Sport

WRU issues 48-hour deadline to regions in major showdown over rugby deal

Published

7 months ago

May 7, 2025

Dragons, Scarlets and Ospreys face uncertain future if agreement isn’t signed

THE WELSH RUGBY UNION has told three of Wales’ professional rugby teams they have just 48 hours to sign a new long-term funding agreement—or risk being served notice that could spell the end of their participation in top-flight competitions.

The ultimatum, delivered to the Dragons, Scarlets and Ospreys on Tuesday, comes amid growing tensions over the delayed signing of the Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA). If the clubs fail to sign by midnight on Thursday, the WRU may issue a formal two-year termination notice, triggering major upheaval across the sport.

The WRU, which now owns Cardiff Rugby after the club entered administration earlier this year, says the ongoing stalemate cannot continue. While the governing body insists its preference remains to retain four professional sides, the potential withdrawal of support for the three independently-owned teams is now firmly on the table.

The WRU holds the licences that allow teams to play in the United Rugby Championship and European competitions. If the notice is served, the union would have the power to withdraw these licences in 2027—though such a move would likely carry short-term financial consequences.

Sources close to the discussions say concerns remain within the three clubs over how the WRU’s full ownership of Cardiff could affect competitive balance, particularly in terms of funding and recruitment. There are also calls for changes to voting rights on the Professional Rugby Board and proposals to restrict Cardiff from signing players from rival Welsh sides while under WRU control.

The current PRA was agreed in principle earlier this year, offering increased funding and refinancing of club debt, including the WRU taking responsibility for COVID-related loans. But following Cardiff’s collapse into administration—and the WRU’s subsequent £780,000 acquisition and pledge of £1.2 million in further support—the deal has stalled.

WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood has acknowledged the clubs’ concerns, especially around transparency and governance. However, the union insists it is absorbing the financial risks to safeguard the future of the professional game in Wales and that the proposed agreement will ultimately benefit all parties.

But with refinancing talks ongoing and pressure mounting, the WRU says time is up—and a decision must now be made.

News

Clubs event inspires girls to try new sports

Published

1 day ago

December 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MORE than 50 young people took part in a multi-sport taster event designed to encourage girls to get involved in new activities.

The Sport Pembrokeshire Community Clubs event was held at Fishguard Leisure Centre on Sunday (Dec 1) for pupils from Ysgol Bro Gwaun and its feeder schools, with sponsorship from Valero.

Local sports clubs and activity providers offered a wide range of sessions, including cricket, self-defence, rowing, dance, hockey, tennis, table tennis, rugby and basketball. Water for participants was kindly provided by Princes Gate.

Young Ambassadors from Ysgol Bro Gwaun also played a key role in helping the event run smoothly.

Dan Bellis, of Sport Pembrokeshire, said: “It was a fantastic evening and it was brilliant to see so many young people and coaches in attendance.

“There was a wide range of activities on offer and everyone clearly enjoyed themselves.

“We hope the girls who took part have discovered a new sport or activity and will continue their involvement with the local clubs and providers who supported the event.”

Sport

Keeper scores 121st-minute wonder goal before saving two penalties

Published

3 days ago

December 14, 2025

Herald Sport

Cwmamman United stun Tenby AFC in an unforgettable 3-3 thriller to reach the last sixteen of the West Wales Intermediate Cup

Cwmamman Utd 3 Tenby AFC 3 (Cwm win 3–2 on pens)

AN EXTRAORDINARY cup tie unfolded at Grenig Park as Cwmamman United and Tenby AFC shared a breathless 3-3 draw, before the hosts edged through 3–2 on penalties.

Tenby struck almost instantly, with Lloyd Hughes finding the net inside the opening minute. Cwm hit back on 14 minutes when Cam Isaac produced a superb finish to level the tie, but Joe Leahy restored Tenby’s lead before the break – a goal that for long spells looked like it might settle the contest.

Deep into stoppage time, however, Cwmamman refused to accept defeat. In the 100th minute, Jackson Brereton pounced to smash home an equaliser and force extra time.

The drama only intensified. Tenby were awarded a hotly disputed penalty in the 114th minute, converted confidently by Hughes. The spot-kick also saw Cwm’s Kieran Rees – who had been excellent alongside Kai O’Donnell at the heart of the defence – shown a red card.

But with virtually the last kick of the game, Cwm’s goalkeeper Kai Rees strode forward for a final desperate attack and unleashed a stunning 25-yard volley to make it 3-3, sparking wild celebrations around the ground.

Rees was far from finished. In the decisive shootout, he produced two superb saves to secure a 3–2 penalty win and send Cwmamman United into the last sixteen of the West Wales Intermediate Cup.

Photo: Cwm goalkeeper Kai Rees.

News

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association – Week Twelve results

Published

3 days ago

December 14, 2025

Herald Sport

A PACKET week of fixtures in the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association’s Friendly League saw key wins at both ends of the table as teams continue to jostle for position going into the second half of the season.

Match results (Week 12):

Hundleton 10–0 Lamphey
Badgers 2–8 St Johns
Reynalton 0–10 Carew
Kilgetty 8–2 East Williamston
Cosheston v Llanteg – postponed
St Twynnells – bye week

A previously postponed fixture was also completed, with St Twynnells drawing 5–5 with Reynaltón.

League table (after Week 12):
East Williamston remain top, having played 10 and won eight, with a strong shots difference of +125. Reynaltón sit second after 11 games with 58 points, while St Johns and Hundleton follow closely behind on 54 points each.

At the mid-table mark, Carew (49 points), St Twynnells (48) and Kilgetty (46) remain tightly grouped. Badgers, Lamphey, Llanteg and Cosheston make up the lower order, though the number of games played varies, leaving room for movement in the coming weeks.

Full standings:

Team	P	W	D	L	S/D	Points
East Williamston	10	8	0	2	+125	72
Reynaltón	11	5	2	4	+35	58
St Johns	10	5	1	4	+32	54
Hundleton	10	5	1	4	-2	54
Carew	9	5	0	4	-25	49
St Twynnells	10	4	2	4	-34	48
Kilgetty	11	5	0	6	-44	46
Badgers	11	3	1	7	-59	45
Lamphey	11	5	0	6	-10	44
Llanteg	8	4	0	4	-5	41
Cosheston	9	3	1	5	-13	40