Six Nations 2026: Wales end agonizing wait for win with success over Italy

Welsh rugby will allow itself to taste a long-awaited victory but in typical fashion it will not last for long.

Winning one Test will not alleviate the chaos and turmoil in which Welsh rugby remains.

Tandy’s next assignment will be an unprecedented match against the Barbarians at the end of June at Twickenham before three matches against Fiji, Argentina and South Africa in the New Nations Championship in July.

In those three months, the off-field controversies surrounding the future of the Welsh professional game would intensify.

It started just 30 minutes after the final whistle when Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) director Dave Redden appeared on television for a live interview, which had been planned in advance regardless of the result.

Such is the current unpopularity of the WRU, Reddin has been criticized on social media for speaking out at this particular time and not directly responding to a question from former Wales lock Alun Wyn Jones, which Reddin said he couldn’t hear.

Reddin was also criticized for what he said, as he doubled down on the governing body’s plans to trim the men’s professional squad to three.

There will now be a turbulent period as the WRU tries to push ahead with its controversial policies which they say need to happen to improve Welsh rugby.

Opponents, including fans and politicians, insist there must remain four professional teams.

They blame the WRU for the chaos in Welsh rugby and criticize the governing body’s plan and the methods used to try to implement the proposals.

The WRU faces an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) next month, which includes a vote of no confidence in chairman Richard Collier-Keywood, and is locked in a legal battle with a Swansea board who fear for the Ospreys’ careers.

Fans and players remain concerned about the uncertainty, while Morgan and Lake’s move to Gloucester next season means half of Wales’ starting strikers will play for clubs in England.

Those struggles may continue for another day, but those days will be very close, perhaps starting this week.

So Welsh rugby fans will have to savor this long-awaited win over Italy for now, because the feelings of joy may not last long.

But at least let Welsh rugby have that moment.

Other things can wait. Even if it’s just for today.