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Star-studded entry set for Welsh rally return

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A STRONG entry list and a revamped format promise a spectacular return for the Get Jerky Rally North Wales this weekend, as the popular event roars back after a year out.

The Welshpool-based rally, which was cancelled in 2025 due to storm damage, returns on Saturday (Mar 28) with a fresh route and renewed energy.

Organised by Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire Car Club, the event will once again be centred around Welshpool Livestock Market, while also reconnecting with the town centre for the first time in recent years.

|Number: 4|Driver: Max McRae|Team: Team MRF Tyres|Car: Skoda Fabia RS Rally2|Keyword: BRC||Photographer: Alex Stefan|Event: Cambrian Rally|Location: Llandudno|Series: British Rally Championship|Season: 2025|Country: UK|Keyword: Rallying|Keyword: Rally|Keyword: Photography|Keyword: Photos|Keyword: Images|Keyword: Motorsport|Keyword: Rally Photography|Keyword: Gravel|Keyword: Conwy|Keyword: Wales|Keyword: October|Keyword: Probite|Keyword: Motorsport UK|Keyword: Lewis & Hunter Contracting Cambrian Rally|

Fans will be able to get close to the action, with a mid-day regroup and end-of-event celebrations taking place in the heart of Welshpool.

Crews will tackle six stages covering 45 competitive miles through the iconic Dyfnant and Aberhirnant forests, delivering a classic Wales Rally GB-style challenge. Both stages will be run twice, ensuring plenty of action throughout the day.

A high-quality modern field includes British Rally Championship event winner Max McRae, alongside co-driver Cammy Fair, as he prepares for the new season.

McRae will be hoping to emulate his father, Alister, who won the event in 1998.

Welsh driver Meirion Evans, with co-driver Dale Furniss, is also expected to challenge for honours on home soil in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, heading a strong Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship presence.

Further competition comes from Protyre BTRDA Rally Series leader Matthew Hirst and co-driver Jack Bown in a Skoda Fabia R5, alongside Alex Vassallo and Chris Lees, Icelandic pairing Daniel Siguroarson and Asta Siguroarson, and the in-form Elliot Payne and Patrick Walsh.

Ian Bainbridge and Andrew Roughead will also attract attention as they debut their new Toyota GR Yaris Rally2.

Historic rally fans will not be disappointed, with the Fuchs British Historic Rally Championship well represented.

George Lepley and co-driver Dafydd Evans lead Category 4 in their Mitsubishi Galant VR4, while a potential appearance from Marty McCormack and Barney Mitchell in a BMW E30 M3 could prove a major draw.

Category 3 is expected to be fiercely contested, with Richard Hill and Patrick Cooper looking to build on their recent success, but facing strong opposition including former British Rally Championship frontrunner Tom Cave, who returns in a Ford Escort Mk2 alongside Keaton Williams.

Several other championships will also be decided across the weekend, including the ANWCC Forest Rally Championship, the West Wales Rally Spares HRCR Stage Masters Challenge, the TCS Plant Rally Challenge and the Mini Cup Stage Rallying Championship.

Town centre events planned

Welshpool will play a central role throughout the day, hosting rally HQ and service at the livestock market.

The Seven Stars Car Park will act as a key spectator hub, while from around 12:00pm the town centre will host the mid-rally regroup alongside family entertainment, including a treasure hunt and a Guinness World Record attempt.

The ceremonial finish and champagne celebrations are expected to take place from around 3:45pm, with free access for spectators.

The first stage gets underway at 8:30am, with spectator access available at both Aberhirnant and Dyfnant South forests. Parking costs £10 per car, including a programme.

More information is available at www.rallynorthwales.co.uk

 

Sport

Pembrokeshire Triathlon Club to hold next time trial event

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MEMBERS of Pembrokeshire Triathlon Club are being encouraged to take part in the club’s next Time Trial Series event.

The 20km bike time trial will take place at Herbrandston, next to the old school, on Sunday, May 17, starting at 8:15am.

