Wales end three-year Six Nations drought by blowing away Italy in Cardiff

CARDIFF, Wales (AP) — Wales tasted Six Nations success for the first time in 1,099 days after blowing away Italy 31-17 in Principality Stadium on Saturday.

The growing confidence from spirited losses against Scotland and Ireland spilled over into an unexpected and dominant bonus-point win, Wales' first in the championship since March 2023 when it beat Italy in Rome.

Wales was physical, direct and ruthless, leading 21-0 by halftime then 31-0 before Italy scored.

“That performance has been coming,” Wales coach Steve Tandy told broadcaster the BBC. “We've focused on not getting ahead of ourselves and making sure each part of our game improves. But the intent was there from the start from this young group. They’re desperate to learn and get better whether they win or lose. Their effort is amazing.”

Their scramble defense was also amazing as Italy had two tries disallowed, one held up, and another prevented by an ankle tap.

While Wales ended the nightmare of a national record 15-match losing streak in the Six Nations, it finished with a third consecutive wooden spoon.

“Not ideal to finish bottom of the table but everyone can see we're growing and moving in the right direction,” Wales No. 8 and player of the match Aaron Wainwright said. “The way we started today and hung in there shows how far we've come.”

Italy equaled its best Six Nations finish — fourth in 2007 and 2013 — but it wanted more, an historic third win in a single championship after beating Scotland and England. However, the Azzurri were smashed in the first half, and ultimately missed 30 tackles.

“We gave away too many penalties, too many times in their 22. ... We lost a lot of energy to try and max the energy Wales were giving,” Italy captain Michele Lamaro told ITV. “In the end it was too late. The first half cost us.”

Wales made the eight first-half penalties count.

A kick-chase penalty earned by workaholic winger Ellis Mee was booted into the corner and Wainwright crashed over. Despite lineout issues, Wales used the platform again to drive at the line for a second Wainwright try.

Another lineout drive finished with captain Dewi Lake touching down. With Dan Edwards a perfect four-of-four off the tee and nine-for-nine in the tournament, Wales was a deserved 21-0 up after 29 minutes.

They resumed from the second half kickoff. Edwards slanted through a tired defense, converted his try and chipped a drop goal for a scarcely believable 31-0 lead.

Italy ruled the last 30 minutes. But Wales still made it tough for the visitor.

Paolo Garbisi and replacements Tommaso Di Bartolomeo and Tommaso Allan dotted down for Italy but Wales' defense shone.

Mee held up hooker Giacomo Nicotera and made a try-saving tackle on opposite wing Monty Ioane, Edwards ankle-tapped Tommaso Menoncello when the midfielder looked like he was away, Tomos Williams stopped Allan on the tryline, and James Botham's sliding hip ruined a chance for Leonardo Marin.

“Those tries were not tries because (Wales) didn't give up,” Italy coach Gonzalo Quesada said. “The will was bigger for them. Their heart and physicality they put out there was stronger than ours, at least in the first half. That first half defined the game.”

AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby

Italy's Paolo Garbisi evades Wales' Blair Murray during the Men's Six Nations match between Wales and Italy in Cardiff, Wales, Saturday March 14, 2026. (David Davies/PA via AP)

Wales' Daniel Edwards celebrates scoring a drop goal with team-mate Tomos Williams during the Men's Six Nations match between Wales and Italy in Cardiff, Wales, Saturday March 14, 2026. (David Davies/PA via AP)

Wales' Daniel Edwards scores their side's fourth try of the game during the Men's Six Nations match between Wales and Italy in Cardiff, Wales, Saturday March 14, 2026. (Mike Egerton/PA via AP)

Wales' Louis Rees-Zammit is tackled by Italy's Tommaso Menoncello during the Men's Six Nations match between Wales and Italy in Cardiff, Wales, Saturday March 14, 2026. (David Davies/PA via AP)

Wales players celebrate their side's third try of the game, scored by Dewi Lake, during the Men's Six Nations match between Wales and Italy in Cardiff, Wales, Saturday March 14, 2026. (David Davies/PA via AP)

