Sport

Wales show fight but Ireland’s class prevails in Cardiff thriller

Published

1 year ago

February 22, 2025

IRELAND continued their march towards another Six Nations title with a hard-fought 27-18 victory over Wales at the Principality Stadium. While Andy Farrell’s men ultimately secured the win, the hosts delivered their best performance of the tournament so far, proving far more competitive than many had anticipated.

First half: A competitive opening

From the first whistle, Wales showed an energy and cohesion that had been missing in their previous matches. A sell-out Cardiff crowd roared them on as they matched Ireland’s early intensity, refusing to allow the visitors to dominate proceedings as they so often have in recent encounters.

A stunning cross-field kick to James Lowe! Jamie Osborne is there to collect the ball and score!

It was Ireland who struck first, with Jack Conan powering over the line in the seventh minute after relentless pressure inside the Welsh 22. Sam Prendergast, stepping in for Johnny Sexton’s long-term successor Jack Crowley, slotted the conversion to make it 7-0.

However, unlike in previous matches where Wales had struggled to respond to early setbacks, this time they hit back almost immediately. A pinpoint cross-field kick from Sam Costelow found Rio Dyer, who soared above James Lowe to touch down in the corner. Costelow’s conversion attempt drifted wide, but at 7-5, Wales had sent a clear message: they were here to fight.

The remainder of the half saw Ireland’s trademark structured play tested by Wales’ aggressive line speed and improved breakdown work. While the visitors added a penalty through Prendergast, the Welsh continued to press, forcing errors from an Irish side that is usually so clinical. Costelow’s boot kept the scoreboard ticking, and at halftime, Ireland led by a slender 13-11 margin.

Watch for the rugby, stay for the finish from Tom Rogers

Second half: Ireland’s quality tells, but wales stay in the fight

With the match finely poised, the second half began in breathless fashion. Ireland sought to assert their authority, and their cohesion in attack began to stretch the Welsh defence. A moment of brilliance from Caelan Doris, breaking through a tired Welsh defensive line before offloading to Dan Sheehan for a crucial try, shifted momentum back towards the visitors.

Prendergast’s conversion made it 20-11, and for a brief moment, it looked as if Ireland would pull away. But this new-look Welsh team had other ideas. Gareth Thomas epitomised their resilience with a thunderous hit on Bundee Aki, forcing a turnover that led to another attacking opportunity. A flowing backline move saw George North slice through before offloading to Tomos Williams, who dotted down under the posts. Costelow’s conversion closed the gap to 20-18, setting up a grandstand finish.

Wales, sensing an opportunity for an upset, surged forward, but crucial handling errors at key moments allowed Ireland to escape unscathed. As the clock ticked down, the visitors’ superior squad depth and game management proved decisive. A penalty won inside the Welsh half provided the platform for one final assault, and a slick move off a rolling maul saw Josh van der Flier crash over to seal the victory. Prendergast’s conversion added the final gloss to the scoreline, but the margin of victory did not reflect the closeness of the contest.

Final thoughts: A step forward for Wales, a step closer for Ireland

For Ireland, this was another significant step towards retaining their Six Nations crown and securing the Triple Crown. Their ability to withstand pressure and execute clinically in key moments was the difference, with players like Doris, Sheehan, and Prendergast making telling contributions.

Yet, despite the loss, Wales can take great encouragement from this performance. Interim head coach Matt Sherratt had demanded a response from his side, and he got one. This was a display full of grit, intelligence, and attacking ambition—qualities that had been missing in recent matches. Young talents such as Costelow and Dyer shone, while the experienced core of North, Williams, and captain Dafydd Jenkins provided the leadership needed to challenge one of the world’s best teams.

Though they remain winless in the tournament, this was a performance that should instill belief in the squad and fans alike. If they can replicate this level in their remaining fixtures, that first victory may not be far away.

Final score: Wales 18-27 Ireland

(Cover photo: via WRU)

Sport

Lloyd and Reynolds take on France with Supra GT4 challenge

Published

1 day ago

March 28, 2026

Herald Sport

WELSH drivers Rhys Lloyd and Harri Reynolds are set to take on Europe as they launch their 2026 campaign in the French GT4 Championship.

The pairing will compete in the Championnat de France FFSA GT – GT4 France, driving a Toyota Supra GT4 run by Circuit Toys in partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing France.

The highly competitive series features five rounds across some of France and Belgium’s most iconic circuits, with the season getting underway at Circuit Paul Armagnac in Nogaro over Easter weekend (April 5–6).

European step up

Both drivers bring experience as teammates, having competed together in the 2024 Britcar Trophy Championship and earlier this year in the Dubai 24 Hours — giving them a solid platform heading into their first full European campaign.

The FFSA GT4 series also offers a significant incentive, with a €150,000 prize fund available through the SRO Motorsports Group’s GT Academy programme, aimed at helping drivers progress to higher levels such as GT2 and GT World Challenge Europe.

