No Regrets - Welsh Rugby's Plan to Conquer the World

978-1-902719-818
    Delivery time:2-5 Days (UK)
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‘Matt is an honest, trustworthy journalist. I hope you enjoy the book and his account of the last few years!’
Warren Gatland

‘Outstanding insight from the hardest-working reporter following Wales in Japan. A fascinating read.’
Ben Coles, The Telegraph

Matt’s a trusted journalist who really understands the game.’
Mike Phillips

‘As the local man covering Wales over the last few years, few are better placed to chronicle the squad’s journey over that period. A smashing writer who tells the story perfectly.’
Andrew Baldock, Press Association

‘Matt’s work is always of the highest quality, constantly showing his excellent understanding of the game, as well as his good rapport with players and coaches.’
Steve James, The Times

Matt has been following the team as closely as anyone and in more detail than most. A brilliant look between the lines.’
Will Kelleher, Daily Mail


‘Having followed Wales’ every move over recent years, few journalists are better-placed to chronicle the team’s journey over that period of time than Matt.’
Martyn Williams, from his Foreword

Contents 
Foreword by Martyn Williams
Acknowledgements
Introduction

1. The Three-Year Plan
2. A Painful Relationship
3. Hope and Heartbreak
4. New Blood
5. No Stone Left Unturned
6. The Dream Becomes a Nightmare
7. Overcoming the Aussies
8. Out of the Bubble
9. Not Fiji, Not Again
10. Gallic Madness
11. Springbok Despair
12. A Game Nobody Wants
13. The Gatland Legacy
14. Future Prospects: Future Winners?
Team Wales at RWC 2019

No Regrets was the name given to Welsh rugby's three-year masterplan to give the national team the best possible chance of success at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Created in a Wellington hotel in 2016 after Wales had been thumped  40-7 by the Waikato Chiefs during their summer tour of New Zealand, Head coach Warren Gatland, attack coach Rob Howley, Chief Executive Martyn Phillips and then-Head of Rugby Performance, Geraint John knew a major step change was needed. No Regrets was the result.

In No Regrets - Welsh Rugby's Plan to Conquer the World, acclaimed Western Mail rugby correspondent Matthew Southcombe reveals how the masterplan led to the 2017 tour success in Argentina, a clean sweep in the 2018 autumn internationals and, in 2019, a Six Nations Grand Slam, a record 14-game unbeaten run and a World Rugby #1 ranking. Hopes were high, amongst the squad and the nation, as the team headed to Japan with a genuine expectation winning the tournament.

Essential reading for all Welsh rugby supporters, Matthew Southcombe, in addition to telling the story of Wales' 2019 Rugby World Cup  campaign, also recalls the highs and lows of Wales at the previous eight World Cups, assesses Warren Gatland's 12-year legacy with Wales, and asks what is required for this rugby-obsessed nation to reach the World Cup final, and finally lift the Webb Ellis Trophy.

Matthew Southcombe has been the Western Mail’s rugby correspondent since 2014 and spent the entire Rugby World Cup in Japan.

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