Hot Shots Hal Has Turned Turmeric From Home Made Remedy To Elixir For All
Harry Corish - Sportin Journalist
Hal Robson-Kanu gets the same buzz out of transforming people’s lives through nutrition as he used to derive from finding the back of the net for Wales.
That may come as a surprise to members of the Red Wall, who will forever be grateful to the former striker for providing one of the greatest moments in the nation’s footballing history.
It was Robson-Kanu’s exquisite turn and deadly finish against Belgium at Euro 2016 in a never-to-be-forgotten quarter-final victory.
Seven years on, Robson-Kanu – who goes by his lesser-known given name of Thomas Robson-Kanu these days – runs a highly successful business, The Turmeric Co.
That goal provided a feelgood factor that went off the scale. Now, though, Robson-Kanu’s very clear faith in nutritious bottled turmeric shots is based on a firm conviction that it has health benefits that last far longer.
He started the company in 2018.
So, what’s the best feeling? Scoring or selling?
Yeah, I would say they are very different feelings. But actually, the outcome in terms of reward, and that feeling, is very similar.
We have serviced over 100,000 customers with our product now and received over 10,000 customer testimonials.
Obviously, they’re two separate and different industries. But if you can positively impact someone’s life, I don’t think there’s anything better than that.
So, whether you’re doing it by scoring an amazing goal and winning the game on the weekend, or whether you’re doing it by delivering a high quality, high functional and best in class product on the market, which is then changing lives for the better, then that’s very satisfying.
You’re helping people become healthier, they’re in less pain, they’re more mobile, and they have more energy so they can be more productive. So, you’re impacting society and individuals on a really large scale, just like football.
You were a teenager trying to make your way in professional football at Reading when you first became convinced of the health benefits and powerful anti-inflammatory properties of the humble turmeric plant. What happened?
At the age of 17, I suffered two cruciate ligament injuries in my knee, and found the painful swelling I was experiencing was hampering my performance.
The remedy as far the club’s doctors and physiotherapists were concerned was to give me painkillers and anti-inflammatories. I was popping these things like smarties.
After two weeks my body had a complete adverse reaction. I started passing blood in my urine, had severe nausea, didn’t sleep, and it got to a point where we needed to look at natural ingredients that could support the reduction of pain and inflammation.
You were helped by your father, and you researched more natural remedies and came across turmeric, which you and the family used to create your own blend. How important was that to the creation of the company you run now?
It was a lightbulb moment when I went into the shower one morning and for the first time in two years discovered there was no longer acute pain in my knee.
I then began realising that I was recovering quicker generally than my teammates. I wouldn’t get run down in the winter months as much as others, and I became aware there were real benefits from consuming this blend.
There was a big difference, though, between our own ‘golden elixir’ and the stuff commercial companies were bottling and selling as ‘healthy’ turmeric-based products.
Most of them were apple juice-based, or water-based and had really small amounts of turmeric in them, or else they were actually made from turmeric powder.
You had another lightbulb switch on – why not manufacture your own? How did you move on to that?
We went on a journey from 2016 to 2018, in terms of building a bespoke manufacturing facility, because no juice or no beverage or food beverage manufacturers would produce our product for us, because we were using raw ingredients, high quality ingredients, and the process was very unique.
The Turmeric Co. was born and then it was a case of building a customer base, based on growing an authentic community of enthusiastic users, rather than a multi-million pound marketing campaign.
The company now supplies over 50 different sports teams across the country – including the likes of Cardiff City, Everton and Wigan Warriors – and has over 1,000 elite sports professionals using the product on a daily basis.
But more importantly we’re changing the lives of everyday people who are looking to ultimately recover and lead a happy, healthy life.
What’s the scientific evidence for turmeric’s benefits?
We’re very much on a mission to bring health and wellness to anyone who is aware and understands the benefits.
And so a big part of what we did in 2020 was to partner with Nottingham Trent University because we really wanted to validate the product.
We ran a clinical trial on the product, leveraging one of our elite sports partnerships, and ran the trial on a group of elite sportsmen.
The study itself shows a 75% reduction in inflammation, post-activity, in the blood, which is obviously massive because the majority of chronic illness and pain is due to inflammation.
visit www.theturmeric.co to buy yours!
