Sport

Mark Taylor steps down

Published

9 years ago

July 12, 2016

Tom Sinclair

Stepping down: Mark Taylor with the U20 squad after their win over Scotland

FORMER Wales Captain , Mark Taylor , has stepped down as Wales U20 Team Manager to spend more time with his family . The team’s 42-19 victory over Scotland marked his final match in the role.

The former Centre who won 52 Wales caps, scored the historic first try at the Millennium Stadium and successfully captained Wales on four occasions, has been a Wales international pathway team manager since hanging up his playing boots in 2008, first with Wales U18, and for the last six years with Wales U20.

Taylor, who also toured with the Lions in 2001, has decided to spend more time with his family and other work commitments, but admits he will certainly stay involved in rugby in some capacity.

“It’s been a massive experience for me over the past eight years . It’s been a pleasure for me to be part of the development of young players, especially when you see them go onto play for the senior Wales side.

“There have been a lot of highs and some lows in that time, which from a results point of view come down to a few heavy defeats to New Zealand, in 2011 and earlier this week.

“One of the biggest achievements was reaching the Junior World Championship final in 2013, when we probably should have beaten England in the final. Hallam Amos, Sam Davies, Steff Hughes and Jordan Williams were key to that campaign, especially in beating South Africa in the semi-final. It was the culmination of two year period under Danny Wilson as coach and the players learned a huge amount from the experience.

“One of the highlights of my career, including my playing days, was being involved with the first side to beat New Zealand U20 in 2012. Our team had gone from losing to New Zealand by 92 points the year before, with the likes of Liam Williams and Kirby Myhill in the side, to come back 12 months later and turn them over. The likes of Tom Prydie, Samson Lee and Rob Evans were in that side, the match was played in some of the worst conditions imaginable and that victory was right up there in terms of special moments.

“Despite a few results going against us during this tournament in Manchester, the current crop of Wales U20 players also created something special in winning the Six Nations Grand Slam.

“The way they came back to win in Ireland got them off to a great start, and the desire they showed to stay in the Scotland and France games showed what they are made of. The highlight of the campaign though was the big victory over England, producing excellent rugby for 80 minutes.”

The team manager role started quite small with Wales U18 , but a number of players who have gone on to become household names were in Taylor’s sights from the start.

Tom Prydie, George North, Eli Walker, Aled Davies, Matthew Morgan and Rhodri Jones were in the first Wales U18 squad Taylor was involved with in 2009, with Samson Lee, Rob Evans and Ellis Jenkins joining the party a year later.

“I was asked if I wanted to take on the role and I saw it as a good way to stay in touch with the game. I was involved with talent identification and also some of the backs coaching under Darren Edwards, who was with London Welsh at the time.

“Tom [ Prydie ] was outstanding for us in a Five Nations tournament in Italy and went on to become capped by Wales in the Six Nations the following year , before playing for us again later that season in the next Five Nations tournament. George North was the star of that tournament in Llandovery and was capped by Wales later that year.

“The day -to -day role involves a lot of organisation and coordination between the team, the rest of the Welsh Rugby Union rugby department, the other National Squads, the Regions and clubs, along with other Unions and tournament organisers. Basically everything that enables the coaches and players to get on with their job of preparing for matches. I will miss it but I owe my family some quality time after going straight into team management after ending my playing career. I will no doubt be drawn back to rugby as I still feel I owe the game a lot after everything it’s given me, but it will be more of a home -based role for the time being. I’d like to thank all the coaches and support staff I’ve worked with in my time with the 18s and 20s.”

WRU Head of Rugby Performance , Geraint John , paid tribute to Mark Taylor’s contribution to the Welsh Rugby Union over the last eight years.

He said: “It has been a pleasure working with Mark since my return to Wales and he will be a great loss. He is an excellent Team Manager, well respected by all players and staff and is well loved in the office with his professionalism, passion and humour. We totally understand the reasons why Mark is stepping down as family is very important.

