Sport

Wales crash out of World Cup after Canada defeat and Scotland win

Published

10 months ago

August 31, 2025

Early exit confirmed

WALES’ Women bowed out of the Rugby World Cup in England after results in Salford left them mathematically out of contention for a quarter-final place.

Sean Lynn’s side were beaten 42-0 by world number two Canada on Saturday (Aug 30) in Salford. Just hours later, Scotland’s 29-15 win over Fiji on the same pitch sealed Wales’ fate, confirming they were the first nation to be eliminated from the competition.

The disappointment comes despite high hopes at the start of the summer, when Wales stunned Australia in Brisbane. Ranked tenth in the world, Lynn’s squad had spoken of aiming for the last eight, but their campaign ended before the pool stage was complete.

Since Lynn took charge, Wales have lost eight of their last nine matches. They now face a final pool fixture against Fiji next week, knowing there is nothing left to play for but pride.

Scotland result decisive

In truth, the damage was done a week earlier. Wales were thrashed 38-8 by Scotland in Salford in what had been billed as a decisive, closely-matched contest. Instead, the Scots ran riot, leaving Wales with an impossible task.

Fiji, ranked 14th in the world, gave Scotland far more problems than Wales did – underlining how costly that first defeat was.

“It’s a hard one to say, but if we had played like that last week, the outcome might have been different,” said scrum-half Keira Bevan after the loss to Canada. “Scotland were the better team, but we know we didn’t show our best.”

Wales have conceded 80 points and 12 tries across their first two fixtures. Their only try of the tournament so far was Alex Callender’s effort from a line-out against Scotland.

Concerns over depth

Canada arrived with serious pedigree, having finished runners-up in previous tournaments. Their squad, though semi-professional, had been forced to fundraise around $1m (£740,000) to cover preparation costs. Despite that, they looked streets ahead of Wales.

Wales entered the World Cup with 37 contracted players – five more than Canada – and a new structure from the WRU that promised two professional women’s teams by 2026. Yet the gulf in performance remained stark.

Wing Jasmine Joyce-Butchers, one of Wales’ most experienced internationals, refused to blame funding.
“We’ve got contracts, facilities, and support,” she said. “I don’t think that’s the excuse anymore. As individuals, we have to look at ourselves and what more we can do.”

Lynn himself has raised questions over Wales’ strength and conditioning. That echoed issues highlighted after a winless Six Nations earlier this year.

Young talent emerging

There were glimpses of promise against Canada, with teenagers Branwen Metcalfe, Seren Lockwood and Tilly Vucaj all introduced from the bench. Lynn pointed to the WRU’s Player Development Centres as beginning to bear fruit.

Joyce-Butchers praised the next generation, saying: “The girls coming through are fantastic. They bring energy, and Nel Metcalfe at full-back has really made that shirt her own.”

But former number eight Sioned Harries warned of the dangers of fast-tracking prospects. “We’ve seen it before – throwing girls in, expecting instant performances, then discarding them. Who is making sure these youngsters are supported when they step up?”

Fiji final looms

Wales now finish their Pool B campaign against Fiji, who impressed despite losing to Scotland. The islanders made 725 metres, 169 carries, 46 defenders beaten and 15 offloads – statistics that underline the challenge Wales still face.

The game also carries an extra twist, with Fiji coached by former Wales boss Ioan Cunningham, who resigned last year after a rocky spell in charge.

Bevan played down the reunion factor: “That might be a storyline outside, but for us it’s about playing the game, not the emotion.”

For Wales, qualification hopes may be over, but Lynn’s players still face pressure to deliver a performance – and avoid finishing a difficult campaign winless.

Sport

Pupils try new sports at Community Clubs event

Published

15 hours ago

June 24, 2026

Herald Sport

More than 100 children took part in a day of sport at Ysgol Glannau Gwaun

MORE than 100 pupils from Years 4, 5 and 6 enjoyed a day of sport and activity at a Community Clubs event held at Ysgol Glannau Gwaun earlier this month.

The event, organised by Sport Pembrokeshire and sponsored by Valero, gave young people the chance to try a range of sports delivered by local clubs.

Activities included archery and golf sessions led by Young Ambassadors from Ysgol Bro Gwaun, as well as rugby with Fishguard & Goodwick RFC, hockey with Fishguard & Goodwick Hockey Club, and bowls with Fishguard & Goodwick Bowls Club.

The event was designed to encourage participation, build confidence, and strengthen links between schools and community sports clubs, helping pupils discover new ways to stay active outside school.

Dan Bellis, from Sport Pembrokeshire, said: “This was the second year we have run this event and, as with last year, it was great to see so many children taking part and being active.