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Wimbledon Wildcard - MIMI XU!
Harry Corish - Sportin Journalist
We sit down with Mimi Xu, who at 13, became Wales’ youngest tennis player to compete in Junior Wimbledon in 2021.
Can you share with us how you initially got into tennis?
When I was 3 I moved house and there was a club 5 mins away from my house (Swansea Tennis and Squash club). I would walk past my local club, and see people playing. I started playing when I was 4 playing 30 minutes a week, as my attention span was very short. It was an outdoor club, so depending on the weather sometimes I wouldn’t even play in a month. At that age I really liked just hitting balls, and learning the things which come naturally to me now like top spin, changing into chopper grip.
What sparked your interest in the sport, and at what age did you start playing competitively?
I started playing competitively when I was 6. Then when I was 7, I won the 8u Welsh Championships, which then started making me believe in my ability and potential more and more. I’ve always loved watching people like Andy Murray, Roger Federer and Serena Williams on TV, and as a young child what really motivated me was wanting to make the big screens, where thousands of people would be watching you.
Do you have any memorable stories about why you chose to pursue tennis?
I went on a school trip with my primary school to Swansea Tennis Centre. I was already having sessions at my local club, so I knew a bit more than my other classmates. Then the coaches at the tennis centre asked if I wanted to come down to a few sessions they had during the week. That’s when I started to train more and enjoy it more as well.
Mimi, your rise in the tennis world has been nothing short of remarkable. Can you share with us the key moments or experiences that have contributed to your success so far?
Well obviously, the biggest and my favourite experience so far has to be winning the 18U GB Nationals, and earning a Wimbledon qualifying wildcard for women’s. My experience playing Wimbledon qualifying was a mixture of amazing and nerve racking. Overall though, I was just so excited.
Another memorable moment was playing my first abroad tournament without my parents at 11 years old. I went to play the Top 11/12 in Bressuire, France and at the time it was the longest I’d ever been away from home, and the first time I’d been abroad for a tournament. I was extremely homesick, however I ended up winning both singles and doubles. I learnt so much about myself and tennis on an international level on that trip.
Last year, as a 14-year-old, you came incredibly close to qualifying for Wimbledon. How did that experience shape your aspirations and motivation going forward?
It gave me a better understanding of what it takes, and the areas I need to improve in order to get to that level. Having that experience really put things into perspective for me, and it’s given me belief that one day I will hopefully be able to get to that level. My qualifying match I played was probably the most pressure I had felt before playing my match, however once I was out on the court, I loved every single moment.
Do you have any special memories of Wimbledon growing up or competing last year?
Last year I won my first match in Junior Wimbledon at the All England Club, which is probably the happiest I’ve ever felt winning a match. Coming off court and kids coming up to you asking for your autograph is a memory that I’ll never forget.
Playing at Junior Wimbledon must have been an exciting and challenging opportunity for you. Could you tell us about your journey and emotions during that tournament?
I got to 3rd round and I played my 2nd round on court 12 and my 3rd on court 18. Court 12 was the biggest show court I’d ever played on. I obviously had so many nerves before playing my match but having the home fans supporting me really helped ease them. My favourite part was having hawkeye on both of those courts. I didn’t use it in my match on court 12 but used it twice in my 3rd round match. I didn’t get any right, but I loved the suspense with the crowd clapping, waiting for the call to be made. That, in itself, was an experience.
You had a spell out recently with injury. Is that problem behind you now?
Yes, I missed out on playing the Junior Australian Open due to a foot injury, however I’ve gone through rehab and recovered really well. I’m now training on clay in preparation for the Junior French Open, which I am really excited for.
What are your hopes for the season?
Because I’ve been out for a few months, this season I just really want to get back into playing tournaments consistently, and continue to develop my game. However, I would really love to just enjoy having the opportunity to play the junior Grand Slams and hopefully go deep into a few.
With rising stars like Emma Raducanu and Coco Gauff making waves in the tennis world. How exciting is it to be part of women’s tennis at the moment?
It’s extremely exciting. Coco Gauff made her mark at Wimbledon when I was 11 years old. Since then, she’s someone who I’ve really looked up to, as she’s comfortably transitioned from the junior to women’s tour at such a young age. Emma had such an amazing 2021, and it’s really inspiring to see what she’s achieved, for young British tennis players.
