Sport

Ospreys future questioned as Senedd hears fears over regional rugby cuts

Published

2 months ago

February 4, 2026

CONCERNS over the future of one of Wales’ four professional rugby regions were raised in the Senedd this week, as calls grew for greater transparency over proposals that could put the Ospreys at risk.

Speaking in the debating chamber on Tuesday (Feb 3), Sioned Williams, Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for South Wales West, urged the Welsh Government to press the Welsh Rugby Union to publish a full social, economic and community impact assessment before any decision is taken to reduce the number of professional teams.

The move follows reports that one region could be cut as part of ongoing restructuring talks within Welsh professional rugby, with the Ospreys widely understood to be among those most at risk.

Calls for impact assessment

Addressing ministers in the Senedd Cymru, Ms Williams asked what discussions had taken place between government and the WRU about the wider consequences of such a decision.

She questioned what steps would be taken to prevent “lasting damage” to communities in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend, and whether ministers would require the union to publish a detailed assessment covering social, economic and regeneration impacts.

Ms Williams told members that the issue went beyond elite sport.

“From schools to cafes, from community rugby clubs to local councils, there is a deep concern about the wider impact of removing a professional rugby team that underpins participation pathways, local pride and regional identity,” she said.

She also warned that uncertainty over the region’s future could jeopardise redevelopment plans for St Helen’s Ground in Swansea, arguing that the loss of a professional side would weaken the city’s sporting and economic profile.

Government response

Responding on behalf of ministers, Jane Hutt said the matter ultimately rested with the WRU.

“This is a matter for the WRU, of course,” she told the chamber.

The response drew criticism from Ms Williams, who later described it as disappointing and said the Government could not “wash their hands” of the issue given public investment in professional rugby and commitments to regeneration and well-being.

WRU autonomy

While the Welsh Government has provided funding to support professional rugby in recent years, the WRU operates as an independent governing body and makes its own decisions about the structure of the regional game.

Supporters of that position argue that sporting and commercial decisions must remain with the union, particularly as Welsh rugby continues to face financial pressures, falling attendances and the need to ensure long-term sustainability.

However, critics say the potential removal of a region would have knock-on effects far beyond the pitch, affecting jobs, grassroots participation and local businesses linked to matchdays.

Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and Sport, Gareth Davies MS, said: “If these reports are true, this is a deeply sad day for Welsh rugby. The Ospreys are Wales’ most successful professional rugby team, and by casting them aside the WRU is showing a shocking lack of ambition and a complete disregard for both Ospreys supporters and Welsh rugby fans.

“My thoughts are with the Ospreys’ players, coaches, employees and supporters. This will be extremely distressing news, and the WRU must ensure that staff are properly supported through any transition process.

“It is embarrassing that the WRU has lacked the backbone to be open about its plans, allowing this information to be leaked to the media. The WRU already faces a monumental task in rebuilding trust with supporters, and the manner in which this decision appears to have been handled will only make that challenge even harder.”

Community concerns

The Ospreys have been a central part of the rugby landscape in South West Wales for more than two decades, producing international players and drawing supporters from across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend.

Local campaigners say any reduction in the professional footprint risks weakening youth development pathways and reducing opportunities for young players.

With talks ongoing, no formal decision has yet been announced.

But the debate in the Senedd signals that any move to cut a region is likely to face political as well as sporting scrutiny in the months ahead.

Sport

Haverfordwest secure bonus-point win over title-chasing Tumble

Published

4 hours ago

March 22, 2026

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST produced one of their standout performances of the season to claim a 34–22 bonus-point victory away to title-chasing Tumble on Saturday (Mar 21).

The Blues showed composure and attacking intent throughout, running in five tries against one of the division’s strongest sides to underline their credentials in the closing stages of the campaign.

Tumble, who began the day among the league leaders, were expected to provide a stern test on home soil, but Haverfordwest rose to the challenge with a clinical display in both attack and defence.

Iori Curtis was named man of the match following an influential performance, crossing for a try and playing a key role in the visitors’ attacking phases.

The try scorers for Haverfordwest were Karl Busch and Jack Evans, while Curtis added his name to the scoresheet. Scott Candler led the way with a brace, helping to secure the all-important bonus point.

Adam Phillips was reliable from the tee, converting three of the tries and adding a penalty to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

The result marks a significant win for the Blues, not only for the points gained but for the manner in which it was achieved against high-quality opposition.

