THE HAMMERING the men’s senior international team took against England last Saturday (March 15) raised familiar questions about the decline of rugby union in Wales.

Identifying the problems and their causes has become a national pastime.  

The WRU has been accused of neglecting the national team, the regions, and the community game and of not doing enough to secure the game’s future while the senior team was successful. All of those complaints have some foundation, with some better founded than others.

However, to get to the root of the issues, it is necessary to strip away some of the myths surrounding Wales’s relationship with rugby. Starting with the most straightforward one: rugby is not Wales’s national game. Far more people play football in Wales than rugby, and football clubs are distributed more evenly across the country. Even in areas of Wales that are traditionally and strongly associated with rugby union, more people play soccer than rugby.

For a nation that harps on about the past’s glories, uniquely among Tier One rugby nations, Wales has failed to tap into the knowledge base of its former top international players. Consider the great Welsh teams of the 1970s: none of them went into top-class coaching. The WRU’s approach to amateurism was partly to blame for the loss of their knowledge. Still, even when the amateur game turned professional, the number of top-ranking players taking on senior roles in coaching and player development remained small.

That is not to say that having former players coaching and developing players is the answer to Welsh rugby’s woes. The challenges run far deeper. But there is hope.

HIT AND MISS PLAYER SELECTIONS WASTE TALENT

For young players, getting on the right development pathway often has more to do with whether your face (or your parents’ faces) fits. Staying on a player development pathway with regional academies is also fraught with difficulty.

Imagine the lunacy of losing promising players because they want to pursue an academic career away from Wales or take advantage of superior coaching and facilities in England. But that’s not only happened in Wales, it’s still happening.

One promising young player from Pembrokeshire spent a long time on The Scarlets development pathway. Nobody knows whether he would’ve made it to the top level. However, the Scarlets dropped him like a hot brick as soon as he made it clear he wanted to pursue his higher education outside Wales and not attend Coleg Sir Gar. Because of the way he was treated, that young player no longer plays at any level. He fell out of love with the game he’d played since he was six or seven years old.

At a more elevated level, the player who scored Italy’s final try against Ireland in Rome last weekend hails from Pembrokeshire. Stephen Varney made a couple of outings for the Scarlets Under-16s but was not picked up for further development with the West Wales region. Whichever way you cut it, dropping a player from a regional squad who ends up with a successful international career must raise questions about the selection processes and regions’ commitment to developing local talent instead of buying it in.

THE FUTURE COULD BE BRIGHT

Not all is doom and gloom.

One coach told us that, provided the current crop of young players (16 and under) is developed, they will have every chance of becoming world-beaters.

He told us: “There are a huge number of players coming through Haverfordwest High because they have an excellent coaching team that also coaches the Scarlets. However, funding was pulled for similar roles. So, a guy from Pembroke School in a similar role was let go despite being a very recent under-20s international who also coaches the county.

“The schools have the final say on the funding, so some choose to use it elsewhere or not have rugby programmes.

“At junior level, what I’ve tried to do is get in guys who are athletically promising and transfer their talents towards rugby. That means hoovering up all the talent that doesn’t go to other clubs or who fell out somewhere else. In many ways, a band of misfits taking a second chance are easier to coach and build a team ethic among. It takes time, but they’re already physically gifted, so they need time to play as much rugby as possible.

“I see my role as developing these guys for rugby further down the line. That’s how clubs should be, but they all want to win the next game. We won’t win every game now, but next year, we might win a few more, and the next year, we might win the cup.

“Everyone wants a quick fix, though. Local clubs will try to poach your vest talent (which happens all over Wales). That means lads who aren’t physically or mentally there yet get discarded. That’s where we come in.

“Most importantly, we look at the player as a whole. We have players who come from difficult educational and family backgrounds. They deserve a chance to enjoy rugby and be as good as they can while playing it. It’s about giving players a chance.”

WHY SIZE MATTERS

Another coach told us: “We have to accept that not every good player is going to make it at the professional level, let alone the international game. However, all players must be given the chance to make the most of what they have. That means focussing on skills and fitness. You can be the fastest runner on the field, but that’s no use unless you can catch, pass, and kick. You can be a mound of muscle and strong as an ox, but scrummaging and forward play require technical ability and nous, as well as strength.

“The best players need to be big enough, fast enough, and have the physical assets that allow them to compete at the top level. If you can’t compete physically, you’re already lost. Look at the Welsh backs last weekend. I don’t doubt they’re good players. I don’t doubt their skill. But compared to the English backs, they were tiny. If you are thirteen stone and quick, you’re going to get smashed by a player who is just as quick but three stone heavier and six inches taller. You have to be a once-in-a-generation world-class player like Shane Williams to buck that reality.”

