Sport

‘Dancing in the rain’ which the Gale brings

Published

7 years ago

January 4, 2018

By Jonathan Twigg

SINCE the turn of the new Millennium, Narberth RFC has been one of the premier club sides in South West Wales.

They currently sit in second place behind Pontypool in the WRU Championship table, a division in which they have remained since the WRU national leagues inception in the mid 1990’s.

The coaching guru in charge of the current Otters side is Sean Gale, a former Scarlet’s player whose commitment is recognised by all associated to the Pembrokeshire club. Commitment is part of Sean’s DNA, where any former work colleagues at the West Wales Fire Brigade testify.

The Fire Brigade have a long association to rugby in the West Wales area, with many players with Scarlet’s and its predecessor Llanelli RFC finding themselves on a career pathway with the ‘Brigade’. Gale served for 32 years in the noble profession after Ronnie King opened the door of opportunity and is unsurprising that the ‘vow of allegiance’ he showed to his career, has been visible at the Lewis Lloyd Ground for a decade.

A man of few words whose compassionate tone rings clearly and when heard instantly captures the attention of those present. Never a raised intonation and the positives not the negatives proffered; a blueprint which fellow coaches Liam Gadd and Lloyd Phillips follow.

Sean was a graduate from Graig comprehensive school in the heart of Llanelli and had an instantly recognisable name to live up to. His dad Norman, revered in the Town as a front row hard man, captain of both his home town club and Country where he won 25 caps in a period when Wales were a team to mix it with the best.

Sean has recently crept quietly beyond the half century in terms of age, still living in Llanelli and committing to travelling three times a week to Narberth for training and games from his home in Swiss Valley. Married to Elizabeth for over 25 years he recognized her unstinting support of his rugby journey, alongside his mother Ann. Norman passed away in 2005 and it’s now his son Nick who shares his dad’s rugby memories alongside daughter Hannah.

Returning to the squad after a six month injury Nick plays under his dad’s stewardship, being a strike runner from the back three as opposed to his dad’s likeness for packing down in the front three.

“Living and breathing rugby is something I’m used to” Nick warmly stated with a beaming smile. “Dad, never had a hair out of place and no stone unturned. He wants the best for me as a son and as a player with Narberth. I’ve come to understand when I need to listen and occasionally speak on a rugby matters! Dad cares; about his family, friends and colleagues, including the players in the squad and this is repaid tenfold from those of us lucky enough to be in the inner sanctum.”

The front row is not a place for the faint hearted where camaraderie exists well beyond the 80 minutes of battle. “I enjoyed my tussles with Mike Griffiths immensely” chuckled Sean.

Mike, the Cardiff prop, formally with Bridgend won 35 Welsh caps but Sean added: “I had the utmost respect for him. He was a tough person to scrummage against, but he did it fairly and without prejudice. I also played alongside the icons of Welsh rugby, current National assistant coach Rob Howley and British Lion winger Ieuan Evans before I hung up my boots for the final time in Llanelli colours in1999. That final game was against Romania, twelve years after my debut against Pontardulais.”

Memories are important and Sean recounted with pride when he played against the All Blacks in 1997, a game lost by over 80 points; he narrated his efforts of scoring two tries against Namibia highlighting such achievements come only from hard work. Sean was always seen as a good trainer, where his rugged stature came to the fore in games as a strong ball carrying prop; a try scorer!

“I managed 10 tries in one season for Bridgend which is a record for a prop” and one which he still shares with Whitland born prop Meredydd James.

Sean won seven secondary schools caps as a second row, with a stand out victory in 1985 when an unbeaten All Blacks schools side toured the Principality under Graham Henry.

He also played for the Wales Under 20’s and Under 21’s and made the ‘A’ team squad but never had the opportunity to run out on the pitch.

He clocked up 209 appearances for Llanelli with the final three years as a professional player whilst maintaining his service record with the Brigade, before chalking up 90 games in Bridgend colours and enjoying a ‘final season’ at Heywood Lane, playing for Tenby United in 2002-03.

Sean has qualities which any respected person, let alone a coach would hope to have associated to him.

He is honest and hardworking whilst continuing to maintain a drive to achieve more. His family heritage is a cornerstone of his life and this shines through in his commitment to rugby.

Now a level 3 coach he worked with the Scarlet’s Academy for three seasons after starting out with Tumble where he was a player/coach before becoming forwards coach with Llanelli, Swalec champions in 2005.

He joined Narberth in 2006 following an invitation from then Director of Rugby Jonathan Dodds after they worked together at the Scarlets Academy and with the Wales amateur side.

