Sport

WRU announces sweeping changes in bid to transform Welsh rugby

Published

8 months ago

April 10, 2025

THE WLSH RUGBY UNION has announced a major shake-up of its structure and strategy as part of a new five-year transformation programme designed to future-proof the sport across Wales.

The changes, revealed on Thursday (Apr 10), include £5 million in annual savings, a streamlined management structure, the restructuring of its community outreach and performance departments, and a new professional funding model known as PRA25.

The WRU says the reforms will help deliver its long-term vision – known as the ‘One Wales’ strategy – and ensure that the game in Wales becomes more financially sustainable, inclusive, and competitive at every level.

A small number of job losses are expected – fewer than 20 roles – but the WRU said it would enter a consultation process and provide full support to those affected.

Chief executive Abi Tierney, who became the Union’s first female CEO in January 2024, said: “2025 will be the moment we remember Welsh rugby completed its transformation into a fully functional, fit-for-purpose, professional organisation.

“Regrettably, there will be job losses, but we are investing in key areas that will enable growth. Everything we are doing is to improve rugby in Wales for everyone.”

Professional game overhaul

A new-look performance department will align the Wales international sides with the four professional clubs and player pathways for both men’s and women’s games.

The WRU said it would continue with its plan to rebuild the professional game despite Cardiff Rugby entering administration earlier this week. Cardiff is seen as vital to the national setup, and new investors are now being sought.

All national team coaches will also be redeployed to assist in the domestic game when not on international duty.

Community game to benefit

The WRU’s current ‘Hub Officer’ scheme, which places rugby officers in schools, is set to be replaced. The existing co-funded model will be discontinued, and replaced by a more extensive structure designed to provide 100% coverage across schools and clubs in Wales.

The Union also plans to roll out a new club funding model that rewards off-field success, such as community engagement and governance, alongside performance.

As a result of the efficiencies identified, increased funding for the community game is planned over the next four years.

New leadership structure

Recent executive changes include the appointment of a Chief People Officer, a new Executive Director of Community, and the pending appointment of both a Chief Growth Officer and Executive Director of Elite Performance.

In the women’s game, Belinda Moore has taken up the post of Head of Women’s Rugby, while high-profile coach Sean Lynn returns to Wales after winning three Premiership Women’s Rugby titles in England.

Looking ahead

The WRU’s ‘One Wales’ strategy is built on four main pillars: developing inspiring clubs and national teams, fostering a sustainable community game, accelerating the women’s and girls’ game, and growing Welsh rugby’s audience.

By 2029, the WRU aims to have both national teams ranked in the world’s top five, regional clubs reaching knock-out stages, and a fully funded, modern rugby ecosystem at all levels.

The Union is also launching a ‘big conversation’ to give fans and members of the public the chance to help shape its plans.

Sport

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

Published

1 day 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

1 day 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

1 day 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.