Sport
Wales to face Springboks in US capital
WALES will face South Africa in Washington DC to kick off their 2018 summer tour it has been announced.
Warren Gatland’s side will face the Springboks in the US capital on the evening of Saturday, June 2, with the fixture taking place at Washington’s RFK Stadium.
First Minister of Wales, Rt. Hon. Carwyn Jones AM, and the South African Ambassador to the United States, Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu made the announcement on Monday (Feb 26) which will see the first contest between top-tier national teams to be held in the capital.
USA Rugby’s commercial arm, Rugby International Marketing (RIM), is promoting the match and tickets will go on sale from Tuesday, March 13.
Welsh Rugby Union Group CEO, Martyn Phillips said: “This is an exciting fixture for the WRU and for the national squad. It enables us to add a third fixture into the squad’s schedule as they continue with their preparations for the 2019 RWC and for the Union it is a great opportunity to showcase Wales and our game in the capital of the United States.
“The opportunity to expand the already great Welsh support base and Welsh brand is very exciting for us as especially in such a large demographic and audience as the U.S.
“We have long standing links with the U.S. with our partner Under Armour and it is great we are able to stage a match just down the road from their main facility in Baltimore.”
“We would like to thank RIM for staging and promoting the fixture and we are looking forward to kicking off the summer tour in Washington D.C”
First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones said: “It was fantastic to be with the South African Ambassador to the US, Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu, to announce this exciting fixture between our two great countries.
“Wales and the Springboks have a huge global fan base and I am confident this clash of titans at Washington’s world famous RFK stadium will help raise the profile of rugby in America. I, for one, can’t wait until June 2.”
RIM CEO David Sternberg said: “We are very pleased to be hosting this signature event in the nation’s capital in June. Not only are we bringing two established rugby nations together for an amazing match, we are also activating a large and passionate regional rugby community and accelerating the growth of the sport’s popularity in America as we head into the Rugby World Cup Sevens in July.”
It will be Wales’ fifth test on U.S soil, the previous four outings all against the USA and Gatland is pleased to have added to the summer tour schedule. “We are really pleased to add a third fixture to our summer tour schedule and we hope it will be another great test match between ourselves and the Springboks,” said the Wales head coach.
“This summer is a vital period for us as we continue the countdown to the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and another fixture helps us along the way in our preparation and enables us to test ourselves further. It will be a great way to start the summer tour before we head further south to Argentina later in the month.”
The fixture will be the first of three summer tour tests in the Americas. Following the game against the Springboks the squad will travel south to Argentina for two tests against the Pumas. Those fixtures, as previously announced, will take place in San Juan (Saturday June 9) and Santa Fe (Saturday June 16).
Wales Summer Tour Fixtures 2018:
WALES v SOUTH AFRICA, RFK Stadium, Washington DC, Saturday, June 2
ARGENTINA v WALES (1st Test) Estadio San Juan Del Bicentenario, San Juan, Saturday, June 9
ARGENTINA v WALES (2nd Test) Estadio Brigadier Lopez, Santa Fe, Saturday, June 16
Sport
Young Crymych players step up to senior stage
Five youth team players earn praise after impressing at championship level
CRYMYCH RUGBY CLUB has hailed the contribution of five of its youth players after they stepped up to feature in a senior side at championship level.
The young players, who remain part of the club’s youth setup, were given the opportunity to test themselves in a higher-level fixture, and impressed coaches and supporters alike with their attitude and commitment on the field.
Club representatives said it was “fantastic to see” the dedication shown by the youngsters, who rose to the occasion in what was described as a special experience for both the players and the club.
The match provided a valuable opportunity for development, allowing the next generation of Crymych players to gain experience in a more competitive environment while contributing to the senior squad.
The rugby club said the move reflects its long-term focus on nurturing homegrown talent and creating a clear pathway from youth rugby into the senior game.
Officials added that the future of the club looks bright, with the performance of the young “Teirw” – or Bulls – offering reassurance that the next generation is ready to carry the club forward.
The club congratulated the players on their achievement and said it hopes to see more youth players progressing through the ranks in the coming seasons.
Sport
Tenby youngsters book places in West Wales cup finals
Under 13s and under 14s progress after District H finals day success
TENBY UNITED RFC’s junior sides enjoyed a memorable District H finals day, with two age groups securing victories and places in the West Wales cup finals.
The club’s under 13s lifted silverware after beating Crymych 32-17, while the under 14s edged a thrilling contest against Neyland, winning 18-17.
Tenby’s under 12s were also involved in a close match, narrowly losing 31-28 to Haverfordwest.
The under 13s and under 14s will now go on to represent the club at the West Wales cup finals at Parc y Scarlets on May 24.
Tenby United RFC congratulated the young Swifts on their achievements, saying: “Well done Swifts.”
Caption:
Winners: Tenby United RFC’s under 14s celebrate their District H final victory.
Sport
Carew set early pace as rain disrupts Pembrokeshire cricket programme
RAIN played a major part in Week 2 of the Nicholas Insurance Thomas Carroll Pembroke County Cricket League, with several Division 1 fixtures abandoned after strong first-innings performances.