“Even though he is leaving his current role I am hoping that in the future we will see Mark involved with our teams in some capacity. He is an excellent person with great values and we wish him the best but we will certainly be staying in touch.”

Sport

Thrillers and dominant wins mark Week 9 in Pembrokeshire Cricket

Published

6 hours ago

June 23, 2025

Herald Sport

CAREW maintained their lead atop Division 1 of the Thomas Carroll Pembroke County Cricket League with a convincing six-wicket victory over rivals Neyland, successfully chasing 155 to remain at the summit of the standings.

Elsewhere in Division 1, Saundersfoot impressed by defeating Lawrenny with a commanding 125-run victory, fuelled by superb centuries from Tom Mansbridge (106) and Jon Mansbridge (105).

Herbrandston also secured a notable victory, chasing down 192 against second-placed Cresselly thanks to standout knocks from Harry Nicholas (58) and Jack Nicholas (52).

Burton edged past struggling Haverfordwest by just 29 runs, while Whitland comfortably beat bottom side Llangwm by eight wickets after bowling them out cheaply for just 76.

In Division 2, league leaders Narberth showcased their strength, racking up 287-6 against Carew II to clinch a resounding 138-run win, as Shay Norcross (84) starred with the bat.

Division 3 saw another victory for leaders Fishguard, overcoming Hundleton, while Pembroke Dock chased down Neyland II’s 142 comfortably to stay hot on their heels.

There were comprehensive wins across the lower divisions as well, including a standout performance by Jason Stobbs (125) for Haverfordwest III against Narberth II in Division 4.

Thomas Carroll Pembroke County Cricket League

Results and Tables – Week 9 (June 21, 2025)

Division 1 Results

Match	Result
Haverfordwest (90 AO)	Burton (119 AO) won by 29 runs
Neyland (155 AO)	Carew (159-4) won by 6 wkts
Cresselly (192 AO)	Herbrandston (194-4) won by 6 wkts
Saundersfoot (265-6)	beat Lawrenny (140 AO) by 125 runs
Whitland (77-2)	beat Llangwm (76 AO) by 8 wkts

Division 1 Table (Week 9)

Pos	Team	Played	Won	Lost	Points
1	Carew	9	8	1	161
2	Cresselly	9	8	1	156
3	Saundersfoot	9	6	3	138
4	Neyland	9	6	3	131
5	Herbrandston	9	5	4	117
6	Lawrenny	9	4	5	104
7	Burton	9	3	6	92
8	Whitland	9	3	6	89
9	Haverfordwest	9	2	7	73
10	Llangwm	9	0	9	36

Division 2 Results

Match	Result
Burton II (37 AO)	Cresselly II (41-2) won by 8 wkts
Llechryd (203 AO)	Hook (248-6) won by 45 runs
St Ishmaels (101-2)	beat Johnston (100 AO) by 8 wkts
Pembroke (165-2)	beat Llanrhian (162-7) by 8 wkts
Carew II (149 AO)	Narberth (287-6) won by 138 runs

Division 2 Table (Week 9)

Pos	Team	Played	Won	Lost	Points
1	Narberth	9	8	1	163
2	St Ishmaels	9	7	2	147
3	Pembroke	9	6	3	141
4	Hook	9	6	3	135
5	Cresselly II	9	5	4	113
6	Llechryd	9	4	5	107
7	Johnston	9	4	5	104
8	Carew II	9	3	6	96
9	Llanrhian	9	1	8	62
10	Burton II	9	1	8	49

Division 3 Results

Match	Result
Hook II (125 AO)	Haverfordwest II (129-1) won by 9 wkts
Fishguard (73-5)	beat Hundleton (71 AO) by 5 wkts
Laugharne (95-3)	beat Kilgetty (94 AO) by 7 wkts
Pembroke Dock (145-2)	beat Neyland II (142 AO) by 8 wkts
Lamphey (158-8)	beat Stackpole (116 AO) by 42 runs