Club officials also praised the travelling supporters and player sponsors for their continued backing, which they say remains vital to the team’s success.

Sport

Cardigan edge thriller as Amman fight to the finish

Published

4 hours ago

March 22, 2026

Herald Sport

Division 3 West: Amman United 26 – Cardigan 33
AMMAN UNITED remain in the bottom two of Division 3 West despite a spirited and entertaining performance against Cardigan at a sun-drenched Cwmamman Park.

The hosts made a bright start and took the lead after ten minutes. From a well-worked lineout move and a series of tight phases, number eight Alun Lewis powered over for the opening try.

However, Cardigan responded almost immediately. A turnover during an Amman attack allowed the visitors to counter, with winger Alun Jenkins sprinting nearly fifty yards to score. Full back Llyr Jones added the conversion.

The visitors extended their advantage following a dominant scrum, with quick ball moved wide for wing Iwan John to cross.

Amman hit back in a lively, free-flowing contest. A quickly taken tap penalty from Lee Evans released centre Gareth Drewson, who crashed over for a try, with Iestyn Griffiths converting.

Captain Rhydian Jones impressed with several trademark breaks, but Amman were hampered by struggles at both the lineout and scrum. It was from a five-metre scrum that Cardigan secured their third try.

The visitors claimed a bonus point just before half-time when outside half Jac Davies crossed for their fourth, again following a strong scrum, to give Cardigan a 26-12 lead at the break.

Amman began the second half strongly and reduced the deficit when Drewson collected his second try from broken play. Griffiths again added the extras.

Both sides were reduced to fourteen players following a scuffle, with Cian Lewis and Aaron Tomkinson shown yellow cards.

Craig Ratcliffe and Keelan Griffiths worked tirelessly for Amman, while substitute Owain Armishaw made a positive impact off the bench after Shaun Watkins was forced off injured. For Cardigan, Owen Fletcher, Luke Rogers and captain Marcus Castle stood out.

Further pressure from the visitors paid off when flanker Connor Owen crossed to extend the lead to 33-19.

Amman continued to push and were unfortunate not to score when Dylan Lloyds chased an up-and-under and appeared to have grounded the ball, only for play to be brought back due to an earlier injury.

The home side’s persistence was eventually rewarded when Lloyds crossed in the corner. Griffiths produced an excellent touchline conversion to secure a bonus point for Amman.

In a dramatic finish, Amman came close to snatching a draw, but Lloyds was held up over the line as he went for the corner, and the final whistle brought the contest to an end.

Youth reach final

Amman Youth also enjoyed success, progressing to the Welsh Youth Cup final after a tense 20-20 draw against Bargoed Youth at Briton Ferry. The young side advanced on try count and will now look forward to a trip to the Principality Stadium in Cardiff in the coming weeks.

Business

Rosemarket Dawn Till Dusk golf club 18-hole plans lodged

Published

3 days ago

March 20, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL to extend a long-established Pembrokeshire golf club, bringing it up to a full 18 holes, has been submitted to county planners.

In the application, Mr and Mrs Young, through agent Preseli Planning Ltd, seek a change of use of land adjoining the Dawn Till Dusk Golf Club, Furze Hill Farm, Bastleford Road, Rosemarket, to form an extension to the existing golf course, along with landscaping and associated works.

A supporting statement through the agent says: “The application seeks full planning permission for the enlargement of the existing golf course to provide an additional six holes, to provide a total of 18 holes.

“The proposal would involve minor landscaping works to the fields and boundaries and the creation of a small number of ponds and bunkers. The extension would be located on land to the west of Furze Hill Farm and on the opposite side of the road to the existing golf course and clubhouse.

“An altered access to the land parcel is proposed as part of this application, which would provide an improved route for users crossing the public highway to avoid conflict with movements at the main entrance.

“The application site exceeds 1ha and therefore the proposal is considered major development necessitating a Pre-Application Consultation prior to formally submitting the planning application to the Local Planning Authority.”

It adds: “The existing golf course has operated in excess of 30 years and is popular with both visitors and locals. Club membership currently stands at approximately 350 and there is demand for enhancing the provisions of the course.

“The applicants’ sons have recently increased their involvement in the enterprise and in recent years wet winter months have necessitated the closure of the course, or parts of it, due to the ground becoming waterlogged, primarily due to the flat nature of the existing course.

“The extension would provide variation to the terrain, providing, dryer conditions, as well as the ability to alternate between the existing and proposed to maintain use, enhancing the viability of the enterprise.”