Emma Herring, from Chester-le-Street, was diagnosed with the worst stage of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in her chest and neck, at the end of November last year after raising concerns with herself months before.

From April 2025, Emma continued to go to her GP with concerns of increased heartrate, out of breathiness, and chest pain.

Emma has struggled looking at herself whilst she was bald as she said she was ‘never fully prepared to lose her hair’ (Image: EMMA HERRING)

However, because of her age, and previous diagnosis of anxiety when she was younger the doctors initially put it down to this.

She was prescribed Propranolol but because her symptoms remained she eventually went to A&E.

From there she had an ECG appointment and left it at that. Emma returned to work as an Optical Assistant for Specsavers until the next day when she was asked to immediately go in to the hospital.

The cancer found on Emma’s chest and neck including a seven and a four inch tumour (Image: EMMA HERRING)

Emma said: “I am not usually one to call in sick or anything, so I didn’t want to leave work early when the hospital told me to come straight in. I was just going to go after my shift finished, but the hospital put my manager on the phone and said I had to go straight away.

“We then rushed there – and that is when we were told it was stage 4 cancer, the most advanced stage you can get, and I didn’t believe it.

“I was told that I had a seven-inch tumour in my chest and four-inch tumour in my neck. It was and still is the scariest thing I have ever gone through in my life.”

Emma struggled losing her hair that she said ‘was part of her identity’ (Image: EMMA HERRING)

Now, Emma is urging others, especially young people, who like her think ‘they will never get cancer at this age’ to go get themselves checked if anything at all doesn’t feel right.

Emma said: “I ask myself the questions everyday that if I was just properly listened to and sent for earlier tests if my cancer would not have got to this stage.

“If one person learns from my story and persists in getting checked if they feel something is wrong then I will be so pleased as it has gone too far for me now.

“The whole process is so frustrating as I knew something was wrong and that is why I kept going back.

“You think they know best but honestly people need to trust themselves when something doesn’t feel right as I knew. However, I would have never imagined that it would be stage four cancer.

“It got to the point, because the cancer was eating away at my bone that I couldn’t properly change gear in my car because of pain and if something would have been done when I first went in April I believe that the cancer wouldn’t have spread that much.

“This will have a lifelong impact on me now as I wait to see whether I am infertile or what my options are, it is always going to be in the back of my mind as I can only wonder what would have happened.

“It is really scary to think what could have happened if it was left any longer as it had already spread to my bone. It could have killed me.

“Every day is so different and I am just trying to take each day as it comes. I have realised worrying or being scared or sad will not change anything and I’m just being positive.”

The lump that eventually developed on Emma’s neck that turned out to be a four inch tumour (Image: EMMA HERRING)

Although recovery from Hodgkin’s lymphoma has a high success rate, Emma said the experience has been anything but easy.

Emma said: “It has all just been really rubbish, my hair was my identity. Everyone said I would lose my hair and I knew that I just didn’t expect it to be that quick – I think I wasn’t fully ready.”

She is mid-way through an aggressive chemotherapy round that in total will last around six months.

Emma will then have to wait six weeks to have tests to see if the cancer has cleared- if it hasn’t she will then potentially have to undergo further radiotherapy and take it from there.

Emma Herring, 22, from Chester-le-Street (Image: EMMA HERRING)

She said the physical toll of treatment has left her needing help with everyday tasks, adding: “It has really affected me mentally but also physically as well. I have to sometimes get my mum to help me out of the shower and I am 22.

“I just never ever expected to get cancer, especially not at this age. I was finally getting to a happy place in my life, got my own flat and now it has all gone away from me.

“The latest scans are looking positive with a lot of the cancer going, but only time can tell with these things as we need to make sure the cancer has stopped regenerating.”

Emma had naturally long, thick and ginger hair (Image: EMMA HERRING)

Unable to work during treatment, she is also facing mounting financial pressures while waiting to find out whether she qualifies for additional support.

