Sport

Halfpenny signs National Dual Contract

Published

7 years ago

August 11, 2017

WALES full-back Leigh Halfpenny has committed his future to regional rugby and Wales by signing a three year National Dual Contract with the WRU and Scarlets.

The 28-year-old returns to Wales after a three-year spell with France giants Toulon and a third tour with the British & Irish Lions.

“I’m delighted to be coming back to play in Wales,” said Halfpenny. “I would like to thank the Scarlets and the WRU for giving me the opportunity to sign a National Dual Contract and can’t wait to get started.”

His return to Wales, where he previously excelled with Cardiff Blues between 2008-2014, has delighted national team head coach, Warren Gatland.

“It is great news for Welsh rugby that Leigh Halfpenny is returning to play his rugby in Wales,” said Gatland.

“The NDC system helps us to bring these players back and I look forward to seeing him play for the Scarlets.”

His sentiments were fully endorsed by WRU chief executive, Martin Phillips, who added: “I’m delighted that we are able to announce Leigh’s return to Wales. His signature rubber stamps our commitment to the game here in Wales by having our best players playing their rugby on home soil which is vital to the future health of our game.

“We have made no secret of that and the importance both on and off the field at regional and national level in Welsh players playing their rugby in Wales.”

Wayne Pivac, who guided the Scarlets to Guinness Pro12 glory last season, believes Halfpenny is a vital piece in the Scarlets jigsaw as he looks to bring future success to the region.

“Leigh joining is great news for the club, the supporters, the team and the region as a whole,” said Pivac.

“With the experience of Liam [Williams] and DTH [van der Merwe] moving on at the end of last season we’ve added some new players to the squad, some exciting young talent, and a guy like Leigh brings a lot of experience to the squad that he will share with those young players.

“It has worked out really well and we look forward to welcoming Leigh and he’s really excited to be joining the Scarlets because of the way we play the game.”

Scarlets General Manager of Rugby, Jon Daniels, echoed his thoughts, by adding: “We are delighted to finally be in a position to confirm that Leigh Halfpenny will be joining us at the Scarlets for the forthcoming season and beyond.

“He is a proven performer on the international stage and his qualities both on and off the pitch will be a great addition to our squad as we endeavour to build on the success of last season.”

Sport

The stage is set – Senior Cup Final

Published

2 mins ago

April 25, 2024

Herald Sport

It’s the time of the year again, Saturday see’s Bridge Meadow host the senior cup final. The sun has been shining and both teams will be dying to get on the pitch. This year the final will be contested by Goodwick United and Clarbeston Road.

League champions Goodwick will go into the final as favourites, and most around the county expect a Goodwick win. It has been an outstanding season for Goodwick however cup success has evaded them so far. Clarbeston Road have impressed everyone this season and really deserve their place in this years final.

Neill Crawshaw will referee the game, with Tudor Walters and Stefan Jenkins running the line.

There will be a unique contest on the pitch as brothers Will Haworth and Laurie Haworth come face to face on opposing teams. Adrian their father was a great player in the county, and played in many cup finals himself.

The stage is set, Clarby will feel less pressure than Goodwick and will be a threat with Haworth, John and Davies in attack. Meanwhile Goodwick are also blessed with quality players in every department, there is no weak link in O’Sullivans team. Cup football and finals in particular never go as people predict. On paper Goodwick are firm favourites, Clarbeston Road will be happy the game will be played on grass though and not paper, anything can happen! Hopefully it’ll be a good crowd down at the Meadow for the show piece of Pembrokeshire football.

News

70 Pembrokeshire clubs benefit from Sport Wales funding

Published

10 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SEVENTY Pembrokeshire clubs have been successful in receiving grants from the Be Active Wales Fund over the last financial year.

In total the clubs received more than £407,800 from the grants scheme from Sport Wales in 2023/24.

The fund backed 25 different sports, ranging from archery, basketball and cricket to sailing, short mat bowls and weightlifting and everything in between.

The Be Active Wales Fund is open to applications from not for profit community clubs and groups to help develop and sustain their activities.

Grants range from a minimum of £300 up to a maximum of £50,000.

The scheme will support coach education courses, the purchase of essential items of equipment right up to larger projects such as floodlighting and boats for sailing clubs.

For advice and support with your application contact Alan Jones or Lois Hilling at Pembrokeshire County Council’s Sports Development department, Sport Pembrokeshire on [email protected]

The Be Active Wales Fund is always open for applications.

More information is available on the Sport Wales website.

Sport

Clarby stand in the way of Goodwick double

Published

1 day ago

April 24, 2024

Herald Sport

Two thrilling semi finals last weekend has meant Goodwick United and Clarbeston Road will meet in the senior cup final this coming Saturday.

Goodwick faced Pennar Robins in their semi final who pushed the champions very hard. Carl Vincent will be disappointed but proud of the Robins as they gave a great account of themselves. However in the end Goodwick’s quality and experience just was too much for Vincent’s team.

The other semi was an absolute thriller, and after a nail biting game Matthew Fox’ Clarby progressed to the final. A offside call has sparked a lot of debate around the county. However it seems that linesman Jenkins made an absolute perfect call so credit to him for that.

Both teams would have wanted a nice week of preparation for the final, maybe without any games to play. Unfortunately this hasn’t been possible due to the fixture backlog and both outfits have played already this week.

Goodwick will be favourites of course, however if anyone can upset the apple cart Saturday it’s this Clarbeston Road team. Fox’ outfit have impressed over and over this season. Without too much pressure on them, they are in a good place going into the final.

The double at one staged looked like the minimum Goodwick would be aiming for this season. However losses in other cup competitions, means its Senior Cup success or just the league title for the outstanding team of the season. Oddly becoming champions with no cup success maybe seen as a huge disappointment considering their dominance this season. A unique pressure. However if anyone can handle that pressure it’s O’Sullivans outfit.