Glamorgan Cricket secure promotion to Division One of County Championship
Natalie Vaughan
Written by Dr. Andrew Hignell: 1st XI scorer & Heritage and Education Co-ordinator at Glamorgan County Cricket Club
Glamorgan secured promotion yesterday into Division One of the Rothesay County Championship for the 2026 season. They claimed enough bonus points in their rain-ravaged draw at Derby to give them a significant lead over the teams in third, fourth and fifth place in the Division Two table, meaning they cannot leapfrog above the Welsh county during the final round of matches next week.
Glamorgan had to prevent Derbyshire from winning the contest last night and had to pin their hopes on both Middlesex and Gloucestershire not securing enough bonus points, so that the promotion race wouldn’t go into the final week of the season.
However, the significant loss of playing time at Derby – more than the total in all of the Welsh county’s previous twelve games this season – the resultant draw against Derbyshire, Middlesex’s draw at Old Trafford, and Gloucestershire – despite beating Northants in a gripping final hour at Bristol – not securing enough batting or bowling points in their first innings, means that Glamorgan have now secured the second, and highly coveted, promotion spot.
The team are now set to play in the top tier of the premier first-class competition for the first time since exactly twenty years ago on 18 September 2005 when the Glamorgan side, led back then by Robert Croft, were defeated by Hampshire at Sophia Gardens by 75 runs – one of fourteen defeats from their sixteen matches that summer.
Since 2005, the Welsh county have played a total of 284 matches in Division Two of the County Championship, winning 61, tying a dramatic contest with Gloucestershire at Cheltenham in 2024, besides drawing 124 games and losing a further 98 contests.
During this period, Glamorgan’s best position in the Division Two table was third place, which they achieved in 2010, despite having gone into the final match of that season, in second place in the table. On that occasion, they were pipped at the post on the final afternoon by Worcestershire, a side who Glamorgan had comprehensively defeated both at home and away in their tally of seven wins that season.
Thankfully, there will be no such dramas during the final contest of the 2025 season as Glamorgan go into the match against Lancashire at Sophia Gardens knowing that they cannot be overtaken.
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Weekend Preview: Cardiff Face Bradford in Early Six-Pointer While Swansea Look to Keep Momentum After Cup Giant-Killing
Natalie Vaughan
Cardiff City v Bradford – KO 15:00, Saturday 20
The high-flying Bluebirds take on second-placed Bradford in an early League One six-pointer.
Cardiff defender Will Fish told the media that the fixture “won’t define our season,” whatever the result — but that won’t stop supporters from building the game up as an opportunity for Brian Barry-Murphy’s men to make a statement.
The Bluebirds are sitting pretty at the top of League One, having played one game fewer than their nearest rivals.
Despite their undefeated start to the season in all competitions, Barry-Murphy revealed Cardiff owner Vincent Tan is demanding more goals from his youthful side.
He said: “He’s a tough boss. He wants things done the way he expects. Obviously, he’s enjoying the games, but he wants more — as we all do.
“He always wants more goals and fewer conceded, which is obviously my job. If I do it well enough, he’ll be happy. If I don’t, he won’t be.”
Bradford travel to the Cardiff City Stadium after a remarkable start to the season, which has surprised even the most loyal Bantams supporters.
They’ve lost just one game in all competitions and secured an impressive 3-0 away win over Championship side Stoke City.
Birmingham v Swansea – KO 12:30, Saturday 20
Swansea City are riding high after their dramatic midweek win over Premier League side Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup.
Alan Sheehan’s side currently sit just one point and one place outside the Championship play-off positions, and following this week’s giant-killing, the Swans boss isn’t looking to manage expectations.
He said: “I’m not one to put water on the fire. I’m probably more a guy who puts petrol on it.
I’m not going to dampen what people want to believe because I won’t shy away from it. We want to improve on last year.
“We’re building something — I do believe that.”
Those ambitions are shared by recent £6m acquisition Adam Idah, who spoke to the media about what drew him to a move to South Wales.
He said: “I spoke to Darren [O’Dea], who was at Celtic, and to the manager — and that’s the big aim: to get back to the Premier League.
