Sport
Joyce set for second Olympic Games

JASMINE Joyce has been selected to go to her second Olympic Games, representing Team GB at rugby sevens.
She is one of three female players who finished fourth in Rio – Natasha Hunt and Abbie Brown were also part of the squad five years ago. Brown will co-captain the side along with former Glantaf pupil, England international Megan Jones.
WRU CEO Steve Phillips said, “Huge congratulations to Jasmine Joyce who will fly the flag for Welsh Rugby in Tokyo next month. It’s a huge achievement to be an Olympian once, let alone twice and Jasmine will no doubt do her family, friends and Welsh rugby proud on the world stage once again. She has our full support and we will be watching the Tokyo Stadium action very closely.”
For Jasmine, from St David’s in Pembrokeshire, it’s the culmination of five years of hard work.
“After the amazing experience of competing in Rio, returning to another games has been front and centre of everything I’ve done for the past five years and being named in the squad makes it all worthwhile. The Olympic Games is the ultimate achievement for any sportsperson and that dream became so much more achievable for me when rugby sevens became a Olympic sport.”
At 20, Jasmine was one of the youngest players in the Team GB squad in 2016 and hadn’t been capped for Wales at 15-a-side. Five years on and with 19 senior Wales caps, she is looking to draw on her experience to help the side to come back with some silverware.
“I was the new girl in Rio with little pressure on my shoulders. I’ve definitely got a different mindset this time around. People know my game more and there is more pressure on me to perform but I’m happy with that. We were disappointed not to medal last time around and are definitely going for gold next month.”
Jasmine paid tribute to fellow Wales international and GB Sevens training squad member Hannah Jones who missed out on selection.
“Hannah is my best friend so it was great to train together in GB camp. She has put so much hard work into everything she has done in recent years too, as have all the players in the training squad and the fact she’s missed out shows the level of competition throughout the squad is insane.
“I’ve had so much support from my family, friends and coaches throughout my career. The fact that they won’t be able to travel to Japan is disappointing but I know that we will feel everyone’s support via social media over the next few weeks and that makes a huge difference.”
The women’s rugby sevens tournament takes place from July 29-31.
Team GB women’s squad:
Holly Aitchison
Abbie Brown
Abi Burton
Deborah Fleming
Natasha Hunt
Megan Jones
Jazmine Joyce
Alex Matthews
Helena Rowland
Hannah Smith
Celia Quansah
Emma Uren
Women’s reserve: Lisa Thomson
Community
Travel advice issued for Pembrokeshire’s Long Course Weekend

Motorists and bus passengers across south Pembrokeshire are being advised to prepare for a series of road closures and transport changes as the Long Course Weekend returns to the region this weekend.
The popular endurance event, which draws thousands of athletes and spectators each year, will bring temporary disruptions to routes in and around Tenby on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th June as competitors take part in the Wales Sportive and Wales Marathon.
Saturday 28th June – Wales Sportive
On Saturday, the Wales Sportive cycle event will see several roads in the wider Tenby area closed or converted to one-way systems to ensure participant safety. While the A40, A477, and the A478 Narberth to Kilgetty routes remain unaffected and fully open, other roads will be subject to closures and diversions throughout the day.

Sunday 29th June – Wales Marathon
Further closures will be in place on Sunday during the Wales Marathon, affecting routes between Tenby and Pembroke. These will operate on a rolling basis between 9.30am and 4pm, with the aim of minimising disruption while maintaining safety for runners and spectators.

Up-to-date information on all road closures can be found on the event’s official website:
https://community.lcwwales.com/road-closures

Special arrangements for carers and emergency access
Care professionals requiring access to clients in affected areas can obtain vehicle passes through their care organisation managers. More details are available at:
https://community.lcwwales.com/road…/carers-information
In case of emergencies during the event, organisers can be contacted directly on 01437 765777.
Public transport disruptions
Local bus services will also be impacted by the weekend’s events, with changes in place on both Saturday and Sunday.
Friday 27th June
- All services will operate as normal.
Saturday 28th June
- 351 (Tenby-Kilgetty-Amroth-Pendine) – No service
- 381 (Haverfordwest-Narberth-Kilgetty-Saundersfoot-Tenby) – No service
- Tenby Coaster (Tenby-Saundersfoot) – No service
- 349 (Haverfordwest-Neyland-Pembroke Dock-Pembroke-Tenby) – Will not serve Pembroke to Tenby until after 1pm
- 356 (Milford Haven-Neyland-Pembroke Dock-Pembroke-Monkton) – No service to Pembroke Commons or Monkton until after 1pm
- 387/388 (Coastal Cruiser) – Service will not operate until after 11am
Sunday 29th June
- 387/388 (Coastal Cruiser) – No service
- Tenby Coaster (Tenby-Saundersfoot) – Will operate via the A4218 (Broadwell Hayes) instead of Marsh Road and Heywood Lane
Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and allow extra time for travel where necessary.
News
Tenby station rebranded as ‘Home of Long Course Weekend’ in sustainable travel push

Sporting event teams up with Transport for Wales to promote greener travel and boost local economy
TENBY Railway Station has been officially rebranded as The Home of Long Course Weekend in a new partnership between Transport for Wales (TfW) and the internationally renowned endurance festival.
The move is part of Long Course Weekend’s wider Sustainability Strategy, aimed at encouraging athletes, families and spectators to travel to Tenby by train—not only for the event itself but also for training breaks and year-round holidays in one of the UK’s most picturesque regions.
Launched in Tenby in 2010, Long Course Weekend has grown into a global phenomenon with editions in New Zealand, Australia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Mallorca and Yorkshire. Despite its international expansion, the event’s roots remain firmly in Wales, drawing over 50,000 visitors to Pembrokeshire each year and generating more than 160,000 bed nights annually—contributing millions to the local economy.

