While a player strike may have been averted, Welsh rugby remains in crisis on and off the pitch. I have had good informal discussions with various people connected with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), including acting chief executive Nigel Walker. He is very well respected and committed to dealing with the problems facing the union. I was at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday for the England match. Yes, it was a disappointing performance and the result heaped more misery on Wales as Warren Gatland’s side fights to avoid the Six Nations Wooden Spoon. But one thing was clear. The sport is deep-rooted in our nation’s DNA and Wales remains a rugby-loving nation. Our patriotism was also on colourful display as we celebrated St David’s Day this week, with bright yellow daffodils, green leeks, flags of Y Ddraig Goch and vibrant traditional dress to be found the length and breadth of Wales. From Dame Shirley Bassey to legendary Rolls-Royce co-founder Charles Rolls, whose ancestral home was at The Hendre near Monmouth, Wales and its people are world-renowned. I am incredibly proud to represent our wonderful nation as Secretary of State for Wales. Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus!

On the eve of the Wales v England game, I was honoured to attend a gala concert at St Mary’s Priory Church in Monmouth as part of Monmouth RFC’s 150-year anniversary celebrations.

What a memorable evening, featuring a joint performance by Monmouth Male Voice Choir and The London Welsh RFC Male Voice Choir. Tributes were also paid to former Wales ruby captain and broadcaster Eddie Butler, who was the patron of Monmouth RFC.

A collection and profits from the evening will be donated to Prostate Cymru, a charity of which Eddie was an ambassador.

A year has passed since we witnessed in sheer horror as the world was plunged into an existential crisis by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Chepstow has welcomed Ukrainian families with open arms and on Friday, I joined them to mark the anniversary of their country’s violent occupation by Vladimir Putin. The families also wanted to thank everyone for the help and support they have gained in Chepstow. Alongside a special exhibition in Beaufort Square, we stood in quiet reflection during the national minute’s silence. The United Kingdom has always been on the side of freedom, democracy and the rule of law. We will not rest until Ukraine is freed from the shackles of Putin. Slava Ukraini!