Wales head coach Steve Tandy should make significant changes for the Six Nations clash with France

It was yet another horrific afternoon for Welsh rugby at the Allianz Stadium Twickenham last Saturday.

Wales conceded 48 points and shipped seven tries as they slipped to a 12th Six Nations defeat on the bounce. Steve Tandy has a mountain of issues in need of fixing, with Wales’ habit of giving away cheap penalties at the top of the pile.

Wales’ pack got thrown around like rag dolls, while the lineout fell apart and the attacking game was non-existent. The team Tandy packed was lacking in size, power and back row balance.

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Tandy may feel the need to give players a second chance but there will surely have to be some personnel changes for the visit of a France side who brushed Ireland aside with ease last Thursday.

Rugby correspondent Steffan Thomas selects his side to take on France.

15. Ellis Mee

The 22-year-old’s best position is arguably full-back and it wouldn’t be a bad idea to move him into the number 15 shirt for the visit of France.

Mee is strong under the high ball, has good positional sense and is an intelligent footballer.

14. Louis Rees-Zammit

The Bristol Bears speedster was one of only two Welsh players who came out of Saturday’s annihilation at Allianz Stadium Twickenham with any credit.

But at the same time Rees-Zammit did not look entirely comfortable at full-back.

The 25-year-old remains Wales’ deadliest attacking weapon and can interchange with Mee at full-back throughout the game.

13. Owen Watkin

Wales’ midfield did not function well enough against England.

Yes, the fact both Ben Thomas and Eddie James were forced to operate behind a beaten pack did not help but they struggled to contain England’s midfield.

Watkin is a safe pair of hands with experience at Test level and is the best defensive centre in Welsh rugby.

12. Joe Hawkins

It is difficult to see Wales attack coach Matt Sherratt moving away from a ball player in the number 12 shirt.

Ben Thomas is an excellent footballer and plays well at regional level but it was always going to be difficult playing on the back foot against such a physical English midfield. Things didn’t go well for the Cardiff playmaker at Twickenham.

Joe Hawkins might be the better option because he is the more physical player who is also a ball player like Thomas.

11. Mason Grady

If Wales are going to stand any chance of competing with France they need to fire far more shots in attack than they did against England.

Grady has his critics but he has size, explosive power and speed; three attributes that were in short supply at Twickenham.

A lot has been said about Grady’s potential but the 23-year-old needs to start realising it.

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10. Sam Costelow

This selection will set our comment sections alight, no doubt, but Costelow has been outstanding for the Scarlets of late and is a key part of their resurgence in recent weeks.

There isn’t much between Dan Edwards and Costelow at all but the Ospreys playmaker got exposed defensively on a number of occasions against England.

France will come hard at Wales and will certainly target the 10 channel.

Costelow is the better defender and while there are question marks over his game management at the highest level, he deserves another opportunity.

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9. Tomos Williams

The first name on Tandy’s team sheet.

Wales’ forwards will need to give Williams a better platform so he can showcase his attacking prowess at the Principality Stadium.

Williams needs to be at his very best if Wales are to have any chance this Sunday.

8. Olly Cracknell

Wales lack ball carriers who are able to do the hard yards to get over the gainline.

This is something Cracknell does on a regular basis for Leicester Tigers in the Gallagher Prem.

The backrow got blown away physically by England and Wales cannot afford the same thing to happen against France.

7. Josh Macleod

It was a mixed bag for Macleod at Twickenham.

The Scarlets skipper gave away a silly penalty for not retreating early against England and struggled to slow down Steve Borthwick’s side at the breakdown.

He did get better as the game wore on, winning a penalty at the breakdown just before half-time and making 12 tackles.

Needs to be better moving forward but probably deserves another go.

6. Aaron Wainwright

The Dragons backrower was Wales’ best player against England.

Wainwright was the only player who consistently crossed the gainline as he put in a big shift.

We have moved him from No 8 to blindside flanker to make way for Cracknell in order to put out a more physical backrow. The balance against England was just not right.