One coach told us their approach would be: “Bring back the A team. Have a head of coaching who oversees the age group, regional and possible future A team coaches. Have the same in strength and conditioning. If you’re playing professional rugby, why are you not fit enough or strong enough to play international rugby?”

They continued: “Everyone playing the pro game should be physically able to play for Wales. It’s madness that they can’t. It’s their job, for Christ’s sake!

“Wales had a guy doing that, and when we became successful, they got rid of him; that’s typically Welsh.

“In New Zealand or South Africa, every pro player can play international rugby. Why are Welsh players having to do so much extra work on their fitness and skills once selected? It’s farcical.”

IN AN INDUSTRY where reliability, professionalism, and experience are paramount, RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd has emerged as a leading provider of security services and training across Wales. Founded in November 2021 by Company Director Ryan Mayne and Kerry Mcreynolds, they were joined by General Manager Mathew Davies in 2022, the company has grown into a trusted name in the security sector, offering high-quality training programs, security staffing, and event protection.

Now, with a team of around 300 employees, RM Training is poised to expand its operations in Pembrokeshire and beyond, ensuring businesses, event organisers, and hospitality venues have access to qualified security personnel in a sector where demand is at an all-time high.

From high-risk security to building a future in Pembrokeshire

For Ryan Mayne, the security industry is not just a business—it’s a lifelong career shaped by real-world experience in high-risk environments. With over two decades in top-tier security roles, Ryan has worked in some of the UK’s largest clubs, corporate settings, and high-profile protection services, dealing with situations that were often tense, unpredictable, and dangerous.

“When I think back to some of the things I saw and some of the incidents I had to deal with, it scares me,” Ryan reflects.

But his life changed during the COVID-19 pandemic when the Home Office deployed him to Pembrokeshire to help manage refugee and asylum seeker security operations. It was here that he fell in love with the county, leading to a decision that would shape both his personal and professional future.

“I was deployed to a site near Tenby, and it didn’t take me long to realise just how fantastic Pembrokeshire is,” Ryan explains. “I knew this was the place where I wanted to build something new.”

That decision was cemented by his relationship with Tenby native Kerry McReynolds, who he is due to marry in September.

“We knew Pembrokeshire was the place where we wanted to bring up our children,” Ryan says. “So it made sense to set up the company here too.”

While Ryan handles the strategic direction and business growth, Kerry plays a pivotal role in the company’s success, managing client relations, staff retention, and back-office operations, all while raising their two-year-old son, Archie.

“She’s the driving force,” Ryan says. “None of this would be possible without her.”

When it comes to ensuring the smooth operation of a security business, General Manager Mathew Davies is the man who makes it happen. With a background in both military and civilian security, Mathew brings a wealth of experience, discipline, and leadership to RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd, making him a key figure in its rapid growth and ongoing success.

Since joining forces with Company Director Ryan Mayne, Mathew has played a pivotal role in overseeing the company’s day-to-day operations, staff training, and client relationships, helping RM Training establish itself as one of the leading security providers in Pembrokeshire and South Wales.

Mathew’s journey into the security industry was forged through years of hands-on experience in demanding environments. His military background instilled a strong sense of discipline, leadership, and strategic thinking, all of which have proven invaluable in his role at RM Training.

After transitioning into civilian security, Mathew quickly climbed the ranks, demonstrating a deep understanding of risk management, personnel coordination, and high-pressure decision-making. These skills now form the backbone of RM Training’s success, ensuring that every security operation runs seamlessly.

Empowering Pembrokeshire’s Workforce with security training

One of RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd’s primary objectives is to provide local people with a structured pathway into the security industry.

The company offers over 140 online and practical courses, covering a wide spectrum of security roles including:
 Door supervision for pubs, clubs, and licensed venues
 Corporate security for offices and commercial spaces
 Retail security for shopping centres and stores
 Event and festival security
 Site and property security

A core focus is Security Industry Authority (SIA) accredited training, ensuring trainees receive recognised qualifications required to work in the sector.

Their newly established office in Port Talbot is also playing a key role in retraining workers affected by the Tata Steel job losses, helping individuals transition into security careers following redundancy.

“Our goal is not just to train people but to give them career progression opportunities,” Ryan explains. “This industry is about keeping people safe, and that starts with having well-trained professionals.”

Expanding security services across Wales

Beyond training, RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd provides security services for a wide range of businesses. The company currently supports:
 Bars, pubs, and nightclubs struggling to find licensed and reliable door staff
 Retail and corporate businesses in need of on-site security operatives
 Festivals and major events requiring crowd management teams
 Close protection and private security clients

With over 200 events already booked for 2024, RM Training is becoming the go-to security provider for major gatherings across South Wales.

But for General Manager Mathew Davies, ensuring quality and reliability is just as important as expansion.