At the suggestion of friends and family, she set up a GoFundMe appeal to help cover essential costs, including travel to hospital.

It has already raised more than £1,600. You can support her fundraiser here.

Emma added: “Bills are also adding up as they don’t stop when you get cancer which is hard.

“I am on the sick, but because my chemo is intense but short, I don’t know whether I will qualify for additional help. I have applied, but it is a lengthy process, and in the meantime it is all so hard.

“Even the cost of the Tyne Tunnel to go to hospital for treatment and petrol is costing hundreds a month and with everything else and not being able to work, it is really adding up.”

Boyzone singer Keith Duffy had a proud dad moment as his daughter Mia, who was diagnosed with autism as a child, showed off her impressive Titanic knowledge

A Boyzone star paid special tribute to workers at the Titanic museum for going above and beyond for his daughter. Keith Duffy‘s daughter Mia, 25, who was diagnosed with autism as a toddler, was offered a private tour of the Belfast-based attraction.

Keith, 51, has campaigned for autism awareness since his daughter’s diagnosis and has raised funds through his Keith Duffy Foundation for other children effected. But it was a recent trip north of the border for the Irish star that brought a lot of joy for himself and Mia. Explaining how his daughter’s specialist subject is doomed ship Titanic, he discussed how he organised a private tour for her.

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After explaining to the museum about his daughter’s condition which impacts her dealing with queues, the singer was thrilled the attraction stepped up and offered them a private tour before the doors opened to the public.

Keith found himself in awe of his daughter’s vast knowledge during the trip, saying she quickly took over the tour guide when it came to hosting duties.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, the proud dad said: “I could see her getting very anxious and I didn’t know what was wrong, and the young lady was a little embarrassed because it was me, you could see she was self-conscious.

“She says, ‘Now this is the engine room and on the left side of the engine room, which is the portside, they didn’t fire up the engines unless they needed to get to speed, they predominately used the right side so the riveting bolts for the steel patches, they used 365,000 bolts for each sheet.’

“At this stage the hand goes up from Mia, ‘Actually it was the starboard side that they used 365,000, it was 265,000 on this side because they didn’t burn the engine as great.’ And she starts giving all these facts.”

Keith went on to say how Mia continued to reel off information about the voyage, correcting the tour guide on occasion. It was then that Keith joked to the tour guide she could join him and let Mia take over the discussion.

“I said to the girl, ‘You come over here,’ and she came over and I put my arm round her and said, ‘Me and you will take the tour, we’ll let Mia give it.’ So I said, ‘Alright Mia, you tell us about it now!’ So she took over and look, it was great craic.”

With Boyzone ready to reunite, the singer also revealed there is no rivalry with fellow Irish artists, Westlife. For years, the two bands were under the same umbrella, with fans divided as to who they liked most.

But Keith has admitted he sees “no rivalry” between the groups. It comes as he continues to also tour with Westlife star Brian McFadden The duo have been performing under the identity, BoyzLife.

And he said starring in the duo forced him to relearn how to sing Boyzone songs. He claimed he needed to go back to the drawing board after he spent much of his time in the band on backing vocals.

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Police were called at 1.15pm on Thursday, February 5, to student housing in Victoria Street, Preston, to a report of a sudden death.

Officers found the body of a woman inside. She has been named as student Carla Georgescu, 19.

Lancashire Police said her death is being treated as suspicious and a murder investigation is underway.

As part of their enquiries, officers have arrested a 34-year-old man from Hartlepool, who was known to Ms Georgescu, and he is currently in custody.

The university said he was “unconnected” to the establishment.

Detectives say they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the investigation.

Officers have been carrying out house-to-house and CCTV enquiries in streets around the university, as well as searches using police dogs and a drone.

The force said they understand the death and the visible police activity will be concerning for people in the area, but stressed that a dedicated team of detectives and uniformed officers is working to establish exactly what happened.

