THE VALLEY Greyhound Stadium in Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly, the last remaining greyhound racing track in Wales, faces an uncertain future following the Welsh Government’s proposal to outlaw the sport.

Greyhound racing has been a part of Welsh sporting history for nearly a century, with the first races taking place on April 7, 1928. At its peak, the sport drew tens of thousands of spectators, with the Welsh White City Stadium in Cardiff once attracting crowds of 25,000. The Valley Greyhound Stadium itself opened in 1976 and has undergone significant renovations over the years, including the addition of an indoor lounge and licensed bar in 2011. The stadium was granted a licence by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) in August 2023, ensuring compliance with modern animal welfare and racing standards.

Welsh Government pushes for ban

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies announced on February 18, 2025, that the government intends to implement a ban on greyhound racing “as soon as practically possible.” He stated: “I believe that now is the right time to move to ban greyhound racing in Wales. We are proud to be the first nation in the UK to do this.”

The proposed ban follows increasing pressure from animal welfare groups and a government consultation that received 35,000 signatures supporting the end of the sport. Welfare concerns, including the risks of injury and post-racing care for retired dogs, have been key drivers behind the move.

Divided opinions on the proposal

The announcement has sparked widespread debate. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed the decision, arguing that it aligns with evidence-based policy on animal welfare. BVA President Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux commented: “It is crucial that all animals in sporting activities are protected under the highest welfare standards.”

However, industry representatives and racing enthusiasts argue that the decision is not grounded in sufficient evidence. The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) has strongly opposed the move, with Chairman Jeremy Cooper stating: “This decision has been heavily influenced by animal rights activists. Our industry has made significant strides in ensuring the welfare of greyhounds.”

Essex businessman Dave Barclay, who has owned the Valley Greyhound Stadium since November 2021, is understood to be seeking legal advice in light of the government’s plans.

Impact on local economy and sport

If the ban is enacted, Wales would become the first UK nation to outlaw greyhound racing, leaving only 18 tracks operational in the rest of the country following the closure of Crayford Stadium in January. The closure of the Valley Greyhound Stadium is expected to result in the loss of approximately 30 jobs and leave a void in the local sporting community.

Former England and British and Irish Lions rugby player Mike Burton, now a greyhound trainer, expressed disappointment: “I come to Wales because they are good people, they are all grafters and love the sport. This is a huge loss.”

Uncertain future for greyhound racing in Wales

Despite the outcry from the industry, the Welsh Government remains committed to phasing out the sport. The exact timeline for implementation is unclear, but with the next Senedd election set for May 2026, the ban could be in place before then.

As the debate continues, stakeholders on both sides await further details on the government’s plan, including support measures for affected workers and provisions for the welfare of retired racing greyhounds. For now, the final bend looms for Wales’ last greyhound track, and its future remains uncertain.

Wales 14-68 England

Youngster Henry Pollock shines with two debut tries in Cardiff drubbing

ENGLAND delivered their most dominant performance of the Six Nations with a record-breaking 10-try demolition of Wales, securing a crushing 68-14 victory at the Principality Stadium. Cardiff had never witnessed a heavier Welsh defeat in the championship, as Steve Borthwick’s side dismantled their hosts with ruthless efficiency. The 20-year-old Northampton flanker Henry Pollock capped his debut with two eye-catching tries, as England signed off their campaign in emphatic fashion.

Any pre-match hopes of a close contest were quickly extinguished as England ran riot, storming to a 33-7 half-time lead. It was a masterclass in attacking precision, with glimpses of promise seen in recent games finally coalescing into England’s most assured and clinical display of the season.

Despite the thumping win, France’s victory elsewhere meant England’s title aspirations were extinguished. Nevertheless, the visitors’ fluid interplay, ferocious back-row dominance, and the commanding presence of fly-half Fin Smith were enough to underline their rapid progress since a frustrating autumn campaign.

The contrast in mood from the pre-match atmosphere to the final whistle was stark. The Welsh faithful had roared their side on with the usual fervour, but as England’s relentless onslaught continued, the noise in the stands faded to a hush. The defeat confirmed Wales’ 17th consecutive international loss and a second successive Six Nations wooden spoon, marking another low in a bruising period for Welsh rugby.

From the outset, England imposed themselves. Smith’s early penalty to the corner set the tone, and within minutes Maro Itoje powered over from close range for the opening try. The visitors doubled their lead when Fin Smith’s pinpoint looping pass found Tom Roebuck, who marked his first Test start with a clinical finish in the corner.

Wales thought they had responded when Blair Murray burst clear after a ricocheted high ball, but referee Nic Berry ruled out the try due to an offside infringement. The disallowed effort only compounded Welsh woes, as England quickly extended their lead.

Pollock made an instant impact on his debut, breaking through to claim his first Test try, before Will Stuart, celebrating his 50th cap, muscled over for England’s fifth before half-time.

Despite a brief Welsh resurgence – Ben Thomas crossing for a well-worked try – England continued their dominance. Tommy Freeman’s try ensured he became only the second player in Six Nations history to score in all five rounds of a single championship.

The visitors showed no mercy in the second half, with Alex Mitchell winning a kick-chase to touch down before Pollock grabbed his second. Replacement prop Joe Heyes added his name to the scoresheet, and Cunningham-South powered over to bring up England’s tenth try.