Coaching was always something he strove to do following a lifetimes involvement nurtured in the early days from the family pub, a stone’s throw from Stradey Park. Frequenting the hostelry on a regular basis were Llanelli greats like Stuart Gallacher and Ray Gravell.

“Dad coached the Scarlets, so it was a natural progression for me to stay in the game as a coach once I finished playing because it means so much to me; it’s in my heart and soul” said Nick.

Sean’s mantra as a coach is to build his teams around a strong forward platform, never taking a backward step to an opponent, before then trying to play an expansive style.

He remains ambitious for Narberth as he fondly recounts: “I was impressed by the warmth of the welcome I received; it’s a very friendly club but importantly for me one which remains driven to be successful.”

He is focused in his approach and philosophy, determined to keep Narberth in the top two of the National Championship.

Doing so will be no mean feat as it is increasingly difficult with Premiership clubs able to cherry pick the best players, which is part of the player pathway in the Scarlet’s region.

Sean said he would be interested in developing his coaching career and with a raised eyebrow and a killer grin Sean recalled the time he was ‘hoodwinked’ into believing the then Llanelli maestro Gareth Jenkins was offering him a role back with the Scarlets. “I enjoyed setting the training programme after that faux pas by Adrian Killa”, he said.

Sean remains committed to Narberth as he explained his eagerness for the national leagues to remain as the current structure is under review by the WRU.

“One thing that frustrates me as a coach is the imposed Autumn break which happens for the international period in November.

“I find this hard because we go a month without competitive fixtures to keep my players at their top of the game. I have had memories which are significant in my life story and I hope those under my wing today build their own storyboard, which they can do if we all work together to get the right environment.”

Narberth as a club are equally as ambitious and are watching the debate on the restructuring of the national leagues with the same interest as Sean.

“We want to finish as high as possible every season; the result in every game is important, but not as important as the enjoyment the game brings” pointed out Rob ‘Basher’ Lewis, the clubs hardworking administrator. “Narberth have the right man in Sean at present and we can see the professionalism and passion he brings being embedded in the Club.”

Narberth hope the winds of change doesn’t occur, yet Sean’s strengths include his man-management of players and the rapport he has with the committee and supporters.

“He is currently irreplaceable as that skill set is difficult to replicate. As a club we need a figurehead to ensure our development plan is delivered” said Rob. Narberth have the foresight to hopefully enhance the playing facilities with a 4G surface and build on the senior team’s success so it emanates through the youth and junior sections.

They have a trademark association with brand names in the County and are in discussions with new partners to help them build their dreams.

Clearly Narberth can manage the ‘here and now’ as they have a structure off the field to accommodate a match day experience to rival a professional club.

There are no Otters burying their heads underground as they strive to improve each year, sharpening their teeth ready for the next challenge whilst, fully embracing the ‘gale’ in which they find themselves.

“We are not waiting for the gale to pass us by” said Basher “but we are dancing in the rain he brings.”

Related Topics:Gale Narberth Narberth RFC Otters

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News

Oar-some team effort to support rowing club

Published

20 hours ago

October 11, 2024

Madeline Knox

THE Sport Pembrokeshire team have put in an oar-some effort to spruce up the
premises of a popular Pembrokeshire rowing club.

Sponsored by Valero as part of Sport Pembrokeshire’s annual Task Force Day, the
volunteer team picked up their brushes to give Fishguard and Goodwick Jemima
Rowing Club a new lick of paint.

Based in the picturesque surroundings of Lower Town Fishguard, Fishguard and
Goodwick Jemima Rowing Club is a Disability Sport Wales accredited Insport Club
at Ribbon level.

The Task Force Day – now in its seventh year – is a small way the Sport
Pembrokeshire team can give something back to the strong community of sport and
physical activity clubs locally.

Matt Freeman, Sport Pembrokeshire Manager, said: “We supported the club
because they offer a wide range of inclusive opportunities for the Fishguard
community and surrounding areas.

“The club is well-governed, with a dedicated team of active volunteers who work
alongside a committed committee to promote sustainability and ensure its long-term
success.”

Martha Owen, Commodore of Fishguard Bay Yacht Club and Chair of Fishguard and
Goodwick Jemima Rowing Club, said: “We had a lovely surprise when the
opportunity arose to receive the support.

“The building was looking sad and definitely needed some care and attention.
Working with the Sport Pembrokeshire team, we have collectively transformed the
building. It looks fantastic and we cannot thank them enough.”

