Wales

The stage was set for Ireland to get their revenge over a Welsh side that had won their previous two encounters, at the World Cup and a controversial Six Nations fixture in Cardiff last season.

Philippe Saint-Andre's first game in charge saw France win comfortably against Italy 30-12 in front of the Paris crowd. The home side avenged last year's defeat to the Azzurri by dominating the game from start to finish.

So what did we learn from the first weekend of the 6 Nations. Some would say not much that we didn’t know on Friday but it was a weekend that gave us flashes of brilliance amongst the pragmatism and a couple of controversial refereeing decisions.

When Scarlet's back row forward Aaron Shingler was informed that he was to join the Welsh squad, in one of Warren Gatland's infamous training camps in Gdansk, Poland, the icing was well and truly on the cake.

It is one of those things where you are envious because that guy is living your dream, but you would be too terrified to say anything if you were in his position.

The first game of this year's Six Nations tournament sees World Cup finalists France host Italy at the Stade de France.

Like many young men plying their trade in professional rugby in Wales recently, Justin Tipuric has experienced something of a whirlwind eighteen months representing his club and region.

Six Nations coaches and players chat to Talking Rugby

The Welsh national side won over fans and critics alike at the World Cup. The whole nation got behind the team.

The Welsh Rugby Union have announced a 35 man training squad ahead of next month's Six Nations tournament and after finishing in 4th place in the 2011 Rugby World Cup

When I last wrote a Blog I was still in New Zealand enjoying what I can only describe as the best World Cup to have ever been played out!

Shane Williams wore the number 11 jersey for so long Warren Gatland is going to be faced with some tough choices when it comes to picking who will replace him on the wing, one this is for certain there isn't anyone exactly like Williams and probably won't be again.

It is almost that time of year again. January, in rugby's calendar, is the month where everyone is put into the Six Nations blender of anticipation, expectation, hope, fear, nerves €“ you name it, and it has been tossed in for good measure €“ before the lid comes off in February and you are a left a smoothie of emotion as your country sets off on a five-game quest for glory.

After helping Wales to 3rd place in this year's Under 20's Six Nations tournament, Matthew Morgan was selected by Wales' Under 20's coach Richard Webster for the Junior World Championship in Italy.

Hello TRU readers, I've been asked to create a blog and give you an inside scope on being a professional rugby player with the Scarlets and Wales 7s.

Words are not enough when it comes to describing Shane Williams' international career or how much he has down for his country.

Wales ran in 12 tries against Pool D's bottom side Namibia as they secured a bonus point win to set up a showdown match with Fiji to reach the quarter finals.

Warren Gatland has made 11 changes to the side that claimed a 17-10 victory over Samoa last week for Wales' Pool D encounter with Namibia on Monday

Wales ground out a 17-10 win against Samoa in Wellington in what was a very hotly contested match. Shane Williams' try and 12 points from the boot gave the Welsh their first win of this year's tournament.

South Africa denied Wales what would have been a famous victory as they started the defence of the World Cup with a 17-16 win in Wellington.