Annus Horribilis. Definition: A of disaster or misfortune, the perfect description of the year Welsh rugby has suffered in 2025. Although perhaps just using the word ‘Anus’ would be a more apt.

But just as one ‘anus’ ends another appears to be on the horizon with the prospects for 2026 looking pretty horribilis.

11th March 2023 was a pretty unremarkable date for most people unless of course you happen to be either Chinese or Welsh.

On that date In the far east, China’s government appointed Li Qiang, as the country’s new Premier and in the far west Wales beat Italy 29-17 in Rome.

11 March 2023 was also the last time Wales won a home Guinness Six Nations rugby match.

And if the Christmas editions of Eastenders didn’t do it, then I will take the liberty to depress you. The last time Wales won a Six Nations game in Cardiff was on 12 February 2022 when they beat Scotland 29-7.

So here we are two or three years later depending on your reference point, desperately searching to change the narrative if only briefly.

First up for the men in red are England at Twickenham, not an easy start, but in all truth there are no easy starts for Wales these days.

Three home games against Scotland, France, and Italy, with the latter being probably their best chance of a victory, plus an away fixture with Ireland have the appearance of a daunting schedule for a team and a nation desperately low on confidence, optimism, and physicality.

Hope springs eternal they say, but in Wales hope is heading towards the horizon with its anus on fire, expectation has long disappeared and apathy is waiting just around the corner ready to taser anyone who dares to dream.

2026 will not be an Annus Horribilis it will be a last chance saloon. Let’s hope, no let’s make sure, Welsh rugby does not ride off into the sunset.

Blwyddyn Newydd Dda/Happy New Year to you all.