Sport

WRU calls on Welsh public to ‘Shape our Game’

Published

10 years ago

March 7, 2016

Shape our Game: Wales’ two longest serving captains Sam Warburton and Ryan Jones

THE PEOPLE of Wales are being asked to help shape the future of rugby. The WRU has today (Monday) launched nationwide consultation asking people to ‘Shape our Game’ and provide feedback about Wales’ national sport via an online survey at www.wru.wales/shapeourgame

The consultation will provide the foundation for the most comprehensive and far-reaching review of the male adult and youth community game since the first official game of rugby was recorded in Wales 150 years ago.

WRU Head of Participation, Ryan Jones, said, “If you have an interest in rugby we want your input. Regardless of your age or gender we are looking for insights and opinions from across the board. Whether you are a player – current or retired – a parent, a volunteer, a teacher, coach, a community supporter or a stay-at-home fan your opinion counts. We want to harness the passion and opinions that we know exist throughout Wales and use these to help shape the future of our national game.

“This feedback is crucial if we are to develop a vibrant modern game that continues to be an integral part of our communities and our culture. Nothing is off-limits. We’re looking at 15-a-side rugby provision, including 1st and 2nd XV rugby, plus more accessible formats such as Touch Rugby and Sevens. We’re keen to look at ways to attract and retain more youth and adult players, particularly 16-24 year-olds, in all forms of the game and are open to all ideas.”

Wales Head Coach, Warren Gatland, said: “For anyone who has ever sat at home and shouted at the TV with pride or frustration this is your chance to have your voice heard. We are very lucky to have a passionate and knowledgeable rugby public in Wales. We always speak of the three million selectors we have here and this is their chance to share their views. No-one knows the club game better than those that play, coach, referee and support it at grassroots level and we want to make the most of that expertise. A strong national squad is shaped by the community game which feeds it and that’s why I urge anybody that has an interest in the game to get involved and help us shape a healthy future for Welsh rugby.”

The male adult and youth participation survey follows a similar review of the women and girl’s game launched in March 2015. As a result of that review the WRU has launched a number of key initiatives to help create a dynamic and inclusive rugby pathway for Welsh females. This includes enabling girls to play in spring and summer rather than the bleaker winter months; giving them the option to play girls only rugby and enabling them to play the format which suits them be it tag, touch, 7-a-side or 15s. All moves are designed to have a further positive impact on grass roots level participation.

Sport

Haverfordwest County Under-13 girls shine at final FAW festival

Published

1 day ago

April 5, 2026

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY AFC Women and Girls have praised their under-13s after another strong showing at the third and final FAW Festival of the season.

The young Bluebirds travelled to Colliers Park in Wrexham on Saturday (Apr 4), where they once again impressed with their performances.

Club officials said the girls had performed fantastically well throughout the season, adding that everyone at Haverfordwest County was incredibly proud of their efforts.

The squad for the day was Libby O, Ela I, Ines M, Mila E, Scarlett C, Rachel B, Lydia H, Lilly M, Zara E, Leila P and Lillie EJ.

Well done girls.

Sport

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls: Friendly League week 22 results

Published

1 day ago

April 5, 2026

Herald Sport

RESULTS from week 22 of the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association Friendly League have been confirmed, with Badgers recording a comprehensive 10-0 win over Lamphey and St Twynnells edging past Cosheston 6-4.

An earlier fixture also saw Cosheston claim a 10-0 victory over Reynalton.

Several matches were postponed during the week, including Kilgetty v Carew, Llanteg v St Twynnells and Hundleton v East Williamston.

St Johns had the bye.

Latest results:
Cosheston 4 St Twynnells 6
Badgers 10 Lamphey 0
Cosheston 10 Reynalton 0

League table after week 22:
East Williamston — Played 19, Won 13, Drawn 0, Lost 6, Shot difference 169, Points 126
St Johns — Played 20, Won 12, Drawn 1, Lost 7, Shot difference 132, Points 118
Reynalton — Played 20, Won 8, Drawn 2, Lost 10, Shot difference 24, Points 99
St Twynnells — Played 19, Won 10, Drawn 2, Lost 7, Shot difference 9, Points 99
Carew — Played 19, Won 10, Drawn 0, Lost 9, Shot difference -12, Points 98
Hundleton — Played 19, Won 10, Drawn 1, Lost 8, Shot difference -7, Points 97
Llanteg — Played 18, Won 10, Drawn 0, Lost 8, Shot difference -16, Points 95
Badgers — Played 20, Won 7, Drawn 1, Lost 12, Shot difference -104, Points 89
Cosheston — Played 19, Won 7, Drawn 2, Lost 10, Shot difference -39, Points 88
Lamphey — Played 20, Won 9, Drawn 0, Lost 11, Shot difference -71, Points 80
Kilgetty — Played 19, Won 6, Drawn 1, Lost 12, Shot difference -85, Points 73

League officials have reminded clubs that all outstanding matches must be completed by midnight on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

Sport

Amman United Youth suffer agonising semi-final defeat

Published

1 day ago

April 5, 2026

Herald Sport

Cup final dream slips away as Newcastle Emlyn battle back to seal 20-19 win in windy Carmarthenshire Cup clash

AMMAN UNITED YOUTH saw their Carmarthenshire Cup final hopes ended in heartbreaking fashion on Saturday (Apr 4) as Newcastle Emlyn snatched a 20-19 victory in a dramatic semi-final.

Played in difficult, windy conditions, the contest was fiercely competitive throughout, with Amman left to rue a series of handling errors that allowed the visitors back into the game.

Newcastle Emlyn made the stronger start, taking an early 3-0 lead through a penalty and then missing a chance to add to their tally.

Amman responded well and took control of the first half. Captain Ceian Lewis crossed following a well-worked catch-and-drive to put his side 5-3 in front. Toby Slater then produced an excellent touchline conversion in tough conditions to extend the lead to 7-3.

Amman continued to build momentum when Harvey Duncan made a sharp break down the wing to score their second try. Slater was again on target with an impressive conversion in the wind, giving his side a 14-3 lead at the break.

But the game turned soon after the restart. A costly Amman mistake allowed Newcastle Emlyn back into the contest, with the visitors scoring in the corner before adding the conversion to close the gap to 14-10.

Amman appeared to have steadied themselves when Kelston Fairhurst powered over from another catch-and-drive, stretching the lead to 19-10.

However, Newcastle Emlyn refused to give in. Strong forward play brought them another try, and the conversion cut the deficit to just two points at 19-17 as the pressure mounted in the closing stages.

The decisive moment came in the final five minutes when another Amman handling error handed Emlyn a crucial opportunity. The visitors worked their way into range and slotted a late penalty to edge ahead 20-19.

Amman had one final chance to rescue the game and opted for a catch-and-drive from a late penalty, having already found success with that tactic earlier in the match. This time, though, Newcastle Emlyn held firm to deny them and secure their place in the final.

It was a bitter end for Amman United Youth, who had looked in control at half-time, but Newcastle Emlyn showed resilience and composure when it mattered most.