Sport
Wales ring the changes ahead of must-win World Cup clash with Canada
WALES head coach Sean Lynn has made sweeping changes to his line-up for Saturday’s crunch Rugby World Cup tie against Canada in Salford.
After being comprehensively beaten by Scotland last weekend, Wales must now upset the tournament’s second-ranked side to keep their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals alive.
New captain and fresh pack
With co-captains Alex Callender and Kate Williams both sidelined through injury, back-row Bethan Lewis will lead her country for the first time.
The forward pack has been overhauled. An all-new front row of Maisie Davies, Molly Reardon and Sisilia Tuipulotu will start, while Abbie Fleming returns in the second row. Georgia Evans and Bryonie King join Lewis in the back row.
In the backs, Carys Cox takes a starting spot in midfield, while the bench sees opportunities for youngsters Tilly Vucaj, Seren Lockwood and uncapped Branwen Metcalfe. Gwenllian Pyrs is also in line for her 50th cap.
Tough challenge ahead
Canada began their campaign with an emphatic 11-try win over Fiji, six of them scored by full-back Julia Schell. Kevin Rouet’s side need only one more victory to confirm their place in the knockout stages.
Rouet has made six changes to his starting side, including a reshaped front row of McKinley Hunt, Emily Tuttosi and DaLeaka Menin. Veteran Karen Paquin is set for her fourth World Cup, while Tyson Beukeboom will win her 80th cap. Asia Hogan-Rochester makes her World Cup debut on the wing.
Coaches’ words
Wales boss Lynn said his squad had undergone “honest conversations” in the wake of the heavy defeat to Scotland: “We need to bring real energy and pride in the jersey,” he said. “Players have earned the right in training to step up, and I’ve told all 23 to be brave and have no regrets when they leave the field.”
Canada’s Rouet urged focus from his players: “It was great to start with such a strong performance, but we must now switch our mindset to Wales. We’re excited to test ourselves again against another quality opponent.”
Match details
Women’s Rugby World Cup: Canada v Wales
- Venue: Salford Community Stadium
- Date: Saturday, 30 August
- Kick-off: 12:00pm BST
- Coverage: BBC One, iPlayer, BBC Sport online, Radio Wales, Radio Cymru and BBC Sounds
Line-ups
Canada: Julia Schell; Alysha Corrigan, Florence Symonds, Alexandra Tessier, Asia Hogan-Rochester; Taylor Perry, Justine Pelletier; McKinley Hunt, Emily Tuttosi, DaLeaka Menin, Sophie de Goede, Tyson Beukeboom, Caroline Crossley, Karen Paquin, Gabrielle Senft.
Replacements: Gillian Boag, Brittany Kassil, Olivia DeMerchant, Courtney O’Donnell, Fabiola Forteza, Olivia Apps, Claire Gallagher, Shoshanah Seumanutafa.
Wales: Nel Metcalfe; Jasmine Joyce-Butchers, Carys Cox, Courtney Keight, Lisa Neumann; Lleucu George, Keira Bevan; Maisie Davies, Molly Reardon, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Abbie Fleming, Gwen Crabb, Bryonie King, Bethan Lewis, Georgia Evans.
Replacements: Kelsey Jones, Gwenllian Pyrs, Jenni Scoble, Tilly Vucaj, Branwen Metcalfe, Seren Lockwood, Kayleigh Powell, Kerin Lake.
Sport
Pupils try new sports at Community Clubs event
More than 100 children took part in a day of sport at Ysgol Glannau Gwaun
MORE than 100 pupils from Years 4, 5 and 6 enjoyed a day of sport and activity at a Community Clubs event held at Ysgol Glannau Gwaun earlier this month.
The event, organised by Sport Pembrokeshire and sponsored by Valero, gave young people the chance to try a range of sports delivered by local clubs.

Activities included archery and golf sessions led by Young Ambassadors from Ysgol Bro Gwaun, as well as rugby with Fishguard & Goodwick RFC, hockey with Fishguard & Goodwick Hockey Club, and bowls with Fishguard & Goodwick Bowls Club.
The event was designed to encourage participation, build confidence, and strengthen links between schools and community sports clubs, helping pupils discover new ways to stay active outside school.
Dan Bellis, from Sport Pembrokeshire, said: “This was the second year we have run this event and, as with last year, it was great to see so many children taking part and being active.
“A big thanks to all the students for their enthusiasm, to the local clubs for their support and delivery, and to the Young Ambassadors for being excellent role models.”