5. Adam Beard

Wales’ front five got bullied by England and as the most experienced player in the pack Beard has to take some responsibility for that.

The Montpellier lock has a reputation as an outstanding lineout forward, while his work at maul time has proved invaluable over the years, but this is an area of the game that malfunctioned badly against England.

He keeps his place in the team because there aren’t many credible alternatives but he needs to up his game.

4. Dafydd Jenkins

The 23-year-old has been one of the best performing second-rows in the Gallagher Prem this season for Exeter Chiefs.

But he did not have his best game last weekend.

Jenkins cost Wales a strong attacking position early doors when he was penalised at a lineout just five metres out from the England line.

Needs a strong performance against France.

3. Tomas Francis

The scrum is an area where Wales will have to gain parity against Fabien Galthié’s side at the Principality Stadium.

Francis is head and shoulders above any other tighthead in the squad when it comes to scrummaging and should start this Sunday.

2. Dewi Lake (captain)

The 26-year-old had arguably his poorest game for Wales last weekend.

Nothing seemed to go Lake’s way as the lineout faltered, he was sent to the sin bin and he also cost Wales a favourable attacking position by failing to tap the ball on the floor from a penalty.

But it would be a drastic call to drop the captain one game into the Six Nations.

Lake is a quality player who had a bad game. He deserves a chance to bounce back.

1. Rhys Carré

Wales need more ball carriers and the 28-year-old Saracens prop is someone who excels in this area of the game.

Carré was decent against England, with a few strong carries, and while he is not as strong a scrummager as Nicky Smith, Wales need to get over the gainline from the off.

Starting Carré is the right option for France.

Replacements

16. Ryan Elias

Wales needs more size, power and ball carriers. Elias ticks all three boxes and has been playing well for the Scarlets.

17. Nicky Smith

Did not enjoy his best game at Twickenham but is a powerful scrummager who will be needed late on.

18. Archie Griffin

The Bath prop struggled to contain Ellis Genge last weekend and is arguably better suited to the role of impact sub.

19. Freddie Thomas

The Gloucester lock offers something different to the other second-rows in the squad and can also cover the backrow.

20. James Botham

The 27-year-old can cover all three positions in the backrow and has been playing well for Cardiff. He is physical and brasove and has performed at international level before.

21. Kieran Hardy

The Ospreys scrum-half was only on the field for less than a minute last weekend but has been playing well in the URC.

22. Dan Edwards

Both Edwards and Costelow will have a big part to play for Wales looking ahead to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

23. Louie Hennessey

The 21-year-old has been quietly impressive for Bath over the past couple of months and offers something different to all the other centres in the squad.

An exciting player with x-factor.

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Hop Cat is described by the brewery as a “a fresh, hop-forward pale ale designed specifically for cask.”

The “lively pale ale with a very subtle haze” is brewed exclusively with Citra hops.

The brewery’s tasting notes said: “It bursts from the glass with bright aromas of grapefruit zest, ripe mango, and hints of passion fruit.

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“On the palate, juicy citrus and tropical fruit lead the way, balanced by a clean, refreshing bitterness that keeps each sip crisp and inviting.”

The description continued: “A soft malt backbone and smooth mouthfeel allow the hops to take centre stage without overwhelming the palate.

“The gentle haze enhances the plush texture, while a dry, refreshing finish makes Hop Cat dangerously drinkable — perfect for long afternoons or a well-earned post-adventure pint.”

Brew York’s Signature range (Image: Pic supplied)

The inspiration for Hop Cat was shaped last year when Brew York founders Wayne Smith and Lee Grabham travelled to the USA as part of the 2025 Yakima Hop Harvest Tour, coordinated by BarthHaas, a major supplier of hop-based products.

During the trip, they worked directly with growers in Yakima to personally select hop lots, ensuring only the highest-quality Citra hops made their way into this beer. That hands-on approach to sourcing, Brew York says is central to Hop Cat, bringing a direct connection from hop field to cask.

Hop Cat joins Brew York’s established Signature Cask range, sitting alongside long-standing favourites Tonkoko, Calmer Chameleon, and Maris the Otter. Together, Brew York says the range showcases the brewery’s s approach to cask beer.

