded by Wales in Steve Tandy's first five games as head coach.
10: Yellow cards issued to the Welsh team in the same period.
1,064: Days since Wales last celebrated a Six Nations victory.
29-0: The scoreline at half-time during the recent match against England, highlighting the team's struggles.

Definitions and jargon buster

Yellow card: A temporary expulsion from the match for a player due to foul play, resulting in a team playing with one less player for a set period.
WRU: Welsh Rugby Union, the governing body for rugby union in Wales.
Six Nations: An annual rugby union competition involving England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Wales must regroup quickly as they prepare to face France. The coaching staff will need to address disciplinary issues and improve performance on the field to restore confidence among players and fans.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Looking ahead, the team will need to focus on building consistency and discipline. This includes addressing the high penalty count and working on strategies to enhance their game plan. The outcome of discussions within the WRU about the future of professional rugby will also be pivotal.

Signals to watch

Performance metrics in upcoming matches, particularly against France.
Attendance and ticket sales for home games, which will reflect fan engagement.
Decisions from the WRU regarding the structure of professional rugby in Wales.

Practical guidance

Do

Support local rugby by attending matches and engaging with the community.
Stay informed about team performances and upcoming fixtures.
Encourage discussions about improving the team's discipline and performance.

Don’t

Make excuses for poor performances; focus on accountability and improvement.
Avoid negativity or dismissive attitudes towards the players and coaching staff.
Overlook the importance of fan support during challenging times.

Checklist

Check the schedule for upcoming matches and plan to attend.
Engage with local rugby clubs to support grassroots initiatives.
Follow news updates regarding WRU decisions and team performances.
Discuss performance and strategy improvements with fellow fans.
Encourage younger players to take up rugby and support their development.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

Wales' current situation is precarious, with performance levels and off-field issues creating a complex environment. There are ongoing discussions regarding the future of professional rugby in Wales, and any changes could impact the team’s structure and funding. The disciplinary problems may become entrenched if not addressed promptly, leading to further defeats and fan disengagement.

Bottom line

Wales finds itself at a crucial juncture as it seeks to rectify its on-field issues while navigating significant off-field challenges. The team's ability to regroup and improve in the upcoming fixtures will be vital for restoring hope among fans and ensuring the sustainability of professional rugby in Wales.

FAQs

What led to Wales' defeat against England?

The defeat stemmed from poor discipline, with Wales conceding 16 penalties, resulting in multiple yellow cards that left them playing with fewer players for significant portions of the match.

How long has it been since Wales won a Six Nations match?

Wales has not won a Six Nations match since March 2023, marking a troubling period for the team as they strive to regain their competitive edge.

What challenges is Welsh rugby currently facing?

Welsh rugby is facing potential cuts to professional teams, ongoing poor performance results, and declining fan engagement, all of which pose significant challenges to the sport’s future in the region.