WALES international Christ Tshiunza could be on the move this summer after his contract with Exeter Chiefs runs out, with reports linking him to a return home to join Cardiff Rugby.

The 24-year-old forward has yet to agree fresh terms with the Premiership side, and Exeter’s director of rugby Rob Baxter admits the rumours may have substance.

Speaking this week, Baxter confirmed Tshiunza remains unsigned beyond the end of the current campaign.

“He is off contract at the end of this season with us and we haven’t re-signed him currently, so those rumours could be entirely true, but I couldn’t tell if they are,” he said.

Tshiunza joined Exeter as a teenager and quickly rose through the ranks, earning a surprise call-up to the Wales national rugby union team squad for the 2021 autumn internationals.

He has since won 13 caps for his country and featured in Wales’ most recent Rugby World Cup campaign, but injuries have repeatedly disrupted his progress.

This season has been particularly frustrating. The versatile forward has made just one Premiership Rugby appearance, suffering a broken foot on the opening day draw at Northampton in September.

EQP rules a factor

Baxter also pointed to squad balance issues that could affect Tshiunza’s prospects at Sandy Park.

As a non-English Qualified Player (EQP), he counts towards the league’s foreign-player quota, with clubs limited to an average of eight non-EQP players per matchday squad.

“Our EQP numbers are quite tight,” Baxter explained. “Making sure we have that balance in the squad is very important for us.

“When you look particularly around our forwards and some of the signings we’ve made, EQP becomes quite an important factor.”

That squeeze could make a move back to Wales attractive, with Cardiff understood to be monitoring the situation ahead of next season’s United Rugby Championship campaign.

Homecoming possibility

For Welsh supporters, a return would bring an experienced international back into the domestic game at a time when the regions are looking to rebuild depth and retain national talent.

Still only 24, Tshiunza has time on his side to rediscover the form that made him one of Welsh rugby’s most exciting young prospects.

With his Exeter deal ticking down, a decision on his future is expected in the coming months.

AN AGREEMENT, securing the Ironman international triathlon competition in Pembrokeshire for up to the next five years has been backed despite concerns it can be a “massive pain” for some residents.

Since 2011, the annual Ironman event, based in Tenby, sees road closures and parking restrictions to many parts of the south of the county as thousands of athletes compete in a gruelling 2.3-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile run.

The event has grown into a major fixture on the international triathlon calendar, attracting athletes and spectators from across the world and, enhancing Pembrokeshire’s profile.

A report for members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, presented by Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett at its February 9 meeting said: “The current Host Agreement with Ironman Wales for the event in Pembrokeshire is due to expire this year, with the 2026 event being the final event delivered under the existing arrangements.

“Ironman has submitted Heads of Terms proposing a new Host Agreement covering the period 2027 to 2029, including an option for a two-year extension subject to mutual agreement. Members are being asked to consider whether the Authority should enter into a new Host Agreement with Ironman for the period outlined above.”

It said a 2025 economic impact assessment, supplied by Ironman indicated athlete, spectator, supplier and Ironman expenditure for the event totalling just over £7.3million, the event involving  3,000 Ironman athletes and 2,000 Ironkids participants.

“Although there is no independent data, it is recognised and noted that the event does attract additional athlete training days and visits outside the event weekend, resulting in additional spend and economic benefit to the county, this would be additional above the economic impact assessment data, supporting the extension of tourism into the ‘shoulder’ season in September,” the report added.

Speaking at the meeting, Cabinet member Cllr Tessa Hodgson, whose Lamphey ward is included in the cycling part of the triathlon, said she had difficulty supporting the proposal, saying: “These events cause a huge amount of disruption in mine and other wards in the south of the county.”

She said there was a need to strike a balance between those who viewed the events as “a massive pain in the arse” and those benefitting, with small businesses that had to close for the duration as they were cut off from customers.

“The event is fantastic and does showcase the county but I’m looking for more balance and empathy for those affected; it’s about striking a balance and I’m not sure the balance is right at the moment.”

The report for members concluded: “Having reviewed the event provision against feedback received and overall benefits received to the county, it is recommended that the new Host agreement should be entered into and PCC continue to support the provision of Ironman Wales Pembrokeshire.”

Members supported the recommendation to enter into the Host Agreement for 2027-2029, with the option to extend for a further two years for 2030-2031, with seven members in favour and two against.

FISHGUARD, Goodwick and communities across north Pembrokeshire are being urged to back a campaign for a modern 4G all-weather sports pitch, led by local Members of the Senedd Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz.

The project would provide clubs, schools and young people with a reliable, high-quality facility that can be used all year round. Suitable for both football and rugby, from juniors through to seniors, a 4G pitch would also complement the existing astroturf at Ysgol Bro Gwaun, home to the twin town’s successful hockey club.

Local teams say matches and training sessions are regularly cancelled due to waterlogged pitches, limiting opportunities for players and reducing sporting activity across the community.

Paul Davies MS said: “A 4G pitch would be a major boost for our young people and local clubs. It would improve sporting opportunities and strengthen pride and community spirit across north Pembrokeshire.”

Samuel Kurtz MS added: “With the weather as it is, too many fixtures are lost due to waterlogged pitches. A 4G pitch would give clubs, schools and youth teams consistent access throughout the year, and could also help Fishguard attract tournaments and visitors, bringing wider economic benefits.”

The Members of the Senedd say the pitch would be an investment in health, wellbeing and youth development, and are urging residents to show their support to help strengthen the case for funding.

Paul Davies added: “We need as many people as possible to get behind this campaign. Every signature helps show the strength of local support and the need for this facility in Fishguard.”

Residents can support the campaign by signing up on the website – Support our 4G Pitch for Fishguard & Goodwick Campaign | Pembrokeshire & Ceredigion or before 20th March.