News

WRU strengthens exile programme to combat talent drain

Published

2 years ago

May 11, 2024

THE WRU is intensifying efforts to preserve Welsh talent and prevent young players from being lured to England, amid a growing concern over the loss of dual-qualified athletes. This strategic shift includes the expansion of the exile programme and the establishment of a robust scouting network within England.

Recent high-profile defections have underscored the urgency of this initiative. Cardiff-born Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Haverfordwest’s Kane James are among the notable young talents who have crossed the Severn Bridge, opting to pursue their careers in England, with Feyi-Waboso making his senior debut for England in this year’s Six Nations.

Richard Whiffin, Wales Under-20s coach, emphasised the critical need to address this trend during the Six Nations, stating, “We have to start challenging some of the issues, especially around dual-qualified players. These are the battles we need to get hold of because it’s turning into a race to the bottom.”

To counteract this, the WRU is investing in the exiles programme, aiming to improve scholarship offers with Welsh educational institutions and create a network of scouts specifically targeted at identifying Welsh talent in English schools. Huw Bevan, WRU Performance Director, highlighted the importance of engaging these players not just in the rugby system but in fostering a sense of Welsh identity. “We have to look at identifying talent already in other countries, but particularly England. We need to engage them in the system but also in the feeling of being Welsh, not just Welsh-qualified,” Bevan explained.

The WRU’s plans include collaboration with 20 coaches within the English education system, who are of Welsh descent and keen to participate in scouting potential players. This initiative is crucial to persuade young talents to stay and develop their rugby careers within Wales, rather than accepting scholarships at English schools.

Gruff Rees, Cardiff’s academy manager, noted the historical disconnection that contributed to the exodus, citing a decade of inadequate support for regional age-grade programmes by the union. The situation has been exacerbated by recent budget cuts across Welsh regions, forcing a shift towards developing homegrown talent.

The emphasis on improving the quality and appeal of both rugby and educational programmes within Wales is seen as key to retaining young players. Josh Hathaway, a promising full-back from Aberystwyth who now plays for Gloucester and has represented England Under-20s, exemplifies the type of talent Wales is striving to keep.

The WRU’s approach also seeks to promote the benefits of Welsh education systems, as highlighted by Bevan’s mention of an upturn in interest at Coleg y Cwmoedd following the success of its graduates Cam Winnett and Mackenzie Martin, both recent Wales caps.

In response to the funding challenges and the need for a sustainable talent pipeline, Welsh regions are focused on nurturing and utilising local talent more effectively. The efforts to ensure talented players consider educational opportunities in Wales as seriously as those across the border are intensifying, as the WRU aims to build a future where Welsh rugby talent thrives within its national borders.

Image: BBC News Hub

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

48 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.

Crime

Publican jailed for six years for supplying cocaine and cannabis

Published

1 hour ago

March 20, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Milford Haven man sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following drug dealing operation

A MILFORD HAVEN publican has been jailed for six years after admitting supplying cocaine and cannabis.

The defendant, who previously appeared before magistrates and was remanded in custody, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following an investigation into drug dealing activity linked to the town.

The court heard that he had been involved in the supply of Class A and Class B drugs, with evidence including material recovered by police and analysis of mobile phone data. Investigators said the activity had been ongoing since at least 2024.

Cocaine, a Class A drug, carries the most serious penalties under UK law, and the involvement of both cocaine and cannabis was reflected in the length of the sentence imposed.

During proceedings, the court was told that the case went beyond isolated incidents, with the defendant playing a significant role in the supply chain. The judge said the offending was serious and sustained, warranting an immediate custodial sentence.

He was sentenced to six years in prison.

The case had previously been heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where the defendant was remanded due to the seriousness of the allegations before being sent to the Crown Court for sentencing.

Education

Prendergast School achieves gold award for Armed Forces support

Published

2 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Top honour recognises commitment to Service children and families

PRENDERGAST CP School in Haverfordwest has been awarded the highest possible recognition for its support of Armed Forces families.

The school has secured Gold Armed Forces Friendly School Cymru status, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing work to support pupils from Service backgrounds.

Headteacher Louise John said the achievement reflects a strong, whole-school commitment to ensuring Service children feel supported and able to succeed.

She said: “We are committed to ensuring Service pupils feel welcomed, understood and able to thrive.

“We recognise the unique experiences of children from Service families and have worked hard to embed that understanding across the school.

“Our approach focuses on early identification, strong communication with families, and consistent pastoral support.

“Achieving Gold status recognises the dedication of our staff and the inclusive practices already in place, while reinforcing our ongoing commitment to supporting Service children’s wellbeing, sense of belonging, and educational success.”

The Gold award, delivered through Supporting Service Children in Education Cymru (SSCE Cymru), requires schools to demonstrate strong and sustained support for Service children. This includes creating a positive environment where pupils can share their experiences and strengthening links with the wider Armed Forces community.

Prendergast CP School previously achieved both Bronze and Silver awards before progressing to the top level.

Cllr Simon Hancock, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Armed Forces Champion, praised the achievement.

He said: “I would like to congratulate Prendergast School on achieving the coveted Gold Armed Forces Friendly School Cymru status.

“From my visits, it is clear the school actively engages with the Armed Forces community and provides a positive and supportive environment for Service children.”

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, added: “This is fantastic recognition of the ongoing work at Prendergast School.

“It highlights the importance of supporting Armed Forces families and sets a strong example of best practice. Well done to everyone involved.”