Sport

Anniversary used to celebrate rugby volunteers

Published

9 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

Wales team announced for Six Nations opener against France

Published

2 days ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Adams, Williams, and Jenkins return

WALES head coach Warren Gatland has named his team for the opening match of the 2025 Guinness Six Nations against France at the Stade de France, Paris, on Friday (Jan 31). The game kicks off at 8:15pm GMT and will be broadcast live on ITV and S4C.

Josh Adams, Liam Williams, and Dafydd Jenkins return to the starting XV, with Adams on the wing, Williams at fullback, and Jenkins in the second row.

Jac Morgan leads the side

Captain Jac Morgan starts at openside flanker, joining James Botham at blindside and Aaron Wainwright at No. 8 in the back row. Will Rowlands partners Jenkins in the second row.

In the front row, Evan Lloyd earns his first Test start at hooker, while Henry Thomas is named at tighthead prop for his first start and his first Wales appearance since the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Gareth Thomas starts at loosehead.

Ben Thomas makes Six Nations debut

Tomos Williams starts at scrum-half, with Ben Thomas making his Six Nations debut at fly-half. Owen Watkin and Nick Tompkins form the midfield pairing, while Tom Rogers is named on the wing alongside Adams.

Among the replacements, Nicky Smith is set to win his 50th cap, while fly-half Dan Edwards could make his senior Wales debut. Freddie Thomas and Blair Murray are in line for their first Six Nations appearances, having made their senior international debuts in the Autumn Nations Series.

The front-row replacements include Elliot Dee, Keiron Assiratti, and Smith. Tommy Reffell covers the back row, and Rhodri Williams provides scrum-half cover.

Gatland said: “We’re excited for the challenge on Friday. The Six Nations is the best rugby competition in the world. Every game is a big occasion. We want to go out there, embrace that, and start our championship well.”

Wales team to face France

Starting XV:
15. Liam Williams (Saracens) – 92 caps
14. Tom Rogers (Scarlets) – 5 caps
13. Nick Tompkins (Saracens) – 38 caps
12. Owen Watkin (Ospreys) – 42 caps
11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby) – 59 caps
10. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby) – 7 caps
9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby) – 59 caps
1. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys) – 35 caps
2. Evan Lloyd (Cardiff Rugby) – 5 caps
3. Henry Thomas (Scarlets) – 4 caps
4. Will Rowlands (Racing 92) – 36 caps
5. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs) – 19 caps
6. James Botham (Cardiff Rugby) – 16 caps
7. Jac Morgan (Ospreys) – 18 caps (captain)
8. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons) – 52 caps

Replacements:
16. Elliot Dee (Dragons) – 51 caps
17. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers) – 49 caps
18. Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby) – 10 caps
19. Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby) – 1 cap
20. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers) – 23 caps
21. Rhodri Williams (Dragons) – 5 caps
22. Dan Edwards (Ospreys) – uncapped
23. Blair Murray (Scarlets) – 3 caps

This version is more structured, concise, and in line with a professional sports news style. Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!

News

Fun free sport sessions for kids in Fishguard

Published

2 days ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

YOUNGSTERS can discover new sports to love at a free multi-sports session starting next week.

The sessions for children aged 5-8 will be held every Monday in term time between 4.15pm-5pm at Fishguard Leisure Centre.

The first session is this Monday, February 3rd.

Delivered by Sport Pembrokeshire Active Young People officers and assisted by

Young Ambassadors from Ysgol Bro Gwaun, the event is an opportunity to try fun activities, new sports and develop fundamental movement skills.

All are welcome to come along.

Contact [email protected] for more information or to register your child.

Sport

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association: Week 14 Results

Published

4 days ago

January 27, 2025

Herald Sport

THE SOUTH Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association, also known as “The Friendly League,” has released the results for Week 14 of the competition.

Match Results

Hundleton 8 v Badgers 2
Llanteg 2 v St Johns 8
Reynalton 8 v St Twynnells 2
East Williamston 8 v Carew 2

The match between Cosheston and Kilgetty was postponed, while Lamphey had the bye.

League Table (Week 14)

Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	S/D	Points
East Williamston	12	11	0	1	167	92
Carew	12	8	1	3	111	79
Reynalton	12	8	0	4	48	70
Hundleton	13	7	0	6	61	68
St Johns	11	8	0	3	76	66
Cosheston	11	6	0	5	33	54
Llanteg	11	3	1	7	-29	51
St Twynnells	13	3	1	9	-125	48
Badgers	11	3	1	7	6	45
Kilgetty	11	3	0	8	-129	40
Lamphey	11	2	0	9	-142	29