Sport

Cardiff fans urge WRU to rule out Ospreys-linked takeover

Published

1 month ago

January 12, 2026

CARDIFF supporters have warned the Welsh Rugby Union that they oppose any move to sell their club to owners connected with rivals Ospreys.

Cardiff Rugby was taken into WRU ownership after entering temporary administration in April 2025, and the governing body is now seeking new investors. Final bids are due by Monday, with a sale expected within weeks.

Speculation has grown that Ospreys’ owners, Y11 Sport & Media, are among the bidders, potentially with a plan to merge the two sides into a single entity. Such an outcome would align with the WRU’s stated aim of reducing the number of Welsh professional men’s teams from four to three.

Neither the WRU nor Y11 has commented publicly on the rumours. The lack of clarity has fuelled anxiety among Ospreys supporters about their club’s future, while Cardiff fans have voiced strong opposition on social media to any takeover linked to a rival.

The independent supporters’ body CF10 Rugby Trust said it has raised concerns directly with the WRU.

CF10 chair Lynn Glaister told BBC Radio Wales that supporters fear Cardiff would be permanently associated with the loss of another historic club if such a deal went ahead.

“We have told the WRU that whoever owns Cardiff, it needs to be positive for Cardiff rugby,” she said. “Another club’s owners taking us over risks Cardiff being branded as the team that ended another side for good.”

Welsh rugby has been facing prolonged uncertainty since the WRU announced last October that it intended to cut one professional men’s licence. The governing body has since said it plans to award three licences — one in Cardiff, one in the east and one in the west — potentially setting up a direct battle for survival between the Swansea-based Ospreys and Llanelli’s Scarlets.

A takeover of Cardiff by Ospreys’ owners would achieve that three-team structure without a competitive tender process, a prospect that has intensified opposition from supporters.

Glaister said communication with fans has been limited. “We are grateful the WRU chair and chief executive have met with us and listened, but we have not been told who has actually bid for Cardiff,” she said, adding that those involved in the process are bound by non-disclosure agreements.

CF10 confirmed it is aware of at least one alternative bid, led by former Cardiff director Martyn Ryan, backed by a group that includes three US-based television and film producers. That consortium, Glaister said, engaged with supporters before the formal process began and outlined its vision for the club.

By contrast, she said, the identity and intentions of the other bidder have not been shared.

“The other bidder remains a secret,” she said. “If you want to own Cardiff, we believe you need to be open, meet supporters and be clear about your plans.”

Sport

2026: an exciting year for sport

Published

8 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Staff Writer

2026 is jam packed full of sporting events to look forward to and the year appears set to be a truly unforgettable one for sports fans all over the world. From rugby through to tennis, this year’s sporting calendar offers something for everyone. With this in mind, here are some of the major sporting events happening throughout 2026, so you never miss a thing!

Six Nations

For rugby lovers, the Six Nations is one of the most exciting events of the year, with six countries (England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, and Italy) battling it out over five rounds of world-class rugby. 2025 saw France take the trophy, claiming their nineteenth title, and as favourites to win again this year, all eyes will be watching as the tournament unfolds.

FIFA World Cup

What better way to celebrate summer than with five weeks of outstanding football? The 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup, which is taking place across the US, Canada, and Mexico, will be the biggest World Cup ever, with 48 teams competing for the title. We anticipate a whirlwind of emotions, an abundance of unforgettable goals, and of course iconic moments to look back on for years to come.

Winter Olympics

The Winter Olympics are currently underway in northern Italy. The games began on 6 February and will run through to 22 February, showcasing a number of iconic winter sports including figure skating, snowboarding, and skiing. The multi-sport event is a must-watch for fans across the globe.

Formula One

The Formula One season will be kicking off on Sunday 8 March with the Australian Grand Prix. Known for speed, strategy, and of course intense rivalries and endless drama, Formula One is one of the most captivating sports to exist. The season will run through to 6 December, offering up several months of thrilling races across iconic circuits.