How does representing Wales in your tennis career hold significance for you?
When I was younger I always played county cup, which was my first experience of tennis as a team sport. It was one of my favourite experiences. Cheering on your teammates with hundreds of different chants, playing a deciding doubles to see who was going through to the finals. 10u County Cup finals was also my first ever time having Nandos, and now it’s one of my go to restaurants at tournaments. I really cherish those moments as they allow you to experience the sport in a completely different way.
Are there any particular moments or achievements that have made you proud to carry the Welsh flag?
My first time playing Four Nations was a memorable achievement. I was playing in the 12u team, and I would go and watch the 14s and 18s play their matches. The whole team environment was so encouraging with the older players coming to support and looking after us younger ones.
Could you tell us about your parents influence on your tennis career and how they have supported your passion for the sport?
They’ve always been extremely supportive on whatever I’ve wanted to do. Whether that’s on or off the court, I know that they’ll always back me right to the end. They will always have belief in me even at times when I don’t, so I will forever be grateful for how much they have contributed to my journey.
As a young player with a bright future ahead, how do you balance the pressure to perform and meet expectations with simply enjoying the game?
I believe as long as I put 110% into anything that I do the results will eventually come. Anytime I go out onto the court I want to leave the court without any regrets as I then know I have tried my absolute best, which gives me confidence in myself. Enjoying the game simply comes from me loving to play and compete, so seeing games as a chance to just go and have some fun, whilst my competitive side always wanting to win.
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Wales U20s Must Improve, Says Head Coach Mark Jones, After Big Scare From Japan
Harry Corish - Sportin Journalist
Mark Jones has told his Wales youngsters they need to improve if they are going to make more of an impact at the World Rugby U20 Championships in South Africa.
The young Dragons had to come from behind to beat Japan, 41-19, in Stellenbosch but it was far more edgy than the scoreline suggests.
Until Japan captain Yoshiki Omachi was sent off early in the second half for a dangerous tackle, the underdogs actually led 19-15.
Wales, though, were unable to make their player advantage pay until the 65th minute when replacement Tom Florence went over in the right corner following a dominant attacking scrum.
The result remained in the balance until the final six minutes when Dan Edwards, Bryn Bradley and Louie Hennessey each crossed the whitewash to put some gloss on the victory.
Wales coach Mark Jones admitted: “Japan really fronted up, especially at the set-piece where they probably edged us out for large parts.
“We always knew it was going to take an 80-minute performance and the dam may burst eventually under constant pressure. I just wish it had burst a little earlier.
“We got what we wanted from this game in terms of points but our discipline was poor and we know we’ve got to go up another three or four gears when we face France.”
France is likely to be Wales’ toughest game of the pool stages as they showed they mean business in defending their title with a convincing 35-14 win over New Zealand in torrential rain in Paarl.
As the Wales U20s get ready to face France, the seniors are preparing for their visit to France in September for the World Cup.
Much has been written about the tough training sessions Warren Gatland’s squad have undergone, but Wales and Scarlets scrum-half Gareth Davies has revealed other skills have been honed, too.
In a change to routine training sessions, the squad spent a day at ‘The Green Mile’ – a health and wellness centre where the players were also subjected to other, psychological challenges.
“It was a good day,” Davies said of the different approach as he explained the activities undertaken.
“We had a mental challenge where they put us in some stressful positions. We weren’t allowed to talk for an hour. They put a bag over our head so we couldn’t see where we were and they moved us around the camp.
“There were some weird stressful noises in the background. It was good, quite challenging. We knew it was going to be around the hour mark but it felt like we were there for three or four hours.
“But we felt really good after it. We bonded well as a team and got some good positives from it.”
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Glamorgan Dig In For Pride In T20 Blast Clash With Hampshire
Harry Corish - Sportin Journalist
CRICKET
While other teams are making signings to strengthen their hopes of success in the Vitality T20 Blast, Glamorgan are thinking of what might have been.
The Welsh county’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages ended with their recent 20-run home defeat by Sussex.
That means, with two games to go, they cannot make the top four of the South Group and will head to the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on Friday to face Hampshire, with only pride to play for.
Hampshire, in third, are well placed to make the knockout stages and their record of seven victories from five games compares favourably to Glamorgan’s five victories.