Brew York describes it as “balancing modern flavour, quality ingredients, and carefully crafted recipes that appeal to both traditional cask drinkers and those looking for something a little more contemporary.”

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Yousef Doubooni, Director of Sales & Marketing at Brew York, said: “Hop Cat represents exactly what we want from our Signature cask range — beers that feel familiar and approachable but still deliver plenty of character.

“Citra is a hop our drinkers know and love, and Hop Cat lets it shine beautifully on cask. It’s modern, balanced, and incredibly easy to enjoy — we’re really excited to see it pouring across our venues and beyond.”

Hop Cat will be available from all Brew York venues and all good pub retailers from Monday February 9th.

Team GB skier Gus Kenworthy says he has received death threats after posting a graphic message about the United States’ Immigration and Customs Enforcement organisation – commonly known as ICE.

Kenworthy shared the image – in which ‘ICE’ was preceded by an expletive – on Instagram a week before he was due to compete at the Winter Olympics in Italy.

The 34-year-old was born in Chelmsford but grew up in America and won silver in the ski slopestyle at the Sochi 2014 Games, before switching allegiance to Team GB in 2019.

In a new post on Instagram, Kenworthy said there had been a lot of “encouraging” support but that he has also received death threats.

“The other day I posted a photo with my thoughts on ICE and that photo has since gone everywhere – and I’ve gotten a tonne of messages and most of them honestly have been supportive and encouraging,” Kenworthy said in a video., external

“But a lot of the messages have been awful, people telling me to kill myself, threatening me, wishing they’ll get to see me blow my knee or break my neck during my event, calling me slurs… it’s insane.”

Kenworthy will feature in the men’s snowboard halfpipe event, with qualifying beginning on 19 February in Livigno, Italy.

Protests have taken place across the US over the past few weeks after intensive care nurse Alex Pretti, 37, and fellow Minnesota resident Renee Good, 37, were both killed by ICE agents in the city in January.

Relentless rain has prompted flood warnings and alerts across the country over the past few days.

These “unsettled” conditions are expected to continue over the coming days, with more rain forecast for parts of the UK.

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— Met Office (@metoffice) February 6, 2026

When to expect snow in the UK this week

Weather conditions are forecast to turn even colder mid-week, according to the Met Office, leading to the possibility of snow.

The ‘outlook for Tuesday to Thursday’ on the Met Office’s 5-day weather forecast reads: “Remaining unsettled with further rain and showers for many.

“Wettest for eastern Scotland, southwest England and possibly Northern Ireland.

“Turning colder in the north from mid-week with some snow possible.”

BBC Weather said there may be snow in parts of the UK on Wednesday (February 11), with “wintry showers” to follow on Thursday (February 12).

Where in the UK has snow been forecast

Snow is predicted to hit parts of Scotland, around Aberdeenshire, Perth and Kinross, and southern areas of the Highlands from as early as Tuesday (February 10), according to weather maps from WX Charts.

Snow will continue to fall in patches, across similar areas, throughout the week, also venturing further north into the Highlands.

The weather maps also show snow in North Wales and around Liverpool on Friday (February 13).

Flood warnings and alerts still in place across the UK

Flood warnings and alerts remain in place across the UK as rain continues to fall.

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There are 89 flood warnings (where flooding is expected) and a further 232 alerts (where flooding is possible) in place across England, issued by the Environment Agency.

Natural Resources Wales still has 11 flood alerts in place.

While up in Scotland, there is one flood warning and five alerts still in effect, according to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) website.

Have you already had snow near you in 2026? Let us know in our poll above or in the comments below.

Michael Leask and George Munsey starred as Scotland beat World Cup debutants Italy by 73 runs at Eden Gardens.

Munsey – dropped on 40 – blasted 84 as Scotland set 207-4 off their 20 overs, helped by Leask taking 22 from the final five balls of the innings.

Leask carried that momentum into the field, dismissing Italian opener Justin Mosca first ball as Munsey took an excellent diving catch to his right.

