Sport
Severn Valley Stages returns to open British Rally Championship in 2026
Myherin forest takes centre stage as revised route sets up demanding Mid Wales season-opener
THE SEVERN Valley Stages – supported by Axon Commercial Catering Equipment – will make a much-anticipated return in 2026 as the opening round of the Motorsport UK British Rally Championship on Saturday (April 11).
The acclaimed gravel event is back with renewed momentum and a new-look route for crews and spectators, after the rally was cancelled in 2025 following the impact of Storm Darragh, which restricted access to large parts of the Welsh forest estate.
Organised by Midland Manor Motor Club, the Builth Wells-based rally will again offer one of the longest and most cost-effective forest events in Wales, featuring more than 50 competitive stage miles across some of the country’s most revered gravel roads.
A major talking point for 2026 is a significant route evolution. While driven by forest availability, organisers say the changes have produced what could be one of the most demanding Severn Valley Stages in recent years.
The world-famous Myherin Forest block will take centre stage, forming the backbone of the event and being used to its fullest potential. In combination with the Tarenig complex, organisers have created a series of challenging tests within Myherin, supported by the classic Sarnau stage, promising a flowing, high-speed but technical challenge throughout the day.
The rally will build towards a dramatic finale, with a joined Myherin–Tarenig stage in the afternoon forming an 18-mile test to close the event – a true sting in the tail for competing crews.
Proceedings begin on Friday evening at the Metropole Hotel & Spa in Llandrindod Wells with a ceremonial start designed to bring fans closer to the action and officially launch the weekend’s competition.
Builth Wells will host pre-event formalities and service, while the Metropole will act as rally headquarters and host the finish celebrations on Saturday evening.
As the 2026 BRC curtain-raiser, Severn Valley Stages will welcome the latest generation Rally2 machinery and many of the UK’s leading drivers.
The event will also host the return of the Fuchs Lubricants British Historic Rally Championship, alongside rounds of the Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship, West Wales Rally Spares HRCR Stage Masters and the T.C.S Plant Rally Challenge.
Clerk of the course Keith Ashley said: “After a frustrating year away, we’re incredibly proud to bring the Severn Valley Stages back for 2026 and to do so as the opening round of the British Rally Championship, alongside the returning British Historic Rally Championship, is something special.
“The revised route has allowed us to create a real driver’s rally, with Myherin at the heart of the event and a spectacular long stage to finish. We’re looking forward to welcoming competitors, championships and fans back to Mid Wales for what promises to be a memorable return.”
Fans can follow the event’s social media channels for updates:
www.facebook.com/SevernValleyStages
www.twitter.com/svstages
The 2024 Severn Valley Stages.
Credit: British Rally Championship
Sport
2026: an exciting year for sport
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
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
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.
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