Pollock’s brace will be a moment he remembers for life, as England recorded their most emphatic win in Cardiff in the history of this fixture. While the title may have eluded them, Borthwick’s men leave the tournament as a resurgent force, with the signs pointing to even greater things ahead.

TODAY the Six Nations reaches its climax – it’s Super Saturday, Wales and England prepare for a clash in Cardiff that could have significant implications—both for England’s title hopes and for Wales’ battle to avoid the Wooden Spoon.

Match Details

• Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
• Date: Saturday, 15 March
• Kick-off: 16:45 GMT
• Coverage: Watch live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer; listen live on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru & BBC Sounds; text commentary and highlights on BBC Sport website and app.

England’s Title Aspirations

Steve Borthwick’s men remain in contention for their first Six Nations title since 2020, but their fate is not entirely in their own hands. Victory over Wales is essential, but they must also rely on Scotland to upset France in Paris—a scenario that, given Les Bleus’ dominance against Ireland, seems a tall order. Still, even if the title eludes them, England will be keen to finish strongly and avoid a slip-up against a struggling Welsh side.

England have faced criticism for their performances in the tournament, yet they have managed to put themselves in a position to challenge for silverware. Their forward dominance and defensive resilience have been key, but question marks remain over their attacking game. A convincing win in Cardiff would not only bolster their standings but also send a message ahead of future international campaigns.

Wales’ Fight to Avoid the Wooden Spoon

Wales find themselves in an unfamiliar and uncomfortable position. A 16-Test losing streak, including defeats to Ireland and Scotland in this tournament, has left them rooted to the bottom of the table. While performances have improved under interim attack coach Matt Sherratt, Wales have yet to turn competitiveness into results.

There have been glimpses of promise, particularly in the fightback against Scotland, where Wales came close to pulling off an unlikely comeback. However, their inability to sustain pressure for the full 80 minutes remains a concern. A victory over England would be a morale-boosting triumph and a statement that Welsh rugby is on the path to recovery.

Team News

Wales: Sherratt has made two changes, with Joe Roberts making his professional debut on the wing in place of the injured Tom Rogers, while Aaron Wainwright replaces Tommy Reffell in the back row.

• Starting XV: Murray; Roberts, Llewellyn, B Thomas, Mee; Anscombe, T Williams; N Smith, Dee, John; Rowlands, Jenkins; Wainwright, Morgan (capt), Faletau.
• Replacements: D Lake, G Thomas, K Assiratti, T Williams, Reffell, R Williams, J Evans, Tompkins.

England: Borthwick has made multiple changes, including Marcus Smith’s return at full-back and Tommy Freeman’s shift to centre. Ben Curry starts in the back row, and Luke Cowan-Dickie takes over at hooker.

• Starting XV: Smith; Roebuck, Freeman, Dingwall, Daly; F Smith, Mitchell; Genge, Cowan-Dickie, Stuart; Itoje (capt), Chessum; T Curry, B Curry, Earl.
• Replacements: George, Baxter, Heyes, Cunningham-South, Pollock, Willis, Van Poortvliet, Ford.

Where the Game Will Be Won

England’s defensive structure will be tested by Wales’ improved attacking shape, with the hosts looking to move the ball quickly and expose weaknesses. The selection of Tommy Freeman at outside centre for England is a bold call, and Wales will likely target him defensively.

The visitors’ back row—featuring Ben Earl and the Curry twins—will be instrumental in slowing Welsh ball at the breakdown. Meanwhile, England’s set-piece superiority could give them a crucial platform, particularly at scrum time, where Wales have struggled.

For Wales, the return of Taulupe Faletau and the inclusion of Aaron Wainwright in the back row could provide the dynamism needed to challenge England’s forwards. However, they must find a way to generate front-foot ball, as their lack of dominant ball carriers has hindered their ability to break down defences.

Key Battles to Watch

One of the standout head-to-head contests will be between number eights Faletau and Earl. Faletau reminded everyone of his class against Scotland, and his ability to carry, tackle, and influence the breakdown will be crucial for Wales. Earl, meanwhile, has been one of England’s most consistent performers over the past two years, and another standout display could cement his place in the British and Irish Lions conversation.

Elsewhere, the duel between Wales’ Gareth Anscombe and England’s George Ford at fly-half will be pivotal in dictating the tempo. Both are experienced playmakers capable of controlling a game with their kicking and tactical awareness. The aerial battle will also be a major factor, with England likely to test Wales’ back three under the high ball.

Match Facts

• England have won nine of the last 11 Six Nations meetings between these sides, including the last three in a row.
• Wales have lost 10 straight matches in the Six Nations.
• Saturday marks 525 days since Wales’ last victory, against Georgia at the Rugby World Cup in October 2023.
• England have the highest dominant carry (39%), tackle evasion (27%), and gainline success (65%) rates in this Six Nations.
• Maro Itoje is just two turnovers away from surpassing Brian O’Driscoll’s all-time Six Nations record of 53 turnovers won.
• Tommy Freeman could become only the second player after France’s Philippe Bernat-Salles (2001) to score in all five rounds of a single Six Nations.

Prediction

Despite Wales’ improvements, England’s superior set-piece, defensive organisation, and breakdown work give them the edge. While the Principality Stadium crowd will be in full voice, Borthwick’s side should have enough to secure victory—though it may not be the free-flowing performance England fans crave.

Final score prediction: England by 10.