Sport

Welsh EFL clubs in talks for European football via Welsh League Cup

Published

2 years ago

October 8, 2024

IN a bid to unlock new European opportunities, Wales’ English Football League (EFL) clubs are exploring the possibility of joining the Welsh League Cup, offering them a path to European football. Cardiff City, Swansea City, Wrexham, and Newport County are all part of discussions that could see them compete in the Nathaniel MG Cup, with a chance to represent Wales in the Europa Conference League.

Currently, these clubs play in the English football pyramid and can only qualify for European competitions via the Premier League, FA Cup, or EFL Cup. However, this new proposal—dubbed Prosiect Cymru (Project Wales)—would provide an alternative route, albeit at the cost of losing eligibility for Europe through English competitions.

The concept is said to have been pitched to UEFA, the Football Association (FA), the Premier League, and Cymru Premier, Wales’ domestic top flight. Central to these discussions is an independent report by Deloitte, commissioned by Swansea City on behalf of the four EFL clubs and the Football Association of Wales (FAW). The report outlines that the initiative could “drive improvement for the whole Welsh football ecosystem,” with financial benefits being shared across grassroots football, domestic clubs, and the women’s game.

Elevating Wales’ European Standing

A key aim of the proposal is to improve Wales’ low UEFA association club coefficient ranking, which currently stands at 50th out of 55 European nations. This low ranking is largely due to poor performances by Welsh clubs in continental competitions. Only a few nations, including San Marino and Gibraltar, rank lower.

The recent success of Cymru Premier champions The New Saints, who qualified for the group stage of the Europa Conference League, has offered a boost to Wales’ standing. The FAW hopes that the inclusion of Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham, and Newport in European competition would further elevate Wales’ ranking and bring in greater prize money from UEFA. Crucially, a portion of this increased revenue would be distributed to support football across Wales, including the Cymru Premier and grassroots initiatives.

A Welcome Development for Welsh Clubs

The introduction of Welsh EFL clubs into the Nathaniel MG Cup is seen as a potential game-changer for both the clubs themselves and the wider Welsh football community. Cymru Premier clubs have backed the plan, recognising that playing against larger EFL sides could raise the profile of Welsh football. Moreover, the chance for Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham, and Newport to return to European action holds significant appeal.

These clubs have a storied history in European football, qualifying for competitions via the now-defunct Welsh Cup before moving to the English system. Cardiff City famously defeated Real Madrid in the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1971, while Wrexham beat Porto in 1984. Newport reached the Cup Winners’ Cup quarter-finals in 1981, and Swansea triumphed 3-0 over Valencia in the 2013 Europa League.

Although Welsh EFL clubs have not competed in an FAW competition since the FAW Premier Cup was abolished in 2008, some have entered under-21 sides in recent editions of the Nathaniel MG Cup. The inclusion of their senior teams, however, with the prize of European football on the line, would be a landmark shift.

Transforming Welsh Football

According to the Prosiect Cymru report, the participation of Wales’ biggest clubs in the Welsh League Cup could “unlock transformational potential” across all levels of Welsh football, from grassroots to the professional game. The project recognises Wales’ unique position in European football, where its largest clubs play in another nation’s league system, hindering the competitiveness of its domestic teams in UEFA competitions.

If the plan proceeds, it could mark a significant turning point in Welsh football history, with the potential to elevate the domestic game while reigniting the European ambitions of Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham, and Newport.

For Welsh football fans, the prospect of watching their teams compete in Europe once again may soon become a reality.

Sport

Young Crymych players step up to senior stage

Published

13 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Herald Sport

Five youth team players earn praise after impressing at championship level

CRYMYCH RUGBY CLUB has hailed the contribution of five of its youth players after they stepped up to feature in a senior side at championship level.

The young players, who remain part of the club’s youth setup, were given the opportunity to test themselves in a higher-level fixture, and impressed coaches and supporters alike with their attitude and commitment on the field.

Club representatives said it was “fantastic to see” the dedication shown by the youngsters, who rose to the occasion in what was described as a special experience for both the players and the club.

The match provided a valuable opportunity for development, allowing the next generation of Crymych players to gain experience in a more competitive environment while contributing to the senior squad.

The rugby club said the move reflects its long-term focus on nurturing homegrown talent and creating a clear pathway from youth rugby into the senior game.

Officials added that the future of the club looks bright, with the performance of the young “Teirw” – or Bulls – offering reassurance that the next generation is ready to carry the club forward.

The club congratulated the players on their achievement and said it hopes to see more youth players progressing through the ranks in the coming seasons.

Sport

Tenby youngsters book places in West Wales cup finals

Published

13 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Herald Sport

Under 13s and under 14s progress after District H finals day success

TENBY UNITED RFC’s junior sides enjoyed a memorable District H finals day, with two age groups securing victories and places in the West Wales cup finals.

The club’s under 13s lifted silverware after beating Crymych 32-17, while the under 14s edged a thrilling contest against Neyland, winning 18-17.

Tenby’s under 12s were also involved in a close match, narrowly losing 31-28 to Haverfordwest.

The under 13s and under 14s will now go on to represent the club at the West Wales cup finals at Parc y Scarlets on May 24.

Tenby United RFC congratulated the young Swifts on their achievements, saying: “Well done Swifts.”

Caption:

Winners: Tenby United RFC’s under 14s celebrate their District H final victory.

