Players could miss Celtic Cup and Australia campaign without urgent backing

THE WALES RUGBY LEAGUE Wheelchair Squad is on the brink of a historic World Cup campaign — but without urgent financial backing, some of the nation’s top athletes could miss out simply because they cannot afford to take part.

The squad needs to raise thousands of pounds to ensure every selected player can compete, starting with the Celtic Cup in Edinburgh this May — their only competitive preparation before the World Cup in Wollongong, Australia, this autumn.

At present, players and staff are being asked to self-fund their places at a cost of around £250 each.

Team manager Steve Abel has already seen talented athletes forced to withdraw in the past because of the financial burden.

He said: “It’s incredibly tough to ask athletes to pay to represent their country.

“They already give everything — their time, energy and commitment — and then face the added burden of funding their own travel and accommodation. It shouldn’t be this way. I’m determined it won’t happen again.”

Steve, who is leading Wales at a World Cup for the first time, previously officiated at four World Cups and understands better than most what it takes to compete at the highest level — and what is at stake if Wales arrive underprepared.

The Celtic Cup, featuring Wales, Ireland and Scotland, is not simply a warm-up tournament. It is the squad’s only chance to build momentum, test combinations and head to Australia ready to compete.

Despite the financial pressure, belief inside the camp remains high.

Only 12 players will make the trip to Australia, and the squad — drawn from leading clubs including North Wales Crusaders, Leeds Rhinos, South Wales Jets, Midlands Hurricanes, Sheffield Eagles and Wigan Warriors — is determined to show Wales belongs among the world’s best.

Blending pace, power, resilience and experience, the team believes it can make a real impact on the international stage.

Steve added: “We’re not going to Australia just to take part.

“We’ve got a hugely talented squad, experienced coaches and an incredible group of volunteers — we’re a family.

“We genuinely believe we can compete with the world’s best and do Wales proud.”

Wheelchair rugby league is one of the fastest-growing formats in world sport, open to men and women, boys and girls, and athletes from all backgrounds. Wales has been involved since the sport’s earliest international days.

Built on passion, physicality and teamwork, it reflects the very best of Welsh pride and identity.

But with no central government funding and limited resources available to sporting bodies, the squad is relying on support from the wider public to make the dream possible.

Dawn Roberts-McCabe, volunteer for fundraising and sponsorship, said: “I’m proud to give my time to help ensure every prospective athlete can focus on training to become the best version of themselves, rather than worrying about financial barriers.

“It would break my heart if a talented player had to let their World Cup dream go because they had to choose between playing and paying.”

Businesses, sponsors and supporters across Wales are now being urged to step forward. Whether through sponsorship, donations or simply spreading the word, every contribution brings the squad one step closer to the World Cup stage — and to a moment that could inspire a generation.

To support the team or discuss sponsorship opportunities, email Dawn Roberts-McCabe at [email protected]
.

A PEMBROKESHIRE rugby player is celebrating a grand slam win this month after being selected to head one of Hong Kong’s eight premiership rugby clubs.

Amy Rothero, 25, has been named as the new general manager of the all-inclusive Kowloon Rugby Club which boasts seven rugby teams, four netball teams and a cricket team, all competing in leagues across Hong Kong.

The same month, Rothero discovered she is one of just 50 international females selected to sit on the United Rugby Club Leadership Academy.  This is a global initiative that redefines access and opportunities for women to pursue careers in the sporting industry all over the world.

“This is a truly fantastic opportunity as it comes at a time when I really wanted to focus on a strong career in sport” Amy told The Pembrokeshire Herald.

“When I first arrived in Hong Kong back in 2024, I didn’t have a particular job in mind. I just wanted to improve my skills. But I soon realised just how important rugby is regarded here and that this was a great place to further my skills.”

Amy, who is the daughter of Brian and Ceri Rothero, began making a name for herself on the sporting circuit as a Neyland schoolgirl when she competed nationally as a hurdler.  She began playing rugby at a young age, inspired by her father who was a rugby coach for many years, and her younger brother Oliver, who currently plays for Neyland RFC. Last year saw Oliver pass no fewer than 226 points for the rugby season together with 12 tries and 15 conversions.

