Sport
FAW could earn over £18m at Euros


Quids in: FAW Chief Executive Jonathan Ford will see a huge increase
in revenue
THE FAW could pocket over £18m if Wales win Euro 2016 in France in the summer of this year. However, even if they do not win the competition they will take home a minimum of €8m (£5.9m), on top of this there will be substantial bonuses for winning and drawing games.
The figures make exciting reading for grassroots football in Wales, with many clubs hoping that the increased revenue to the association from it’s first involvement in a major finals in over 50 years will see benefits throughout the Welsh game and not just at the top.
In total, UEFA has £218.1m to distribute amongst the competing nations in France next summer, a substantial increase from the £156m in 2012 and £145.9m in 2008.
That makes Euro 2016 worth more than even the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, which had a total prize money pool of £208.6m.
However, the tournament was still more lucrative to the winners, with eventual champions Germany making around £20m.
A perfect Championship-winning tournament, featuring three victories in the group stage, would be worth the equivalent of £18.1m.
Meanwhile a disastrous campaign with no wins and no draws would still see a team make a minimum of £5.9m.
European football governing body UEFA pays every team a flat participation fee of £5.9m. A win in the group stage is worth around £700,000 and a draw £400,000.
Teams who make it out of the group into the knock-out stages will then earn £1.1m for reaching the round of 16, £1.8m for the quarter-finals and £2.9m for the semi-finals.
In the final, losers will pocket £3.6m while the winners will pick up £5.8m as well as the trophy.
However with the Welsh players recently staging a protest over unpaid bonuses, it would be no surprise to see a large amount of the money swallowed up by players and dignitaries with the general game in Wales missing out, but here’s hoping that won’t be the case!
Sport
Sean Bowen amongst UK’s highest-earning jockeys as he shines at Cheltenham

PEMBROKESHIRE’S own Sean Bowen, hailing from Letterston, has cemented his place among the UK’s top jockeys, ranking fourth on the all-time career earnings list for British National Hunt riders. With a staggering £11.5 million in prize money to his name, Bowen continues to make waves on the biggest stage—Cheltenham Festival 2025.
Bowen’s rise to the top
The latest rankings, compiled by racing experts at OLBG, highlight Bowen’s remarkable achievements:
Top-Earning British Jockeys
- Sam Twiston-Davies – £21,968,167
- Harry Skelton – £18,837,862
- Harry Cobden – £17,717,810
- Sean Bowen – £11,520,715
- Charlie Deutsch – £7,071,208
Bowen, 26, has quickly become one of the most respected jockeys in the sport, following in the footsteps of his father, Welsh trainer Peter Bowen. His younger brother, James Bowen, also ranks among the top-earning jockeys, sitting in seventh place with £5.6 million in career winnings.
With major wins in the Grand National and multiple Grade 1 victories, Sean Bowen is a name synonymous with Welsh racing success.

Cheltenham Festival 2025: Bowen in Action
This week, Bowen has been front and centre at the Cheltenham Festival, competing in multiple high-stakes races:
- Heads Up – Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Grade 1) (March 12): Bowen guided Heads Up to a strong second-place finish, proving his ability on one of the festival’s biggest stages.
- Western Zephyr – Grand Annual Chase (March 12): In one of the most unpredictable handicap chases, Bowen put in a solid ride aboard Western Zephyr.
- The Goffer – Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (March 12): Tackling Cheltenham’s unique Cross Country course, Bowen took on the gruelling challenge with The Goffer.
- Might I – Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (March 12): Competing in one of the festival’s most competitive handicap hurdles, Bowen demonstrated his versatility.
- Jane Eire – Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) (March 13): Bowen will look to add another big festival win to his name in this prestigious event.
A Pembrokeshire jockey on the big stage
As one of Wales’ top sporting figures, Sean Bowen’s continued success keeps Pembrokeshire in the spotlight of British horse racing. With Cheltenham still in full swing, local fans will be hoping for more triumphs from the Letterston star.
His incredible career earnings, combined with his continued performances at the festival, show why he is one of the most respected and successful jockeys in the UK today.
Sport
Seagulls soar over Vikings in friendly clash