Kiran Carlson’s side have won three and lost six of their nine T20 matches at the Ageas Bowl with their most recent success coming in 2018 by 63 runs.
BOXING
Rosie Eccles is poised to make amends for her Olympic heartache before Tokyo 2021.
The Welsh boxer – who missed out three years ago because of illness – has secured a remarkable opportunity to compete for an Olympic gold medal at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
The 26-year-old, who claimed the light-middleweight gold at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham last year, demonstrated her exceptional skills once again at the European Games held in Poland this week.
In a high quality performance, Eccles advanced to the semi-finals and clinched her qualification for the Olympic Games in France next year.
The European Games is being used as Olympic qualification in some sports and on Wednesday, Eccles achieved a hard-fought victory against Amy Broadhurst, the world and European champion from Ireland.
CYCLING
There will be no Geraint Thomas – and no Welsh riders – at the Tour de France this year, but Thomas’s influence will be there at the start line on Saturday.
Wales’ former winner may have gone for the Giro d’Italia this year, instead of the Tour he won in 2018, but Egan Bernal is back for their team, Ineos Grenadiers.
It was Bernal who Thomas took under his wing when the young Colombian first joined the team but this will be the first time the 26-year-old has contested a Grand Tour event since his life-threatening training crash last year.
After a glorious win at the 2021 Giro d’Italia, Bernal suffered serious injuries in January last year when he collided with the back of a bus while riding a time-trial bike in Colombia during training.
The crash left him in intensive care as he recovered from surgery on his spine and several other fractures.
“I’m sure many people have followed everything that has happened to me since my accident in January last year, and the journey I’ve been through to overcome the greatest test of my life,” he said.
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Go Pro! Welsh Women’s Teams Cardiff City and Wrexham Prepare for Historic Season As New Professionals
Harry Corish - Sportin Journalist
The wheels of change are speeding up in Welsh women’s football with two clubs announcing they are preparing for squads of professional players for next season.
Wrexham were first to announce plans for 10 of their players to take up semi-professional contracts in the Genero Adran Premier next season.
A few days later, Cardiff City revealed they were also going to pay their players when they defend their Genero Adran Premier title later this summer.
“We are delighted to be able to offer semi-professional contracts to our full senior squad,” said Cardiff women’s and girls’ head Iain Darbyshire.
“This is a huge moment for the women’s game in Wales, and something that we can be massively proud of.”
Cardiff won the double last season, winning the FAW Women’s Cup to go with their league title.
This weekend they will learn who their opponents are in the UEFA Women’s Champions League draw.
“We believe that our players deserve to be recognised and rewarded for their hard work and commitment over previous seasons, and this announcement is the first step in doing so,” added Darbyshire.
“We are now training three times a week, regularly playing in front of large crowds and seeing significant increases in commercial revenue and it’s only right the commitment from our players to perform at the top level is rewarded and recognised.
“I would like to thank our operational staff, the board, and club directors for their support in delivering these contracts.
“The focus now turns to deciding our final squad for the upcoming UEFA Women’s Champions League, where we will be aiming to represent Wales with pride, and the upcoming exciting 2023/24 Adran Premier campaign.”
Wrexham had already come to the party with their announcement they would be rewarding their players for promotion to the Welsh women’s top flight, by handing out 10 semi-pro deals.
Wrexham’s Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney watched their women’s side at the Racecourse Ground last season and have now decided to pour in more funds.
Wrexham’s head of women’s operations, Gemma Owen said: “This is an historic moment, not just for the football club but for women’s football in North Wales and shows just what young girls in our region can aspire to.
“All 10 players signed up so far have proved themselves on and off the pitch, not just as fine footballers but as great role models too and are fitting pioneers.”
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Warren Gatland Admits Not Everyone Wants To Get On Board His World Cup Bandwagon
Harry Corish - Sportin Journalist
Whether the 2023 Rugby World Cup is a glorious success for Wales or an abject failure, it’s likely that Warren Gatland will look back to this build-up period as the time when the eventual destination was punched into the Satnav.
If Wales get through their pool and go deep into the tournament in France, then those first few weeks spent at the Vale of Glamorgan resort will be viewed as character-forming for the whole squad.
Crash and burn before the knockout stages and the roots of the ill-fated journey will be traced to the same period.