Stephen Thornton, Public Affairs Manager at Valero, said: “We are committed to
supporting community sport in Pembrokeshire and were delighted to support this
particular initiative.

“We wish Fishguard and Goodwick Jemima Rowing Club every success in the future
and thank the staff of Sport Pembrokeshire for their time and dedication to helping
grassroots sport.”

Politics

More cuts could have devastating impact, Sport Wales warns

Published

2 days ago

October 10, 2024

Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter

SPORTS WALES warned any further cuts to its budget by the Welsh Government next year would have a potentially devastating impact.

Brian Davies, chief executive of Sport Wales, and Tanni Grey-Thompson, its chair, gave evidence to a Senedd inquiry about the impact of culture funding cuts on October 9.

Delyth Jewell, who chairs the culture committee, asked what would happen if cuts to Sports Wales’ budget were repeated in next year’s budget which will be published on December 10.

“It would be a big problem,” Mr Davies replied, saying Sport Wales was fortunate this year to be able to absorb the 10.5% cut from the Welsh Government.

He said further reductions would pose an “existential” challenge for smaller governing bodies that are funded by Sport Wales, which is responsible for developing and promoting sport.

Mr Davies suggested this year’s cut has impacted participation and equality, adding that Sport Wales has tried to minimise this by only passing on a 3.5% cut to partners.

He told the committee: “Cutting sport, which is a fantastic tool for the preventive health agenda, is a false economy … for every £1 of public money spent on sport and physical activity, there’s a £4.44 return in terms of social investment for Wales.”

Sport Wales’ written evidence said the £2.5m cut to its budget in 2024/25 is estimated to have led to a loss of £11.1m in terms of social return on investment.

Baroness Grey-Thompson said: “We might not see the impact of it for a couple of years actually … but there will be an impact in terms of what people are able to deliver.”

Pressed by Labour’s Lee Waters about suggestions of an “instinct to protect elite sport first”, Mr Davies said: “No, I don’t think that’s fair – in fact I know that’s not correct.

“Governing bodies, in the main … have such a broad range of responsibilities for their sport in the sector – elite sport is only one. There’s an awful lot that goes on.”

Baroness Grey-Thompson added that Sport Wales has moved away from demanding medal targets because it drives a culture that impacts grassroots sport.

The Paralympian said: “Partners understand that if you don’t develop that broad base, you’re not going to get the medallists.”

She stressed the importance of physical activity, calling for a focus on young people and “harder-to-reach, easier-to-ignore” groups to develop good patterns of behaviour.

Mr Davies agreed about the importance of prevention as he cautioned that Sport Wales is not as entwined as it should be with health and education.

Quizzed about the impact of council cuts, such as to leisure centres, Mr Davies said facilities are a critical issue as he pointed to a Sport Wales energy grant scheme.

He agreed about the role schools could play in opening up their facilities out of hours, particularly in rural Wales, but he warned Sport Wales has “hit a bit of a brick wall”.

Asked about accessing funding from trusts or foundations, Mr Davies said income generated by Sport Wales could be clawed back by the Welsh Government under its remit letter.

He told committee members: “It is an interesting area that we haven’t progressed and I don’t think any other sports council has either.”

Baroness Grey-Thompson said sponsorship for governing bodies is “considerably lower than you might imagine”, with a drop off after the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

Mr Waters raised concerns that standalone Welsh bodies may find it increasingly hard to sustain operations, with some potentially reverting to GB or England and Wales bodies.

Pressed about the Welsh Rugby Union, Mr Davies welcomed progress on governance, saying Sport Wales has reinstated funding that was withdrawn two years ago.

Sport

Sports clubs in Wales support NSPCC’s Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week

Published

4 days ago

October 8, 2024

Herald Sport

AN NSPCC campaign to raise awareness of safeguarding in sports is being supported by clubs, organisations and politicians in Wales, including the Football Association of Wales, Dragons RFC and Welsh Athletics.

Sports clubs, teams, parents and carers across the UK are being encouraged to take part in Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week, which is led by the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) and takes place between October 7 and 11.

Part of a year-round safeguarding campaign, the week is designed to raise awareness of safeguarding in sports and activity clubs and create safer sporting environments for children across the UK. It was launched with a star-studded event held in Manchester.

Celebrities and clubs backing this year’s campaign include Alan Shearer, Olympic basketballer and star of BBC’s The Traitors Fay Greaves and Olympic weightlifter Chloe Whylie.