Aiming for the title

Reynolds, from Narberth, said he was eager to build on the pair’s recent success.

“I’m really looking forward to the season ahead,” he said. “After the Dubai 24, Rhys and I have built a strong understanding of how the team operates, and they now know how we work as drivers.

“Taking our first proper step into European racing, it’ll be exciting to experience the competition and get to know new drivers and teams.

“We’re aiming to put ourselves in a position to fight for the championship. As drivers, that’s always the goal. Rhys and I have worked well together, and if we can continue that momentum, we’ll be right in the mix.”

He added that racing abroad would bring new challenges, including travel demands and adapting to unfamiliar circuits and conditions.

Motivated return

Lloyd, from Carmarthen, said he was relishing his return to racing after time away in 2025.

“I’m super excited about the 2026 season,” he said. “Having taken a year out, I’m more motivated than ever to be back.

“The Toyota Supra GT4 is an incredible car, and to be back driving with Harri is a great partnership.

“It’s a big step for us both to race in France — all the circuits and competitors will be new — but I’m really looking forward to getting started in Nogaro.”

Further announcements about the team’s 2026 campaign are expected in the coming months.

Sport

World Cup dream shattered for Wales in penalty agony

Published

3 days ago

March 26, 2026

Herald Sport

James strike undone by late Bosnia leveller before shootout collapse in Cardiff

WALES suffered heartbreaking World Cup play-off defeat as their hopes of reaching the 2026 finals ended in a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in Cardiff.

Craig Bellamy’s side looked to be in control after Daniel James fired them ahead early in the second half, sending the Cardiff City Stadium into raptures.

But just as Cymru edged towards victory, the game turned cruel.

Veteran striker Edin Džeko struck in the 86th minute to level the tie at 1–1, silencing the home crowd and forcing extra time.

Despite chances at both ends, neither side could find a winner, sending the contest to penalties.

Shootout agony

Wales made the perfect start when Karl Darlow saved Bosnia’s opening spot kick, handing the hosts an early advantage.

But the momentum slipped away.

Brennan Johnson blazed over under pressure, before Neco Williams saw his effort saved — and from there Bosnia held their nerve.

The visitors converted their remaining kicks to win the shootout 4–2, sparking wild celebrations as Wales were left stunned.

Dream ends in familiar fashion

The defeat sees Wales miss out on a place in the World Cup finals, extending a painful run of play-off heartbreak decided from the penalty spot.

For Bellamy’s side, this will be remembered as a night when qualification was within touching distance — only to be snatched away at the death.

Cover image:

Cymru team photo ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Play-off semi final between Cymru Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales. (Pic by John Smith/FAW)

News

Tenby waterman riding high in global hydrofoil rankings

Published

3 days ago

March 26, 2026

Herald Sport

Local athlete Mogsy Morgan breaks into world top ten in elite ocean discipline

TENBY waterman Gareth “Mogsy” Morgan is making a name for himself on the world stage after breaking into the top ten of one of the most demanding single-handed watersports disciplines.

Morgan has been ranked sixth in the world in the latest Hydrofoil Downwind leaderboard for 2026, based on performance over a 10km ocean swell navigation split—an elite benchmark in the sport.

Hydrofoil downwinding involves riding offshore ocean swells using a board, hydrofoil and paddle, often far from shore and exposed to challenging conditions. Athletes use GPS tracking to log their routes, which are then uploaded to global ranking systems for comparison.

Morgan said he is now competing alongside some of the sport’s biggest names, including Hawaiian world champions John Florence and Nathan Florence.

“I’m right up there in the world rankings,” he said. “I’ve trained hard to get into peak condition, and I’m continuing to improve my performance. The momentum is definitely on my side.”

He added that the sport offers a unique experience: “There’s a real flow state when you’re riding ocean swells—linking one wave to the next. It’s an incredible, almost meditative feeling, even though you’re exposed to real hazards offshore.”

Morgan has spent recent years travelling internationally to develop his skills, bringing that experience back to Wales as he pushes towards even higher rankings.

His recent success builds on a strong 2025, when he placed 69th in the world for the same 10km category and also ranked within the top 100 for shorter sprint distances.

“I’ve already improved on my 2025 results in the first few months of this year,” he said. “My goal now is to break into the top 50 worldwide.”

Morgan was an early pioneer of hydrofoiling in Wales, first adopting the technology during his time competing in the British Kite Racing Circuit, where he secured a third-place podium finish in his division.

He was also invited to take part in Olympic kite racing trials at the British Sailing Academy in Weymouth and has previously been crowned UK Kitesurfing Circuit Wavemaster Champion in his category.

Today, he continues to promote the sport locally by organising hydrofoil events across Pembrokeshire and South Wales, helping to grow interest and develop new talent.

With his sights firmly set on climbing the global rankings, Morgan added: “I’m still getting faster and pushing the limits. Watch this space—Cymru am byth.”