It’s one of those trips where no one really knows where you’re heading until you arrive.
Head coach Gatland has faced a very challenging start, with major difficulties in just keeping everyone on the bus.
No sooner had he named his huge initial 54-man squad than Gatland was told by his former captain Alun Wyn Jones and hugely experienced forward Justin Tipuric, they had decided to retire instead.
Then, scrum-half Rhys Webb – who had spoken of his pride and unfinished business after getting back into the squad for the Six Nations – decided that business hours were over and he, too, would be concentrating on club rugby instead.
It was not too long before Gatland himself trimmed the group further by releasing Cardiff prop Rhys Carre for failing to make the required fitness and conditioning targets.
Handled well, that decision might have been accepted without too much of a furore. But the choice to issue the news through a one sentence update on Twitter – devoid of any context or input from the player himself – drew harsh criticism for the Welsh Rugby Union.
When it came to protecting mental health, many claimed it showed the WRU were happy to talk the talk but not actually walk the walk.
Next came the withdrawal of Cory Hill, who said he wanted to go to the World Cup but had felt obliged to take a club opportunity, instead. For the sake of his family.
So, are Wales heading towards World Cup disaster? Is there anyone who can keep the bus on the road and enough players on board?
Well, yes, there is. It’s Gatland. He may have his detractors at present, but history has shown that no one is more versed in turning storm clouds into sunny uplands.
Nobody gave Wales much chance before the 2011 World Cup, but they reached the semi-finals. Likewise, in 2019.
The difference between then and now, perhaps, is one that Gatland himself appreciates and has raised concerns about – namely, that the pull, the lure of international rugby is not quite what it once was.
In difficult economic times for the sport, players are naturally putting their families and their livelihoods first. The uncertainties around selection for Test rugby means club or regional commitments suddenly look far more secure.
“I’ve made that point that we’re not a reflection of where Welsh rugby has been at for a number of years,” admits Gatland.
“We’ve got to, hopefully, put things right and there is an opportunity now. The regions have got to deal with the Union and put plans in place in terms of moving forward.
“These issues have been here before and we were probably blocking up the dam in terms of them not really coming to the fore because of the success we had.
“I think the onus is on all of us, for us as a national team to be more successful, for the regions to be more successful, so we retain our players, and they want to be part of teams which are successful here.”
Gatland will hope that all the players who remain in his World Cup group are fully committed and on board all the way to Bordeaux and that first meeting with Fiji on September 10.
For those that are, only one thing is guaranteed. They will be worked hard, far harder than in a normal pre-season when they are with their clubs or regions.
The years may have changed Gatland’s appearance but not his core beliefs.
“Playing for 80 minutes and not going away, working incredibly hard for each other, and having that desperation – you’ve seen that in the past and it’s something I’ll definitely be focusing on again,” says the New Zealander.
“We’ve got to build a mental toughness in us again and get back to what we prided ourselves on and what other teams respected us for having.”
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Ones To Watch - Gabriele Biancheri
Harry Corish - Sportin Journalist
NAME: Gabriele Biancheri
AGE: 16
SPORT: Football
CURRENT CLUB: Manchester United
We catch up with young star; Gabriele Biancheri, at just 16 after his first few months at Manchester United. The striker, 16, moved to United in January from Cardiff City. He is currently at the U17 Euros with Wales.
Tell us a bit about your early days as a football player up to today.
I started playing football since I could walk with my first word being ball! I played for my local team Bridgend street for a year or two before being scouted for Cardiff. I played for Cardiff for 9 years before making the big move to United.
What are you most proud of to date in your career
Being a local lad from Cardiff getting scouted and bought for the biggest club in the world is a huge achievement no one can take away from me
Where do you hope to be playing in five years?
I hope to be playing at the highest level of football playing in the biggest games with and against the best players in the world.
What are your main strengths?
My main strengths would be my confidence, work rate and having an eye for goal. I play for the team and my teammates. Probably the strength that’s stuck with me for most of my life so far on and off the pitch is just not giving up and not being happy with what I’ve got, always wanting more.
Who is your biggest inspiration in your sport?
The person I look up to most would be Ronaldo, just growing up watching him play has motivated and inspired me. The best ever.
What are the next steps/moves in your career?