Police have urged anyone with information or concerns to speak to an officer in the area or call 101, quoting log 0560 of February 5.

The youngster has started training with Swansea’s first team and could soon make his senior bow

Swansea City boss Vitor Matos says loaning Bobby Wales out to Huddersfield Town has allowed him to bring highly-rated academy marksman Thomas Woodward into the first team picture.

Wales was loaned out to Huddersfield Town on the final day of the January transfer window, in a move that prompted some to question whether Vitor Matos had potentially left himself short in terms of forward options heading into the second half of the season, particularly with Adam Idah sidelined with a long-term injury.

Top scorer Zan Vipotnik, who added two more goals to his tally in the 4-0 thumping of Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday, is the clear first choice, and some feel Wales is already capable of deputising.

But with both Liam Cullen, and indeed Melker Widell seemingly ahead of the youngster in the pecking order, the feeling was the 20-year-old needed more game.

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“The first decision is to let Bobby out is regarding his development and regarding his career as well,” Matos said. “I think that’s quite important. That he has minutes and that he plays consistent from now on to keep his development and as well for us to keep, let’s say, an eye on him with proper competition.”

Wales made his debut for the Terriers off the bench on Saturday in the 2-2 draw with Blackpool, and Swansea will hope it’s the first of many appearances in blue and white.

The hope is Wales can come back and make a serious challenge for the first team, much like Filip Lissah, who’s enjoying a resoundingly successful spell with Scottish side Falkirk.

However, it seems there’s perhaps another motivation behind the move.

“The second answer is that with that, we create space for Woody to train with the first team,” Matos added.

“That is important for us to see. He’s a good player in the academy and we want him to as well do a next step.

“We create a gap. we use the academy and I think that’s why I’m really happy.”

‘Woody’ refers to highly-rated 19-year-old Woodward, who has burned his way through the age grades at academy levels due to his goalscoring exploits.

The attacking midfielder put pen to paper on his first professional deal back in January 2025, having scored 30 goals in all competitions across all age groups in an impressive 2023-24 campaign.

He also made his debut for Wales at under-19 level in September 2024, scoring on his debut against Azerbaijan.

“Last season was great for me,” Woodward said shortly after penning his first professional deal. “I got to Christmas and I think I had around 12 goals to my name, and I just wanted to score more and more.

“Credit to all of the boys for the goals as well, especially as I play in midfield.

“Then last year, I got my first ever call-up for Wales, and I scored on my full debut in front of my family, that was another incredibly proud moment, and I hope there’s more to come.”

His current deal runs until the end of the current season, although the club do have the option of another year, and should he continue on his current trajectory.

Indeed, he ended last term with a goal tally of 23 goals, a record that’s proved difficult to ignore.

Having already trained with the first team, it’s understood Matos is pondering the possibility of including him in matchday squad in the Championship at some point.

“My long-term goals are clear, keep playing strong for the under-21s, and hopefully, in years to come, make my senior debut.” Woodward said recently when asked about his long-term ambitions.

“This is my boyhood club, so that would be a dream.”

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Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day out, which started with a morning coffee stop in Dobbies Livingston.

Claremont Rambling Club had a great day out on Sunday, February 8, when members and visitors tried a new area.

They walked 8.5 miles in mild and dry weather from Linlithgow to Bo’ness, taking in Linlithgow Palace and numerous historic sites, the Kinneil Woods and Nature Reserve plus fantastic views of the Firth of Forth and the Ochil Hills. Paths were good, although mud on one downhill stretch added to the sense of adventure.

Those who opted for a shorter six-mile walk took a more or less circular route around Bo’ness, taking in many of the same sights but avoiding the hilly and muddy bits.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day out, which started with a morning coffee stop in Dobbies Livingston, and ended with a thoroughly enjoyable social hour in Bo’ness before the club bus took the walkers back to East Kilbride.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the club can go to https://claremontramblers.co.uk or the Claremont Ramblers Facebook page.