“A big thanks to all the students for their enthusiasm, to the local clubs for their support and delivery, and to the Young Ambassadors for being excellent role models.”

Sport

Narberth U11s continue winning form with victory over Haverfordwest

Published

17 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Herald Sport

NARBERTH CRICKET CLUB’S Under-11 side produced another impressive performance on Monday evening, defeating Haverfordwest in a closely contested junior fixture.

Batting first, Narberth posted 95-3, which translated to a net score of 280 under junior cricket scoring rules. Haverfordwest replied with 77-11, finishing on 222 after losing wickets throughout their innings.

Poppy Phillips top-scored for Narberth with 17 runs, helping to anchor the home side’s innings.

The bowling attack proved decisive, with Danny Evans returning figures of 3-12 and also contributing seven runs with the bat. Archie Young claimed 1-9 and scored seven runs, while Charlie Morton (1-4), Kai De Silva (1-7), Morgan Rees (1-8), Lewis Roberts (1-10) and Tommy Phillips (1-12) all chipped in with wickets.

The victory continues a strong season for Narberth’s young cricketers, who have shown both depth in batting and discipline in the field.

A photograph shared by the club after the match showed a smiling Narberth squad celebrating the win in the evening sunshine.

Photo caption:

Victorious Narberth U11s after their win over Haverfordwest (Pic: Narberth Cricket Club).

Sport

Adam Muskett memorial football tournament returns to Tenby

Published

2 days ago

June 22, 2026

Herald Sport

Annual event will honour popular young footballer while raising funds for Wales Air Ambulance

FOOTBALLERS, friends and families from across Pembrokeshire will come together next month to celebrate the life of a much-loved local sportsman at the second Adam Muskett Memorial 7-a-side Tournament.

The event, organised by Tenby AFC, will take place at The Clicketts Playing Fields on Saturday, July 25, bringing together teams for a day of football, remembrance and fundraising in memory of Adam Muskett.

Adam, 27, tragically lost his life alongside his girlfriend, Katie Worrell, 25, in a road traffic collision in June 2024. The tournament was established by his football club as a lasting tribute to his passion for the game and the impact he had on those around him.

Last year’s inaugural event proved a great success, raising £620 for Wales Air Ambulance. Following the positive response from players, supporters and the wider community, Tenby AFC has committed to making the tournament an annual fixture.

Recently, Adam’s parents, Helen and Andrew Muskett, joined Tenby AFC secretary Gareth Noot in presenting a cheque to Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager Mike May.

Speaking ahead of this year’s tournament, Helen and Andrew said: “As a family, we are extremely grateful to Gareth and the members and players at Tenby AFC for setting up this tournament as a tribute to Adam, and for all their support over the last two years.

“In particular, Gareth has been amazing and has worked incredibly hard, in such a respectful and considerate way, to support us in this and other matters.

“Last year’s tournament was such an enjoyable day, and we want to thank everyone who attended or contributed in any way. We especially want to thank the participating players, the referees, and those who helped at the entrance and with refreshments. It was wonderful to see so many families there.

“It really was a very special day that meant an awful lot to us as a family and a fitting tribute to Adam, who was passionate about football.”

Supporting a lifesaving charity

The family said they were keen for Wales Air Ambulance to remain the main beneficiary of the fundraising efforts.

They added: “We wanted Wales Air Ambulance to benefit from the funds raised because they helped Katie at the time of the collision, and Adam would have wanted them to be the first benefactor of the tournament.

“Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone involved, and we hope the tournament will continue for many years to come.”

Wales Air Ambulance is a consultant-led service that brings hospital-standard emergency care directly to patients across Wales. Working in partnership with the NHS Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS), its crews can provide advanced critical care at the scene of an incident, including anaesthesia, blood transfusions and minor surgical procedures.

Mike May, Regional Fundraising Manager for Wales Air Ambulance, said: “It’s humbling to hear that Adam’s club, family and friends will continue to come together to hold an annual tournament in his memory. It’s a touching tribute.

“We are deeply grateful that Adam’s family has chosen to support Wales Air Ambulance through this tournament following the care provided at the time of the collision.

“We hope as many people as possible support this event in honour of a very popular young man who was passionate about football.”

Teams invited to enter

The tournament is open to registered senior men’s football clubs. Each squad can register up to ten players and the entry fee is £50 per team.

Organisers are hoping for another strong turnout and a day that not only celebrates football, but also keeps Adam’s memory alive while supporting a charity that provides lifesaving care throughout Wales.

For more information or to enter a team, email [email protected] or call 07815 189374.

Photo caption: Helen and Andrew Muskett with Gareth Noot, Secretary of Tenby AFC, and Mike May of Wales Air Ambulance during the cheque presentation following last year’s tournament fundraising success.