US Open

Later in the year, the US Open will be capturing the attention of people all over the world. Taking place from 30 August to 13 September, you can enjoy two weeks of exceptional tennis performances and edge of your seat action.

Will you be tuning in?

With so many world-class sporting events in 2026, you’re almost spoilt for choice! Whether you decide to follow the drama of Formula One or the intensity of the Six Nations, there is no shortage of excitement ahead. Although for some, an extra layer of thrill is needed, which is why many will be betting on their favourites to win or exploring the best rated UK casino sites in between fixtures to ensure the action never stops. Which sporting events will you be watching this year?

Sport

South Pembrokeshire short mat bowls – Friendly League results

Published

2 days ago

February 16, 2026

Herald Sport

EAST WILLIAMSTON remain firmly at the top of the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association Friendly League following another strong performance in week sixteen.

They recorded a dominant 10–0 victory over St Twynnells to extend their lead, having now won twelve of their fifteen matches this season.

Elsewhere, Llanteg beat Badgers 8–2, while Reynalton secured an 8–2 win over Lamphey. St Johns edged a closer contest against Kilgetty 6–4, and Carew defeated Cosheston 8–2. Hundleton had the bye.

League standings after week sixteen see East Williamston leading with 107 points. St Johns sit second on 88 points, level with Reynalton and Hundleton on 81, with places separated on shot difference. Carew are fifth on 75 points, followed by Llanteg on 63 and St Twynnells on 59.

Kilgetty have 58 points, Cosheston 54, Badgers 49, and Lamphey 46.

Meanwhile, the winners of Saturday’s doubles tournament were Dave Marsden and Lance Windsor of Badgers. Runners-up were Ceri Phillips and Vince Price from St Johns.

Sport

Haverfordwest edge Amman in five-try thriller

Published

4 days ago

February 14, 2026

Herald Sport

Blues stay second in Division 3 West as United snatch late bonus point

HAVERFORDWEST strengthened their promotion push with a hard-fought 29-22 win at Cwmamman Park, ending Amman United’s four-match unbeaten run — though the hosts had the final say with a dramatic injury-time penalty try.

The Blues crossed five times in a clinical display that keeps them second in Division 3 West, but they were pushed all the way by a determined Amman side who dominated large spells of territory and possession.

There was no score for the opening 20 minutes before outside-half Iestyn Griffiths broke the deadlock with a superb 45-metre penalty. Amman looked the sharper side early on, with Owain Brayley, Shaun Watkins, Caian Francis and Cian Lewis busy in attack, while Alun Lewis impressed in both defence and support play. Centres Dylan Lloyds and Luc Rees combined well to keep the visitors under pressure.

However, a quick line-out misfired and Haverfordwest punished the error. Griffiths was caught under pressure, possession was turned over and Adam Phillips finished out wide for the visitors’ opening try.

Scrum-half Lee Evans nudged United back in front with a penalty on the half-hour, but Haverfordwest responded before the break. A well-judged kick ahead unsettled the home defence and scrum-half Liam Eaton reacted quickest to touch down for a 12-6 half-time lead.

Griffiths reduced the gap early in the second half with another booming penalty, but the Blues looked dangerous every time they attacked. Wing Isaac Kelso-Jones crossed wide out to extend the lead before Griffiths once again kept Amman in touch with a long-range effort.

Despite enjoying periods of possession, the hosts lacked a cutting edge at crucial moments. Haverfordwest made their pressure count when Scott Candler went over for the bonus-point try.

Late substitutions, including Craig Price and Amman Youth product Aled Davies, added fresh energy, and another huge Griffiths penalty narrowed the deficit to 22-15. With seven minutes remaining, flanker Ioan Hartridge-Jones crossed to seemingly settle the contest at 29-15.

But Amman refused to fold. Sustained late pressure forced a flurry of yellow cards, and deep into injury time a dominant scrum earned a penalty try, securing a deserved losing bonus point despite being outscored five tries to one.

Amman now face three successive away fixtures, starting at Neyland this Saturday, followed by trips to Cardigan and high-flying Tumble.