CARMARTHEN West and South Pembrokeshire MS Samuel Kurtz has celebrated another Welsh victory after the Senedd rugby team defeated their counterparts from Westminster in the annual Rygbi Senedd Cymru fixture.

Posting after the match, Mr Kurtz said the Welsh side had once again come out on top against the combined Commons and Lords team, extending what is believed to be an unbeaten run stretching back well over a decade.

The friendly but fiercely contested match, played each year between Members of the Senedd and parliamentarians from London, has become a staple of the political calendar, raising money for charity while promoting cross-party camaraderie through sport.

Although he did not lace up his boots this time, Mr Kurtz was among those on the touchline backing the home side.

He said: “The annual Rygbi Senedd Cymru fixture versus the Commons & Lords saw us Welsh victorious yet again, which could well see our undefeated streak extended to 15 games. While the boots didn’t make it onto my feet this year, it was still good to support and sing the anthem.”

The match typically brings together politicians from across party lines, with rivalries set aside for eighty minutes of rugby and fundraising. Previous fixtures have been used to support a range of good causes, including community and health charities.

Supporters say the event showcases the strong sporting culture within Welsh politics and provides a rare chance for elected representatives to connect with each other – and the public – outside the debating chamber.

With another win under their belts, the Senedd side’s long unbeaten streak continues, adding bragging rights over their Westminster opponents for yet another year.

Senedd pride: Samuel Kurtz MS joined teammates and supporters for the annual Rygbi Senedd Cymru clash (Pics: social media / file).

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.