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Pivac is Gatland’s successor

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THE current Scarlets boss will take over from Warren Gatland, who is scheduled to step down after the 2019 Rugby World Cup when he will have served more than 12 years at the helm.

Replacing the longest serving and most successful head coach in the history of the game in Wales has been a major priority for Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Martyn Phillips since Gatland confirmed his decision to move on at the end of his contract in December 2019.

Pivac’s appointment is the result of a two year process undertaken by Phillips and WRU chairman Gareth Davies, which has involved meticulous research and extensive consultation, and this announcement leaves a year-long gap ahead of his start date, by design.

The 55-year-old former Fiji and Auckland boss – and one-time coaching colleague to both Graham Henry and Steve Hansen – will remain at the 2017 Guinness Pro12 winning Scarlets for the entirety of the 2018/19 season and will only officially come under WRU employment in July 2019.

Gatland, of course, continues in exclusive charge of Wales up to and throughout the RWC, but arrangements for a smooth handover can now be planned in earnest, with the distraction of speculation entirely removed.

“In Wayne Pivac, we have secured the best man for the job and we have done so rigorously and decisively to the collective benefit of all involved in Welsh rugby,” said Phillips.

“I am extremely grateful to the Scarlets for their support of this process and their chairman, Nigel Short, in particular who has been first class throughout.

“Both Wayne and Warren and their coaching teams, our international players, supporters and everyone at the Scarlets now have clarity and there is no underestimating the positive benefit to be gained from having the time to plan properly for the future.

“We have avoided the feeding frenzy that can come at the end of a RWC year and we have been meticulous in ensuring we have someone of the talent, experience, charisma and rugby acumen to do the very best possible job for Welsh rugby. The handover process is something we will plan carefully and commence in detail next summer.

“And, for the Scarlets, what coach, whether they are in Wales or anywhere around the rugby playing world, would not relish the opportunity to join a team of such rich history and proven professionalism?

“I would like to think that given the heritage of the Scarlets, their culture, passionate supporters, their track record of success and the quality of their squad that the head coach position will be one of the most sought after in rugby.

“In the meantime, it is vitally important that there are no distractions for Warren, his backroom team and his players and it is equally necessary that Wayne is able to concentrate exclusively on the Scarlets’ progression throughout the season ahead.”

Pivac will be the 23rd man to lead Wales since David Nash was appointed head coach in 1967 – a WRU panel of selectors ran the international teams before that time.

“It’s both a huge honour and a privilege to have been asked to be the next Wales coach,” said Pivac, whose impressive coaching CV includes a hat-trick of NPC titles with Auckland, before being voted New Zealand coach of the year in 2003, an international stint with Fiji – where he won the Pacific Tri-Nations (’04) and the 2005 RWC Sevens – and lifting the Guinness Pro12 trophy with the Scarlets in 2017.

“I know I’m following in the footsteps of someone who is held in extremely high regard, not only by the Welsh public, but also by the players who have played under him and I will be doing my best to protect the legacy which Warren Gatland, with the help of those players, will inevitably leave behind.

“What Martyn Phillips has achieved here is fairly unique in world sport, I have a further 12 months to dedicate my time to the Scarlets and, in the background, the necessary plans and preparations can be put in place to ensure a smooth transition after the World Cup.

“To be able to complete the process this far in advance helps the Scarlets, helps Wales and affords me the luxury of time in which to prepare in earnest for one of the biggest jobs in the world game.

“I’ll do everything in my power to reward the two men alongside me here today (Gareth Davies and Martyn Phillips) who have put their faith in me, but also to live up to the expectations of the hugely passionate and knowledgeable rugby loving Welsh public.

“It will be an almighty challenge, but one that I’m more than ready for and one that I will relish.”

WRU chairman Gareth Davies said: “You only have to look at the way the Scarlets play and their recent achievements to get excited about the prospect of Wayne Pivac coaching Wales.

“We have undertaken a hugely thorough process to make this appointment, it has been more than two years in the making and we were both impressed by Wayne throughout and by the variety of his accomplishments during a lengthy career in coaching.