Now in its 15th year, the event is reaffirming its local commitment by transforming Tenby’s railway station into a branded celebration of sport, sustainability and community pride. The initiative comes as Transport for Wales increases services to the coastal town for the summer season.
Matthew Evans, founder of Long Course Weekend, said: “It’s incredible to see how far LCW has come, but Tenby is—and always will be—our first home. Partnering with TfW helps us open the door to a more sustainable future, inviting athletes, families and visitors to arrive in style while reducing their environmental impact. The increased train services this summer are fantastic for Tenby and for Pembrokeshire’s ambition to be a global leader in sustainable tourism.”
Victoria Leyshon, Partnership Marketing Manager at Transport for Wales, added:
“We’re thrilled to work with LCW to celebrate what makes Wales special—from world-class sporting events to stunning destinations like Tenby. By encouraging rail travel, we’re supporting a cleaner, greener Wales and welcoming thousands to an iconic coastal location.”
Tenby Mayor David Morgan welcomed the initiative, saying: “It’s great to see the strides made by Long Course Weekend and Transport for Wales—from the new station branding to the real improvements in local transport. Most importantly, the increased train services over the summer will benefit both visitors and the people who live here. We’re looking forward to another brilliant event.”
Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall added: “We are delighted to see LCW and TfW promoting sustainable travel for athletes year-round. It’s exactly the kind of forward-thinking partnership we should be celebrating.”
More than a station makeover, the project represents a gateway to Wales and a call to explore its landscapes—anchored in community, sport and sustainability.
Sport
Welsh Star Jack Wilson Ready to Inspire at British & Irish

Para Badminton International in Cardiff this Summer
WITH one month to go until the British & Irish Para Badminton International in Cardiff, Welsh athlete Jack Wilson is preparing to take centre stage – not just to win, but to inspire.
Jack Wilson (age 30) from Wrexham, who competes in the SU5 category for athletes with upper limb impairments, has become a powerful voice in para sport. He is currently the only Welsh athlete on the GB para-badminton programme, and he will be one of seven GB athletes taking part in the British & Irish Para Badminton International in Cardiff this July.
Wilson, who also studied and lived in Cardiff, has Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games in his sight. He also hopes his journey to being a world class para-badminton player will show others what’s possible. He was one of the first Welsh para-athletes to break into able-bodied national tournaments, challenging perceptions and proving that disability doesn’t limit ambition.
“I grew up in a small village just outside Wrexham and didn’t really see anyone who looked like me doing sport,” Wilson says. “But I never saw myself as different—just someone who loved to play. Sport gave me confidence, and badminton gave me purpose. People often think para sport is just a version of something else, but we train just as hard, compete just as fiercely, and dream just as big. Being able to do that in front of a home crowd in Cardiff? That will be special.”
The British & Irish Para Badminton International, taking place from 22–26 July at the Sport Wales National Centre, is the biggest para badminton event ever held in Wales. It will bring together elite players from across the world as part of the official BWF Para Badminton World Circuit.
The event is made possible with the support of UK Sport and the Welsh Government, reinforcing Wales’ growing reputation as a hub for high-performance sport. Their backing along with Sport Wales, Disability Sport Wales and Yonex, will ensure the tournament will provide world-class facilities and opportunities for para-athletes while inspiring the next generation of players in Wales and beyond.
Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: “The Welsh Government is delighted to support the British and Irish Para Badminton International, and to welcome world-class athletes to Wales. We are fully committed to ensuring that Wales has sporting opportunities for everyone, and we know that the event will inspire people from across Wales and the world.”
Wilson hopes the event will give greater visibility to the sport and increase participation in para badminton across the UK: “If there’s one person watching in the crowd or online who thinks, ‘Hey, maybe I can try this,’ then it’s all worth it. Para badminton changed my life. I want more people to know it’s out there. You just have to take that first step. And if I can help someone take it—then I’m doing my job.”
Wilson is calling on the public to show up, support, and get involved. Whether it’s watching world-class matches, volunteering at the event, or picking up a racket for the first time.
Tickets for the event cost between £1.00 and £5.00. Volunteers are also welcomed. For more information visit the Badminton Wales website: https://badminton.wales/british-irish-para-badminton-international-2025/
To find your local badminton club, and for more information visit Get Involved on the Badminton Wales website: https://badminton.wales/get-involved/
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