MGY Autumn Property Market Overview
Rhodri Evans
Just so you don’t have to go around the houses and up the garden path, we’ve compiled a brief bulletin to keep you updated on the latest market trends, whether you’re considering buying, selling, letting or renting.
Property Market Activity
Encouraging signs of economic growth have bolstered consumer confidence, resulting in increased activity in the property market in 2024 compared to 2023. Buyer demand has surged by 20%, likely influenced by changes in the base interest rate and lower mortgage rates.
The average house price in Cardiff was £275,000 in August 2024, up 4.6% from August 2023. This was higher than the rise in Wales (3.5%) over the same period. The average price for flats in Cardiff rose by 6.6%, while the average price for terraced properties increased by 3.5%.
The average price paid by first-time buyers was £242,000 in August 2024. This was 5.0% higher than the average of £230,000 in August 2023.
While market conditions are improving, setting the right price is important to attract buyers. The same applies to the fifth of homes for sale that have been on the market for more than 6 months, still unsold.
This explains why a similar proportion have had their asking price cut by 5% or more to attract buyers. These trends show buyers remain price sensitive as choice improves and sellers need to price sensibly to agree a sale.
“Accurate pricing is essential moving forward to avoid price reductions and properties becoming stagnant,” said James Hayes, Sales Manager at our Radyr Branch.
“With the Budget behind us and a potential drop in interest rates, we remain optimistic and expect the market to stabilise through the Christmas period and into the Spring.”
Transaction Process Update
As market activity rises, the UK property transaction process remains slow. On average, it now takes approximately 122 days from an accepted offer to legal completion, meaning the entire process could span up to seven months.
Sellers are advised to provide accurate information early and utilise technology to streamline the process.
Rental Market
The average monthly private rent in Cardiff was £1,052 in September 2024. This was an increase from £956 in September 2023, a 10.1% rise. UK rents are now rising at half the rates seen in 2023. Rental inflation is currently at 5.4%, compared with 10.2% this time last year, taking it to its lowest level in 3 years.
“While rental prices have seen a notable increase in Cardiff over the past year, it’s a positive reflection of the strong demand and vibrant rental market in the city,” said Jonathan Bishop, Assistant Lettings Manager.
“The slowdown in rental inflation is a promising sign of stability, and despite the challenges of rising costs, competition for rental homes is still high – indicating a healthy, active market.
“This is great news for landlords, as there continues to be a steady stream of potential contract holders, and the outlook for 2025 remains optimistic.
“With limited housing supply and the unaffordability of homeownership, rental properties are likely to remain a sought-after option for many, providing an ongoing opportunity for investors in the Cardiff area.”
MGY Success and Growth
With a stellar 4.7 and 4.9 rating from 858 Google and All Agents reviews combined, MGY continues to be a trusted name in the Welsh property market.
We’ve registered approximately 10,000 prospective buyers and renters combined in the first 10 months of the year and hold the largest market share across the CF postcode for residential sales, achieving an average of 98.4% of asking price.
Additionally, we are pleased to see our ever-growing rental team dominate a large share of the market, highlighting our hard work and service to our clients.
Our team is growing too! We welcome Amelia (Sales Negotiator – Heath), Lauren (Sales Negotiator – Radyr), Spencer (Graduate Surveyor), Catherine (Marketing Coordinator), and Harry, who has returned to Radyr Lettings after time playing rugby in Sydney.
We’re also excited to welcome the Penarth office team, formerly Seabreeze Homes, as we expand into this new quarter together.
This strategic move enhances MGY’s existing market position, footprint and service capabilities as an independent estate agent and chartered surveyors across Cardiff, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Penarth, and the Vale of Glamorgan.
Let our experts at MGY Estate Agents & Chartered Surveyors help you find your perfect property or assist with selling, renting, or letting in Wales. Contact us today! Visit https://bit.ly/m/MGYCardiff for more information or give us a call on 029 2084 2124.
** Source: Rightmove/HM Land Registry/Twenty EA/MGY internal data/RICS
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Gareth Protheroe: Wales' First Ever Boat Angling Individual World Champion
Rhodri Evans
Wales has a new world champion and a first in the sport of boat sea angling in Pembrokeshire’s Gareth Protheroe – but only after an anxious wait.
The 41-year-old from Cold Inn was part of the Welsh team that competed at the 59th edition of the World Senior Boat Angling Championships staged last month in Crosshaven, County Cork, Ireland.
After three days of tough competition against the world’s best, Protheroe had finished top of the individual standings and was therefore the new world champion – or so it seemed.
That would normally spark wild celebrations, but the champagne had to be put on ice after a results appeal went in. That then meant the individual medal ceremony at the post-event presentation evening did not take place, leaving the outcome up in the air.