It’s always something I said I wanted to do — to go back there, because it’s the best league in the world. Coming to a club like Swansea is a great step for me to do it.”
The Swans travel to Birmingham, who have had a mixed start to their first season back in the second tier, currently sitting mid-table in the Championship.
Norwich v Wrexham – KO 15:00, Saturday 20
Wrexham travel to Norwich with under-fire boss Phil Parkinson insisting there have been no discussions about his future, despite his side’s tough start to life back in the Championship.
Languishing in 21st place — just two points above the relegation zone — it’s not quite the Hollywood return to the second tier fans would have hoped for.
Parkinson says he is “unaware” of any speculation surrounding his future at the Stok Cae Ras.
He said: “There were no discussions at all after the game.
“We were just frustrated as a staff and had a chat with the players — but it was only a brief one, and we picked things up again on Monday morning.”
Norwich, meanwhile, are also hoping to make a push for the top six, currently sitting 10th with seven points from their opening five games.
Newport v Gillingham – KO 15:00, Saturday 20
Newport County face a tough task this weekend as they look to reverse their poor start to the season against undefeated Gillingham.
The Exiles are only above the drop zone on goal difference going into the fixture, with many fans growing frustrated — something chairman Huw Jenkins says he “understands.”
The visitors are currently second in League Two and have conceded the joint-fewest goals in the division.
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Community Foundation Day Returns to Cardiff City Stadium
Natalie Vaughan
As we settle into the new football season, Community Foundation Day is back at Cardiff City Stadium, with Cardiff City Football Club’s official charity taking centre stage at the Bradford City fixture on Saturday, 20th September.
Fans can join in the action to celebrate the impactful work of Cardiff City FC Community Foundation and help raise vital funds to continue changing lives and transforming communities across South Wales.
The Community Foundation is proud to be Wales’ leading sport-for-social-impact organisation. Through education, training, health, and community projects, they help local people reach their full potential. But none of this is possible without the support of their incredible fans and community.
That’s why Cardiff City FC are asking you to ‘Bring a Pound to the Ground’ on matchday! Your donation will help them continue their life-changing work, making a real difference to those who need it most.
How You Can Help
- Volunteer with us: Join their friendly team of volunteers and help staff around the stadium by sharing information about the Foundation’s work and collecting donations. They’ll provide everything you need ahead of the event so you’re ready to represent the Foundation on the day.
- Learn more: Stop by and chat with their team. They’ll be happy to share more about their ongoing projects and how they’re helping people reach their full potential, every day.
- Donate on matchday: Their staff will be around the stadium collecting donations. Bring a pound to the ground to help them raise vital funds—every pound counts!
- Get involved: Come along with family and friends to take part in their activities and challenges.
Zac Lyndon Jones, Interim Director of Cardiff City FC Community Foundation said:
“This season, fans can expect an action-packed matchday experience, with interactive activities around the ground, beneficiaries from our outreach projects leading the teams through the tunnel, and fitness challenges taking place at the gates.
This fixture isn’t just about achieving a great result on the pitch—it’s also about showcasing our work and impact with you, the Bluebirds. Together, we can make a difference that lasts a lifetime.”
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Cardiff Rugby cap pre-season with statement win over Leinster
Natalie Vaughan
By Guest Columnist Peter Ryan
Cardiff Rugby travelled to Dublin for their final pre-season outing and returned with an eye-catching 31–10 victory over Leinster, a result that should fuel confidence ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The clash at Tallaght Stadium offered plenty of positives for head coach Matt Sherratt as his side look to take the next step this year.
Cardiff struck first when Tom Bowen raced onto a perfectly weighted cross-kick from Callum Sheedy, diving into the corner to ignite the contest. The visitors’ expansive style was on show throughout, though Leinster led at the break thanks to tries from Hugh Cooney and Charlie Tector.
After half-time, Cardiff took control. Harri Millard crossed to level the scores before Evan Lloyd powered over from a quick tap-and-go penalty. Cam Winnett then added another try, and Lloyd grabbed his second late on to seal an impressive win.
The second-half display highlighted Cardiff’s resilience and attacking edge, with Sherratt’s side now eager to build on that momentum when the competitive season begins.