Despite a 73-run partnership between brothers Ben and Harry Manenti, Italy were always behind the rate and once they were removed, Scotland skittled the tail for a comfortable win.

With captain Wayne Madsen unable to bat having dislocated his shoulder fielding, Italy were bowled out for 134 in 16.4 overs.

Leask finished with magnificent figures of 4-17, while Mark Watt chipped in with 2-24 as Munsey pouched four catches.

Scotland – with one win from two – are next in action against England on Saturday, while Italy face Nepal on Thursday.

More to follow.

It has been an extremely trying week for all involved with Cliftonville.

LEGACIES and tributes were on Jim Magilton’s mind in the aftermath of Saturday’s stunning 2-1 Irish Cup victory over Glenavon at Solitude.

There has rarely been a dull moment at the club during the 56-year-old’s tenure but the events of last week will take some beating for drama.

Magilton was furious with his players following a 2-1 defeat away to the Lurgan Blues the previous weekend and dark clouds hovered over north Belfast as Kieran Harding resigned as chairman in the wake of sustained abuse from sections of the club’s support.

Things weren’t looking much brighter on Saturday as Glenavon deservedly led the sixth round tie thanks to a lovely finish from Luke McGerrigan.

A scrambled goal from Joe Gormley lifted the mood but fans were fearing the worst when Sean Robertson was sent off on a second yellow card shortly after.

But the Reds dug deep and with the last, thunderous kick of the game, Jonny Addis won it with an incredible swipe of his left boot to spark raucous scenes of celebration in the stands.

“When he was coming up, I was screaming at him to hit it,” said Magilton. “Normally he ignores me – but this time he didn’t.

“He offers so much. It was a magnificent strike and a moment of real quality in a huge game.

“His legacy at this club won’t just be about being a wonderful footballer. “It’s about the partnerships he’s formed, the way he’s helped the team play, and how he’s brought others with him.”

Addis was teed up for that late strike by captain Rory Hale, who came off the bench around the hour mark to lead by example after a difficult week.

“We have to pay special tribute to Rory,” added Magilton. “He lost his grandad, who he was very, very close to.

“That’s not easy. But he wanted to be part of the group, he wanted to play a part – and he certainly did. He showed real quality when he came on.”

The Solitude boss also paid a warm tribute to Harding, who he forged a close bond with.

“I’m really sad to see Kieran go. He’s a very decent human being and someone I spoke to on a regular basis.

“I’ve had a fantastic professional relationship with him.

“Not many chairmen can talk about the team the way Kieran could.

“He was always someone you could have a close relationship with.

“Kieran’s a huge loss for me, for the players and for Cliftonville. We wish him nothing but the best.

“It’s massive for us that the club stays united.”

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NEW Jeffrey Epstein files have reignited explosive claims that the paedophile financier secretly worked as a foreign intelligence asset.

Messages from the latest tranche of docs reportedly include references to Israel’s spy agency Mossad and secret surveillance equipment allegedly installed across Epstein’s homes.

The documents appear to paint a murky picture of Epstein’s international contacts, fuelling speculation that he gathered compromising information on powerful figures.

According to The Times, newly released files include claims from a confidential FBI informant that the billionaire paedo was a “co-opted Mossad agent”.

An FBI report from October 2020 said the source had become “convinced that Epstein was a co-opted Mossad agent” and alleged the financier had been “trained as a spy”.

The report claimed Epstein had links to US and allied intelligence circles through his long-time lawyer Alan Dershowitz, citing elite academic and political connections.

Dershowitz dismissed the allegations, saying: “No intelligence agency would really trust him. That’s not something he would keep from his lawyers.”

Epstein himself appeared anxious about the rumours.

In a 2018 email to former Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak, he asked him to “make clear that i dont work for mossad. :)”.

Barak and his wife, Nili, reportedly stayed frequently at Epstein’s New York townhouse and had planned a visit shortly before Epstein’s final arrest in 2019.

Barak has since said he regretted the relationship.