The dispute centred around Irish angler Liam O’Callaghan, who the hosts felt had won as the highest scoring angler across the three competition days.
However, the key issue came with the fact that O’Callaghan did not fish the official practice day prior to the competition starting for real – and was therefore put down as a reserve.
The rules state that a reserve angler cannot win the championship as an individual.
It had to go to the world governing body’s (FIPS/Mer) Committee and Technical Commission for a final decision, which arrived just under a fortnight later with the complaint not upheld and, finally, declared Welshman Protheroe as the new individual boat angling world champion.
Although Wales has had multiple past world champions in shore sea angling, Protheroe is the first Welsh boat sea angler to win the individual world title.
“Truthfully, it’s still sinking in,” said Protheroe, who also fishes for Saundersfoot Sea Angling Club.
“It’s fantastic and means more than you could ever imagine. It’s just incredible – absolutely mind-blowing – and I really can’t put it into words to be honest with you.”
Protheroe admitted the dispute ‘killed’ the presentation evening that would have normally been an occasion to treasure – and is still unsure when he will be officially presented with his medal.
He continued: “It’s crazy and, with what’s gone on, it’s obviously taken a while to really sink in.
“It was a hard couple of weeks coming back to be honest, and through no fault of our own – that was the worst thing. We’d conducted ourselves and done everything right, but it was out of our hands.
“It’s just unfortunate that things they happened the way they have and for it to be sort of tarnished with that has gone on.
“But obviously we got there in the end!
“In terms of the presentation, we’ll probably do something in Milford Haven once the medals have been sent out and go from there.”
Protheroe will eventually receive his gold medal for finishing first in the individual standings, with Italian Andrea Costa now confirmed in second and Croatia’s Ivan Galzina in third.
In addition, the team of Protheroe, Ray Eyers, Dewi Roberts, Phil Clarke, Stuart Jones and Mark East secured a more than respectable fifth place finish for Wales in the team event – which was won by Croatia ahead of hosts Ireland and Italy.
Protheroe added: “I’m just over the moon. I’ve fished for Wales for the past seven years; we won gold in the Home Internationals at Milford Haven in 2022 and that was massive for us, just magic.
“But to then get fifth at the Worlds last month was just fantastic; you’re fishing against the best in the world so to come away with fifth and an individual gold was even better.
“All the hard work we’d put in prior to that event paid off and everything just sort of fell into place.”
Meanwhile John O’Connor, who is Chair of the Angling Cymru Sea Anglers, added: “It’s great for Welsh angling to have another world champion – and the first in boat sea angling.
“Hopefully, the first of many under the Angling Cymru umbrella in the years to come.
“Well done Gareth Protheroe – Welsh angling and Pembrokeshire are very proud of you. Llongyfarchiadau!”
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Mark Williams Wins First Champion of Champions Title
Rhodri Evans
Mark Williams held off a fightback from Xiao Guodong to claim his first Champion of Champions title with a 10-6 victory in the final in Bolton.
Williams, 49, surged into a 5-0 lead before China’s Xiao reeled off four frames in a row, including two century breaks.
After the interval, three-time world champion Williams compiled breaks of 104, 62, 80, 95 and 67 to seal the win, with Xiao only able to win the 12th and 14th frames.
“I can’t believe it,” Williams told ITV. “I’m stood here just about to pick that trophy up and I don’t know how I’m doing it really, but I’m sticking in there.
“The interval came at the perfect time for me because if it carried on, he was probably going to run away with it.
“I’m lost for words really. I’m over the moon.”
Despite defeat, Xiao, 35, is enjoying his best campaign as a professional and beat Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Selby and 2023 champion Mark Allen on his way to the final.
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Wales vs Australia: Five Things We Learnt In Defeat
Rhodri Evans
Wales lost 20-52 to Australia at home on Sunday but there was plenty that Warren Gatland learnt about his side.
Tries from Aaron Wainwright and Ben Thomas were not enough to best the visitors, who were simply too strong for a limp Wales side who made consistent errors throughout the match.
The inquest into Wales’ recent performances – winless since last year’s World Cup and now in a record run of losses – will begin in earnest this week with Warren Gatland taking the brunt of the criticism for results.
There were plenty of lessons learnt in defeat that Gatland will attempt to build on if they are to break this winless run against South Africa next Saturday.
Tom Rogers: Good
While many a Welsh fan will be feeling glum this week, the silver lining was an assured performance from Tom Rogers on the right wing.
The Scarlets back had only played three times for Wales before, twice in World Cup warm-up matches and other a Barbarians contest.
Rogers was imperious under the high ball – often Wales’ best source of metres made – and stuck to his task in defence and attack.
