Samoa Thrash Wales 76-0 at the Women's Rugby League World Cup as WRU Faces £18m Loss
A record-breaking night for Samoa, a tough debut for Wales and a financial storm at the Welsh Rugby Union.
It has been a brutal week for Welsh rugby. On the field, Wales suffered a heavy defeat at the 2026 Women's Rugby League World Cup. Off it, the Welsh Rugby Union is facing calls to resign after posting an £18 million loss.
Samoa Run Riot
Samoa produced a stunning attacking display, scoring 14 unanswered tries to beat Wales 76-0. Samoa's pace and power overwhelmed the Welsh, and the result secured Samoa's first win in Pool A.
For Wales, World Cup debutants, it was a second straight heavy loss. They opened the tournament with a 70-6 defeat to England in Perth, Australia.
England Next Face France
England take on France in Perth on Saturday in their second group game. Winger Matty Ashton says the team must balance the chase for points with discipline.
WXV: Wales Women in Japan
Wales' union team is also on the road. Wales play back-to-back Tests in Japan as part of the WXV Global Series, hoping to build on encouraging home performances and prove they belong in the world's top six. Wales made three changes for Saturday's Test in Tokyo, with a milestone for Callender and the Metcalfe sisters both starting.
The WRU's £18m Problem
The bigger story in Wales is financial. The Welsh Rugby Union reported an £18 million loss for its latest financial year, and Swansea City council has called for the union's bosses to resign. With the women's and men's programs both under pressure, the governing body faces serious questions about its future direction.
Rugby League vs. Rugby Union
New to the sport? Rugby league and rugby union are related but different codes, with different team sizes and rules. Our guide to rugby union rules is the place to start, and our breakdown of rugby vs. American football explains how it compares to the NFL.
The Road to 2031
Rugby's profile in America is rising fast ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2031 in the USA, and the fast-paced rugby sevens format is a great entry point for new fans.
There was some good news for Welsh sport this month: Elfyn Evans became world rally champion. Follow our rugby coverage for more.
Background from Wikipedia
Women's Rugby League World Cup
%5B%5BWikipedia%3ATemplates+for+discussion%2FLog%2F2025+December+5%23Template%3ASeason+sidebar%5D%5D{{{CRITERION}}}
The Women's Rugby League World Cup is an international rugby league tournament, contested by the women's national teams of the International Rugby League (IRL). The competition has been held since 2000 and was incorporated into the Festival of World Cups in 2008 until 2017 when it became a centrepiece event along with the men's competition. Under the current format, eight teams are separated into two groups of four with the top two in each group qualifying for the semi-finals.
Throughout the six editions, the Women's Rugby League World Cup has been won by two teams.
Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score of Samoa vs. Wales at the Women's Rugby League World Cup?
Samoa beat Wales 76-0, scoring 14 unanswered tries.
How did Wales do in their first World Cup game?
Wales, World Cup debutants, lost their opening game 70-6 to England in Perth.
Why is the Welsh Rugby Union under pressure?
The WRU reported a loss of £18 million for its latest financial year, and Swansea council has called for its leaders to resign.
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Rugby League World Cup
%5B%5BWikipedia%3ATemplates+for+discussion%2FLog%2F2025+December+5%23Template%3ASeason+sidebar%5D%5D{{{CRITERION}}} The Rugby League World Cup is an international rugby league competition contested by senior men's national teams who each represent member nations of the International Rugby League who run and administer the tournament. The tournament has been held with varying frequencies and formats throughout history, however is currently played every four years with a group and knockout structure in line with most other major sports competitions.
Superb Samoa run riot to inflict heavy defeat on woeful Wales
Samoa score 14 unaswered tries as they thrash Wales 76-0 to secure their first win in Pool A at the 2026 Women's Rugby League World Cup, whilst the result leaves Wales with two defeats from two.
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