Entertainment
The Rugby Championship 2024 preview and where to watch
The Rugby Championship 2024 is set to captivate rugby fans worldwide, featuring fierce competition among the Southern Hemisphere’s top teams. As these rugby powerhouses clash, Welsh fans can look forward to thrilling matches, showcasing the sport at its highest level. Here’s a preview of the tournament and how you can watch it.
Tournament format and fixtures
The 2024 Rugby Championship returns to its full 12-match format, with each team playing six matches—three at home and three away. This comprehensive schedule promises to be the most intense and high-stakes rugby on TV.
Key fixtures:
- Round 1 (10 August):
- New Zealand vs Argentina at Sky Stadium, Wellington
- Australia vs South Africa at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
- Round 2 (17 August):
- New Zealand vs Argentina at Eden Park, Auckland
- Australia vs South Africa at Optus Stadium, Perth
- Round 3 (31 August):
- South Africa vs New Zealand at Ellis Park, Johannesburg
- Argentina vs Australia at Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi, Buenos Aires
- Round 4 (7 September):
- South Africa vs New Zealand at DHL Stadium, Cape Town
- Argentina vs Australia at Brigadier Estanislao Lopez Stadium, Santa Fe
- Round 5 (21 September):
- Australia vs New Zealand at Accor Stadium, Sydney
- Argentina vs South Africa at Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes, Cordoba
- Round 6 (28 September):
- New Zealand vs Australia at Eden Park, Auckland
- South Africa vs Argentina at Ellis Park, Johannesburg
The teams
- New Zealand
The All Blacks, the defending champions, are aiming for their fifth consecutive title. They have a balanced squad, combining experience and emerging talent.
- South Africa
The Springboks, fresh off their Rugby World Cup victory, will be formidable opponents. Led by Siya Kolisi, they are known for their physicality and tactical prowess.
- Australia
The Wallabies, under new leadership, are looking to rebuild and make a strong statement. Their matches against traditional rivals New Zealand and South Africa will be crucial for their campaign.
- Argentina
Los Pumas are the dark horses of the tournament. Known for their passionate play and resilience, they can upset any team on their day. Keep an eye on their home matches, which often see them perform at their best.
Where to watch
For Welsh fans, the Rugby Championship will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. This ensures comprehensive coverage, including expert analysis and highlights. If you or your local doesn’t have a Sky Sports subscription, you can stream the matches via NOW TV, which offers a pass for all Sky Sports channels.
Streaming options:
- Sky Sports: The primary broadcaster in the UK, offering live coverage and in-depth analysis.
- NOW TV: Provides streaming access to Sky Sports channels without a long-term contract, ideal for viewers who prefer flexibility.
Additionally, fans can consider using a VPN to access international streaming services like Stan Sport (Australia), SuperSport (South Africa), and FloRugby (USA).
Conclusion
The Rugby Championship 2024 promises to be a spectacular display of rugby, featuring some of the best teams and players in the world. Welsh fans have multiple ways to catch all the action live and stay up-to-date. Whether through Sky Sports or streaming services, make sure you don’t miss a moment of this thrilling tournament.
Entertainment
Pembrokeshire soprano to perform at International Eisteddfod
HAVERFORDWEST music teacher and soprano soloist Clare Harrison is set to perform at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen next month.
Clare will sing under the baton of Sir Karl Jenkins on Tuesday, July 7, as part of the World Choir, an auditioned international chorus of singers, for the long-awaited Welsh premiere of his work One World.
She will also perform in a new commission, Greeting the Dawn, by Sam Buttler, and in Peace Child with Wrexham-based chorus NEW Voices.
Clare combines a busy teaching schedule with regular solo performances across Wales and the borders.
Her next Pembrokeshire appearance will be as soloist with Tenby Male Choir at St Mary’s Church, Tenby, on Thursday, July 16.
Caption:
Clare Harrison: The Haverfordwest soprano will perform at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen.
Entertainment
Harbour Fest to bring music, food and maritime magic to Milford Waterfront
Free family festival will celebrate Milford Haven’s seafaring history and coastal community
MILFORD WATERFRONT will burst into life on Saturday, June 27, as the first Harbour Fest sails into town for a day of music, food, family fun and maritime celebration.
The free event will run from 10:00am to 6:00pm at Mackerel Quay and across the waterfront, bringing together local traders, live entertainment, coastal organisations and independent businesses for a packed day beside the water.