“Wayne will bring the holistic approach to the job we are looking for and will be immediately ready to pick up where Warren leaves off – he offers the complete package and we are delighted to have secured his services.”

The finer details of Pivac’s transition period to Wales, succession planning at the Scarlets and the make-up of his backroom staff, will begin to be ironed out post-Wayne’s Scarlets responsibilities, with no further announcements on any of these subjects to be expected before next summer.

Pivac’s full and immediate attention will return to the Scarlets and the season ahead, with the confirmation of his appointment as the next coach of Wales being accompanied by the full backing of his current employers.

“We see Wayne’s appointment as a major and significant endorsement of the successful environment we have fostered here at the Scarlets,” said the Scarlets General Manager of Rugby Jon Daniels.

“We have been involved with this process at every stage alongside the WRU and are particularly grateful to have a full season to now work on our own succession planning for Wayne’s departure.   Obviously we are sad to see him go, but we would not, for one second, have considered standing in his way when the country came calling and our focus is on ensuring his final season in charge sees him go out on a high as we continue to plan for the future.”

Gatland is also focussing on the here and now, but the man who has won two Grand Slams, reached a Rugby World Cup semi-final and will have led Wales on more than 120 occasions by the end of his third RWC campaign in 2019, is delighted with his countryman’s appointment.

“I would like to congratulate Wayne on the appointment and the honour of being named head coach,” added Gatland.

“Martyn and Gareth have been meticulous in their search and once they decided who the best man for the job was, they have signed him up, putting any speculation to rest.

“From a Wales squad perspective, that’s all we can ask for, we can now focus on the challenge ahead and continue to build for RWC 2019 without any distractions.

“The World Cup is a key focus and Wayne’s early appointment will help us keep that focus. Additionally I’m determined to ensure that Wayne is given the best possible opportunity to succeed in this job when he starts after the World Cup and I will do everything I can to help him.

“With the announcement now public we can plan properly and ensure smooth transition to benefit the future of Welsh rugby.”

Sport

Thrillers and dominant wins mark Week 9 in Pembrokeshire Cricket

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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

MatchResult
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)

PosTeamPlayedWonLostPoints
1Carew981161
2Cresselly981156
3Saundersfoot963138
4Neyland963131
5Herbrandston954117
6Lawrenny945104
7Burton93692
8Whitland93689
9Haverfordwest92773
10Llangwm90936

Division 2 Results

MatchResult
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)

PosTeamPlayedWonLostPoints
1Narberth981163
2St Ishmaels972147
3Pembroke963141
4Hook963135
5Cresselly II954113
6Llechryd945107
7Johnston945104
8Carew II93696
9Llanrhian91862
10Burton II91849

Division 3 Results

MatchResult
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)

PosTeamPlayedWonLostPoints
1Fishguard981148
2Pembroke Dock972147
3Hundleton963128
4Stackpole954120
5Lamphey954118
6Haverfordwest II944116
7Laugharne93593
8Kilgetty92670
9Hook II92660
10Neyland II91850

Division 4 Results

MatchResult
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 IINo game vs Carew III

Division 4 Table (Week 9)

PosTeamPlayedWonLostPoints
1Pembroke II981162
2Saundersfoot II980152
3St Ishmaels II954120
4Haverfordwest III843118
5Crymych953110
6Lawrenny II93589
7Carew III73375
8Llanrhian II81674
9Narberth II92772
10Llangwm II91869

Division 5 Results

MatchResult
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)

PosTeamPlayedWonLostPoints
1Llechryd II971153
2Herbrandston II972150
3Pembroke Dock II971145
4Haverfordwest IV93598
5Whitland II73391
6Hundleton II83474
7Cresselly III91769
8Neyland III80833

Division 6 Results

MatchResult
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 IIIMatch abandoned vs Lamphey II

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Sport

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

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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.

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Sport

Hundreds take the plunge at Fishguard Triathlon

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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.

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