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

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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)

 

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Davies and Kurtz Lead North Pembrokeshire Call for 4G Sports Pitch in Fishguard

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FISHGUARD, Goodwick and communities across north Pembrokeshire are being urged to back a campaign for a modern 4G all-weather sports pitch, led by local Members of the Senedd Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz.

Local Members of the Senedd Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz (Image: Supplied)

The project would provide clubs, schools and young people with a reliable, high-quality facility that can be used all year round. Suitable for both football and rugby, from juniors through to seniors, a 4G pitch would also complement the existing astroturf at Ysgol Bro Gwaun, home to the twin town’s successful hockey club.

Local teams say matches and training sessions are regularly cancelled due to waterlogged pitches, limiting opportunities for players and reducing sporting activity across the community.

Paul Davies MS said: “A 4G pitch would be a major boost for our young people and local clubs. It would improve sporting opportunities and strengthen pride and community spirit across north Pembrokeshire.”

Samuel Kurtz MS added: “With the weather as it is, too many fixtures are lost due to waterlogged pitches. A 4G pitch would give clubs, schools and youth teams consistent access throughout the year, and could also help Fishguard attract tournaments and visitors, bringing wider economic benefits.”

The Members of the Senedd say the pitch would be an investment in health, wellbeing and youth development, and are urging residents to show their support to help strengthen the case for funding.

Paul Davies added: “We need as many people as possible to get behind this campaign. Every signature helps show the strength of local support and the need for this facility in Fishguard.”

Residents can support the campaign by signing up on the website – Support our 4G Pitch for Fishguard & Goodwick Campaign | Pembrokeshire & Ceredigion or before 20th March.

 

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Sponsors secure future of Pembrokeshire Coast Triathlon

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Valero and Mainline back award-winning Broad Haven event ahead of July championships

A MAJOR sponsorship deal has been agreed to support one of Wales’ longest-running triathlon events, giving a boost to this year’s Pembrokeshire Coast Triathlon in Broad Haven.

Pembrokeshire Triathlon Club has confirmed that Valero Pembrokeshire Oil Terminal and Mainline Pipelines Limited will act as main sponsors for the 2026 race, providing financial backing to help deliver the popular community event.

Abi Price, representing Valero Pembrokeshire Oil Terminal and Mainline Pipelines, a Valero company, with Helena Tollick, Pembrokeshire Triathlon Club (Pic: Supplied)

First staged in 1994, the Broad Haven competition is widely regarded as the longest-running triathlon organised by a grassroots club in Wales. It was named Welsh Triathlon Event of the Year in 2025 and regularly attracts competitors from across the country.

Organisers say the 2026 event will host both the Welsh Standard Distance Triathlon Championships and a round of the Welsh Triathlon Super Series. The race is also set to be filmed for broadcast on S4C.

Jamie Dow, Senior Manager at VPOT, and Tim Rudd, Senior Manager at MLP, said supporting the event was a way of giving back to the local communities where staff live and work.

They said: “Being the longest-running triathlon event in Wales organised by a grassroots club makes this event really special to the communities we live and work in. We are delighted to be able to sponsor the Pembrokeshire Triathlon Club.”

Club chair Helena Tollick said the sponsorship would help keep entry costs affordable while maintaining high standards.

She said: “This support, alongside backing from other sponsors and the local community, enables us to deliver a top-quality event at a fair price in a stunning setting. It also helps the club continue to thrive.”

This year’s Pembrokeshire Coast Triathlon takes place on Sunday, July 5. Entries and further information are available via the club’s website.

 

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Senedd maintain rugby dominance over Westminster rivals

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CARMARTHEN West and South Pembrokeshire MS Samuel Kurtz has celebrated another Welsh victory after the Senedd rugby team defeated their counterparts from Westminster in the annual Rygbi Senedd Cymru fixture.

Posting after the match, Mr Kurtz said the Welsh side had once again come out on top against the combined Commons and Lords team, extending what is believed to be an unbeaten run stretching back well over a decade.

The friendly but fiercely contested match, played each year between Members of the Senedd and parliamentarians from London, has become a staple of the political calendar, raising money for charity while promoting cross-party camaraderie through sport.

Although he did not lace up his boots this time, Mr Kurtz was among those on the touchline backing the home side.

He said: “The annual Rygbi Senedd Cymru fixture versus the Commons & Lords saw us Welsh victorious yet again, which could well see our undefeated streak extended to 15 games. While the boots didn’t make it onto my feet this year, it was still good to support and sing the anthem.”

The match typically brings together politicians from across party lines, with rivalries set aside for eighty minutes of rugby and fundraising. Previous fixtures have been used to support a range of good causes, including community and health charities.

Supporters say the event showcases the strong sporting culture within Welsh politics and provides a rare chance for elected representatives to connect with each other – and the public – outside the debating chamber.

With another win under their belts, the Senedd side’s long unbeaten streak continues, adding bragging rights over their Westminster opponents for yet another year.

Senedd pride: Samuel Kurtz MS joined teammates and supporters for the annual Rygbi Senedd Cymru clash (Pics: social media / file).

 

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