News

Uncertain future as Welsh rugby consultation begins

Published

4 months ago

September 1, 2025

THE FUTURE of professional rugby in Wales has been thrown into doubt as a month-long consultation into the game’s structure begins.

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) is considering plans that could see two of the four existing regional sides cut. Cardiff, Dragons, Scarlets and Ospreys will each hold meetings with the governing body in September, alongside sessions for players, supporters and politicians. A final report is due to go before the WRU board in October.

The Union insists no decision has yet been taken, but its “preferred option” remains a two-team professional structure – a move that could put hundreds of jobs at risk across the regions.

Cardiff, who went into administration earlier this year before being taken in-house by the WRU, appear best placed to survive, with the largest supporter base and a lease at the Arms Park until 2028. Ospreys, the most successful side in the regional era with four league titles, also have population on their side and are currently based in Bridgend while redeveloping facilities.

The Dragons, historically the weakest performers on the field, argue they are on a stronger footing off it, with new investment and a long lease at Ystrad Mynach. They also point to the 73 community clubs in Gwent as proof of their importance to Welsh rugby.

The Scarlets, who play at the publicly owned Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli, have been the most outspoken critics of the WRU’s plans. The club is backed by Carmarthenshire Council and new investors, and local politicians have vowed to fight to protect the Scarlets’ role in the regional game and the local economy.

Supporters face a nervous wait to see whether the WRU pushes ahead with its radical shake-up or whether an alternative plan can be agreed to keep all four clubs alive.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

10 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
Common assault
Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

10 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second count of assault
Criminal damage
An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

11 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional non-fatal strangulation
Common assault on a woman
Criminal damage in a domestic context
Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.