Sport

Jobs for the boys from the WRU

Published

9 years ago

March 1, 2016

Martyn Phillips: WRU will give players a leg-up after they retire

ALREADY wealthy former professional rugby players will be given a step into high-profile positions at big businesses within Wales and the WRU itself thanks to the launch of the WRU’s new Professional Player Development Programme.

The initiative will provide a pipeline of talented leaders into Welsh industry as well as helping to increase retention of players within Wales during their playing careers.

The programme consists of five elements including mentoring – provided by senior leaders from business and sport – psychometric testing to help determine future job compatibility and performance, support to obtain academic qualifications, work placements, and financial management and advice.

Welsh national age grade sides, women and all regional professional players will be covered by the scheme in future and, resource permitting, the WRU is also currently looking to support recently retired Welsh players where possible.

“We have been clear about our desire to retain talented players in Wales and this programme is part of our commitment to that goal,” said WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips.

“A rugby player’s career is relatively short compared to that of somebody in more traditional employment and we feel we have a duty of care to ensure a successful playing career is followed by a successful career post retirement from the game.”

The WRU has agreements in place with the majority of Welsh universities, as well as other further education establishments, to provide access to education and training on a part time basis as part of the programme and the scheme will eventually extend down to regional players, women and into the academies.

Many senior leaders from the worlds of business and sport have already signed up to the mentoring part of the programme, with the Union appealing globally for further interested parties with Welsh connections to get in touch and join the scheme.

“We went right to the top and asked the Universities if we could send players their way, asked that they be flexible about the players’ time when they are still playing, and for them to help facilitate the whole process – we were warmly received,” said Phillips.

“There are up to 300 careers available, everything from the traditional trades like bricklaying and plumbing to those that require academic qualifications like accountancy, law and medicine and we are appealing for new mentors to come forward.

“We see our players demonstrate courage, integrity, dedication and team work week-in-week out on the pitch.

“These are characteristics which are valuable in any modern business environment and I am confident that any player who embarks on the programme will be a huge asset to any organisation.

“With the level of drive the players show, their leadership and resilience as international sportsmen, they are very likely to be successful in their careers.

“We want to enable lifelong success as opposed to just playing success. We are trying to offer the players a 40- year career, 15 of which will be playing rugby and the other 25 doing something else.”

The Welsh senior international squad were told of the plans – warmly welcomed by Warren Gatland and Sam Warburton, the coach and captain – at a recent meeting.

Phillips has also spoken to many ex-Welsh Internationals who have helped reinforce the need for such an initiative.

And the WRU has set up a new department and solid structures to lead players into new careers of all sorts when their active playing careers end.

“Rugby should not mean that you have a decent career then we throw you to the wolves,” he added.

“We are trying to take away the pressure on players and their families when they are trying to earn it all when still playing.

“We are going to be working on the next thing in which they can be successful, the next thing that gives them a buzz.”

Sport

Cresselly and Whitland impress as Division One season opens

Published

3 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Herald Sport

THE 2025 Pembrokeshire Division One cricket season got underway on Sunday, with several teams making powerful early statements. Cresselly laid down a marker with an impressive win over a previously dominant Neyland side, while Whitland, Carew and Haverfordwest also made emphatic starts.

Cresselly signalled their title ambitions with a 64-run victory over Neyland. Batting first, Cresselly posted 195 for 9 from their 45 overs, with useful contributions from Morgan Lewis (26), Charlie Arthur (20), and Simon Cole (20), before Dan James anchored the innings with a crucial unbeaten 74. Neyland, who have dominated much of the past decade but showed signs of decline last season, struggled in reply. Despite efforts from Andrew Miller (24) and Paul Murray (21), they were bowled out for 131. Tom Arthur (3 for 23) and Charlie Arthur (3 for 27) shared six wickets to seal a valuable opening win.

At Oatfield Park, Whitland made a commanding start with a 128-run victory over newly promoted Burton. Geraint Jones (79), Gopal Ramasamy (63), and Jonathan Thomas (61) guided Whitland to 240 all out. Burton’s reply faltered early, and despite some resistance from Joe Kiff (30) and Luke Hayman (20), they were dismissed for 112. Wayne Howells was outstanding with the ball, taking a remarkable 5 for 10.

Carew also opened their campaign strongly, defeating Lawrenny by 57 runs. Brian Hall (56) and Rhys Davies (40) helped Carew to 169 all out. Lawrenny’s innings never gathered momentum, and despite a fighting 25 from Oscar Lewis, they were bowled out for 112. Rob Williams starred with 4 for 12, supported by Ryan Morton (2 for 25) and Harry Thomas (3 for 35).

At The Racecourse, Haverfordwest were ruthless as they hammered Llangwm by 142 runs. Mikey Jones (86), Ben Field (47) and Jake Merry (31) powered Town to 240 for 8. Llangwm collapsed to 98 all out, with Steve Mills (31) and David Lewis (31) offering brief resistance. Rhys Sewell tore through the lower order with figures of 5 for 23.

Meanwhile at Herbrandston, newly promoted Herbie were given a tough introduction to Division One by Saundersfoot, falling to a 108-run defeat. John Mansbridge starred for Saundersfoot with a superb 77, backed by Simon Stanford (47), as the visitors reached 207 for 8. In reply, Herbrandston could only muster 99 all out, with Nathan Banner (14) and Robbie Hood (19) top-scoring. John Mansbridge capped a fine all-round performance by taking 5 for 32, while Tom Mansbridge added 4 for 27.