Last season at the Arms Park was one of promise and frustration. Cardiff’s expansive rugby kept them in the hunt for the play-offs for much of the campaign, only for their challenge to fade in the closing stages.
Statistically, the team performed strongly, scoring 409 points, crossing for 63 tries, and gaining 6,089 metres over the course of their URC season. In defence, they made 3,596 tackles at a 79% success rate and forced 120 turnovers. With those foundations in place, Cardiff are targeting further progress this year.
Recruitment has strengthened the squad. Big-name signings such as Ioan Lloyd and Taine Basham are expected to play key roles, while young talents including Tom Bowen, Steffan Emanuel and Ioan Emanuel will be pushing for opportunities.
Sherratt’s group enter the new campaign with one clear objective: the play-offs. With depth, ambition, and a vibrant style of play, Cardiff believe they have the tools to deliver.
The win in Dublin was more than just a pre-season result — it was a spark of belief that the season ahead could bring memorable moments at the Arms Park and beyond.
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Dragons sink Scarlets in final pre-season tie
Natalie Vaughan
By Guest Columnist Peter Ryan
It’s not long now until the URC gets back under way and this weekend saw the final pre-season outing for both the Dragons and the Scarlets – a last rehearsal before the curtain rises on a new campaign.
The Scarlets travelled to Rodney Parade to face the Dragons in a contest between two squads packed with talent and preparing for the long season ahead.
As is often the case with pre-season friendlies, both teams blended youth and experience. The Dragons delighted their home support with a 33–28 victory, powered by a first-half hat-trick from Joe Westwood.
Westwood’s opener came after superb forward play and a powerful carry over the line. His second try followed a slick exchange with Aneurin Owen, and just before the half-time whistle he pounced on a loose ball to complete his treble.
The build-up play regularly flowed through Rio Dyer and Mackenzie Martin, whose offloads kept the Scarlets defence guessing. Further tries from Angus O’Brien and Harry Beddall sealed the win, underlining the Dragons’ resilience against a Scarlets side loaded with internationals.
The visitors fielded the likes of Sam Costelow, Gareth Davies and Joe Hawkins, while also welcoming the return of Jake Ball in the second row. Taine Plumtree opened the scoring for the Scarlets from close range, and later efforts from Dane Blacker and Ioan Nicholas hinted at a late comeback. But the Dragons held firm to claim a confidence-boosting result, with both teams able to take positives into the season ahead.
There is a genuine sense of optimism around the Dragons this year. At a time when Welsh rugby as a whole is struggling, Filo Tiatia’s side will be aiming for a marked improvement after finishing bottom of the table last season. A wave of new signings – including Tinus de Beer, Thomas Young and Wyn Jones – is expected to add much-needed depth and experience.
The Dragons were capable of scoring freely last term, but too often fell short at the final whistle. Now, with seasoned playmakers in place, they look better equipped to manage tight matches. Their opening clash against Ulster will offer the first real indication of progress.
The Scarlets, by contrast, were the best-performing Welsh club last season. Dwayne Peel’s side delivered a series of standout performances, including memorable victories over the Lions, Leinster and Vodacom Bulls. They reached the play-offs and pushed Leinster hard in Dublin, underlining their ability to compete with Europe’s elite.
With the addition of Joe Hawkins and other key recruits, the Llanelli outfit is targeting another strong campaign. Whether in the URC or the Champions Cup, the Scarlets will be chasing more big scalps as they look to build on recent successes and reach even greater heights.
On Saturday, under the roar of a packed Rodney Parade, Welsh rugby felt alive again. The new season already promises to be electric.
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Weekend round-up: Late goals bring mixed fortunes for Cardiff, Swansea and Newport as Wrexham’s woes continue
Natalie Vaughan
Three of Wales’ top four clubs were involved in late drama on Saturday, with results bringing mixed fortunes. Here’s your weekend round-up of all the action:
Stockport County 1-1 Cardiff City
Cardiff left it late once again to preserve their unbeaten start to the season, with Yousef Salech turning in a Chris Willock cross in the 97th minute to snatch a point away at Stockport.
Brian Barry-Murphy’s men were second best for much of the game, but the hosts couldn’t make their early dominance count.
