Teen says Home Office decision stops him representing country he calls home

A CARDIFF-born footballer says he has been prevented from representing Wales after the UK government refused his citizenship application twice.

Enzo Romano, who was born and raised in Cardiff, says he has always considered himself Welsh and wants to play football for the national side, but claims he has been denied a British passport because of his parents’ financial circumstances at the time they lived in Wales.

The case has surfaced on social media this week after campaign group Abolish Westminster highlighted his situation, calling it “a disgrace” that a Welsh-born child cannot represent his country.

Romano said: “Just because I moved to Barcelona doesn’t mean I’m not Welsh.

“The first thing that comes into my mind every time is the dragon on my chest and, for me, the fact that they don’t want to give me nationality so I can get a passport is so unfair.

“To think that I can’t represent my country playing football just because of this situation really hurts me.”

Under current UK nationality rules, being born in Wales or elsewhere in the UK does not automatically guarantee citizenship. At least one parent must be a British citizen or have settled immigration status at the time of birth. Applications can also be refused on financial or residency grounds.

Romano claims his applications were rejected by the Home Office because his parents did not meet income requirements while living in Wales.

Without a British passport, players can face difficulties meeting eligibility rules to represent national teams, even if they were born in the country.

The situation has prompted criticism online, with supporters arguing that identity and birthplace should count more than paperwork.

The Football Association of Wales sets eligibility in line with international regulations, which typically require citizenship.

The Herald has contacted the Home Office and the FAW for comment and has asked Romano to provide documentation relating to the refusals.

If confirmed, the case is likely to raise wider questions about whether children born and raised in Wales should face barriers to representing the nation because of their family’s income or immigration status.

Photo caption:

Enzo Romano says he dreams of wearing the Welsh dragon but has been blocked by citizenship rules (Pic: supplied).

Young Blues dominate on 4G with thirteen under-21s in matchday squad

HAVERFORDWEST Rugby Football Club’s development side delivered a powerful statement of intent with an emphatic 54–28 victory away to Milford Haven Rugby Club on the hosts’ 4G surface.

The young Blues ran in eight tries in an open, fast-paced encounter, pulling clear in the second half after a competitive opening spell.

Club representatives praised not only the scoreline but the make-up of the side, with thirteen under-21 players featuring in the matchday squad — a clear sign of the strength of the club’s pathway from youth rugby into the senior ranks.

Even more encouraging for coaches was the leadership on display. Five former and current youth captains and vice-captains took to the field, underlining both the experience and character coming through the system.

Despite playing away on an artificial pitch, Haverfordwest adapted quickly, moving the ball sharply through the backs and showing composure in contact to stretch the Milford defence. A strong finish sealed the result, with the visitors pulling away late on to put daylight between the sides.

A spokesperson for the Blues said the performance reflected the hard work being done behind the scenes to develop local talent.

They added that giving young players meaningful game time is central to the club’s long-term plans and that results like this show the future is in safe hands.

The win keeps momentum building for the development squad and provides plenty of optimism for supporters watching the next generation push for senior opportunities.

With energy, pace and leadership throughout the side, the Blues’ youngsters look more than ready for the step up.

Arundell hat-trick and two Welsh sin bins as hosts rack up seven tries in one-sided Six Nations opener

ENGLAND blew Wales away with a ruthless seven-try display to secure a thumping 48-7 victory in their opening match of the Six Nations Championship at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday (Feb 7).

In front of a full house in south-west London, England national rugby union team combined pace, precision and power to overwhelm a Wales side that simply could not live with the hosts’ intensity, particularly during a devastating first half that effectively settled the contest before the break.

The tone was set early.

England dominated territory from the kick-off, fly-half George Ford dictating play with clever tactical kicking and sharp distribution. After an early penalty nudged them ahead, the first try followed when quick hands released wing Henry Arundell in space and he raced clear down the touchline.

It was the first of three.

Arundell’s pace repeatedly exposed the Welsh edge defence and he completed a clinical first-half hat-trick, twice finishing sweeping backline moves and once chasing down a perfectly weighted kick in behind.

Wales’ task became even harder when discipline deserted them. Prop Nicky Smith and hooker Dewi Lake were both shown yellow cards within minutes of each other for repeated infringements, leaving the visitors down to 13 men at one stage.

England ruthlessly punished the numerical advantage.

Ben Earl crashed over from close range after a series of pick-and-go carries, before Tom Roebuck finished smartly in the corner as the ball was spun wide at pace. By half-time England were 29-0 ahead and in complete control.

To their credit, Wales national rugby union team showed more fight after the restart. A sustained spell of pressure finally produced their only score when Josh Adams gathered a cross-field kick to dot down in the corner, briefly lifting the travelling support.

But any hopes of momentum were short-lived.

England struck back almost immediately. A powerful maul marched deep into Welsh territory, leading to another close-range score, and matters worsened for Wales when a clear try-scoring chance was illegally stopped, prompting the referee to award a penalty try.

Tommy Freeman added the final flourish late on, slicing through tired defenders to cap a dominant afternoon.

Ford added four conversions and a penalty from the tee to keep the scoreboard ticking.

No players were sent off, but the two sin bins proved hugely costly, coming during the period when England built their decisive lead.

For England, it was close to the perfect start to the championship. Their pack won the collisions, the breakdown was slick, and their back three looked dangerous every time they touched the ball. The blend of control and cutting edge suggests they will be genuine title contenders.

For Wales, it is back to the drawing board. Defensive lapses and ill-discipline were punished at the highest level, and conceding seven tries will concern the coaching staff ahead of their next fixture.

Scorers
England: Henry Arundell (3), Ben Earl, Tom Roebuck, Tommy Freeman, penalty try. Conversions: Ford (4). Penalty: Ford.
Wales: Josh Adams. Conversion: Edwards.