With Burton and Herbrandston both stepping up this season, the opening weekend underlined the gulf in quality, as established sides like Cresselly, Whitland, Carew and Haverfordwest asserted early authority.

Sport

Narberth and Tish make strong statements on opening day of cricket season

Published

3 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Herald Sport

THE 2025 Pembrokeshire cricket season began in bright fashion on Saturday with a full round of 45-over fixtures across the county. Newly relegated Narberth and St Ishmaels both made strong opening statements as they target an immediate return to Division 1.

Before play, Narberth Cricket Club held a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for the loss of their club life member and friend, Emma Richards (pictured).

Narberth then underlined their quality with a 38-run victory over Cresselly 2nds. Batting first, they posted 187 all out, built around an outstanding 93 from Jamie McCormack. Jordan Howell (19) and Louis Hough (26) provided useful support, while extras contributed a notable 25 runs. In reply, Cresselly 2nds fought hard, with Ryan Lewis making 47 and Josh Lewis adding 25, but they were bowled out for 149. Lewis Mason was the standout performer with the ball, taking 5 for 34 to secure maximum points for Narberth.

Tish were even more dominant, cruising to a 10-wicket win over Llanrhian. After bowling the hosts out for just 65—thanks to Tom Williams’ 3 for 10 and strong support from Andrew Pawlett (2 for 21) and Lewis Rhead (2 for 11)—Tish made light work of the chase. Brennan Devonald struck an unbeaten 40, partnered by Phil Cockburn (25 not out), as the visitors reached 67 without loss inside just 16 overs.

At Hook, the 1st XI were far too strong for Burton 2nds, recording a seven-wicket win. Burton struggled with the bat, managing only 64 all out, with Will Ridge providing the only real resistance with 44. Aled Phelps did the damage with the ball, finishing with superb figures of 6 for 26, while Rhys Phelps chipped in with 2 for 10. In response, Hook reached 66 for 3, with George James anchoring the innings with a composed 37.

Llechryd also made a winning start, overcoming Carew 2nds by six wickets. Carew 2nds were dismissed for just 57, with David Dunfee (4 for 11) and Florian Cartwright (3 for 3) leading the bowling attack. Llechryd made no mistake in the chase, reaching 60 for 4, with Jac Davies steadying the innings with 24.

At Imble Lane, Pembroke edged out Johnston by three wickets in a closely fought contest. Johnston posted 143 all out, with Chris Fitzpatrick top-scoring with a composed 66, and support coming from Liam Boswell (22) and Lee Summons (19). Gary James starred with the ball for Pembroke, taking 5 for 24. In reply, Pembroke’s chase was anchored by Ceri Brace (46) and Jack Harries (31), and although a late wobble threatened to derail them, they eventually reached their target with three wickets to spare.

It was an encouraging start to the season across Pembrokeshire, with many sides already showing signs of form and purpose ahead of what promises to be another highly competitive summer.

Photo caption:
Tribute: Narberth Cricket Club held a minute’s silence for club life member Emma Richards before their match against Cresselly 2nds (Pic: Narberth Cricket Club/Facebook).

News

Haverfordwest Youth clinch double with dominant display in cup final

Published

3 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Haverfordwest Youth 54 – Narberth Youth 24

IN a thrilling Pembrokeshire Youth Cup Final Haverfordwest Youth cemented their dominance by completing the league and cup double with a commanding 54-24 victory over Narberth Youth. From the outset, the Young Blues showcased their class, but Narberth fought valiantly, showing the heart and determination their coach, Jason Jennings, had called for.

Haverfordwest set the tone early, racing to a 14-0 lead within the opening quarter. No. 8 Kieran Harries and scrum-half Alfie Thomas were the first to cross the line, both tries converted by the reliable Rio Phillips. However, Narberth responded with resolve, as a well-worked try in the left corner from Ashton O’Riorden, following a clever pass from Sam Morris and Owen Woof, got them on the scoreboard.

But Haverfordwest weren’t about to let their lead slip. Harries, who was a standout performer throughout, quickly added his second try after powerful work up front from captain Iori Curtis, Logun Young, and Zac Shaw. Phillips converted, and Young was again involved in the build-up as Haverfordwest extended their lead to 28-5 at the break.

The second half saw little let-up in Haverfordwest’s relentless pressure. Left-winger Harry Lawrence touched down for the fifth try of the match, with Phillips converting again to make it five successful kicks from five attempts. A rare miss followed, but Harries, ever the workhorse, completed his hat-trick with another outstanding solo effort.

Narberth, however, had no intention of going down without a fight. Their resilience was rewarded with a well-deserved try from No. 8 Callum Goeman, which brought cheers from the sidelines. Haverfordwest’s prop Cruz Findlay and Young responded with tries of their own, but Narberth weren’t finished yet. A late brace from hooker Charlie Reynolds, coupled with a conversion by outside half Gethin Llewellin, ensured they ended the match with their heads held high.

Despite the spirited late rally from Narberth, there was no denying Haverfordwest’s quality on the day. Steve Parry’s side were undoubtedly the standout team of the season, and as joint captains Iori Curtis and Devin Williams proudly lifted the Youth Cup, it was clear that this was a well-deserved double.