Carew made the biggest statement in the top flight, cruising to a ten-wicket win over St Ishmaels to move clear at the top of the table.
St Ishmaels were bowled out for 110, with Tim Hicks (3-18), Shaun Whitfield (3-14) and Logan Hall (2-27) doing the damage. Carew then eased to 111-0, Hicks completing an outstanding all-round display with 55 not out, alongside Morgan Grieve’s unbeaten 54.

Elsewhere, Narberth piled up 301-7 before rain intervened against Herbrandston, Jamie McCormack hitting a superb 104. Lawrenny (297-7) and Burton (203-7) also posted big totals before the weather had the final say.
Division 1 results
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Cresselly 30-2 v Burton 203-7 | Match abandoned |
| Narberth 301-7 v Herbrandston 51-0 | Match abandoned |
| Whitland 10-0 v Lawrenny 297-7 | Match abandoned |
| Saundersfoot 205-7 v Neyland | Match abandoned |
| Carew 111-0 v St Ishmaels 110 all out | Carew won by 10 wickets |
Division 1 table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | L | Ab | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carew | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 36 |
| 2 | Saundersfoot | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 27 |
| 3 | Herbrandston | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 25 |
| 4 | Neyland | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 25 |
| 5 | Narberth | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 20 |
| 6 | St Ishmaels | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 15 |
| 7 | Burton | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 14 |
| 8 | Whitland | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 14 |
| 9 | Cresselly | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 11 |
| 10 | Lawrenny | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 11 |
Johnston lead strong Division 2 pack
Johnston sit top after a dominant 135-run win over Llangwm, powered by Lewis Boswell’s 99 and Steve Mills’ 62.
Hook maintained their perfect start, edging Haverfordwest by four wickets, while Cresselly II brushed aside Llechryd by nine wickets after bowling them out for just 41.
Division 2 results
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Llechryd 41 all out v Cresselly II 44-1 | Cresselly II won by 9 wickets |
| Llanrhian 155-5 v Fishguard 154-7 | Llanrhian won by 5 wickets |
| Hook 143-6 v Haverfordwest 142-9 | Hook won by 4 wickets |
| Llangwm 106 all out v Johnston 241-6 | Johnston won by 135 runs |
| Pembroke Dock 152-2 v Pembroke 168-8 | Match abandoned |
Division 2 table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | L | Ab | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johnston | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 40 |
| 2 | Hook | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 37 |
| 3 | Cresselly II | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 36 |
| 4 | Pembroke | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 28 |
| 5 | Haverfordwest | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 24 |
| 6 | Pembroke Dock | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 23 |
| 7 | Llanrhian | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 22 |
| 8 | Fishguard | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 16 |
| 9 | Llangwm | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 13 |
| 10 | Llechryd | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
Kilgetty and Carew II lead Division 3 race
Kilgetty and Carew II are locked together at the top after two wins from two.
Lamphey produced one of the standout performances of the week, hammering Burton II by 155 runs, while Laugharne continued their unbeaten start.
Division 3 table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | L | Ab | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kilgetty | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 38 |
| 2 | Carew II | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 38 |
| 3 | Laugharne | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 37 |
| 4 | Lamphey | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 28 |
| 5 | Saundersfoot II | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 26 |
| 6 | Hundleton | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 24 |
| 7 | Haverfordwest II | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 14 |
| 8 | Stackpole | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 14 |
| 9 | Pembroke II | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 13 |
| 10 | Burton II | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 12 |
Narberth II lead Division 4
Narberth II sit top after a five-wicket win over Neyland II, thanks to Jordan Howell’s unbeaten 88.
Hook II edged a thriller by one wicket, while Haverfordwest III also maintained a perfect start.
Division 4 table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | L | Ab | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Narberth II | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 39 |
| 2 | Hook II | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 36 |
| 3 | Haverfordwest III | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 36 |
| 4 | Lawrenny II | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 35 |
| 5 | Crymych | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 29 |
| 6 | Llechryd II | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 28 |
| 7 | Neyland II | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 15 |
| 8 | St Ishmaels II | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 15 |
| 9 | Herbrandston II | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 13 |
| 10 | Carew III | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 11 |
Rowlands ton headlines Division 5
Tom Rowlands’ superb 108 guided Cresselly III to victory, while Llanrhian II remain joint top after a crushing win featuring Rick Walton’s remarkable 8-13.
Division 5 table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | L | Ab | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Llanrhian II | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 40 |
| 2 | Cresselly III | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 40 |
| 3 | Whitland II | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 25 |
| 4 | Llangwm II | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
| 5 | Pembroke III | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 14 |
| 6 | Llechryd III | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 11 |
| 7 | Pembroke Dock II | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 11 |
| 8 | Hundleton II | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 |
Lamphey II top Division 6
Lamphey II lead the way after edging a tight contest against Haverfordwest IV, while Whitland III produced a dominant win over Neyland III.
Division 6 table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | L | Ab | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lamphey II | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 36 |
| 2 | Haverfordwest IV | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 27 |
| 3 | Whitland III | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 25 |
| 4 | Laugharne II | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| 5 | H’West/Cresselly | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 17 |
| 6 | Neyland III | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 15 |
| 7 | Kilgetty II | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 8 |
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