Wales pick up first Six Nations wooden spoon since 2003

The Six Nations has long been a successful stomping ground for Wales but 2024 has been a year to forget with all involved in Welsh rugby.

Having consistently punched above their weight in the competition, Wales are always a side to keep an eye on with many international betting sites but they need to rebuild quickly.

The annual Six Nations debate is upon us, with the fallout from the competition hitting fever pitch and this season, it is Wales who are very much in the firing line.

Whilst very little was expected of Wales heading into the tournament, picking up their first wooden spoon since 2003 is nothing to write home about and there are clear issues within the infrastructure within Welsh rugby currently.

Losing in emphatic style to Italy was the final nail in the coffin for Wales and they have some serious work to do ahead of the summer internationals and the 2025 edition of the Six Nations.

Woeful Wales

Whilst wooden love spoons remain one of the most affectionate gifts in Wales, there was no love shown from Wales on receiving the Six Nations wooden spoon in 2024.

Defeats to Ireland, England and France were expected but both Scotland and Italy were able to forge big wins in Cardiff, stopping Wales from imposing any sort of style.

Wales are clearly a side in transition, and they will come good in the future, but this will be a very steep learning curve for a young Wales team, who will need to learn quickly.

Imperious Italy

For all the troubles Wales endured at Cardiff in their final game against Italy, the progress made by the Azzurri over the past few seasons has been seismic.

Benetton continue to lead the way in terms of European club rugby and clearly the Italians plying their trade within the domestic game no longer have a fear factor against their European contemporaries.

With sensational running from the backs and a forward line packed with power, Italy look to be a serious force for years to come and they look to have found a strong formula in the Six Nations.

Gatland to go?

Warren Gatland first took charge of Wales back in 2007 and he brought about a consistency and success to Welsh rugby that had seldom been seen by punters and rugby union betting sites. 

However, he has had a few breaks away from the hotseat, always opting to return and it did look as if his race was run within Welsh rugby in the 2024 Six Nations.

Gatland’s resignation has been offered but not accepted by the Welsh Rugby Union but change does look to be afoot and whether Warren Gatland is a part of that remains to be seen.

Wales suffered the ignominy of picking up the wooden spoon in the 2024 Six Nations, following a final game defeat to Italy.

The inquest begins within Welsh rugby as the dust settles for Wales fans and it promises to be a fascinating period ahead to see how Wales respon.