Wales’ nightmare Six Nations campaign ended in another defeat on Saturday, this time falling 24-21 to Italy in Rome. The loss means they finish the tournament with zero wins for the second time in three years, extending their winless run to a record nine Tests. It’s the first time Wales have gone without a win in the competition since 2007, when they also finished last. The red dragons now face fresh questions about their direction under new coach Warren Gatland, who took charge after last year’s disappointing campaign.

Italy finally break their duck

Italy had lost their previous 29 Six Nations matches before this victory, dating back to their last win in 2022. Their drought was the longest in rugby’s major tournaments, and their players visibly struggled with the pressure of the occasion. But a disciplined defensive effort and two second-half tries from fly-half Stephen Varney and centre Monty Ioane finally ended the misery. Italy’s coach Kieran Crowley called it a “historic” night, saying his team showed “huge character” to get over the line.

Wales, meanwhile, showed glimpses of their old resilience but lacked the cutting edge up front. Taulupe Faletau led the way with a man-of-the-match display, but errors in key areas cost them dearly. Their attack, usually a strength, looked static against Italy’s organized defence, and their kicking game failed to turn pressure into points. Gatland admitted after the game that his side’s set-piece work needs urgent attention if they’re to avoid another embarrassing campaign.

Wales face identity crisis after another poor tournament

This is Wales’ third wooden spoon in five years, and their worst run of form in decades. Their attack, once the envy of the rugby world, now looks predictable, while their defence has leaked tries at an alarming rate. Gatland has overseen a rebuild since taking over in 2023, but this latest defeat suggests major questions remain unanswered. Youngsters like Josh Adams and George North are still the backbone, but the squad lacks the depth and experience of their 2010s glory years.

Italy, for all their struggles, showed they’re no longer pushovers. They’ve beaten Scotland and now Wales in this year’s tournament, proving they can mix it with the big boys. Their win keeps their hopes of avoiding the wooden spoon alive, though they’ll need a miracle against England in their final game. Wales, meanwhile, face a long summer of soul-searching before their next big test in the summer internationals.

The wider implications are stark for Welsh rugby. Gatland’s contract runs until the 2027 World Cup, but if this Six Nations is any indication, pressure will mount fast if results don’t improve. Fans are already asking whether Wales have lost their way after years of decline. The next few months could determine whether Gatland gets the time he needs—or if the Welsh Rugby Union decides a change is needed.

What You Need to Know

  • Source: BBC Sport
  • Published: May 17, 2026 at 13:20 UTC
  • Category: Sports
  • Topics: #bbc · #sports · #football · #italy · #wales · #six-nations-wooden

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Curated by GlobalBR News · May 17, 2026

🇧🇷 Resumo em Português

A Seleção Galesa de rugby levou mais uma lambada na edição 2024 do Torneio das Seis Nações: desta vez, a vítima foi a própria Itália, mas o preço foi alto demais. Com a derrota por 31 a 21 em Roma, os homens de verde encerraram uma sequência inglória de nove jogos sem vitória no torneio e, pela segunda vez consecutiva, terminaram na lanterna da competição.

O vexame não é só esportivo, mas também simbólico para o País de Gales, tradicional potência do rugby europeu, que há décadas exporta ídolos como Gareth Edwards e Shane Williams. Ao contrário de nações como Inglaterra, Irlanda e França, que disputam títulos com regularidade, a equipe galesa amarga uma fase de reconstrução dolorosa, com performances pífias e crises de identidade. Para os brasileiros que acompanham o esporte, a situação soa familiar: lembra a queda do Brasil nos gramados de futebol nos anos 2010, quando a Seleção vivia jejuns de títulos e performances abaixo do esperado. A diferença é que, no rugby, a queda é ainda mais vertiginosa, já que o País de Gales sequer consegue pontuar contra times como Itália e Escócia, que tradicionalmente brigam para não serem rebaixados.

Agora, a torcida galesa espera por mudanças urgentes na comissão técnica e na base, enquanto o rugby internacional já começa a especular sobre a próxima participação no Mundial de 2027 — que será disputado justamente no País de Gales. O desafio é imenso: evitar que a história se repita e recuperar o orgulho de uma nação que já foi sinônimo de excelência no esporte.