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Flowers are a safe choice, but they don’t always feel personal. That’s why for Valentine’s Day 2026, more shoppers are skipping predictable bouquets and choosing thoughtful gifts based on what she truly loves.

From small, budget-friendly treats to standout presents, here are Valentine’s Day gift ideas she’ll actually want — and remember.

For a cosy night in: Lakeland heated throw

For a cosy Valentine’s gift she’ll use every evening until summer, this luxe faux fur heated throw is hard to beat.

Ultra soft and instantly warming, it features nine heat settings and nine timer options, so she can tailor the warmth perfectly and relax knowing it will switch off automatically.

Built in overheating protection keeps things safe, while the throw is machine washable for easy care. Ideal for sofa snuggles, movie nights or staying warm without cranking up the heating, it’s comfort and indulgence wrapped into one thoughtful gift.

£59.99, Lakeland

Read our full review here.

null (Image: Jade Wright)

While you’re doing your order, pop in their Cartmel Sticky Toffee Caramel Chocolates 120g. Inspired by Cartmel’s world-famous sticky toffee pudding, these velvety milk chocolates are filled with rich, gooey caramel for a truly decadent bite.

Each box contains a dozen irresistible chocolates, perfect for sharing – or not. Made by the legendary Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding Company, this is a thoughtful gift that turns a classic British dessert into a luxurious Valentine’s Day indulgence she’ll savour.

£7.99, Lakeland

For the jewellery lover: Scream Pretty

null (Image: Scream Pretty)

Who doesn’t love a bit of sparkle? There’s so much to love about the gorgeous British jewellery brand Scream Pretty , founded by sisters Jessica Pearce and Lucy Lee in 2017. There’s a big Valentine’s collection – we love these sparkling heart hoop earrings, made from 18ct rose gold plated recycled 925 sterling silver, with a durable and luxurious rose gold finish.

There’s currently a buy one get one half price offer on too – so you can splash out on a coordinating ring or necklace.

£55, from Scream Pretty

For the beauty queen: M&S Beauty Edit

M&S has a curated beauty edit with cult classics and exciting new must-haves she’ll actually use. Expect glow-boosting skincare, mood-lifting fragrances and everyday make-up that earns its place on the shelf.

With 20% off across beauty, it’s the perfect excuse to treat someone special. Choose from trusted names like Clinique, Estée Lauder and Pixi, alongside feel-good favourites from Emma Hardie, This Works and NEOM Wellbeing.

See the full range at M&S beauty

For the sentimentalist: Lily Charmed

Build your jewellery as your love grows, with Lily Charmed, the independent charm makers. They are celebrate Valentine’s Day 2025 in style with a curated selection of charms, necklaces, engraved jewellery, and earrings. Their Jammy Dodger heart biscuit charm is good enough to eat.

£40, Lily Charmed

For the Champagne lover: Waterford

null (Image: Waterford)

This beautifully romantic pair of flutes is an investment that will last a lifetime. Their shape is ideal for preserving the bubbles in champagne and sparkling wines. The Lismore Diamond pattern has intricate diamond cuts rendered in radiant fine crystal, with brilliance, clarity, and the ring of Waterford to every toast. 

£170, Waterford

For the drinks lover: Aldi ‘World’s Best Champagne’

Toast Valentine’s in style with Aldi’s sparkling offers from 8th–14th February. Pick up Nicolas de Montbart Champagne Brut (75cl) for £9.99, down from £13.99 — a delicate blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier with bright fruit and floral notes.

Also on offer, the award-winning Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut (£15.49, was £15.99), crowned World’s Best Champagne 2025, delights with aromas of apple, red fruit, and subtle florals. Perfect for a romantic, celebratory toast without the premium price tag.