Sport
Narberth U11s continue winning form with victory over Haverfordwest
NARBERTH CRICKET CLUB’S Under-11 side produced another impressive performance on Monday evening, defeating Haverfordwest in a closely contested junior fixture.
Batting first, Narberth posted 95-3, which translated to a net score of 280 under junior cricket scoring rules. Haverfordwest replied with 77-11, finishing on 222 after losing wickets throughout their innings.
Poppy Phillips top-scored for Narberth with 17 runs, helping to anchor the home side’s innings.
The bowling attack proved decisive, with Danny Evans returning figures of 3-12 and also contributing seven runs with the bat. Archie Young claimed 1-9 and scored seven runs, while Charlie Morton (1-4), Kai De Silva (1-7), Morgan Rees (1-8), Lewis Roberts (1-10) and Tommy Phillips (1-12) all chipped in with wickets.
The victory continues a strong season for Narberth’s young cricketers, who have shown both depth in batting and discipline in the field.
A photograph shared by the club after the match showed a smiling Narberth squad celebrating the win in the evening sunshine.
Photo caption:
Victorious Narberth U11s after their win over Haverfordwest (Pic: Narberth Cricket Club).
Sport
Adam Muskett memorial football tournament returns to Tenby
Annual event will honour popular young footballer while raising funds for Wales Air Ambulance
FOOTBALLERS, friends and families from across Pembrokeshire will come together next month to celebrate the life of a much-loved local sportsman at the second Adam Muskett Memorial 7-a-side Tournament.
The event, organised by Tenby AFC, will take place at The Clicketts Playing Fields on Saturday, July 25, bringing together teams for a day of football, remembrance and fundraising in memory of Adam Muskett.

Adam, 27, tragically lost his life alongside his girlfriend, Katie Worrell, 25, in a road traffic collision in June 2024. The tournament was established by his football club as a lasting tribute to his passion for the game and the impact he had on those around him.
Last year’s inaugural event proved a great success, raising £620 for Wales Air Ambulance. Following the positive response from players, supporters and the wider community, Tenby AFC has committed to making the tournament an annual fixture.
Recently, Adam’s parents, Helen and Andrew Muskett, joined Tenby AFC secretary Gareth Noot in presenting a cheque to Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager Mike May.
Speaking ahead of this year’s tournament, Helen and Andrew said: “As a family, we are extremely grateful to Gareth and the members and players at Tenby AFC for setting up this tournament as a tribute to Adam, and for all their support over the last two years.
“In particular, Gareth has been amazing and has worked incredibly hard, in such a respectful and considerate way, to support us in this and other matters.
“Last year’s tournament was such an enjoyable day, and we want to thank everyone who attended or contributed in any way. We especially want to thank the participating players, the referees, and those who helped at the entrance and with refreshments. It was wonderful to see so many families there.
“It really was a very special day that meant an awful lot to us as a family and a fitting tribute to Adam, who was passionate about football.”
Supporting a lifesaving charity
The family said they were keen for Wales Air Ambulance to remain the main beneficiary of the fundraising efforts.
They added: “We wanted Wales Air Ambulance to benefit from the funds raised because they helped Katie at the time of the collision, and Adam would have wanted them to be the first benefactor of the tournament.
“Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone involved, and we hope the tournament will continue for many years to come.”
Wales Air Ambulance is a consultant-led service that brings hospital-standard emergency care directly to patients across Wales. Working in partnership with the NHS Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS), its crews can provide advanced critical care at the scene of an incident, including anaesthesia, blood transfusions and minor surgical procedures.
Mike May, Regional Fundraising Manager for Wales Air Ambulance, said: “It’s humbling to hear that Adam’s club, family and friends will continue to come together to hold an annual tournament in his memory. It’s a touching tribute.
“We are deeply grateful that Adam’s family has chosen to support Wales Air Ambulance through this tournament following the care provided at the time of the collision.
“We hope as many people as possible support this event in honour of a very popular young man who was passionate about football.”
Teams invited to enter
The tournament is open to registered senior men’s football clubs. Each squad can register up to ten players and the entry fee is £50 per team.
Organisers are hoping for another strong turnout and a day that not only celebrates football, but also keeps Adam’s memory alive while supporting a charity that provides lifesaving care throughout Wales.
For more information or to enter a team, email [email protected] or call 07815 189374.
Photo caption: Helen and Andrew Muskett with Gareth Noot, Secretary of Tenby AFC, and Mike May of Wales Air Ambulance during the cheque presentation following last year’s tournament fundraising success.
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