The Hatters piled on the pressure, with striker Benony Breki Andresson missing two clear chances to put them in front before the Icelandic forward was judged to have been fouled by Perry Ng in the box.
Oli Norwood converted the penalty, becoming the first player to score past Cardiff keeper Nathan Trott since his loan arrival from Copenhagen in the summer. It was only the second league goal Cardiff have conceded all season, both from the penalty spot.
Joseph Olowu, Jack Diamond and Andresson all had opportunities to kill the game off before Willock floated in an inch-perfect cross from the right, finding Salech unmarked in the box.
The Jordanian international calmly nodded home, sparking jubilation among the travelling Bluebirds supporters.
Cardiff remain top of the League One table and host second-placed Bradford next week.
Swansea City 2-2 Hull City
There was also late drama at the Swansea.com Stadium, this time to the detriment of the hosts, as a 97th-minute John Egan strike snatched a point for Hull.
The Swans twice took the lead through Zan Vipotnik and Ronald, either side of former Swansea frontman Oli McBurnie netting for the Tigers.
Swansea, unbeaten in their last six in all competitions, looked on course for victory when Regan Slater’s shot was blocked, only to fall kindly for Egan, who broke Swansea hearts.
The result leaves Swansea 7th in the Championship table, one point and one place outside the play-off spots.
Tranmere Rovers 1-1 Newport County
Newport County also struck late — though not as late as Cardiff or Hull — to end a run of six straight defeats.
Substitute Courtney Baker-Richardson’s 87th-minute strike earned the Exiles a vital point away at Tranmere.
County had the better of the early chances but fell behind when Connor Jennings’ effort wasn’t cleared, allowing Jayden Joseph to react quickest and slot home.
Both Jennings and Omari Patrick should have doubled Tranmere’s lead before Gerard Garner thought he had equalised for the visitors, only to be denied by the offside flag.
Baker-Richardson came off the bench to make the difference, turning smartly and scoring to end County’s miserable run of results.
David Hughes’ men remain just above the relegation zone, escaping the drop only on goal difference.
Wrexham 1-3 Queen’s Park Rangers
Wrexham’s poor start to life back in the second tier continued with defeat at home to QPR.
Connor Coady was unlucky to see the ball deflect off him into his own net just after the half-hour mark.
The hosts went into the break two goals down after Richard Kone’s powerful strike thundered past Okonkwo.
Wrexham looked rejuvenated after the restart, and Welsh international Kieffer Moore deservedly pulled one back in the 67th minute.
But QPR sealed victory less than 10 minutes later, with Rumarn Burrell netting his first goal for the R’s.
Phil Parkinson’s side now sit just two points and one place outside the relegation zone.
Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.
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Danny Wilson joins Tandy’s Wales coaching staff
Natalie Vaughan
Wales head coach Steve Tandy has made his first major backroom appointment, bringing in Danny Wilson from Harlequins to bolster his coaching team ahead of the autumn internationals.
Wilson, who was seconded to Wales during the summer tour of Japan, will take permanent charge of the lineout and contact areas. During that brief spell, he helped Wales end their losing streak with a morale-boosting win over Eddie Jones’ side, a glimpse of what Tandy hopes his influence can bring on a longer-term basis.
The move leaves Harlequins with a headache just 15 days before the new Premiership season kicks off. Wilson will oversee one final match with the London club, against Newcastle Red Bulls, before heading into camp with Wales. The Quins hierarchy are now tasked with finding a successor at short notice.
For Wilson, the appointment caps a varied coaching career at both club and international level. He has previously led Cardiff Rugby and Glasgow Warriors, before taking charge at Harlequins, where his side gained a reputation for expansive, attacking rugby. A highlight of his tenure came in May 2024, when Quins pushed eventual champions Toulouse close in a Champions Cup semi-final. He has also worked alongside Tandy before during his time on Scotland’s coaching staff.
Welsh rugby remains in transition, but the addition of Wilson adds further pedigree to Tandy’s set-up. With senior players like Dewi Lake, Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams forming the core, and young talents such as Dan Edwards and Blair Murray emerging, plus the return of Louis Rees-Zammit,supporters will be hoping for signs of progress when Wales face Argentina in their opening autumn Test.