For the adventurer: Red Equipment

Wrap up the woman in your life with a warm hug – perfect for wild swims, adventurous hikes and even after a trip to the pool. This stylish EVO changing robe from Red Equipment shields wearers from the elements – with a waterproof and breathable outer shell to keep the heaviest rain out, whilst the super soft and cosy inner fleece lining locks warmth in.

£134.95 from Red Equipment

For a perfect sleep: Green People

null (Image: Green People)

A stylish way to let go of the day, Green People’s aromatherapy bracelet gift set supports a calm and relaxed bedtime routine. Give the gift of restful sleep – this soothing scent set pairs an elegant aromatherapy bracelet with their best-selling essential oil blend for a peaceful night’s dream.

£26, from Green People

For the tea lover: Wedgwood

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Treat the woman you love like the queen she is with this beautiful three piece box set. Blessings is a lushious green design featuring the signature peonies and butterflies, to form a heart shaped posy in the centre of the plate and inside the teacup, in a collaboration with Miranda Kerr.

£80, from Wedgwood

For the outdoor type: SockShop

Show her you care with the warmest, snuggliest socks this Valentine’s Day. The Heat Holders original sock has expanded to include a huge range that now includes tights, leggings, thermal underwear, hats, scarves, gloves and even fleeces and blankets.

From £7.99, Sockshop

Recommended reading:

For style on the go: Huda Beauty’s Easy Bake Pressed

Beauty lovers will instantly recognise this cult powder, which now comes in a sleek pressed form that’s perfect for gifting. Easy Bake Pressed blurs, smooths and sets makeup with up to 12 hours of shine control, delivering a soft airbrushed matte finish without caking.

It’s talc and fragrance free, suitable for all skin types, and available in eight inclusive shades. The portable compact makes touch ups effortless, especially when paired with the Easy Bake Marshmallow Puff and Sponge on the go.

£32, from Huda

For fabulous hair on a budget: AIRE 360

null (Image: GRAHAM DUNN)

If she loves salon-worthy hair, this is a Valentine’s gift that seriously delivers.

At around half the price of the Dyson Airwrap, the AIRE 360 creates effortless bouncy blow-dries and long-lasting curls with no heat damage, thanks to its innovative ceramic barrel technology.

It was the world’s first ceramic air styler and proved an instant hit, racking up a 1,500-strong waiting list at launch. Easy to use and designed for everyday styling, it’s a standout gift for anyone who loves glossy, healthy-looking hair without the fuss.

£249.99, t3micro.co.uk

For the eco-warrior: Lush Sweet Heart Gift Set

Lush (Image: Lush)

Surprise your Valentine with Lush’s eco-friendly set. Packaged in 100% recycled cotton t-shirt offcuts, it’s a sustainable treat they can enjoy long after Valentine’s Day.

Or visit your local Lush shop to hand-make a personalised gift—hide a secret message inside a bath bomb or design a custom bundle wrapped in a knot wrap.

The wrap doubles as a stylish hair scarf, accessory, or reusable Japanese Furoshiki-style bag, making this thoughtful present as practical as it is romantic. Perfect for showing love with a personal and eco-conscious touch.

£19, Lush

The move is part of a wider expansion that will create around 600 jobs across the UK

A leading high street chain has announced it is launching dozens of new shops throughout the UK. Health and beauty retailer Superdrug has unveiled ambitious plans to open 30 new outlets this year.

Bosses say it underlines the brand’s dedication to Britain’s retail landscape. The company stated the expansion will generate approximately 600 jobs nationwide.

The Croydon-headquartered business, established in 1964, presently operates over 780 branches throughout the UK and Ireland. Executives at the chain said the expansion strategy follows “strong customer demand” witnessed in its existing outlets, reports Wales Online.