Division 3 Table (Week 9)

Pos	Team	Played	Won	Lost	Points
1	Fishguard	9	8	1	148
2	Pembroke Dock	9	7	2	147
3	Hundleton	9	6	3	128
4	Stackpole	9	5	4	120
5	Lamphey	9	5	4	118
6	Haverfordwest II	9	4	4	116
7	Laugharne	9	3	5	93
8	Kilgetty	9	2	6	70
9	Hook II	9	2	6	60
10	Neyland II	9	1	8	50

Division 4 Results

Match	Result
Narberth II (115 AO)	Haverfordwest III (231-3) won by 116 runs
Crymych (117 AO)	Pembroke II (118-4) won by 6 wkts
Llangwm II (126 AO)	Saundersfoot II (128-5) won by 5 wkts
Lawrenny II (96 AO)	St Ishmaels II (172-8) won by 76 runs
Llanrhian II	No game vs Carew III

Division 4 Table (Week 9)

Pos	Team	Played	Won	Lost	Points
1	Pembroke II	9	8	1	162
2	Saundersfoot II	9	8	0	152
3	St Ishmaels II	9	5	4	120
4	Haverfordwest III	8	4	3	118
5	Crymych	9	5	3	110
6	Lawrenny II	9	3	5	89
7	Carew III	7	3	3	75
8	Llanrhian II	8	1	6	74
9	Narberth II	9	2	7	72
10	Llangwm II	9	1	8	69

Division 5 Results

Match	Result
Cresselly III (203-6)	Whitland II (270-4) won by 67 runs
Haverfordwest IV (89-9)	Pembroke Dock II (93-2) won by 8 wkts
Herbrandston II (204-4)	beat Hundleton II (106 AO) by 98 runs
Neyland III (95 AO)	Llechryd II (96-1) won by 9 wkts

Division 5 Table (Week 9)

Pos	Team	Played	Won	Lost	Points
1	Llechryd II	9	7	1	153
2	Herbrandston II	9	7	2	150
3	Pembroke Dock II	9	7	1	145
4	Haverfordwest IV	9	3	5	98
5	Whitland II	7	3	3	91
6	Hundleton II	8	3	4	74
7	Cresselly III	9	1	7	69
8	Neyland III	8	0	8	33

Division 6 Results

Match	Result
H’West/Cresselly (35 AO)	Pembroke III (36-4) won by 6 wkts
Kilgetty II (124 AO)	Llechryd III (193-7) won by 69 runs
Whitland III	Match abandoned vs Lamphey II

Sport

Wales Golf launches ‘Give Golf a Go’ campaign to inspire more women to get involved

Published

3 days ago

June 20, 2025

Herald Sport

WALES GOLF has announced the official launch of its new flagship participation campaign, ‘Give Golf a Go’, aimed at encouraging more women and juniors across Wales to take their first steps into the sport in a welcoming, supportive and accessible way.

The campaign launched on 17th June, at the Summer of Welsh Women’s Sport ‘New2Golf’ event at the Vale Resort, marking a significant moment for the game in Wales and follows on from the initiatives introduced by Wales Golf to make the game more welcoming for women and girls, such as the £1 million investment from Welsh Government to improve facilities at golf clubs across Wales.

Some of Wales’ biggest sporting names attended the event, including Welsh rugby stars Sian Jones and Molly Reardon, cricket sensation Bethan Gammon, and netball aces Elle McDonald, Leah Middleton, KC Chawane, and Alex Johnson.

They were also joined by Wales Golf squad member Harriet Lockley, and the first British female judoka to achieve the world No. 1 ranking, Natalie Powell, who in retirement has joined Wales Golf staff, with the event’s sessions being coached by former Wales Golf team player Jordan Ryan.

The ‘New2Golf’ event marks a major moment in the sporting calendar, building anticipation ahead of the AIG Women’s Open; one of the most prestigious tournaments in women’s golf, which, for the first time in its history, will be hosted in Wales later this year.

