Sport

Rees-Zammit handed full-back role for Wales’ Six Nations opener

Published

5 months ago

February 6, 2026

Wales have named Louis Rees-Zammit at full-back for Saturday’s Six Nations opener against England at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.

The selection sees Scarlets pair Josh Macleod and Eddie James return after missing the autumn campaign through injury. For Macleod, 29, it will be a first appearance in the Six Nations, as he steps into the back-row role vacated by the injured Jac Morgan, packing down alongside Alex Mann and Aaron Wainwright.

James is recalled in the centre and will partner Ben Thomas in midfield, while Ellis Mee’s strong form is rewarded with a place in the back three alongside Rees-Zammit and Josh Adams. Blair Murray and Tom Rogers both miss out.

Dewi Lake captains the side once again in Morgan’s absence and is joined in the front row by props Nicky Smith and Archie Griffin. Head coach Steve Tandy has opted for a replacements bench weighted towards the forwards, naming six, with Tomas Francis in line for his first Test appearance since the 2023 World Cup.

Wales arrive in London under no illusions about their recent struggles. They have not won a Six Nations match since March 2023 and have managed just two victories in their last 23 Tests overall.

For Rees-Zammit, 25, the match marks his first Six Nations appearance in almost three years following a spell pursuing American football. Although he began his Wales career on the wing, this will be his fourth start at full-back, having made three appearances there during the 2022–23 season.

He initially returned to rugby with Bristol on the wing, but Bears director of rugby Pat Lam has since deployed him at full-back — a position Rees-Zammit now says he prefers.

“He’s played full-back before, so it’s not something fundamentally new, and he’s done it for Bristol,” said Tandy. “He’s a real threat. If there’s a kick that’s slightly too long, something can happen. I’m excited by his aerial work as well.

“As quick as he is, he’s also a big man, so we’re excited to see him there.”

Macleod’s return has also impressed the Wales head coach after a run of injury setbacks.

“Josh has had some rough luck, but the way he’s come back — the way he leads, trains, and the attention to detail and intensity he brings — has been excellent,” said Tandy. “It’s going to be brilliant to see him out there this weekend.”

Leicester number eight Olly Cracknell was considered but has only just returned to full training and was deemed not quite ready to face England. Wales will also travel without scrum coach Duncan Jones, who suffered what Tandy described as a “freak injury” following an accidental collision in training, prompting consideration of short-term coaching cover.

The broader context makes for sobering reading. Wales have lost 21 of their past 23 internationals, with the only wins coming against Japan in Kobe and Cardiff in 2025. That run includes a record 18-Test losing streak and record home defeats against England (68-14), Argentina (52-28) and South Africa (73-0).

They have endured two successive winless Six Nations campaigns, finishing bottom both times and collecting consecutive Wooden Spoons. England, by contrast, have won their last 11 matches and sit third in the world rankings.

Despite that disparity, Tandy insists the occasion still carries huge significance.

“It’s a special fixture with all the history behind it,” he said. “We know they’re playing some outstanding rugby and are in great form, but I also know what it means to our players to represent Wales.

“The way the squad has trained this week has been really encouraging. I want us to go out, attack the game on Saturday and give the best account of ourselves.”

Teams

Wales: Rees-Zammit; Mee, James, B Thomas, Adams; Edwards, T Williams; Smith, Lake (capt), Griffin, D Jenkins, Beard, Mann, Macleod, Wainwright.
Replacements: Belcher, Carre, T Francis, Carter, Plumtree, Deaves, Hardy, Grady.

England: Steward; Roebuck, Freeman, Dingwall, Arundell; Ford, Mitchell; Genge, George, Heyes; Coles, Chessum; Pepper, Underhill, Earl.
Replacements: Cowan-Dickie, Rodd, Davison, Itoje, T Curry, Pollock, Spencer, M Smith.

Sport

Pupils try new sports at Community Clubs event

Published

7 hours ago

June 24, 2026

Herald Sport

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

Published

9 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Herald Sport

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

Published

2 days ago

June 22, 2026

Herald Sport

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.