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Weekend preview: Cardiff City aim to extend unbeaten run as Newport County search for form
Natalie Vaughan
The EFL returns to a full fixture list after the international break, with Wales’ top clubs all in action on Saturday 13 September.
Stockport County v Cardiff City – kick-off: 3pm
The Bluebirds have hit the ground running following relegation to the third tier. A new crop of youngsters, combined with a fresh identity and playing style, have formed the backbone of Brian Barry-Murphy’s revolution.
Flying high at the top of League One with a game in hand, Cardiff travel to Edgeley Park to face Stockport County.
The hosts have struggled with inconsistency since missing out on promotion last term. Tipped by many to challenge for automatic promotion this season, the Hatters instead find themselves outside the play-off places after six games.
A heavy defeat to Plymouth—who themselves have found life tough back in League One—sparked frustration among Stockport fans. They’ll be eager to respond against a Cardiff side who remain unbeaten in all competitions.
Barry-Murphy has been boosted by the imminent return of David Turnbull, though star man Rubin Colwill is a doubt after missing out on Craig Bellamy’s latest Wales squad.
Tranmere Rovers v Newport County – kick-off: 3pm
In stark contrast, Newport County have endured a miserable start under David Hughes. Six straight defeats in all competitions leave the Exiles hovering above the League Two relegation zone on goal difference alone.
A trip to mid-table Tranmere offers a chance to reset and begin a fresh chapter. With the season still young, County fans will hope the worst of the storm has passed.
Hull City v Swansea City – kick-off: 3pm
Alan Sheehan’s Swansea City are still finding their feet under his permanent stewardship. Backed by their biggest transfer spend since relegation from the Premier League, 12 new arrivals have injected fresh hope.
The international break offered Sheehan valuable time to bed in his new-look squad before Saturday’s trip to the MKM Stadium.
Swansea sit just one point outside the Championship play-off spots after four games, while Hull linger in 17th.
High-profile summer arrivals Adam Idah, signed from Celtic for around £6m, alongside full-back Ishe Samuels-Smith and winger Manuel Benson could all make their first appearances in white.
Wrexham v QPR – kick-off: 3pm
Phil Parkinson’s men have been handed a quadruple fitness boost, with Ollie Rathbone, Josh Windass, George Thomason and Nathan Broadhead all nearing returns.
Wrexham host QPR as they look to find their Championship feet after winning just once in their opening four matches. While the Red Dragons are still adjusting to life in the second tier, cup wins against Championship opposition show their potential.
QPR, meanwhile, invested heavily over the summer but are yet to reap the rewards, sitting 18th—three places below Wrexham.
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Wales 0–1 Canada: Cymru Fall to First Defeat of the Bellamy Era
Natalie Vaughan
Wales suffered their first defeat under manager Craig Bellamy, as the Welshman’s side were edged 1–0 by the visiting Canadians.
Cymru winger Dan James urged his side to “take the positives,” with the teams separated by a spectacular free-kick shortly before the interval.
Bellamy handed debuts to Ronan Kpakio, Joel Colwill, and Kai Andrews — the former starting — in a much-changed side.
The match proved to be anything but a friendly encounter, with a total of eight yellow cards shown by referee Robert Jones.
The game began with key moments at either end of the pitch, as Mark Harris’ cross narrowly failed to connect with David Brooks in the opening minutes.
Shortly after, debutant Ronan Kpakio appeared to get off lightly after a challenge on Richie Laryea in the box. On further inspection, Canada may feel aggrieved not to have been awarded a penalty.
It was a nervy first outing in a Wales shirt for the Cardiff City teenager, who has been part of a backline that has conceded just one goal in the league so far this season. He will take plenty of learnings from this match against high-level opponents.
Canada hit the woodwork several times before finally breaking the deadlock — and what a goal it was.
Derek Cornelius’ 30-yard strike from a dead ball rifled past the wall and Adam Davies in the Wales goal. With just minutes to go before the break, Bellamy was forced to rewrite his half-time team talk.
Shortly after the restart, Mark Harris came agonisingly close to opening his international account — and what a way it would have been to score his first goal for his country.