Israel’s current Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, also pushed back on the claims, writing on X: “Jeffrey Epstein’s unusual close relationship with Ehud Barak doesn’t suggest Epstein worked for Israel. It proves the opposite.”

Despite this, the files appear to show how Epstein had extensive Israeli business and travel interests.

These include investments in an Israeli surveillance-linked start-up and multiple trips to Tel Aviv dating back decades.

Former British Army intelligence officer Lynette Nusbacher said there was no proof Epstein was a spy, but acknowledged lingering questions over his wealth.

She told The Times: “There’s a tremendous mystery, widely discussed, about where his money came from.

“But there is no evidence to suggest that he was anything other than the awful person he was convicted of being.”

Epstein also reportedly ordered staff to install hidden, motion-activated cameras in his homes – with a cryptic reference to Russians potentially assisting.

Emails show Epstein asked his pilot and handyman, Larry Visoski, to buy “three motion-detected hidden cameras, that record”, The Telegraph reported.

Visoski replied that he was already “installing them in Kleenex boxes now”.

On the same day, another email sent to Epstein warned: “Remember what we spoke about if you want to put cameras in the house. It will have to be very discreetly done. The Russians may come in handy.”

There is no further explanation of what role Russians may have played.

Epstein’s American Express statements reportedly corroborate purchases of surveillance equipment from a Florida “spy shop”, totalling more than $1,000.

The revelations are the strongest evidence yet that Epstein secretly recorded activity inside his properties, amid long-standing claims he gathered compromising material on visitors.

Some commentators, including Polish prime minister Donald Tusk, have speculated Epstein may have worked with Russian intelligence – though there is no clear evidence he was a Russian asset.

US authorities have repeatedly said there is “no credible evidence” Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals or maintained a “client list”.

Several of Epstein’s victims have long claimed they were secretly filmed.

Virginia Giuffre, Epstein’s most prominent accuser, wrote in her diary that she was taped being “abused by other men” for blackmail. She died by suicide last year.

Epstein denied having hidden cameras. In a 2006 email sent to himself, he said reports of covert surveillance were “misleading”, claiming police were aware of the cameras and that they had an “innocent explanation”.

Epstein died by suicide in a Manhattan jail in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has emerged as one of Manchester United’s midfield transfer targets and the chances of signing him could drastically improve

Sandro Tonali is considering leaving Newcastle United this summer to play Champions League football next season. The midfielder has been linked with Manchester United in recent days as the club plans to bolster its midfield.

United are understood to be prioritising a new central midfielder for the 2026/27 season after opting not to invest in the previous two windows. Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton have all been linked, but Tonali is the latest name on their radar.

The Telegraph has reported that the 25-year-old is expected to be at the heart of a transfer saga in the summer. United are already confirmed to lose one midfielder when Casemiro departs and are expected to spend big on his replacement.

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Newcastle paid £55million for Tonali in 2023 and with the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice moving more than £100m, the Magpies are in a comfortable place to negotiate a hard price.

On deadline day, some reports suggested that the Italian midfielder had been offered to Arsenal. The Gunners decided not to make a move, but that has cast doubt on his future on Tyneside.

According to Tonali’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, his exit out of Eddie Howe’s squad is a possibility at the end of the season. “Newcastle are having a hard time of letting go of Sandro, and he wants to lead the club to the Champions League,” he told Sky Italy.

“We’ll evaluate and decide what to do in the summer. These transfer discussions will take place later. We’ll see how the season ends and then we’ll decide what to do. There’s no preference at the moment.

“It’s still early. What we’re saying today won’t apply tomorrow. Newcastle couldn’t let him go now, and there’s no point in moving, especially since Sandro is very attached to the club.”

United’s chances of luring Tonali to Old Trafford will be significantly increased if Newcastle fails to turn their season around. Howe’s men are currently 12th in the Premier League table after inconsistency, meaning their best chance of returning to the competition may require them to win the tournament this term.