Superdrug confirmed it will prioritise investment in “large-format destination stores and retail park locations”. New sites have been confirmed for:

Scotland

• Dundee Gallagher Retail Park
• Kilmarnock Retail Park
• East Kilbride
• Strathkelvin Retail Park
• Linwood Phoenix Retail Park

England

• White Rose Leeds
• Crawley
• Waterlooville Retail Park
• Newport Retail Park
• Isle of Wight in England

Wales

• Cwmbran Retail Park in Wales

Customers will have access to fresh beauty products and services including ear piercing, manicures and eyebrow threading at Superdrug Beauty Studios, the company revealed. The high street chain also announced intentions to complete 60 shop refurbishments during the year as part of “significant investment” throughout its property portfolio.

Clare Jennings, Superdrug’s property director, commented: “Superdrug continues to see strong demand for physical, experience-led retail, and our 2026 store opening programme is a clear vote of confidence in UK bricks and mortar retail. By opening 30 stores, we’re not just increasing our footprint, we’re creating destinations that bring together beauty, healthcare and affordable treatments under one roof.

“Our customers want more than convenience, they want expertise, products and services they can trust, delivered in welcoming spaces within their local communities. This investment allows us to bring bigger, better Superdrug stores to more locations across the UK, unlocking more access to healthcare, beauty products and treatments, while creating hundreds of new jobs and long-term career opportunities for our colleagues.”

The Environment Agency has issued warnings for Cambridgeshire areas and locals are advised to “be prepared” due to “high river levels”

Flood warnings have been issued for Cambridgeshire areas by the Environment Agency on Monday (February 9). Locals have been advised that flooding is ‘possible’ in some areas.

Flood alerts mean that locals should “be prepared”. Environment Agency advice is that when flood alerts are issued, locals should be ready to follow a flood plan.

The flood alerts issued today are as follows:

• Hundred Foot Washes in Cambridgeshire and Norfolk: There are reportedly high river levels today that may lead to flooding and the causeway at Sutton Gault has approximately 48cm of water on the road.
• River Great Ouse: Areas most at risk are around the River Great Ouse from Brampton to Earith, including Back Brook, Hall Green Brook, Parsons Drove Drain, Swavesey Drain, and Wadsbys Folly. Access to properties in Berry Lane, Godmanchester may also be affected. Locals are advised to take care and avoid walking, cycling, or driving through flood water.
• River Great Ouse from Sharnbrook to Roxton: The flood alert area includes Sharn Brook and Gadsey Brook. Longholme Boatlake may be inaccessible.
• River Great Ouse from Wyboston to Brampton have areas possibly at risk including Duloe Brook, Hen Brook, and Fox Brook.
• River Kym: Areas most at risk are around the River Kym and River Til from Yelden, and Upper Dean to Hail Weston. Rising river levels may lead to flooding.

Warnings announced on Sunday, February 8, highlighted “expected” flooding at the B1040 Thorney to Whittlesey Road.

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.

We operate in both York and London, and have established ourselves as trusted providers with major regional employers, including the NHS, Network Rail, Unilever, Vetpartners, and various city councils.  If you manage a small or medium enterprise, we can work with you to ensure the apprenticeships your employees study on reflect the knowledge, skills and behaviours and apprentice needs of your business.

By choosing York St John University as your Degree Apprenticeship provider, you will ensure your employees benefit from outstanding support from a dedicated Work Based Learning Tutor, who will monitor their progress and help to prepare them for assessments. They will also have access to the same learning resources, career support, digital training and membership of the Students’ Union as all of our other students.

Project Management Degree Apprenticeship builds a broad knowledge of strategic and operational processes and techniques associated with project management.

Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship supports the progression and  development of existing and aspiring managers, or can bring fresh skills by recruiting new talent into trainee schemes.

Operations Manager Foundation Degree Apprenticeship (online) is ideal for early-to-mid career professionals across sectors such as logistics, healthcare, local government, and professional services.

Creative and Digital Design Professional Degree Apprenticeship is designed for aspiring digital creatives, such as Digital Designers, UX/UI specialists, and Multimedia Producers.

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Applications open in April and close in June for a September 2026 start date. To find out more, register for webinars, and discuss the options available:

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