In Wales, it is being supported by the players and staff from Dragons RFC, Welsh Athletics, Football Association of Wales, Welsh Rugby Union, Weightlifting Wales, Deputy Senedd Leader of Plaid Cymru, Delyth Jewell MS and Newport East MS John Griffiths.

Ben Carter, Captain at Dragons RFC, said: “We are proud to show our support for Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport week and are calling on clubs across Gwent to get behind this important campaign.

“Raising awareness of safeguarding in sports and clubs is vital as we strive to create the safest environments for children across Gwent to enjoy sport.

“The “Team Huddle” idea is also an easy and great way for clubs to bring everyone together to raise awareness and create meaningful discussions around safeguarding.”

Rhian Wilkinson, Senior Cymru WNT Manager, said: “Football has given me so much, and my childhood club and my first experience there, is where it all begun.

“As such, I’m proud to support the NSPCC’s Keeping your Child Safe in Sport campaign. Every child deserves a fun, and positive experience in sport and together, we can create an environment where everyone feels safe, empowered, and supported.”

The aim of this year’s campaign is to focus on the importance of building stronger, more inclusive communities around sporting and activity clubs, encouraging parents and carers to look out for not just the young people taking part, but their families too, helping anyone who needs support to get it sooner.

The top concerns reported to the NSPCC’s Helpline in 2023/24 by adults relating to a sports setting were sexual abuse and exploitation and emotional abuse.

Delyth Jewell MS, Deputy Senedd Leader of Plaid Cymru, said: “I am pleased to back the work of NSPCC Cymru’s Child Protection in Sport Units.

“I have tabled a statement of opinion in the Senedd in support of their work that recognises the importance of keeping children safe and building safe communities for children within sports clubs.

“I hope as many people as possible across Wales will engage with Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week. Culture and sport are all vital expressions of our history and social traditions, as well as of our future aspirations so our children and young people must feel safe when taking part in these activities.”

Newport East Senedd Member John Griffiths said: “Ensuring that children are safe from abuse and harm in all settings which they encounter is a huge priority, and it is pleasing to see clubs in Newport are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for children to participate in sport.

“By participating in the Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport campaign, sports clubs everywhere can help foster an atmosphere which is open to discussion about how children can be kept safe in sport, and how everyone can work together as a team to keep every child safe.

“I know several people raised the issue of how best to keep children safe in sport at my recent Active Newport Conference, so I am pleased there are organisations such as the NSPCC who are working so hard to raise the profile and increase understanding of how we can tackle this vital issue.”

Simon Roach, Safeguarding Lead at Weightlifting Wales, said: “Weightlifting Wales is delighted to be once again fully participating in the NSPCC’s Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport campaign.

“The national governing body promotes and wholly supports licensed clubs in creating safe, inclusive and enjoyable sporting environments for young people. This shared campaign provides a fantastic opportunity to continue working closely with our clubs, working together as a strength community and ensuring that the safety and wellbeing of young people are at the heart of everything we do.”

The NSPCC’s CEO, Sir Peter Wanless, said: “By participating in this year’s campaign, clubs are showing that they are serious about creating a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable sporting environment for young people.

“Each year, Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week gets stronger, and it provides an opportunity to reflect on how we can all work together to ensure that every child can participate in sport free from harm.”

Through the Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport campaign, the CPSU aims to empower parents and carers to feel confident in their role in keeping children safe while helping clubs and teams understand how they can foster a protective and inclusive environment.

As part of this initiative, clubs, coaches, and parents are being urged to host a “Team Huddle” event — a fun and informal gathering that brings together everyone involved in the sporting community to raise awareness and create meaningful discussions around safeguarding.

A Team Huddle can be part of an existing event, such as a club meeting, or it can be its own standalone event designed to bring everyone together. Free Team Huddle Event Packs are available from the CPSU website which include a variety of resources to help spark conversations about safeguarding.

The pack features a fun quiz and other activities, but clubs are encouraged to get creative and whether the huddle invites parents to participate in a quiz, a sports day, a scavenger hunt or even a barbecue, the focus is on connection, conversation, and community.

Michelle North, Head of the CPSU, added: “Team Huddles are a brilliant way to bring people together, providing an opportunity for parents, coaches, and club leaders to connect in a relaxed environment.

“But they also serve an important purpose. These events open the door to vital conversations about safeguarding, giving everyone involved a chance to reflect on their role in keeping children safe in sport.”

Any clubs taking part in Team Huddles can share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #SafeinSport and help spread the word about the importance of safeguarding practices and celebrate the efforts being made at the grassroots level to protect young athletes.