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 29, 2026--

Expedia® today announced a multi‑phase, global partnership with one of the world’s most influential creators, IShowSpeed, naming Expedia as his Official Travel Partner. Built for Gen Z and the next wave of travelers, the partnership turns IShowSpeed’s always‑on audience of more than 150 million followers into a new kind of global travel community, reflecting Expedia’s investment in creator‑led storytelling that inspires real‑time discovery and booking.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260429752252/en/

The campaign kicks off today with a 12-hour livestream event, simulcast on IShowSpeed's YouTube and Twitch channels, as part of IShowSpeed’s Caribbean tour. Starting at 7:40am EST and running through approximately 7:40pm EST, fans will be able to follow iShowSpeed’s travels in real time as he embarks on an epic one‑day adventure across four Caribbean destinations: Dominica, Guadeloupe, St. Kitts & Nevis, and St. Maarten. Powered by Expedia, the livestream follows IShowSpeed as he island‑hops across the Caribbean by air, land, and sea — brought to life through bold yellow‑branded planes, boats, jet skis, and dune buggies.

“Travel should be for everybody,” said IShowSpeed. “My fans come from everywhere, and a lot of them don’t always think seeing the world is possible. For me, travel is about really experiencing local culture and being part of the place you’re visiting — that’s what this Caribbean journey is all about. Expedia makes travel feel accessible and easy, and together we’re showing my community that the world is open to them. I’m excited to bring my fans along for the journey and help them start their own travel adventures.”

“Travel inspiration today comes from creators who bring their audiences along in real time,” said Natalie Wills, SVP of Brand Marketing and Creative at Expedia Group. “IShowSpeed has redefined how the younger generation discovers culture, entertainment, and experiences. By partnering with IShowSpeed as his Official Travel Partner, Expedia is meeting young travelers where they already are and showing them that no matter how big or small their travel ambitions are, Expedia is the one place to make them happen.”

Inside Exspeedia.com: A New Hub for IShowSpeed’s Global Journey

Rather than a traditional influencer endorsement, the Expedia and IShowSpeed partnership is designed as an immersive creator campaign spanning paid, owned, and earned channels, unlocking the full potential of IShowSpeed’s fandom and surrounding halo of young travelers.

At the heart of the campaign is the launch of Exspeedia.com, a custom website built for IShowSpeed’s community where fans can:

A Chance for Fans to Travel — and Meet IShowSpeed IRL

Fans in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico who book and complete a trip via Exspeedia.com can enter for the chance to meet IShowSpeed while he is on a future tour, turning digital inspiration into real‑world connection. Two winners will be announced by the end of September 2026, and each winner will be able to bring a friend on this unforgettable experience to meet IShowSpeed.*

Launching across Social, Streaming, and Beyond

Fans can follow IShowSpeed’s travel adventures in real time through a newly launched @Exspeedia_ handle on TikTok, and @Expedia on Instagram and TikTok.

Expedia will continue the storytelling with IShowSpeed as he takes his travels beyond the Caribbean to North America, bringing his signature energy to major cities, local culture, and immersive experiences that inspire a new generation to explore.

Note to Editors

*No purchase necessary. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning. Legal residents of the US, Canada (including Quebec) and Mexico at least 18+ years old. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes end 9/07/26. For official rules, prize descriptions and odds disclosure, visit Official Rules. Sponsor: Expedia, Inc., 1111 Expedia Group Way W., Seattle, WA 98119.

About Expedia

Expedia® is an all-in-one travel shop where travelers can plan and book everything they need for their trip while saving on flights, hotels, vacation rentals, car rentals, and activities.

Expedia delivers personalized, easy-to-use travel tools that make it easy to build a complete trip without juggling multiple sites, while allowing travelers to search, compare, and book multiple trip elements side by side. Expedia also unlocks more value with Bundle & Save deals, giving travelers exclusive savings when they book more than one part of their trip. With One Key, Expedia’s cross-brand loyalty program, every booking earns OneKeyCash™ and access to member-only prices and perks, making trips more rewarding.

In 2026, Expedia marks its 30th anniversary. As one of the first online travel agencies, it continues to be the one place you go to go places.

© 2026 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company. All rights reserved. Expedia and the Expedia logo are trademarks of Expedia, Inc. CST# 2029030-50.

One of the world’s most influential creators, IShowSpeed, names Expedia as his Official Travel Partner.