Concerns grow over rising suicide rates among men aged 35–55

MENTAL health awareness training is being rolled out to rugby clubs across Wales as officials warn that too many men are continuing to struggle in silence.

The programme is designed to help teams, coaches and players recognise the signs that someone may be experiencing mental health difficulties, and to provide practical guidance on how to offer support at an early stage.

In Wales, the highest suicide rates are among men aged between 35 and 55. Ministers believe that providing safe, supportive environments within sports settings — where both physical and mental wellbeing are encouraged — could play a vital role in prevention.

The training forms part of wider Welsh Government efforts to strengthen suicide prevention, alongside more than £2 million of investment into the National Centre for Suicide Prevention and Self-harm Research at Swansea University.

The online course, delivered by UK Coaching in partnership with the mental health charity Mind, has already attracted more than 400 football clubs across Wales. Rugby clubs are now being urged to follow suit.

Speaking at a male suicide prevention summit held at Rodney Parade in Newport, Mental Health Minister Sarah Murphy said early intervention was essential.

She said: “It is crucial men have access to support before reaching crisis point.

“Sport can play a valuable role in reaching men who are struggling with their mental health. We want more sports clubs to learn how to provide their players, teams and staff with support at an early stage.”

The summit, organised by the Welsh Government, brought together organisations including the Dragons, Sport Wales, Samaritans, Mind, Lads and Dads and 2Wish.

The expansion of training into sports clubs aligns with the ambitions set out in Wales’ Suicide Prevention and Self-harm Strategy, launched last year, which aims to improve access to help while reducing stigma around mental health.

Officials say progress has already been made in widening access to support, with more than 230,000 contacts made to the NHS 111 “press 2” mental health service since its launch in Wales in 2022, allowing people to seek help without a GP referral.

Rhys Blumberg, chief executive of Dragons RFC, said the club was proud to host the summit.

He said: “We were delighted to host the male suicide prevention summit at Rodney Parade as we take mental health awareness very seriously for all our players, coaches and staff.

“As a professional rugby club that represents a huge area of Wales, we are always keen to expand the work we do to offer advice and guidance on mental health.

“We welcome news that awareness training is being rolled out to rugby clubs across Wales to provide people with the skills to help support others in the most appropriate way.”

Sports Minister Jack Sargeant added: “Sports clubs are so much more than places to play – they are places where friendships are formed, where people find belonging, and where we can look out for one another.

“With more than 400 football clubs already signed up, I know our rugby clubs will embrace this opportunity with the same enthusiasm, and I encourage them to get involved.”

Chair Richard Collier-Keywood under pressure amid growing turmoil in Welsh rugby

THE WELSH RUGBY UNION is set to hold an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) after community clubs formally triggered a vote of no confidence in chair Richard Collier-Keywood.

The governing body confirmed it had received a formal requisition from member clubs, led by the Central Glamorgan Rugby Union (CGRU) district, calling for the meeting to take place. Under WRU rules, 10% of member clubs, around 30 of the nearly 300 across Wales, are required to force an EGM.

In a letter dated February 22, CGRU honorary secretary Derek Davies confirmed the district had secured sufficient backing to meet that threshold.

The WRU must now verify the request to ensure it complies with its constitution and articles of association. Within 21 days of receiving a valid requisition, it must give notice of the proposed EGM date. The meeting itself must then be held within 28 days of that notice.

While no date has yet been announced, the WRU has up to seven weeks from February 22 to stage the meeting, meaning it is likely to take place in late March or early April, after the conclusion of the Six Nations Championship.

This will be the fourth EGM in 12 years. The WRU’s last annual general meeting was held at the end of November 2025, underlining the scale of governance tensions within the Welsh game.

The union had previously described calls for an EGM as an “irresponsible first nuclear option” that would cause “significant damage” to Welsh rugby.

What will be debated?

Three key motions are expected to be discussed.

