Sport
Wales suffer Nations League relegation after defeat to Poland
WALES were relegated from Group A of the Nations League on Sunday night (Sept 25) as they were beaten 1-0 by Poland.
They needed a win to stay in the top tier but, despite plenty of chances, they were unable to recover after going behind midway through the second half.
Gareth Bale started for Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium, after only being used a sub in the defeat to Belgium.
There was an early error from Wayne Hennessey as he recieved the ball but almost let it roll over the line before kicking the ball away.
With just over half an hour gone, Dan James ran towards goal and he could have passed to Brennan Johnson but chose to shoot instead and saw his shot saved. James then got the ball back but his cross was blocked by Szczesny and was cleared.
Shortly before the break there was another chance for Johnson but after he brought the ball down well, he saw his shot deflect wide off Dan James.
The whistle went for half time with the score at 0-0 and Wales knew they would need to come out well at the start of the second half to give themselves a chance of staying in Group A.
Neither side was able to create any real chances at the start of the second period. There were a couple of half chances from free kicks but they came to nothing.
There was a shout for foul on Dan James as he appeared to be elbowed off the ball by the edge of the box but the referee gave a goal kick to Poland.
On 57 minutes though it was the Poles who took the lead. The ball was played to Robert Lewandowski on the edge of the box and his exquisite flick fell into the path of Swiderski who shot under the legs of Hennessey and into the net.
Kieffer Moore was brought on in the aftermath of the goal to give Wales more options up front.
Two minutes later there was a chance for Wales as Brennan Johnson cut inside from the right but his shot was tipped wide the Polish keeper.
With thirteen minutes to go, Dan James sent a cross into the box and it bounced in front of Szczesny forcing him to push the ball wide for a corner.
Sub Ruben Colwill looked to make an impact but his cross was too close to the Polish keeper.
Moore and Colwill both saw shots blocked as five minutes of added time were shown.
Sorba Thomas then sent a cross into the box but Gareth Bale’s powerful header smacked the bar.
In the sixth minute of time added on Wales had a free kick on the edge of the box. Bale whipped it in but no one could get on the end of it and that was the last chance for Wales.
Despite the loss, Wales will still be looking forward to the World Cup, with their first game coming against the USA on November 21.
Sport
This weekend’s Division 4 West rugby roundup
THE latest fixtures in Division 4 West delivered intense clashes, narrow escapes, and exhilarating victories as teams showcased their determination and skill. Here’s a breakdown of the matches and standout moments.
Dreigiau Emlyn 7-10 St Davids
St Davids claimed a narrow 10-7 win over Dreigiau Emlyn in a hard-fought match. Celt Davies put Dreigiau Emlyn on the scoreboard with a try, converted by Llew Morgan. St Davids responded with tries from Ethan Griffiths and Dan Murphy, with Bob Froy converting one. Despite Dreigiau Emlyn’s strong defensive stand, St Davids held on for a slim victory.
Llangwm 23-21 Pembroke Dock
In a thrilling contest, Llangwm edged out Pembroke Dock by just two points, finishing 23-21. George James led Llangwm’s scoring with a try, two conversions, and three penalties. Gethin Thomas added a try, pushing Llangwm into a narrow lead. Pembroke Dock fought back with tries from Harry Owen, Danny Wilkes, and Morgan Rogers, all converted by Ben Hathaway. However, Llangwm’s precise penalty kicks clinched the close contest.
Llanybydder 24-31 Pembroke
Pembroke emerged victorious in a high-scoring 31-24 match against Llanybydder. Llanybydder displayed resilience with tries from Arwel Williams, Matthew Rollings, Ifan Mason-Evans, and Griff Morgans, two of which were converted by Rollings. Pembroke’s offense proved too strong, with tries from Robin Badham, Jack Oliver, Fraser James, Dai Rogers, and Toby Edwards, alongside three conversions by Josh Greenwood. Pembroke’s offensive depth secured the win in this lively encounter.
Neyland 20-23 Narberth Athletic
Narberth Athletic pulled off a close 23-20 victory over Neyland, with Shane Rossiter at the heart of the action, scoring all of Narberth’s points through three tries, two penalties, and a conversion. Neyland responded admirably, with tries from Luke Griffiths-Dawes (2) and Josh Watts, while Oli Rothero added a conversion and a penalty. Rossiter’s consistent performance under pressure proved decisive, securing Narberth Athletic’s hard-earned win.
Sport
WRU to apologise over contract dispute but denies sexism claims
THE WELSH RUGBY UNION has announced it will apologise for its handling of contract negotiations with the senior women’s team but refutes recent allegations of sexism.
WRU Chair Richard Collier-Keywood and Chief Executive Abi Tierney acknowledged significant failings in the process, admitting that it is “absolutely clear” the governing body owes an apology to the players.
