Sport

Alun Wyn Jones slams ongoing Welsh rugby row as ’embarrassing’

Published

7 months ago

June 1, 2025

Calls grow for resolution as uncertainty over regional future deepens

FORMER Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones has branded the ongoing stalemate between the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and two of its professional regions as “embarrassing”, as tensions threaten to derail preparations for the 2025–26 season.

Speaking on the BBC’s Scrum V programme, Jones said it was unacceptable that a resolution had not yet been reached, months after the WRU’s introduction of a revised Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA). The Scarlets and Ospreys are the only regions yet to sign the new deal, putting them at odds with the union at a critical time for the domestic game.

The WRU recently confirmed that its long-standing policy of equal funding across the four regions – Scarlets, Ospreys, Cardiff and Dragons – would end under the new structure. Although not officially confirmed, widespread speculation suggests the WRU may be considering a reduction in the number of professional teams, a move that has sparked alarm among fans and players alike.

Jones, who retired from international rugby in 2023 after earning a record 170 caps for Wales and the British & Irish Lions, expressed frustration at the impasse: “It’s embarrassing, really. These conversations have been going on for years, and we’re still no closer to long-term stability.”

He was joined on the programme by Rhys Patchell, another former Wales international, who has spent recent seasons playing club rugby in New Zealand and Japan. Patchell said the situation in Wales was drawing international attention for all the wrong reasons.

“World rugby is crying out for Wales to sort itself out,” he said. “There’s so much passion and talent here, but without a clear plan and proper leadership, we’re wasting it.”

The Herald understands that behind-the-scenes talks are ongoing between WRU officials and regional bosses, but with no deadline for resolution and continued silence over the fate of one of the teams, concerns are mounting over the viability of Welsh rugby’s current structure.

While Cardiff Rugby and Dragons RFC have reportedly accepted the new PRA terms, the refusal of Scarlets and Ospreys to sign has created an impasse. Both regions have questioned the financial and governance changes proposed, arguing they could compromise the sustainability of their operations.

The WRU has so far declined to comment on whether any region faces the axe, but critics say the lack of transparency is damaging trust in the game.

Jones concluded: “There’s a generation of young players and fans watching this unfold. What message are we sending them?”

Sport

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

Published

10 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

10 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

14 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.