Sport

WRU faces £7.5m loss despite Principality Stadium successes

Published

1 year ago

November 27, 2024

THE WELSH RUGBY UNION has reported a £7.5m loss for the financial year ending June 2024, despite strong revenues from high-profile events at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, including concerts by Taylor Swift and Bruce Springsteen.

The WRU’s turnover climbed to £102.7m, marking a second consecutive year of growth. This included a £4.7m boost from matches and stadium-hosted events. However, rising costs—driven by lingering Covid-19 impacts, inflation, and significant spending on the men’s Rugby World Cup and women’s rugby—pushed total expenses to £75.1m, up from £67m the previous year.

Revenue grows, challenges persist

Although Wales missed hosting autumn internationals in 2023 due to the Rugby World Cup, the summer calendar included friendlies, a match against the Barbarians, and live performances from global music stars such as Pink and the Foo Fighters. The Principality Stadium also marked its 25th anniversary in June with a series of celebrations.

Despite the increased turnover, the WRU recorded its second successive annual loss, following a £4.8m deficit in 2023. This reverses a positive £3m profit posted in 2022.

Off-field turmoil adds pressure

The union has faced criticism off the pitch, admitting to “serious failings” in managing contract negotiations with the women’s national team over the summer. On the pitch, the men’s team, coached by Warren Gatland, is enduring a record-breaking 12-game losing streak. In addition, women’s head coach Ioan Cunningham stepped down earlier this month.

Regional funding also saw a drop, falling from £35.5m to £28.7m, and the Dragons rugby team returned to private ownership in July 2023. Despite this, the WRU highlighted its investment of £60m into rugby across Wales, supporting development at all levels of the game.

Eyes on stability and sustainability

Chief executive Abi Tierney, who took over in January, presented the WRU’s annual report during a general meeting on Sunday in the Vale of Glamorgan. Tierney acknowledged the financial hurdles but reaffirmed the union’s focus on building a stable and sustainable future for Welsh rugby.

“This year’s annual report comes at a time of challenges but also great potential,” Tierney said. “Financial stability remains central to our strategy, ensuring we can reinvest in the game and support its growth across all levels.”

While the WRU faces a tough financial landscape, it remains committed to navigating these challenges and backing the sport’s development.

Sport

Keeper scores 121st-minute wonder goal before saving two penalties

Published

13 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Herald Sport

Cwmamman United stun Tenby AFC in an unforgettable 3-3 thriller to reach the last sixteen of the West Wales Intermediate Cup

Cwmamman Utd 3 Tenby AFC 3 (Cwm win 3–2 on pens)

AN EXTRAORDINARY cup tie unfolded at Grenig Park as Cwmamman United and Tenby AFC shared a breathless 3-3 draw, before the hosts edged through 3–2 on penalties.

Tenby struck almost instantly, with Lloyd Hughes finding the net inside the opening minute. Cwm hit back on 14 minutes when Cam Isaac produced a superb finish to level the tie, but Joe Leahy restored Tenby’s lead before the break – a goal that for long spells looked like it might settle the contest.

Deep into stoppage time, however, Cwmamman refused to accept defeat. In the 100th minute, Jackson Brereton pounced to smash home an equaliser and force extra time.

The drama only intensified. Tenby were awarded a hotly disputed penalty in the 114th minute, converted confidently by Hughes. The spot-kick also saw Cwm’s Kieran Rees – who had been excellent alongside Kai O’Donnell at the heart of the defence – shown a red card.

But with virtually the last kick of the game, Cwm’s goalkeeper Kai Rees strode forward for a final desperate attack and unleashed a stunning 25-yard volley to make it 3-3, sparking wild celebrations around the ground.

Rees was far from finished. In the decisive shootout, he produced two superb saves to secure a 3–2 penalty win and send Cwmamman United into the last sixteen of the West Wales Intermediate Cup.

Photo: Cwm goalkeeper Kai Rees.

News

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association – Week Twelve results

Published

13 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Herald Sport

A PACKET week of fixtures in the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association’s Friendly League saw key wins at both ends of the table as teams continue to jostle for position going into the second half of the season.

Match results (Week 12):

Hundleton 10–0 Lamphey
Badgers 2–8 St Johns
Reynalton 0–10 Carew
Kilgetty 8–2 East Williamston
Cosheston v Llanteg – postponed
St Twynnells – bye week

A previously postponed fixture was also completed, with St Twynnells drawing 5–5 with Reynaltón.

League table (after Week 12):
East Williamston remain top, having played 10 and won eight, with a strong shots difference of +125. Reynaltón sit second after 11 games with 58 points, while St Johns and Hundleton follow closely behind on 54 points each.

At the mid-table mark, Carew (49 points), St Twynnells (48) and Kilgetty (46) remain tightly grouped. Badgers, Lamphey, Llanteg and Cosheston make up the lower order, though the number of games played varies, leaving room for movement in the coming weeks.

Full standings:

Team	P	W	D	L	S/D	Points
East Williamston	10	8	0	2	+125	72
Reynaltón	11	5	2	4	+35	58
St Johns	10	5	1	4	+32	54
Hundleton	10	5	1	4	-2	54
Carew	9	5	0	4	-25	49
St Twynnells	10	4	2	4	-34	48
Kilgetty	11	5	0	6	-44	46
Badgers	11	3	1	7	-59	45
Lamphey	11	5	0	6	-10	44
Llanteg	8	4	0	4	-5	41
Cosheston	9	3	1	5	-13	40

If you’d like, I can also turn this into a shorter snippet for the website or expand with quotes, season context, or upcoming fixtures.

Sport

Haverfordwest RFC names Team of the Week

Published

17 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST Rugby Football Club has announced its latest Team of the Week, celebrating standout performers from across the junior age groups following another busy weekend of fixtures.

Players from the U7s through to the U16s Eagles have been highlighted for their work rate, teamwork and commitment on the pitch, with coaches praising the effort shown by all who took part.

The club said the selections recognise not only individual performances but the dedication shown by players at training and during matches throughout the season.

Parents and supporters were quick to share their congratulations online, with particular praise for U12s players George Bentley and Tom Wheeler, who impressed during their fixture.

Team of the Week – 14 December 2025

U7s: Ollie Bromham & Arthur Slee
U8s: Theo Headland & Lyla Phillips
U9s: Theo Canton & George Thornton
U10s: Rhys Davies
U10s Eagles: Frankie Campbell
U11s: Griff Jenkins & Ollie Edwards
U12s: George Bentley & Tom Wheeler
U12s Eagles: Cyra Ellis
U15s: Logan Keane
U16s Eagles: Laura Cichon

Coaches thanked players and families for their continued support as Haverfordwest RFC moves through the winter fixtures, saying the positivity around the club remains a key part of its success.