Sport

Anniversary used to celebrate rugby volunteers

Published

10 years ago

April 14, 2016

THE WELSH Rugby Union will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first recorded game of rugby union in Wales with a string of events across the summer and into the 2017 season that recognise the significance of community rugby in Wales and the role of the volunteers who contribute to it.

It will start with two initiatives this week. The first will be a search for Welsh rugby’s #FabXV, a social media campaign to identify the greatest rugby volunteers across Wales.

The WRU is encouraging clubs, WRU members and the public to shine a light on the good work of rugby volunteers in their community by sending videos and pictures of their local community champions to the new community Twitter handle, @WRU_Community, with a brief explanation of why they deserve a place in Welsh rugby’s first Fab XV, using the hashtag #FabXV.

As well as being acknowledged for their great work by the community they serve, nominees will automatically be put forward for selection into the WRU final Fab XV. The 15 finalists will be invited to attend one of the autumn Under Armour Series international matches at Principality Stadium as the guest of the WRU in its community box.

WRU Head of Rugby Operations, Julie Paterson said: “The 150th anniversary of the first recorded game of rugby is a significant milestone. It is an opportunity to recognise the importance of rugby in Welsh society and in the hearts and minds of the Welsh nation. Intrinsically linked to that is the work done by the army of volunteers that give up their time to deliver a vibrant grass roots community game and who play such a vital role in ensuring that rugby continues to thrive in Wales.

“FabXV is the first of our 150th anniversary initiatives aimed at doing just that. We want to recognise and celebrate the diversity and passion of Welsh rugby volunteers and their contribution to the game we all love. Anybody involved in the community game will know somebody who deserves to be recognised. A working mum who finds the time to coach her child’s minis rugby team, a club secretary that has given 30 years of service to their local club, a new young referee that embodies the spirit of rugby – its courage, its discipline and its humour.

“All these people deserve acknowledgement. A thank you from the community they serve is often more than any of these unsung heroes would dare to expect. We would like to give them a little bit more. As well as being publically acknowledged for their great work we’ll be picking a Fab XV an inviting them to watch an international match at Principality Stadium as the guest of the WRU.”

The second initiative is the launch of a WRU Snapchat account, the social media messaging platform on which content remains accessible for just 24 hours. The new account will offer exclusive insights into different aspects of Welsh rugby from interviews with the national squad to profiles of rising stars of the game in a way that is accessible and relevant to young Welsh rugby fans.

The move is part of a long term strategy to get more people, more often and with more enjoyment involved in rugby and ensure a strong future for the game in Wales.

Anybody who would like to nominate a volunteer using the hashtag #FabXV can do so on Twitter via @ WRU_Community or by emailing their information to cluboperations@ wru.wales The Club Operations email can also provide information for people interested in becoming part of the community game in Wales as a volunteer – whether that be behind the scenes in the clubhouse, as an administrator, as a referee or elsewhere on the pitch as a coach or manager etc – and put people in touch with clubs in their local area.

Sport

Haverfordwest County Under-13 girls shine at final FAW festival

Published

7 hours 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

7 hours 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

8 hours 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.