“He’s the one who makes sure the staff are doing what they’re supposed to be doing, while offering them all the support they need,” says Ryan. “Mathew works 24/7 to ensure our high standards never slip.”

The company now aims to secure additional security contracts across Pembrokeshire, addressing a major shortage of trained security personnel in the region.

“The reality is that there simply aren’t enough trained security professionals in Pembrokeshire,” Ryan explains. “Businesses struggle to find reliable door staff and event security. We’re here to fix that.”

The future for RM Training & Security Solutions Ltd

As RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd continues its growth trajectory, the company remains committed to:
 Expanding its presence in Pembrokeshire and South Wales
 Training the next generation of security professionals
 Providing reliable security solutions to businesses and event organisers
 Raising awareness of the industry’s importance in safeguarding communities

With a dedicated team, strong leadership, and a clear vision, RM Training is not just building a security business—it’s building a safer Pembrokeshire.

For more information, visit:

 www.rmtrainingandsecuritysolutionsltd.co.uk
 [email protected]
 01834 526418

A DELEGATION of Welsh companies have recently visited Japan, as the industry continues to target opening new markets for its food and drink products.

Foodex Japan is Asia’s largest food and drink exhibition, with the Welsh Government supporting the presence of a number of producers under the Cymru/Wales banner.

The visit comes against a backdrop of wider events being held as part of ‘Wales and Japan 2025’, which is a year-long campaign by the Welsh Government to stimulate new economic and cultural partnerships between the two nations, with the aim of bringing long-lasting benefits to both countries.

Wales has long-standing economic ties with Japan, particularly due to inward investment by Japanese companies into Wales since the 1970s, and is currently home to 70 Japanese companies.

The Welsh delegation at Foodex included a specially made eki stamp at their exhibition stall. Eki stamps are collectible rubber ink stamps found at many train stations in Japan, and are a form of souvenir with designs typically featuring landmarks, mascots, or locally produced goods. As part of the ‘Wales and Japan 2025’ celebrations, Welsh illustrator Jonathan Edwards has created a series of five unique designs which celebrate the culture of the two nations.

Among the Welsh exhibitors at Foodex Japan were Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC), Aber Falls, Café de Manha, The Lobster Pot and Morning Foods.

HCC also hosted a ‘Celebration of Welsh Lamb’ event in conjunction with Welsh Government at a restaurant in Tokyo, which specialises in lamb. Chef Kazuhiro Kikuchi is a well-known advocate of lamb, having published ‘Tokyo Lamb Story’, and presented a chef’s table of Welsh lamb for buyers and potential customers.

The latest figures on Welsh food and drink exports show that their value has risen by £243m – or 43% – since 2019. Welsh food and drink exports to non-EU countries were worth £202m in 2023, which is an increase of £63m since 2019, with the value of exported goods to Asia and Oceania during 2023 being £46m, a 34% increase from £34m in 2019.

The Welsh Government’s Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said,

“Foodex Japan is always an important event for Welsh food and drink companies, as we continue our push to open new markets and show what we can offer on a global scale.

“It is especially important this year as we celebrate the rich cultural and economic ties between Wales and Japan. It is an opportunity to develop and strengthen our relationships, and I’m sure the companies flying the flag for Wales will be able to build new and meaningful partnerships that are beneficial to both countries.”

A four-day event held at Tokyo Big Sight, Foodex Japan plays host to over 2,500 food and drink companies from more than 60 countries and regions. It is a hub for food and drink buyers from across Asia, as well as Japan, and provides a key opportunity to promote and build on the reputation of Welsh food and drink and connect with new customers across the region.

One of the companies in the delegation is whisky producer, Aber Falls. Talking about the visit, Managing Director Edward Williamson said,

“We’re keen to grow our exports and are really grateful for the support of Welsh Government to be able to attend events such as these.

“Increasingly whisky from Wales has a fantastic story to tell, with a number of distilleries, including ours, securing coveted PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status. This shows how unique our product is, with a taste that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. The chance to raise awareness of this story in such an important whisky market as Japan, and Asia more generally, is fantastic, and we plan to make the most of it.

Another company looking to expand their offering overseas is Anglesey-based The Lobster Pot. With a history of supplying Welsh pot caught lobster dating back to 1946, the company is hopeful that the trip will help open new markets. Julie Hill from The Lobster Pot said,

“Events such as Foodex gives us an opportunity to show what Welsh produce can offer the world.

“We’re able to give our customers a fantastic product, which is quality, sustainably-sourced shellfish. As experienced exporters to Japan, we’re hopeful that the visit will help build on our current relationships, as well as opening new opportunities in the country, and the rest of Asia.”

For more information on how the Welsh Government can assist your business with reaching new markets through trade events visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/foodanddrink/growing-your-business/trade-events

For more information on how the Welsh Government can assist your business with exporting please visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/export/