The BBC reported this week that a leaked email showed players were threatened with exclusion from both WXV2 and next year’s World Cup as talks deteriorated. On August 2, players were given a “final offer” ultimatum with a strict three-hour deadline. If they didn’t sign, matches against New Zealand, Scotland, and Australia were set to be cancelled, and contracts withdrawn.
This episode surfaces amid recent claims of sexism and inequality, less than a year after an independent review condemned the WRU’s internal culture following a BBC Wales investigation.
“This is not a good day for us; we totally accept that. We should have done better and didn’t, but we’ve learned our lessons and will keep trying to improve,” said Collier-Keywood.
The WRU is expected to publish recommendations from a review of the negotiation process later this month, which has been fast-tracked following a Telegraph report on Thursday.
Key findings of the report
The WRU has disclosed early findings, which include:
- A failure to recognise the growth and change in the women’s professional game.
- An error in issuing the three-hour signing deadline.
- Strong differences on how to develop women’s rugby in Wales.
- Players were inexperienced in negotiations and left isolated.
- Players considered striking before a match against Scotland on September 6.
- Poor communication and lack of transparency escalated tensions, worsened by inappropriate behaviour at various stages.
The report states that sexism was not a factor behind the failings.
“There are sweeping criticisms in the report along with clear recommendations for change,” Collier-Keywood said, emphasizing the need for an apology and further engagement with the national team.
‘Sexism not apparent’
Independent board members Alison Thorne and Claire Donovan, who conducted the review, stated that while inappropriate behaviour was noted, sexism was not evident.
“After more than 50 hours of discussions with everyone involved, I did not sense that sexism was part of the issue,” said Donovan. Reflecting on her own 15-year rugby career, she acknowledged the past prevalence of sexism but said the grievances in this case appeared to stem from “a lack of respect and understanding of power dynamics.”
The WRU has also committed an additional £6 million toward women’s and girls’ rugby over the next five years, raising the total investment to £26 million.
Accusations of ‘blackmail’
Despite the WRU awarding 37 full-time contracts, Jess Kavanagh, a former Wales wing, criticised the WRU, suggesting the contract process bordered on “blackmail.” She questioned if the WRU had genuinely learned from past mistakes.
“We’ve heard apologies for years about various issues in the WRU, but apologies mean nothing until we see real change,” Kavanagh said. “Being forced to sign a contract under threat – that’s blackmail. In 2024, that should not happen in any workplace.”
Performance impact
Wales’ performance has suffered during the dispute, with the team finishing at the bottom of the 2024 Women’s Six Nations, managing only one win against Italy. Collier-Keywood acknowledged that the tension surrounding contracts may have contributed to the poor performance.
“There was unnecessary stress, which I believe affected performance. People were distracted, and that’s on us,” he stated.
The contracts were eventually signed just before Wales traveled to South Africa for WXV2 in September, although they lost their opening two matches.
The Welsh government, previously critical of the WRU over a misogyny scandal last year, expressed concern over these latest issues, calling for an urgent meeting with the WRU.
A spokesperson added: “We expect our national sporting bodies to lead by example.”
Sport
Swansea sign free-agent defender Cyrus Christie
SWANSEA CITY have bolstered their defence with the signing of 32-year-old Cyrus Christie on a contract until the end of the season.
The former Hull City defender, who has been a free agent since his departure at the close of last season, has been training with Swansea since early October. Head coach Luke Williams views Christie as a versatile addition, capable of covering any position across the backline.
Christie returns to Swansea for a second stint, having previously impressed during a loan spell in the second half of the 2021-22 season. During that period, he made 23 appearances and scored three goals after joining from Fulham. While former Swansea boss Russell Martin had shown interest in making Christie’s move permanent, the Republic of Ireland international ultimately opted to sign with Hull City.
“He is experienced at this level, a powerful athlete who can both defend and attack, so I am really happy,” Williams commented. “We lack some Championship experience, and Christie provides a physical presence that’s especially valuable in the absence of players like Ben Cabango and Harry Darling.”
-
Crime5 days ago
Pembrokeshire man charged with sexual penetration of seven-week old baby
-
Crime6 days ago
Dock man collapses when sentenced for throwing hot meal over his wife
-
Crime5 days ago
Drink-driving Neyland rugby player drove Discovery into two cars
-
Crime6 days ago
Suspended sentence following serious threats to a 14-year-old child
-
Community6 days ago
Car-free travel route between St Dogmaels and Poppit Sands could be built
-
News5 days ago
£1.7bn boost for Welsh Government in UK Budget
-
Business6 days ago
Celtic Freeport progress despite Government communications mix-up
-
Health6 days ago
RAAC problems to persist at Withybush General Hospital