Sport

Carew set early pace as rain disrupts Pembrokeshire cricket programme

Published

15 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Herald Sport

RAIN played a major part in Week 2 of the Nicholas Insurance Thomas Carroll Pembroke County Cricket League, with several Division 1 fixtures abandoned after strong first-innings performances.

Carew made the biggest statement in the top flight, cruising to a ten-wicket win over St Ishmaels to move clear at the top of the table.

St Ishmaels were bowled out for 110, with Tim Hicks (3-18), Shaun Whitfield (3-14) and Logan Hall (2-27) doing the damage. Carew then eased to 111-0, Hicks completing an outstanding all-round display with 55 not out, alongside Morgan Grieve’s unbeaten 54.

Elsewhere, Narberth piled up 301-7 before rain intervened against Herbrandston, Jamie McCormack hitting a superb 104. Lawrenny (297-7) and Burton (203-7) also posted big totals before the weather had the final say.

Division 1 results

Match	Result
Cresselly 30-2 v Burton 203-7	Match abandoned
Narberth 301-7 v Herbrandston 51-0	Match abandoned
Whitland 10-0 v Lawrenny 297-7	Match abandoned
Saundersfoot 205-7 v Neyland	Match abandoned
Carew 111-0 v St Ishmaels 110 all out	Carew won by 10 wickets

Division 1 table

Pos	Team	Pld	W	L	Ab	Pts
1	Carew	2	2	0	0	36
2	Saundersfoot	2	1	0	1	27
3	Herbrandston	2	1	0	1	25
4	Neyland	2	1	0	1	25
5	Narberth	2	0	0	1	20
6	St Ishmaels	2	0	1	0	15
7	Burton	2	0	1	1	14
8	Whitland	2	0	1	1	14
9	Cresselly	2	0	1	1	11
10	Lawrenny	2	0	1	1	11

Johnston lead strong Division 2 pack

Johnston sit top after a dominant 135-run win over Llangwm, powered by Lewis Boswell’s 99 and Steve Mills’ 62.

Hook maintained their perfect start, edging Haverfordwest by four wickets, while Cresselly II brushed aside Llechryd by nine wickets after bowling them out for just 41.

Division 2 results

Match	Result
Llechryd 41 all out v Cresselly II 44-1	Cresselly II won by 9 wickets
Llanrhian 155-5 v Fishguard 154-7	Llanrhian won by 5 wickets
Hook 143-6 v Haverfordwest 142-9	Hook won by 4 wickets
Llangwm 106 all out v Johnston 241-6	Johnston won by 135 runs
Pembroke Dock 152-2 v Pembroke 168-8	Match abandoned

Division 2 table

Pos	Team	Pld	W	L	Ab	Pts
1	Johnston	2	2	0	0	40
2	Hook	2	2	0	0	37
3	Cresselly II	2	2	0	0	36
4	Pembroke	2	1	0	1	28
5	Haverfordwest	2	1	1	0	24
6	Pembroke Dock	2	0	1	1	23
7	Llanrhian	2	1	1	0	22
8	Fishguard	2	0	2	0	16
9	Llangwm	2	0	2	0	13
10	Llechryd	2	0	2	0	3

Kilgetty and Carew II lead Division 3 race

Kilgetty and Carew II are locked together at the top after two wins from two.

Lamphey produced one of the standout performances of the week, hammering Burton II by 155 runs, while Laugharne continued their unbeaten start.

Division 3 table

Pos	Team	Pld	W	L	Ab	Pts
1	Kilgetty	2	2	0	0	38
2	Carew II	2	2	0	0	38
3	Laugharne	2	2	0	0	37
4	Lamphey	2	1	1	0	28
5	Saundersfoot II	2	1	0	1	26
6	Hundleton	2	1	1	0	24
7	Haverfordwest II	2	0	2	0	14
8	Stackpole	2	0	2	0	14
9	Pembroke II	2	0	1	1	13
10	Burton II	2	0	2	0	12

Narberth II lead Division 4

Narberth II sit top after a five-wicket win over Neyland II, thanks to Jordan Howell’s unbeaten 88.

Hook II edged a thriller by one wicket, while Haverfordwest III also maintained a perfect start.

Division 4 table

Pos	Team	Pld	W	L	Pts
1	Narberth II	2	2	0	39
2	Hook II	2	2	0	36
3	Haverfordwest III	2	2	0	36
4	Lawrenny II	2	2	0	35
5	Crymych	2	1	1	29
6	Llechryd II	2	1	1	28
7	Neyland II	2	0	2	15
8	St Ishmaels II	2	0	2	15
9	Herbrandston II	2	0	2	13
10	Carew III	2	0	2	11

Rowlands ton headlines Division 5

Tom Rowlands’ superb 108 guided Cresselly III to victory, while Llanrhian II remain joint top after a crushing win featuring Rick Walton’s remarkable 8-13.

Division 5 table

Pos	Team	Pld	W	L	Ab	Pts
1	Llanrhian II	2	2	0	0	40
2	Cresselly III	2	2	0	0	40
3	Whitland II	2	1	1	0	25
4	Llangwm II	1	1	0	0	19
5	Pembroke III	2	0	1	1	14
6	Llechryd III	2	0	2	0	11
7	Pembroke Dock II	2	0	1	1	11
8	Hundleton II	1	0	1	0	6