CONCERNS over the future of one of Wales’ four professional rugby regions were raised in the Senedd this week, as calls grew for greater transparency over proposals that could put the Ospreys at risk.

Speaking in the debating chamber on Tuesday (Feb 3), Sioned Williams, Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for South Wales West, urged the Welsh Government to press the Welsh Rugby Union to publish a full social, economic and community impact assessment before any decision is taken to reduce the number of professional teams.

The move follows reports that one region could be cut as part of ongoing restructuring talks within Welsh professional rugby, with the Ospreys widely understood to be among those most at risk.

Calls for impact assessment

Addressing ministers in the Senedd Cymru, Ms Williams asked what discussions had taken place between government and the WRU about the wider consequences of such a decision.

She questioned what steps would be taken to prevent “lasting damage” to communities in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend, and whether ministers would require the union to publish a detailed assessment covering social, economic and regeneration impacts.

Ms Williams told members that the issue went beyond elite sport.

“From schools to cafes, from community rugby clubs to local councils, there is a deep concern about the wider impact of removing a professional rugby team that underpins participation pathways, local pride and regional identity,” she said.

She also warned that uncertainty over the region’s future could jeopardise redevelopment plans for St Helen’s Ground in Swansea, arguing that the loss of a professional side would weaken the city’s sporting and economic profile.

Government response

Responding on behalf of ministers, Jane Hutt said the matter ultimately rested with the WRU.

“This is a matter for the WRU, of course,” she told the chamber.

The response drew criticism from Ms Williams, who later described it as disappointing and said the Government could not “wash their hands” of the issue given public investment in professional rugby and commitments to regeneration and well-being.

WRU autonomy

While the Welsh Government has provided funding to support professional rugby in recent years, the WRU operates as an independent governing body and makes its own decisions about the structure of the regional game.

Supporters of that position argue that sporting and commercial decisions must remain with the union, particularly as Welsh rugby continues to face financial pressures, falling attendances and the need to ensure long-term sustainability.

However, critics say the potential removal of a region would have knock-on effects far beyond the pitch, affecting jobs, grassroots participation and local businesses linked to matchdays.

Community concerns

The Ospreys have been a central part of the rugby landscape in South West Wales for more than two decades, producing international players and drawing supporters from across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend.

Local campaigners say any reduction in the professional footprint risks weakening youth development pathways and reducing opportunities for young players.

With talks ongoing, no formal decision has yet been announced.

But the debate in the Senedd signals that any move to cut a region is likely to face political as well as sporting scrutiny in the months ahead.

PLANS for works at Tenby’s historic sailing club building, part of the ‘iconic view’ of the town’s harbour have been given the go-ahead by the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Tenby Sailing Club, through agent David J P Morgan RIBA Architect sought permission for the two openings in second floor gable wall along with two new windows at Tenby Sailing Club, Penniless Cove Hill, along with a related listed building consent.

The application was supported by Tenby Town Council and Tenby Civic Society, the latter saying it will “add value to the use of the building and maintain the character and value of the listed building and the conservation area”.

Supporting documents for the application said: “The proposal is to form two new openings in the stonework and install two windows. These will replicate the existing windows at first floor level below. The openings will have red brick head as on existing original openings on the building. The proposal will have very little adverse impact on the listed building.”

They added: “The proposed new windows will improve observation of the harbour and bay from the second-floor level. This is where yacht racing is monitored and observed by officials and safety personnel.”

An officer report, recommending approval said: “The sailing club was built as a warehouse c. 1825, abutting the C17 sluice. Originally wine stores, it was later used by the local fishermen for stores and is now the home to Tenby Sailing Club, established in 1936. The rubble-built building is of three storeys and four bays, the glazing all later C20 with a slated roof and a modernised interior. There is a large steel stair to north (seaward) elevation.”

It added: “The building forms part of a group picturesquely clustered around the sluice, in turn forming part of the iconic view of Tenby Harbour. The proposal is to insert two windows at second floor level to the north (seaward) elevation, flanking the existing door,” adding: “The area retains its mercantile character not just in appearance, but also through its character due to ongoing use as fishing boat stores and winter moorings.

“The sailing club has occupied the building for many years and remains very active. The proposal is intended to improve the amenity of the building to provide better viewing at elevation and seeks to copy the detail and proportions of the windows at first floor stage.”

The application, and the related listed building consent, was conditionally approved by park planners.

Myherin forest takes centre stage as revised route sets up demanding Mid Wales season-opener

THE SEVERN Valley Stages – supported by Axon Commercial Catering Equipment – will make a much-anticipated return in 2026 as the opening round of the Motorsport UK British Rally Championship on Saturday (April 11).

The acclaimed gravel event is back with renewed momentum and a new-look route for crews and spectators, after the rally was cancelled in 2025 following the impact of Storm Darragh, which restricted access to large parts of the Welsh forest estate.

Organised by Midland Manor Motor Club, the Builth Wells-based rally will again offer one of the longest and most cost-effective forest events in Wales, featuring more than 50 competitive stage miles across some of the country’s most revered gravel roads.

A major talking point for 2026 is a significant route evolution. While driven by forest availability, organisers say the changes have produced what could be one of the most demanding Severn Valley Stages in recent years.

The world-famous Myherin Forest block will take centre stage, forming the backbone of the event and being used to its fullest potential. In combination with the Tarenig complex, organisers have created a series of challenging tests within Myherin, supported by the classic Sarnau stage, promising a flowing, high-speed but technical challenge throughout the day.

The rally will build towards a dramatic finale, with a joined Myherin–Tarenig stage in the afternoon forming an 18-mile test to close the event – a true sting in the tail for competing crews.

Proceedings begin on Friday evening at the Metropole Hotel & Spa in Llandrindod Wells with a ceremonial start designed to bring fans closer to the action and officially launch the weekend’s competition.

Builth Wells will host pre-event formalities and service, while the Metropole will act as rally headquarters and host the finish celebrations on Saturday evening.

As the 2026 BRC curtain-raiser, Severn Valley Stages will welcome the latest generation Rally2 machinery and many of the UK’s leading drivers.

The event will also host the return of the Fuchs Lubricants British Historic Rally Championship, alongside rounds of the Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship, West Wales Rally Spares HRCR Stage Masters and the T.C.S Plant Rally Challenge.

Clerk of the course Keith Ashley said: “After a frustrating year away, we’re incredibly proud to bring the Severn Valley Stages back for 2026 and to do so as the opening round of the British Rally Championship, alongside the returning British Historic Rally Championship, is something special.

“The revised route has allowed us to create a real driver’s rally, with Myherin at the heart of the event and a spectacular long stage to finish. We’re looking forward to welcoming competitors, championships and fans back to Mid Wales for what promises to be a memorable return.”

Fans can follow the event’s social media channels for updates:
www.facebook.com/SevernValleyStages
www.twitter.com/svstages

The 2024 Severn Valley Stages.
Credit: British Rally Championship