News

Pembrokeshire’s Kemsley Mathias set for Six Nations debut in Wales squad

Published

2 years ago

January 17, 2024

WELSH rugby enthusiasts have a new local hero to cheer for in the upcoming Six Nations championship as Haverfordwest-born Kemsley Mathias secures his spot in Wales’ 34-man squad. This announcement was made by Wales head coach Warren Gatland on January 16, setting the stage for a thrilling championship set to kick off with a match against Scotland in Cardiff on February 3.

Mathias, the sole representative from Pembrokeshire in the squad, replaces fellow Scarlet Josh Macloed from Fishguard, who suffered an injury during the Scarlets’ recent clash with Clermont. The severity of Macloed’s injury is currently under assessment, leaving the door open for Mathias to make his mark on the Six Nations stage.

Dafydd Jenkins assumes the captaincy of a relatively youthful squad, comprising 21 players with under 20 caps, including five uncapped talents. With just 12 caps to his name, Jenkins is poised to become the second youngest men’s player to lead Wales. The squad’s average age is 25, indicating a strategic blend of youth and experience.

Mathias, having earned his first cap in a pre-World Cup friendly against England in the summer of 2023, is now in contention for his Six Nations debut. Joining him in this exciting prospect are Keiron Assiratti, Corey Domachowski, Cai Evans, Joe Roberts, Teddy Williams, Sam Costelow, and Ioan Lloyd, all hoping to make their mark in the prestigious championship.

Five uncapped players, including Alex Mann, Mackenzie Martin, Evan Lloyd, and Cameron Winnett from Cardiff Rugby, along with Bath Rugby’s Archie Griffin, add a fresh and dynamic element to the squad. Gatland emphasised the importance of balancing experience and youth, citing players like George North (118 caps) and Gareth Davies (74 caps) as anchors for continuity.

Gatland expressed his excitement about nurturing the next generation of Welsh talent over the next four years. He explained, “The average age of the squad is about 25 compared to a little bit older during RWC, and then you look at this next cycle and you want to get those players to mid to late 20s in terms of experience and age.”

In the spotlight, Dafydd Jenkins, chosen as captain, has garnered praise from Gatland for his professionalism and leadership qualities. Having captained Exeter on multiple occasions, Jenkins is well-respected within the squad, and Gatland believes he will receive tremendous support from his teammates.

As the anticipation builds for the Six Nations championship, Pembrokeshire fans eagerly await Mathias’ potential debut and the overall performance of this promising Welsh squad under the leadership of Captain Jenkins.

Health

Woman jailed assaults on police, harassment and XL Bully possession

Published

54 minutes ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A CARMARTHEN woman has been jailed after admitting a lengthy catalogue of offences including assaults on police officers, harassment, breaching a Community Protection Notice, shop theft, possession of an XL Bully dog and assaulting a paramedic.

Tilly Rees, 25, of Llys Caermedi, Carmarthen, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 18).

The court heard that Rees admitted multiple breaches of a Community Protection Notice issued in 2025, including incidents in which she shouted abuse in public, caused distress to residents and repeatedly targeted individuals named in court proceedings.

Harassment campaign

Among the offences was a harassment charge relating to a course of conduct against a Carmarthen man between March and May this year.

Prosecutors said Rees approached him on multiple occasions, shouted abuse, called him a paedophile and video-recorded him and his home.

She also admitted a series of Community Protection Notice breaches linked to the same behaviour.

Police assaults

The court heard that Rees assaulted a number of police officers during incidents in Llanelli on May 1 and May 5.

Several assault charges against serving police constables were taken into account by the court when sentence was passed.

A further charge of assaulting a paramedic at Dafen Police Station on June 12 was also admitted.

Shop theft and XL Bully

Rees also admitted stealing items including sanitary products, deodorant, skincare products and reading glasses from a Carmarthen pharmacy.

In a separate matter, she admitted possessing an XL Bully dog contrary to the Dangerous Dogs Act. The court ordered the dog to be forfeited and destroyed after Rees relinquished her rights to it.

Restraining orders imposed

District Judge M Layton imposed a number of restraining orders preventing Rees from contacting named individuals or referring to them online.

The orders prohibit direct or indirect contact and restrict social media activity relating to those protected by the orders.

Jailed for 26 weeks

Magistrates concluded that only an immediate custodial sentence could be justified.

Rees was sentenced to a total of 26 weeks’ imprisonment.

The court heard that some of the offences were committed while she was already subject to a suspended sentence, while others involved assaults on emergency workers carrying additional aggravating factors.

Crime

Bomb hoax allegation lands Carmarthenshire man before court

Published

1 hour ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A CARMARTHENSHIRE man has appeared before magistrates accused of making a bomb hoax and assaulting police officers.

Anthony Mold, 38, of Sandy Road, Llanelli, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Mold is charged with communicating false information by alleging that a bomb or other explosive substance was present at Dafen Police Station.

The allegation relates to an incident on May 6 this year.

The defendant also faces charges of assaulting two police officers, damaging a police vehicle, and breaching a Community Protection Notice.

Court records show the damage charge relates to a Dyfed-Powys Police vehicle.

Mold entered guilty pleas to the offences before the court.

District Judge M Layton remanded him in custody for the preparation of reports ahead of sentencing.

The case was adjourned until Thursday, July 2, when Mold is due to be sentenced at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court.

Crime

Carmarthenshire pensioner, 86, accused of causing prostitution for gain

Published

1 hour ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

AN 86-YEAR-OLD Carmarthenshire pensioner has appeared before magistrates accused of causing or inciting prostitution for gain.

Hywel Charles, of Rhandirfelin, Llanelli, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Charles is charged under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 with intentionally causing or inciting another person to become a prostitute for, or in expectation of, gain for himself.

The allegation relates to an incident said to have taken place at Llanelli on October 9, 2025.