Sport
WRU calls on Welsh public to ‘Shape our Game’


Shape our Game: Wales’ two longest serving captains Sam Warburton and Ryan Jones
THE PEOPLE of Wales are being asked to help shape the future of rugby. The WRU has today (Monday) launched nationwide consultation asking people to ‘Shape our Game’ and provide feedback about Wales’ national sport via an online survey at www.wru.wales/shapeourgame
The consultation will provide the foundation for the most comprehensive and far-reaching review of the male adult and youth community game since the first official game of rugby was recorded in Wales 150 years ago.
WRU Head of Participation, Ryan Jones, said, “If you have an interest in rugby we want your input. Regardless of your age or gender we are looking for insights and opinions from across the board. Whether you are a player – current or retired – a parent, a volunteer, a teacher, coach, a community supporter or a stay-at-home fan your opinion counts. We want to harness the passion and opinions that we know exist throughout Wales and use these to help shape the future of our national game.
“This feedback is crucial if we are to develop a vibrant modern game that continues to be an integral part of our communities and our culture. Nothing is off-limits. We’re looking at 15-a-side rugby provision, including 1st and 2nd XV rugby, plus more accessible formats such as Touch Rugby and Sevens. We’re keen to look at ways to attract and retain more youth and adult players, particularly 16-24 year-olds, in all forms of the game and are open to all ideas.”
Wales Head Coach, Warren Gatland, said: “For anyone who has ever sat at home and shouted at the TV with pride or frustration this is your chance to have your voice heard. We are very lucky to have a passionate and knowledgeable rugby public in Wales. We always speak of the three million selectors we have here and this is their chance to share their views. No-one knows the club game better than those that play, coach, referee and support it at grassroots level and we want to make the most of that expertise. A strong national squad is shaped by the community game which feeds it and that’s why I urge anybody that has an interest in the game to get involved and help us shape a healthy future for Welsh rugby.”
The male adult and youth participation survey follows a similar review of the women and girl’s game launched in March 2015. As a result of that review the WRU has launched a number of key initiatives to help create a dynamic and inclusive rugby pathway for Welsh females. This includes enabling girls to play in spring and summer rather than the bleaker winter months; giving them the option to play girls only rugby and enabling them to play the format which suits them be it tag, touch, 7-a-side or 15s. All moves are designed to have a further positive impact on grass roots level participation.
News
Triathlon returns to Fishguard – road closures announced

FISHGUARD will once again play host to the Wales Triathlon this summer, with hundreds of competitors set to descend on the town for the popular sporting event on Sunday, June 15.
Organised by Activity Wales Events, the triathlon includes a two-lap sea swim in Fishguard Bay, followed by a two-lap cycle from Fishguard to St Davids and a four-lap run along the Marine Walk and out onto the breakwater.
In order to facilitate the bike leg on closed roads, several road closures will be in place throughout the day.

Major road closures
The A487 between Goodwick and Mathry will be closed between 9:45am and 3:00pm.
Between Mathry and Croesgoch, the A487 will be closed from 10:00am to 3:00pm, and from Croesgoch to St Davids the closure will run from 10:00am until 2:45pm.
Crossing points will be in operation at Mathry crossroads, Croesgoch crossroads, and the Llangoffan to Granston junction. Diversions will be signposted, with local traffic routed via minor B roads and through Haverfordwest for longer journeys.
Town centre impact
In Fishguard, West Street will be closed between 12:00pm and 6:00pm for the running stage. Residents will still be able to exit side roads, with diversions clearly marked.
Goodwick residents will be able to exit the town via the Tesco roundabout, which will remain open all day.
Care access and course passes
Care workers will be allowed access to visit clients within the closed sections, but must obtain a course pass via their organisation in advance.
On the day, carers using the route must:
- Follow the direction of the race
- Display their pass clearly
- Keep hazard lights on at all times
- Exit the route as soon as safely possible
Further information
The event attracted over 1,000 athletes last year, and organisers anticipate another strong turnout.
More information can be found at: www.walestriathlon.com/athletes/event-info
Road closure details are available at: community.walestriathlon.com
For course pass enquiries, contact: info@activitywalesevents.com
News
South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association – Final Table 2024/25