“I don’t think so, but lots of things happen without my knowledge,” Howe said when asked if the speculation around Tonali’s future would unsettle the midfielder. “As far as I’m aware, we’ve got player who is an outstanding footballer, an outstanding person.

“He’s very happy here, he’s got a great relationship with me, his teammates, and seems really happy within himself. That would surprise me [if Tonali became unsettled], but our best players will always attract glances from other clubs – that’s just the reality of football.

“We want to keep our group together, we want to be progressive and Sandro plays a part in that. All encompassed, I don’t see an issue but I don’t control everything. There was certainly no intention from our side to lose Sandro at all. He’s such an integral player to what we’re doing. He’s very happy here.

“He is absolutely fine. I had discussions with him yesterday [Monday] and he is absolutely focused on playing for us.”

Galentine’s Day, inspired by Parks and Recreation, has become a popular celebration for women honouring female friendships with spa days, parties, and creative activities as an alternative to Valentine’s Day

Christie O’Sullivan from Trinity, Florida, has celebrated 21 Valentine’s Days with her husband, but her most memorable one was actually spent with a girlfriend before tying the knot.

The pair took a day off from work, treated themselves to massages, then headed out for cocktails and a slap-up dinner.

“For me, it was 10 out of 10. That whole day was intentional,” said O’Sullivan. She recalls it as empowering “on a day that’s usually filled with pressure to be in a relationship, or sadness because I wasn’t currently in one.”

Galentine’s Day exploded into the mainstream following a 2010 episode of the TV comedy Parks and Recreation that championed female friendships around Valentine’s Day.

Amy Poehler’s character, Leslie Knope, brought her mates together on 13 February. “What’s Galentine’s Day? Oh, it’s only the best day of the year,” said Knope.

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Chela Pappaccioli from Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, has been throwing a Galentine’s Day party at her house for the past three years. She’s got a bartender and a DJ booked, and this year has invited 45 of her closest friends.

So far, 34 have confirmed they’re coming, and she’s putting together goodie bags for her guests to take away. No blokes are allowed “unless the bartender happens to be male.”

The bash may be lavish, but Pappaccioli insists it’s money well spent. “It’s an escape to just be with your girls, be silly, do something fun and just focus on the friendships you’ve created and enjoying each other’s company,” she says.

Liz Momblanco from Berkley, Michigan, who calls herself a “serial hobbyist,” brings her mates along to workshops including cookie and cake decorating, calligraphy and stained glass.

“I enjoy learning something new and having a shared experience,” said Momblanco, who has been to day retreats for women offering activities like floral arranging, yoga or a cold plunge.

Marney Wolf, who operates the retreat company Luna Wolf, says creating space for art and creativity helps build community.

“It bonds you, whether it’s the smallest thing or really deep. You watch these grown women turn into almost like a childlike kindergarten response like, ‘Oh my gosh! Good job! You’re so talented!’ That little lift is the easiest thing to do,” she said.

Wolf makes sure to organise Galentine’s-themed retreats around Valentine’s Day because some women don’t have anyone to spend 14 February with.

“I know it can be a really lonely time for people and I think some take it for granted,” she says.

Pappaccioli said a couple of divorced friends attend her party, and “even if you’re married it can be depressing because your husband may not be doing what you want or your boyfriend may not support you in the way you want,” she says. “It’s nice to know that you don’t need that. You can still celebrate the holiday, but turn it around a little bit and celebrate the relationships you want to.”

Galentine’s Day gatherings can spark new friendships. And dedicating proper time with a mate offers a chance to put the mobile away, dodge distractions and create lasting memories.

O’Sullivan works as a social media strategist for businesses but values that her bestie Valentine’s Day was phone-free.

“We could be fully present – no photos, no texts, no nothing,” she says. “So while that means there’s no actual record of that day occurring, it also means the details became a core memory without it.”

Some mark Galentine’s Day by simply popping out for coffee or playing cards. You might head with a group of female mates to a theatre performance or museum, or enjoy a ramble or a fitness session.

Further suggestions include charity shop browsing, country line dancing, roller skating, karaoke, junk journaling, and treating yourselves to manicures and pedicures.