Ben Davies turned a corner back across the face of goal, and from less than six yards out, Harris acrobatically got his boot to it. Over his head and on target, the Canadian goalkeeper was beaten — but a defender on the line denied Sparky a stunner.
The intensity and chances gradually fizzled out as the match progressed, with Wales pushing for a goal but struggling to find the killer pass in behind on multiple occasions.
The 15,000 fans in attendance at the Swansea.com Stadium perhaps didn’t get the performance — or indeed the result — they were hoping for, but winger Dan James believed there were encouraging signs.
Speaking to BBC Match of the Day Wales, James said:
“I think we’ve got to take the positives. It comes down to a free-kick — it’s a great free-kick.
“I thought we played well in spells. We know their quality; they’re a great team on and off the ball.
“It’s just that final bit that we want to keep improving.
“I think we showed character; we did create chances. We’ve just got to keep working on it.“It’s been a great camp — coming from Kazakhstan to get that 1–0 win. We’re obviously disappointed tonight, but we’ve got three or four weeks until the next camp, and we’ve just got to take everything from this one and improve next time.”
Wales now face their toughest international window since Bellamy took the reins, with a friendly against England followed by a crucial World Cup qualifier against Belgium four days after.
Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.
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Wales v Canada: Bellamy’s men look to keep momentum ahead of crucial October fixtures
Natalie Vaughan
Guest article by Peter Ryan
Wales will welcome Canada to the Swansea.com Stadium this evening, as they prepare for their first international friendly under Craig Bellamy. Both teams are coming off victories and will look to keep their momentum going.
The Welsh head into the contest ranked 31st in the world rankings, with Canada at 28th, meaning a close encounter could be on the cards. Bellamy’s side will be hunting for a significant result as massive clashes are on the horizon. It is an interesting and unpredictable match-up.
Wales are coming off a vital 1-0 victory over Kazakhstan in Astana in a World Cup qualifier. On his 50th appearance for Wales, Kieffer Moore slotted his 15th international goal. Harry Wilson’s free-kick found Liam Cullen’s flick, and Temirlan Anarbekov could only parry it away. In a flash, Kieffer Moore pounced and finished with instinctive precision. A composed Dylan Lawlor made some vital defensive plays. The 19-year-old gave a spectacular account of himself on debut.
Even though Wales weren’t at their best, they got the job done. The win moved them to the top of Group J, with North Macedonia and Belgium chasing them. Back home, Wales will look to get another win, this time against North American opposition.
Like their opponents, Canada tasted victory last time out. Jesse Marsch’s side stunned Romania in Bucharest. In a formidable performance, the North American side secured a 3-0 victory. It was a historic achievement, as the victory marked the nation’s first win on European soil since 2009.
Jonathan David kicked off the scoring with a glancing header. A slip from Horațiu Moldovan opened the door in the 22nd minute. Ali Ahmed strode through it, seizing his first goal on the international stage.
The game was capped off with a late strike from Niko Sigur. What made the result even more impressive was that it came without stars like Alphonso Davies. Canada will look to keep their winning record alive as they build towards the World Cup.
The home of Swansea City will play host to tonight’s match. For Wales, this game is more than a friendly; it is preparation for the battles ahead.
The looming clash with Belgium at home will be telling, not forgetting the England clash at Wembley in a month. Both teams are without key players. Wales are missing players like Danny Ward, Nathan Broadhead and Ethan Ampadu.
Canada are without the likes of Davies and Alistair Johnston. The history between the sides is brief, consisting of just three friendlies, with Wales holding two wins to Canada’s one. The last chapter was written in Wrexham in 2004, where Wales triumphed 1-0.
Two sides searching for rhythm before the storms ahead meet under the lights of Swansea. It promises to be a contest of fine margins.
Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.
If you want to read more pieces from Sportin Wales, why not read to our monthly magazine here or subscribe to the magazine and newsletter at https://sportin.wales/subscribe/.
Our podcast is back for the new season and our co-founder Alex Cuthbert is in charge! You can find all the episodes here or the video versions on our YouTube channel.
You can also keep track of our pieces and videos on our socials at @Sportin_Wales on X or Sportin Wales on Instagram and Facebook.