Adding to the excitement, Welsh rising star Darcey Harry has recently qualified for the AIG Women’s Open after claiming her first title on the Ladies European Tour, meaning she will be competing at her home course, Royal Porthcawl.

The event provides a unique opportunity to inspire a new wave of female golfers at all levels by showcasing elite women’s sport on Welsh soil.

‘Give Golf a Go’ is the culmination of a wider strategy by Wales Golf, Everyone’s Game, to grow participation and make the sport more inclusive.

While golf has seen increased interest among women and girls in recent years, they remain underrepresented in playing and club membership figures.

This campaign is designed to challenge perceptions that golf is exclusive or inaccessible, and instead present it as a friendly, flexible, and affordable activity open to all.

Hannah McAllister, CEO of Wales Golf: “We know that when women and girls are given the chance to try golf in the right environment, they find real joy in it. But for some, the sport has felt closed off or intimidating.

‘Give Golf a Go’ is our way of showing that golf can fit into your life, whether you’re looking for a fun social activity, a new hobby, or a way to support your mental and physical health.

You don’t need to have played before, and you certainly don’t need to own clubs. You just need to be curious.”

The campaign draws on the foundations laid by Wales Golf in recent years to improve accessibility through initiatives such as the New2Golf programme, which has introduced thousands of adults to the game in friendly, non-competitive environments.

The initiative also supports Wales Golf’s junior development pathway, which helps young players build confidence, develop skills and progress at their own pace.

The introduction of Flexi-Club has also made it easier for new or returning players to attain official handicaps without the commitment of full club membership.

Over the course of this summer, after the AIG Women’s Open, facilities across Wales will host a wide range of ‘Give Golf a Go’ sessions, each tailored to complete beginners.

Golf is a uniquely rewarding sport. It combines light physical activity with time outdoors, offering proven mental health benefits, a strong social element, and the chance to build lasting friendships.

Unlike many sports, it is not limited by age or ability, making it an ideal lifelong activity. Importantly, no previous experience or equipment is needed, just a willingness to give it a go.

Whether you’re looking for a new way to stay active, meet like-minded people, or simply try something different this summer, ‘Give Golf a Go’ is the perfect starting point.

To learn more about how to get involved, visit https://www.walesgolf.org/give-golf-a-go.

Sport

Hundreds take the plunge at Fishguard Triathlon

Published

4 days ago

June 19, 2025

Herald Sport

Popular coastal event returns with strong turnout and community support

HUNDREDS of athletes descended on Fishguard on Sunday (June 15) for the annual Fishguard Triathlon, with competitors tackling a challenging course that included a sea swim, hilly bike ride, and a scenic run along the Pembrokeshire coastline.

The event, which is now firmly established on the Welsh triathlon calendar, saw wetsuit-clad swimmers charge into the water from the slipway near Ocean Lab, cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd of spectators lining the rocks and harbour walls. The race then moved onto the roads for a testing cycle through the surrounding hills before returning to the seafront for the final run.

Local police officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team were on hand to support the event, including PCSO Carwyn Phillips and Sergeant Matt Wells—who recently took up the post of NPPT Sergeant for Milford Haven. Officers were seen chatting with members of the public and helping to keep the busy event running smoothly.

Sergeant Wells told The Herald: “It’s great to be part of such a positive event for the community. The turnout was fantastic and the atmosphere along the route was brilliant. I’d encourage anyone who sees me out and about in Milford Haven or Neyland to come and say hello.”

The triathlon was supported by volunteers, marshals, and safety crews, including surf rescue teams keeping a close eye on swimmers. Residents from Fishguard and the surrounding area came out in force to show their support, with many lining the roads and harbour wall throughout the morning.

The event is part of a wider series organised by Activity Wales Events and continues to grow in popularity year-on-year, drawing entrants from across Wales and beyond.