Sport

Cardiff fans urge WRU to rule out Ospreys-linked takeover

Published

2 months ago

January 12, 2026

CARDIFF supporters have warned the Welsh Rugby Union that they oppose any move to sell their club to owners connected with rivals Ospreys.

Cardiff Rugby was taken into WRU ownership after entering temporary administration in April 2025, and the governing body is now seeking new investors. Final bids are due by Monday, with a sale expected within weeks.

Speculation has grown that Ospreys’ owners, Y11 Sport & Media, are among the bidders, potentially with a plan to merge the two sides into a single entity. Such an outcome would align with the WRU’s stated aim of reducing the number of Welsh professional men’s teams from four to three.

Neither the WRU nor Y11 has commented publicly on the rumours. The lack of clarity has fuelled anxiety among Ospreys supporters about their club’s future, while Cardiff fans have voiced strong opposition on social media to any takeover linked to a rival.

The independent supporters’ body CF10 Rugby Trust said it has raised concerns directly with the WRU.

CF10 chair Lynn Glaister told BBC Radio Wales that supporters fear Cardiff would be permanently associated with the loss of another historic club if such a deal went ahead.

“We have told the WRU that whoever owns Cardiff, it needs to be positive for Cardiff rugby,” she said. “Another club’s owners taking us over risks Cardiff being branded as the team that ended another side for good.”

Welsh rugby has been facing prolonged uncertainty since the WRU announced last October that it intended to cut one professional men’s licence. The governing body has since said it plans to award three licences — one in Cardiff, one in the east and one in the west — potentially setting up a direct battle for survival between the Swansea-based Ospreys and Llanelli’s Scarlets.

A takeover of Cardiff by Ospreys’ owners would achieve that three-team structure without a competitive tender process, a prospect that has intensified opposition from supporters.

Glaister said communication with fans has been limited. “We are grateful the WRU chair and chief executive have met with us and listened, but we have not been told who has actually bid for Cardiff,” she said, adding that those involved in the process are bound by non-disclosure agreements.

CF10 confirmed it is aware of at least one alternative bid, led by former Cardiff director Martyn Ryan, backed by a group that includes three US-based television and film producers. That consortium, Glaister said, engaged with supporters before the formal process began and outlined its vision for the club.

By contrast, she said, the identity and intentions of the other bidder have not been shared.

“The other bidder remains a secret,” she said. “If you want to own Cardiff, we believe you need to be open, meet supporters and be clear about your plans.”

Sport

Third in championship for junior Welsh rally driver

Published

11 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Herald Sport

SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD Henri Cynwyl from Newcastle Emlyn has finished third overall in the F1000 Junior British Rally Championship after a dramatic double-header finale at the Glyn Memorial Rally in Anglesey.

Having led the championship standings for much of the season, Henri went into the final round firmly in contention for the title. A fiercely competitive battle at the sharp end of the leaderboard ultimately saw him secure third place overall — making him the highest-placed Welsh driver in the popular junior series.

“I had to use a drop score on the first day and managed a podium finish on the second, which was the final day of the championship,” said Henri. “Getting the top spot just wasn’t to be this time, but I’m still chuffed with third. I’ve learnt so much over the past two years competing at circuits across Wales, England and Scotland.”

Over the past two seasons Henri has worked alongside a number of co-drivers, including Mark Williams, Dylan Davies, Izzie Holman, James Williams, Ben Duke, Geraint Evans and Callum James. More recently he has teamed up with Catrin Price, who will sit alongside him for this year’s tarmac events, and Dilwyn John for gravel rallies.

Behind the scenes, his service crew — Mark Williams and Josh Clark of Castle Motors in Newcastle Emlyn — have played a crucial role in keeping the car in peak condition throughout the campaign.

“There are so many people to thank for making this possible — my family and close friends, my amazing sponsors, co-drivers and service crew,” Henri added. “I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported me. It’s been an amazing journey so far and I can’t wait to start the new chapter in March.”

Henri is coached by James Williams as he prepares for the upcoming season.

Sport

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association results

Published

15 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Herald Sport

Friendly League – Week nineteen

LAST week saw another round of matches in the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association Friendly League, with several strong performances across the division.

St Twynnells recorded a maximum points win with a 10–0 victory over Hundleton, while St Johns beat Cosheston 8–2. Lamphey also secured an 8–2 result against Carew, and Badgers defeated East Williamston by the same scoreline. Llanteg claimed a narrow 6–4 win over Reynalton.

Kilgetty had the bye.

One catch-up fixture was also played, with St Twynnells beating Kilgetty 8–2.

League table after week 19

East Williamston continue to lead the table after 18 matches, having recorded 13 wins and five defeats, with a shot difference of +178 and 122 points.

St Johns sit second having played 17, with 11 wins, one draw and five losses, and 103 points.

Hundleton are third with nine wins, one draw and seven losses from 17 matches, on 91 points.

Reynalton are fourth with seven wins, two draws and eight defeats, and 85 points.

St Twynnells have climbed into fifth place after 16 matches, with eight wins, two draws and six losses, and 83 points.

Carew are sixth with eight wins and nine defeats from 17 games, with 81 points.

Llanteg have played 14 matches, winning seven and losing seven, and sit on 73 points.

Kilgetty are eighth with six wins, one draw and 10 losses from 17 matches, also on 71 points, just ahead of Badgers on shot difference. Badgers have five wins, one draw and 11 defeats.

Cosheston are tenth with five wins, two draws and seven losses from 14 matches, on 62 points.

Lamphey are eleventh with seven wins and nine losses from 16 games, on 60 points.

Sport

New arrival celebrated at Bridge Meadow

Published

18 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Herald Sport

Special moment as player walks onto pitch with newborn daughter

A HEART-WARMING moment unfolded at the Ogi Bridge Meadow ahead of Saturday’s match, as a Haverfordwest County player had the chance to walk out onto the pitch carrying his newborn daughter for the first time.

The touching scene saw the proud father introduce baby Rita-Mabel to supporters before kick-off, with teammates and fans sharing in the celebration.

In a message posted on social media, the club said: “A lovely moment prior to yesterday’s match at the Ogi Bridge Meadow, as Greg had the opportunity to walk out onto the pitch with his newborn daughter, Rita-Mabel.

“Our congratulations to Greg and Emily — everyone at Haverfordwest County is over the moon for you both.”

Supporters quickly responded with warm wishes online, with many describing the moment as “beautiful” and “special”.

Moments like this highlight the strong community spirit surrounding the club, where personal milestones are shared and celebrated alongside the football itself.

The Herald joins supporters in congratulating the family on their new arrival.

(Pic: Geraint Nicholas/FAW)