The club says the event is open to members of all abilities, whether they are chasing a personal best, building confidence, or simply looking to take part in a friendly club event.

Those wishing to enter are asked to book their place through the Connect My Club app.

Parking at the start is limited, so members are being encouraged to car share where possible or allow extra time before the event.

 

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Sport

S4C secures exclusive Barbarians v Wales double-header

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S4C will broadcast a live rugby double-header from Twickenham this summer, with Wales taking on the Barbarians in both men’s and women’s fixtures.

The matches will be shown live and exclusively on Friday, June 27, with the men’s game kicking off at 2:00pm and the women’s match following at 5:00pm.

Both fixtures will be available across S4C, S4C Clic, BBC iPlayer and S4C Chwaraeon’s YouTube channel, with Welsh and English-language commentary.

Sarra Elgan will present the coverage, with Lauren Salter reporting pitchside.

Gareth Charles will commentate on the men’s match, with analysis from Ken Owens and Elinor Snowsill. Siwan Lillicrap will also join the team for the women’s fixture, with further members of the broadcast line-up to be announced.

Tomos Grace, WRU Chief Commercial Officer said: “We’re delighted that S4C will bring coverage of Barbarians v Wales at Twickenham to supporters across the country and beyond.

“This fixture is always a celebration of rugby’s spirit and tradition, and it’s fantastic that fans will be able to enjoy it free-to-air, with comprehensive Welsh-language coverage at its heart alongside English provision, which is hugely important for the game in Wales.

“We look forward to what promises to be a memorable summer occasion for Welsh rugby.”

Sue Butler, Head of Sports at S4C, said the broadcaster was pleased to have secured exclusive rights to the event.

She said: “We are delighted to have secured the exclusive broadcast rights to this double-header, bringing Wales together with the Barbarians for a special day of summer rugby.

“These fixtures promise a great Wales day out, and we’re pleased that S4C’s coverage will be available across all platforms.

“This agreement underlines S4C’s commitment to delivering premium live sport exclusively to audiences across Wales and the UK, in both Welsh and English, and to showcasing the very best of international rugby on a global stage.”

John Spencer, President of Barbarian F.C., said: “Barbarian F.C. and Wales have an intertwined history, with supporters of both teams enjoying the spirit and values of the game.

“This summer’s double-header against Wales is a hugely exciting fixture and the announcement that the matches will be on S4C, on free-to-air TV, broadcast by a national broadcaster, with huge rugby experience, is really important.

“We want to showcase the very best of rugby and having the fixtures on S4C will allow us to reach a large audience for what will be a great day of rugby.”

Fans will also be able to attend the double-header at Twickenham, with tickets available through Ticketmaster and England Rugby.

The coverage will be produced by Whisper Cymru.

 

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Sport

Merlins Bridge U14s girls celebrate league title success

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YOUNG footballers from across Pembrokeshire are celebrating after Merlins Bridge U14s Girls secured the league title in the West Wales Women and Girls League.

The team confirmed their place at the top of the table after an away victory against Carmarthen Stars, capping a memorable season for the squad.

Title-winning season

The achievement follows the club’s decision to enter the West Wales Women and Girls League at U14 level, giving the players the chance to test themselves against teams from across the region.

Coach Jan Bojanowski said the success was a proud moment for the players, families and club.

The squad is made up of girls from across Pembrokeshire, who have shown commitment throughout the season and continued to develop as a team.

Growing girls’ football

Merlins Bridge AFC said the title win reflects the strength of girls’ football in Pembrokeshire and the increasing opportunities now available for young female players.

The team’s success is also a boost for grassroots football locally, with more girls taking part and representing their clubs in competitive leagues across West Wales.

The players celebrated with trophies and the league cup after completing their title-winning campaign.

Champions: Merlins Bridge U14s Girls celebrate their West Wales Women and Girls League title success (Pic: Supplied).

 

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