I’ve got to take it a step at a time and not get too carried away however I just need to keep improving myself to be the best player and person I can be. Also making a first team debut within the next couple of years wouldn’t be that bad!
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From Diagnosis to Determination: Alix Popham's Fight for Change in Rugby and Beyond
Harry Corish - Sportin Journalist
Welsh rugby legend Alix Popham is embarking on a remarkable journey in the coming months, all in the name of raising awareness and support for the Head for Change charity, having been diagnosed with probable CTE and early onset dementia in 2020.
Head for Change, a pioneering charitable foundation, focuses on promoting positive change for brain health in sports and providing support for former players affected by neurodegenerative diseases.
With a busy schedule ahead, Popham is gearing up for a series of physical challenges that will push his limits while championing the cause.
One of his notable endeavours includes the Big Rugby Swim, where he will swim across the English Channel alongside teams of ex-professional Rugby Union and Rugby League players. Popham will also be participating in the gruelling Tenby Ironman and undertaking a cycling journey to France ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
Can you tell us a bit about what’s coming up for you?
First off is the long weekend in Tenby, and the Ironman. We’re then cycling from London to Lyon with Geraint Thomas, Luke Rowe and a few ex Welsh international rugby players and finally there’s The Big Rugby Swim. So, it’s going to be a busy few months.
Tell us a bit more about the Big Rugby Swim…
The Big Rugby Swim is a charity event organized by Head For Change, aimed at raising funds for dementia. It involves a relay swim across the English Channel in October 2023.
22 miles is the distance, but the swimming distance is dependent on the tides. If you miss a tide, you could end up doing a double S across, which would mean doing close to 60 miles in swimming.
Hopefully that doesn’t happen to us, we’re targeted around the 40-mile mark, and we’ll be doing an hour on, four hours off.
Speaking to other people who’ve done the challenge, the four hours on the boat is supposed to be horrendous because the boat is only travelling at one and a half to two miles an hour.
You can feel the swell of the sea and the majority of people on that boat get sea sickness. So, being in the water is sometimes the best place to be.
Who’s doing it alongside you?
In the Union team there is myself, Matthew Dwyer and Ifan Phillips, the ex-Ospreys hooker who lost his leg in a motorbike accident a few months ago, Ian Gough, Carl Heyman and Kieran Low the Scottish back row who played for London Irish Saracens.
And then, from the rugby league team, Denis Betts, a former Wigan legend, Kev Brown, Mick Cassidy, Jason Critchley, Francis Maloney, Mickii Edwards and Cliff Eccles and It’s a Decent group!
How has training been going?
I don’t really enjoy swimming in the pool. I find it like running around a track; it gets quite boring. So, I’ve got my limit of about 45 minutes in the pool, and after that, I’m not enjoying it!
Now it’s getting warmer, I’ve been going across Clevedon or Jackson’s Bay and just getting in the sea and every time I do a long swim, I’m increasing the distance and time in the water. Every time I just add five minutes to it, so it’s not a huge jump.
What are the motivations behind taking on these challenges?
It was just after my diagnosis, over three years ago now, we soon realised there wasn’t much information out there on this issue. We still love the sport, but we want it to carry on in a much safer way than it currently is.
It is crucial to be part of the solution of positive brain health in sport and being honest with what’s going on. Hopefully these challenges really help to get those key messages we are trying to get across at Head for Change.
The funds raised this year, will help us launch the education part of Head for Change, and we can also hopefully provide more care and support for players and their families.
What else do you hope will come from completing these challenges?
The more awareness and exposure we get as a foundation the better for us and it is why we’re doing it. If we help one person, we’ve done a good job. But I know we’re helping a lot more than that.
We are delighted that Sky will be doing a four-part documentary before we do the challenge and they’ll be filming during.
Our target is to raise half a million pounds. We want to get the message out there, getting people to go to our website to help educate themselves.
We’re hoping this will help to put together an education programme that support getting these important messages into grassroots clubs and schools to help the next generation of players coming through.
Has this process had a lasting impression on you?
We had two options when I had my diagnosis. It was a crossroads; turn left and sit on the couch and feel sorry for yourself, or turn right and try and make a difference, be a part of the solution.
That’s what gets me up in the morning and gets me motivated to train and push on with these challenges, so yeah, it’s had a huge impact on myself and my family.