FISHGUARD & GOODWICK RFC hosted the Pembrokeshire Vikings on Saturday (Mar 8) in a spirited mixed-ability rugby match. The game, played at a fast pace, saw some seasoned heads in the Fishguard side controlling play, leading to a 34-14 victory for the home team.
Among the notable moments, Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz took to the field for the Seagulls, adding to the competitive but friendly atmosphere. Vikings mascot and vice-captain Luca Morillo played his first match alongside his father, Andrew Morillo, who captained the team for the day. Joe Lewis also made a welcome return, featuring in his first game of the season.

The Vikings’ standout performers included James Tylor, Daffyd Cowl, Ross Price, and Ashley Couceiro. Special recognition went to Gareth Rees, who played his final match before undergoing surgery. Coach Gethin Bateman was actively involved throughout, rallying his side.
The Vikings’ points came from tries by Daf Cowl and Luca Morillo, with Morillo’s try converted by his father. Cowl was named sponsors’ man of the match for his efforts.
While the match left a few sore bodies in its wake, it was a celebration of rugby’s inclusive spirit and camaraderie.

Sport
Pembrokeshire Div 2: Narberth stay top as Fishguard edge nine-goal thriller

LEAGUE leaders Narberth remain in control of the Division 2 title race, holding a two-point advantage over Fishguard Sports, who secured a dramatic 5-4 victory over Johnston.
Fishguard win nine-goal battle
Fishguard Sports kept their title hopes alive with a thrilling 5-4 win over Johnston. Goals from Anthony Couzens, Greg Hughes, Ieuan Llewellyn, Luke Thomas, and Matthew Lewis ensured the visitors claimed all three points. Johnston fought back with a hat-trick from Callum Rees and a strike from Josh Knapp, but it wasn’t enough to deny Fishguard.
Lawrenny run riot against Solva
Two of last season’s promoted sides met in a crucial battle for survival, with Lawrenny overpowering Solva 8-3. Joe Kidney led the charge with a hat-trick, supported by Owen James (2), Matthew Lewis (2), and Sam Davies. Solva responded through Kieran Price (2) and Josh Bland but struggled to cope with Lawrenny’s attacking firepower.
Carew Reserves claim vital win
Carew Reserves picked up a crucial 3-1 away victory at Broad Haven. Connor Hay opened the scoring before James Hinchliffe struck twice. Marco Valentine netted for the hosts, but the visitors proved too strong.
Weekend round-up
With Hakin United Reserves and Camrose both out of action, Fishguard closed the gap on Narberth, while Broad Haven remain winless at the foot of the table.
Division 2 standings
Position | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | PTS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Narberth | 18 | 15 | 2 | 1 | +59 | 47 |
2 | Fishguard Sports | 18 | 14 | 3 | 1 | +62 | 45 |
3 | Hakin Utd Reserves | 19 | 13 | 2 | 4 | +39 | 41 |
4 | Camrose | 19 | 11 | 1 | 7 | +18 | 34 |
5 | Neyland | 18 | 9 | 3 | 6 | +14 | 30 |
6 | Merlins Bridge Res | 19 | 9 | 3 | 7 | +14 | 27 |
7 | Johnston | 18 | 7 | 5 | 6 | +7 | 26 |
8 | Carew Reserves | 21 | 6 | 3 | 12 | -31 | 21 |
9 | Solva | 22 | 4 | 6 | 12 | -19 | 18 |
10 | Lawrenny | 20 | 4 | 2 | 14 | -51 | 14 |
11 | Monkton Swifts Res | 18 | 3 | 4 | 11 | -45 | 13 |
12 | Broad Haven | 18 | 0 | 4 | 14 | -67 | 4 |
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