After leaving school, Amy joined the Scarlets Under 18’s, and then studied sports management at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

“This was when my rugby really started to develop and the more I started to get out of the game, the more I wanted to pursue it as a career,” she explains.

“I started looking at different countries, to see what they were able to offer, and one of the ones that kept coming up was Hong Kong.  They had a women’s team, they were recruiting players, and so in 2024 I made the decision to join them.”

Within a very short time, Amy began to realise just how integral rugby is to the people of Hong Kong.

“I had no idea how big the game is here.  It’s a very rugby-loving nation with the result that many people choose to come over here to play. And as the years go by, it’s just getting bigger and bigger, with the result that the imports are definitely going to increase.”

Amy’s first job in Hong Kong was with the children’s global rugby programme Rugbytots, where she was appointed the club’s first female head coach.  Seven months later she was offered an administrative role which she successfully juggled alongside her coaching.

“This was a great way to find my feet in Hong Kong and I absolutely loved it,” said Amy.

“And what made it even better was that my boss at Rugbytots is Welsh, so this gave me a wonderful taste of home.”

Amy’s talents, both as a player and as a communicator, were soon acknowledged by her seniors, with the result that she has now been offered the position of general manager of Kowloon Rugby Club.

“It’s an extremely exciting opportunity as many teams operate within the club, including premiership rugby, women’s premiership as well as other sectors such as netball and cricket.

“Naturally it’s bittersweet, as it means I’ll no longer be able to play rugby. But I know that the time has come to move on to bigger and better things.  I can park my playing for now, but I know that I can always go back to it in the future if I choose to.”

Amy has also been named as one of  50 females from 22 countries and five continents selected for the United Rugby Club Leadership Academy.  This is a global initiative that helps create opportunities for women pursuing careers across the sports industry.  

Now entering its fifth year, the programme has already supported aspiring young women from across the world, connecting them with influential leaders, mentors, and decision-makers in sport. Many graduates have gone on to secure roles in elite performance, broadcasting, event management, and sports governance , which is evidence of the Academy’s growing global impact.

“Yes, I’m excited at everything that’s happened in my career this year, but I miss the UK and my home in Pembrokeshire so much,” concludes Amy.

“I get homesick.  I come back at Christmas and for a few weeks in the summer, but my ultimate goal is to continue my career in the UK. I know deep down, that everything that’s happening now is preparing me for when that time comes.”

Getting tickets to the matches everyone’s been waiting for can be a daunting task. With millions of fans all over the world trying to get a good seat at a stadium that can only hold a fraction of the fanbase, it’s not uncommon for tickets to sell out within minutes. 

So, if you don’t want to miss out on the explosive atmosphere of a live Premier League match, here are a few ways you can increase your chances of securing a ticket to those all-important matches.

Join a Membership Scheme 

Most Premier League clubs have membership schemes and joining one can give you a fighting chance – it’s no guarantee, but it does help. Many clubs prioritise members when it comes to ticket sales, especially those who have been one for a long time, so the faster you become a member, the better. 

Memberships can come at an extra cost, but clubs often run sales and early sign up opportunities that can reduce these additional fees. The benefits of a membership go beyond ticket sales, too. You might receive discounts or be given access to exclusive events, making it more than worthwhile for many fans. 

Consider Hospitality Packages 

While hospitality and VIP packages do cost more than a standard ticket, they are less likely to sell out. Plus, you can make the day a little more memorable with additions like complimentary food and drink, an unbeatable view of the match, and in some cases, even meet and greet opportunities. 

Look Out For Resale Tickets 

If tickets for your desired match do sell out, not all hope is lost. There’s still a chance to get your hands on some thanks to resale tickets. However, when shopping for these, it’s always important to go through official resale platforms, otherwise you run the risk of purchasing a fake ticket. 

Always Plan Ahead

Securing tickets is all about being on the ball. When fixtures are announced, it’s important to decide which games you’d like to go to, find out when tickets are up for sale, and be ready and waiting to purchase when they do. How much Premier League tickets cost can vary depending on who’s playing and at what stadium, but with some of the top clubs charging an average of £74, aim to have just under £100 set aside per match. 

Secure Your Premier League Tickets! 

By considering options like joining a membership scheme, opting for VIP or hospitality packages, looking out for resell tickets, and always being prepared, you can increase your chances of experiencing a live Premier League match.