Organisers say the festival will celebrate everything that makes Milford Haven special, from its seafaring history and working harbour to its growing reputation as a destination for food, shopping, culture and family days out.
Visitors will be able to browse stalls from local makers and producers, enjoy street food and live performances, and explore a Marine Zone featuring organisations involved in sea safety, marine conservation and coastal life.
The Marine Zone will include Seagrass Network Cymru / Project Seagrass, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Dyfed-Powys Police, NCI Wooltack Point, Rudders Marine Training, RNLI Milford Haven and RNLI Angle Lifeboat.
RNLI Angle Lifeboat is expected to be based on the Mackerel Stage, while the Sea Cadets will be giving rope-tying displays at Milford Haven Museum, where craft activities will also be taking place.
Live entertainment will run throughout the day, with performances from Tom & Abz, Will Scott, Ryan Bristow, Milford Haven Town Band, Kyle Kirkhouse and ShantyJacs Sea Shanties.
Businesses across the waterfront are also joining in. All Pets Vet Care will hold a family-friendly open day with a bouncy castle, treasure hunts, quizzes, craft activities and behind-the-scenes tours. Aurora Artisan Crafts will host vocal performances, Biffy’s Bar & Restaurant will feature solo acoustic music from Laurence Lewis, and Martha’s Vineyard will offer seafood street food with live music from Ryan Bristow and Steve Bartram.
At Tŷ Milford Waterfront’s outdoor plaza there will be face painting, children’s activities, pop-up artists and an afternoon DJ set, while Phoenix Bowl and Pirate Pete’s Adventure Play will have inflatables and glitter tattoos outside.
The Waterfront Gallery will host introduction to felt-making workshops with textile artist Carole Fletcher, giving participants the chance to create a woollen felt flower pin brooch or phone/glasses case. The workshops start at 10:30am, 1:00pm and 3:30pm and cost £5 per person.
A wide range of traders will also be attending, including 5th Flock Spirits Co, Cinnamon Grove Distillery, Cwm Deri Wines & Liqueurs, Ferncraft, Get Loaded, J.J. Pottery, Major Nuts, Orange Garden Design, Pembrokeshire Chilli Farm, Pembrokeshire Gold, Pembrokeshire Lottery, Plumstone Welshcakes and SlateArtSJ.
With music drifting across the marina, food stalls lining the waterfront and lifeboats, sea safety teams and coastal groups adding a strong maritime flavour, Harbour Fest is expected to bring a lively summer atmosphere to one of Pembrokeshire’s best-known waterside destinations.
Organisers say the event is suitable for families, friends and visitors of all ages, with plenty to see and do throughout the day.
Photo caption: Harbour Fest will take place at Milford Waterfront on Saturday, June 27 (Pic: Milford Waterfront).
Entertainment
Filming begins on new Welsh BBC comedy starring Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs
A HEARTWARMING new Welsh BBC comedy co-written by Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs has started filming in South Wales.
Better Later, a six-part series for BBC iPlayer, BBC One and BBC One Wales, will explore the unexpected joys of an unlikely friendship.
The comedy stars Jones and Speirs as two people who meet at a knee trauma clinic. Retired teacher Clive, played by Speirs, is 60, widowed and facing a new chapter in life. Shelley Anne, played by Jones, is a 55-year-old environmental health officer going through a bitter divorce.
The series is being filmed in and around South Wales, including the Brecon Beacons, and is set in the fictional village of Brynfach.
Ruth Jones said: “In a funny way this show has been 35 years in the making, which is when I first met Steve. It’s not that we’re slow writers, it’s just that we’ve been up to other things. It’s fantastic to be back in front of the camera with him again.”
Steve Speirs said: “Our first time acting together for quite a long time. Ruth makes me laugh more than anyone and I’m a terrible giggler. This could be a long shoot.”
Better Later has been commissioned by BBC Cymru Wales and BBC Comedy and is being made by Tidy Productions in association with BBC Studios Comedy, with support from Creative Wales.
The series was commissioned by Nick Andrews, Head of Commissioning at BBC Cymru Wales, and Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy at the BBC. The commissioning editors are Emma Lawson and Paul Forde.
Executive producers are Sarah Fraser for Tidy Productions and Josh Cole for BBC Studios Comedy. The producer is Owen Bell and the director is Simon Massey.
Transmission details will be announced in due course.
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