• The first is a vote of no confidence in Collier-Keywood and Professional Rugby Board (PRB) chair Malcolm Wall. A simple majority of more than 50% of attending clubs would be required for the motion to pass.
• A second motion calls for elections to be held for four elected member board positions within 14 days of the EGM, also requiring a simple majority.
• The third seeks to amend how WRU district and council members are elected. That proposal would require a 75% majority to succeed.

In addition, Central Glamorgan has proposed:

An immediate pause on plans to restructure the professional game, alongside a full financial and organisational review.

The creation of a rugby steering group bringing together professional, semi-professional and community representatives, as well as business expertise.

The establishment of a central national academy within three months to oversee talent identification and development for both male and female players.

A proposal that, aside from the WRU chief executive, chair and PRB chair, no directors should receive payment.

A requirement that any future WRU and PRB chair be immersed in Welsh culture, understand Welsh rugby values, ideally speak Welsh and live in Wales.

Political backing for change

The dispute has spilled beyond rugby governance and into the political arena.

According to reporting by ITV News Wales, Labour MP for Swansea West Torsten Bell urged clubs to attend the EGM and use it to “bring an end to the chaos created by the current leadership.”

Fellow Labour MP Carolyn Harris, who represents Swansea East, said transparency and engagement with grassroots clubs were essential, stressing that community voices “matter”.

Meanwhile, Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart has publicly criticised what he described as a lack of clarity from the WRU over its strategic direction, particularly concerning the future of professional rugby in the city.

Professional game at the heart of the storm

The EGM comes during a period of significant upheaval in Welsh rugby.

At the centre of the crisis is the WRU’s stated intention to reduce the number of professional men’s teams in Wales from four to three, as part of its long-term strategy published in October 2025 following what it described as an extensive consultation process.

The union has indicated that no deal relating to its current restructuring discussions will be completed before March 16.

However, the proposal has raised alarm, particularly amid uncertainty surrounding the future of the Ospreys and a proposed deal involving Y11 Sport and Media to purchase Cardiff Rugby.

Swansea Council has applied for a High Court injunction in an attempt to halt the proposed transaction, arguing that the potential loss or weakening of a regional side would have serious implications for the city.

The WRU has argued that structural reform is essential for financial sustainability and elite performance. In a recent statement, it said:

“We recognise that change is challenging, but it is essential for the long-term health of the game in Wales.”

Turmoil on and off the field

On the pitch, Wales have endured a difficult 2026 Six Nations campaign, losing their opening three matches and facing a challenging run-in to the tournament’s conclusion.

For critics, the vote of no confidence reflects frustration not just with results on the field, but with what they see as a disconnect between the WRU’s leadership and the grassroots and regional game.

For supporters of reform within the union, however, the EGM represents a critical juncture: either an endorsement of a painful restructuring process deemed necessary for long-term sustainability, or a rejection of the current leadership’s mandate to carry it out.

With divisions deepening across community clubs, regional teams and political stakeholders, the forthcoming meeting could prove a pivotal moment for the future direction, and governance, of Welsh rugby.

Cover pic: Welsh Rugby Union chairman Richard Collier-Keywood 

RUNNERS of all abilities are being invited to lace up their trainers for the Llys-y-Frân 10km, a brand-new event at Llys-y-Frân Country Park raising funds for the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust.

Delivered in partnership with AspireX Events, the scenic trail race will take participants around the reservoir and surrounding countryside — offering a challenge for experienced runners and those attempting their first 10km alike.

Organisers say they are excited to bring the popular Run the Trails Series to Pembrokeshire, with the iconic location providing a stunning backdrop for the event.

Pure West Radio has signed up as media sponsor and will be promoting the race ahead of the big day, including live coverage from the venue.

Health Aspire is supporting the event as venue hire sponsor.

The Trust is also offering free charity places for runners who pledge to raise £250, helping fund conservation, heritage and access projects across the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

👉 There are also sponsorship opportunities available for local businesses wanting to get involved.

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