All matches complete as season concludes
THE 2024/25 season of the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association – known as The Friendly League – has now officially concluded, with all clubs completing their outstanding fixtures.
The past few weeks saw the following catch-up matches played:
- Carew 8–2 Llanteg
- St Johns 8–2 Cosheston
- Hundleton 8–2 Reynalton
- Reynalton 9–1 Lamphey
- Cosheston 10–0 Kilgetty
- East Williamston 9–1 Kilgetty
Final League Table (2024/25 Season)
Position | Club | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | S/D | Points |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | East Williamston | 20 | 18 | 0 | 2 | 313 | 158 |
2 | St Johns | 20 | 14 | 0 | 6 | 111 | 122 |
=3 | Carew | 20 | 11 | 1 | 8 | 105 | 111 |
=3 | Cosheston | 20 | 12 | 0 | 8 | 77 | 111 |
5 | Reynalton | 20 | 11 | 0 | 9 | 28 | 104 |
6 | Hundleton | 20 | 9 | 0 | 11 | 74 | 97 |
7 | Llanteg | 20 | 7 | 1 | 12 | -71 | 92 |
8 | St Twynnells | 20 | 8 | 1 | 11 | -97 | 89 |
9 | Badgers | 20 | 6 | 1 | 13 | -22 | 82 |
=10 | Lamphey | 20 | 6 | 0 | 14 | -179 | 67 |
=10 | Kilgetty | 20 | 6 | 0 | 14 | -262 | 67 |
Congratulations to East Williamston, who finish the season as clear champions with an impressive 158 points and a shot difference of +313.
News
Plans submitted to redevelop home of one of Wales’ oldest football clubs

FORMAL plans to redevelop the grounds of one of the oldest football clubs in Wales – which includes a new 310-seater stand – have been submitted to the council.
Aberystwyth Town Football Club has submitted an application for the redevelopment of its grounds at Park Avenue Stadium, Aberystwyth.
A supporting statement from agent JMS Planning and Development says the proposal seeks “full planning permission for the demolition of the existing main stand and the creation of a new clubhouse, turnstile, changing rooms, business unit and improvements to the existing seated and standing terraces which will include new roof canopies and all associated works”.
The formal application follows an earlier public consultation.
It adds: “Aberystwyth Town Football Club is proudly one of the oldest football clubs in Wales, whereby the club was founded some 140 years ago in 1884. The club is one of the founding members of what is now known as the ‘Cymru Premier’, of which it is only one of two teams to have never been relegated since its inception in 1992.
“The men’s senior team is loyally supported by local community and has seen an increase in attendance over the past couple of years, reaching nearly 6,000 spectators over the year for the men’s team alone. A number of Cymru Premier matches are broadcast live from the ground each season on S4C and streamed online to a worldwide audience. The Football Association of Wales recently confirmed a new structure and strategy to the league with the aim of boosting its commercial profile, competitiveness, and fan interest both nationally and internationally.
“As a Premier European Division, clubs are provided the opportunity to qualify for UEFA competitions and compete across the Continent, whereby it is imperative that facilities and infrastructure across the country are developed to meet UEFA Licensing requirements. Should Aberystwyth Town qualify – or host other clubs’ European matches as has occurred in recent years – the redevelopment of the facilities at Park Avenue will enable Ceredigion to continue to host continental sporting events.”
It says Aberystwyth Town Football Club “is often called ‘home’ by a number of other teams in the region which rely on the club’s facilities and all-weather pitch for the provision of training sessions and matches”.
The scheme itself is the first phase of development, the second relating to residential development.
Of phase 1, it says: “The proposal seeks the construction of a new clubhouse and community facility, a 310-seater stand, replacement turnstile, ticketing office, roofs over existing seated and standing terraces, new primary and secondary changing room facilities, dedicated business/employment unit, with improvements to accessibility throughout the site, including the re-construction of a dedicated disabled viewing platform.”
It adds: “The scheme proposes vast improvements to the accessibility of the site by providing step-free access throughout the whole site, thus promoting an inclusive environment. Similarly, the scheme introduces improvements to a dedicated viewing platform for less-able bodied.”
It goes on to say: “The existing main stand and changing rooms are in a state of deterioration and require significant investment if required to serve the club for years in the future. Hence, modern and fit-for-purpose facilities are proposed to revitalise the site which will enhance the provision of the community facility, encourage the uptake of sports, and in-turn promote the health and well-being of a wide range of social groups in the local and regional area.
“The development also promotes equality and inclusivity for both male and female players and officials, who will benefit from segregated and modern changing facilities, in accordance with the requirements of the Football Association of Wales.”
The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.
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