What message would you like to send out to fellow rugby players supporters and maybe those in people in positions of influence?
We still love rugby. The majority of what we want to change in the game is off the pitch. It’s important to control the controllables.
It is so important to share this message, especially in the grassroots or amateur level, everybody can keep an eye on a person on a pitch, so hopefully we begin to see the changes that are needed in the coming years.
Twitter: @head4change
Instagram: @headforchange/
Facebook: @HeadForChange/
Linkedin: @headforchangecharity
Just Giving Link: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/TheBigRugbySwim
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Travis Perkins Team Of The Month - June
Harry Corish - Sportin Journalist
AND THE WINNERS ARE…
Pontypool United Under 8’s Rugby
Sport: Rugby
Playing ground: The Memorial Ground, Pontypool
Team founded: 1946
Pontypool United RFC was established in 1946 and in 2021 celebrated its 75th year. It is very much a community club and has over 300+ members. 250 of these form the Mini & Junior section and ages range from 6 through to 16.
Our under 8’s have enjoyed a successful year up to date with lots of tags taken and tries scored. We put this down to the kids enjoying being together and being part of a “team”. We always have strong numbers at training which flows through come Sunday when we play our matches. A big step-up next year as we head into U9’s and early contact, but the kids are really looking forward to it!!
We are all looking forward to our end of season tour to Devon Cliffs at the end of May to enjoy some fun on the beach!
CONGRATULATIONS!!
Calling all sports teams in Wales!
It’s time to celebrate team success and showcase your story with the Travis Perkins Team of the Month!
Do you have a story to tell? Too many trophies to count? A big summer of competition ahead?
We want to hear about it! So, if you’re a sports team in Wales, this is your chance to shine!
Register your interest by telling us why your team should be our ‘Team Of The Month’
Email Media@Sportin.Wales
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Newport County Continue Rebuild For Next Season After Signing Bryn Morris From Grimsby
Harry Corish - Sportin Journalist
Newport County manager Graham Coughlan continued his quiet rebuild of the squad at the weekend as he prepares for another campaign in League Two.
The County boss made his third signing of the summer when he landed midfielder Bryn Morris from Grimsby.
Morris joins previous new recruits Kyle Jameson, who arrived from Tranmere Rovers, and Nathan Wood, who left Penybont, in pre-season work at Rodney Parade.
Morris recently became a free agent after his departure from Grimsby.
But County and Coughlan have lost defender Priestley Farquharson, who has rejected a new deal and moved instead to League Two rivals, Walsall.
Morris has signed a two-year contract at Rodney Parade after the 27-year-old has made 200 senior appearances, including 42 in his one season at Grimsby.
“Bryn is a great addition,” said Coughlan.
“He has a lot of experience and will give us additional ball control in the middle of the park.
“He has a great engine which will fit into how we play. He is also a great character who displays strong leadership qualities, so I’m really looking forward to working with him.”
But centre-back Farquharson – who was linked with League One and Championship clubs last season – has moved on after turning down the terms on offer at County.
“The move here (to Wallsall) felt right,” said Farquharson. “Every time I have played here, it’s been a tough place to come and that toughness, winning mentality is built in me and I know I can bring that here.
“[Head coach] Mat Sadler and I had a few conversations and everything he said aligned with my goals and aspirations.”
Farquharson was signed from Connah’s Quay Nomads by former County manager Michael Flynn after impressing in the Cymru Premier and played 38 matches in all competitions last season.
He played a part in the 2020/21 promotion push, coming off the bench in the Wembley play-off defeat to Morecambe.
“I’m delighted to get Priestley,” said Sadler.
“He’s someone we’ve worked hard to get over the line and we’re absolutely delighted to secure his services.
“Priestley is a man mountain of a guy, he’s extremely mobile, really quick and fits the demands of the division really well.
“He defends well, he’s comfortable in one-v-one situations. I played against him in his first season in English football at Newport and straight away I was struck by the athleticism of him.
“He’s a front foot defender who loves to defend but also likes to step in and dribble as well.
“I’m looking forward to seeing his aggressive style of play.
“He’s so hungry to get better, so hungry to improve and better himself each and every day. It’s that hunger in a player that I am after in all the players that I’m looking to sign.”