With Mason Grady needing surgery on his ankle injury picked up last weekend against Fiji and Rio Dyer out of form and favour, Rogers may well have played himself into the reckoning for next year’s Six Nations.
Wales Are Over-Reliant on Adam Beard
Last week this column waxed lyrical about Adam Beard and his importance to Wales lineout and this week the set piece was struggling.
The reason why? Beard went off after seven minutes with an injury. Australia proceeded to score three tries through their maul and while Wales’ lineout was shaky and predictable.
Some stats for you: Wales’ lineout success in the last two years with Beard in the team is 92% while it is 71% without the Ospreys man. They have also conceded seven maul tries without him and only two with him.
It is true he is not a carrier in the mold of George Martin or Emmanuel Meafou, but he is so important to Wales that the side looks listless without him.
Archie Griffin Needs To Leave Bath
One positive for Wales on Sunday was their scrum. Gareth Thomas is a solid loosehead while 23-year-old Archie Griffin was excellent, winning penalties against the highly rated Angus Bell.
He is an excellent carrier in the loose too, something Wales missed when Keiron Assiratti came on late in the game.
The problem for Griffin is that he is third choice for his club side, Bath. Being behind England’s starting tighthead Will Stuart and South African machine Thomas du Toit is not an insult to a promising young prop but he needs regular club matches if he is going to progress for Wales.
All four regions should be keeping a close eye on an opportunity to sign Griffin next summer.
Wales Look Mentally and Physically Fatigued
Much has been made in the past about Warren Gatland’s ability, with his strength and conditioning department, to make the Wales squad the fittest in the world.
Tales were rife of altitude, high heat, training in Switzerland and Turkey before the 2023 Rugby World Cup and the Wales head coach was vindicated as Wales made record-breaking numbers of tackles in winning performances against Fiji, Australia, and Georgia.
On Sunday, though, Wales looked fatigued. Whether the mental toll of 11 straight defeats had finally caught up with them, or Gatland’s methods are ineffective during the condensed Autumn International break, this not something can be easily answered.
But, with a six day turnaround to play the double World Champions South Africa, Wales will need to be at their fittest for a while if they are to repel the Springboks for 80 minutes.
Australia Show How Quickly Things Can Change
Wales opponents on Sunday do at least offer them a glimpse at how quickly the narrative around a team can change.
Many were writing Australian rugby union’s obituary after a disastrous Rugby World Cup, with the country as a whole seemingly uninterested in union, favouring Australia Rules and rugby league instead.
Eddie Jones reign was shambolic and lead to a first pool stage exit in their history. Enter Joe Schmidt.
The former Ireland coach is renowned in rugby as a detail-oriented coach who has had considerable success as head coach of Ireland and assistant at New Zealand.
But even his appointed looked to have been a mere sticking plaster. After a solid, if unspectacular, series win over Wales in the summer, Australia lost all but one of their Rugby Championship matches, including a record defeat to Argentina.
Coming to Europe with confidence low, Australia won one of the matches of the year at Twickenham, beating England 37-42 in a sumptuous display of Australian running rugby. With this Wales win, the Wallabies are now targeting a ‘Grand Slam’ tour with matches against Scotland and Ireland to come.
With a Lions Tour next summer and home World Cup in 2027, Joe Schmidt’s appointment shows Wales how quickly things can change in sport.
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Autumn Internationals Opponents Preview No. 2: AUSTRALIA
Rhodri Evans
Men’s international rugby returns in November, with three test matches at the Principality Stadium awaiting Wales.
Having only won two non-test matches since the 2023 World Cup, earning the unwanted accolade of the Wooden Spoon at the Six Nations and suffering defeats to South Africa and Australia over the summer, Wales are in desperate need of a victory.
Standing in the way of that goal this month are Fiji, Australia, and South Africa, three teams that each pose different questions to Wales and Warren Gatland.
What will Wales have to overcome in order to register a first test win of 2024 against Australia at the Principality Stadium on Sunday? Read on to find out!
Australia
Fixture: Sunday 17th, 16:10
World Ranking: 10th
Other Matches on Tour: England, Scotland, and Ireland.
Head Coach: Joe Schmidt
Following the disastrous World Cup campaign, Eddie Jones resigned as head coach having won just two games out of nine and crashed out at the group stage.
In January, Joe Schmidt was appointed the new head coach of the Wallabies, becoming the third New Zealander to take the job after Robbie Deans and Dave Rennie before him.
Schmidt is most famous for his six-year spell in charge of the Irish national team, leading them to two Six Nations championships and a Grand Slam.
During a career laden with trophies, Schmidt has also lifted the Heineken Cup in back-to-back seasons with Leinster as well as the Top 14 title as an assistant coach at Clermont Auvergne.
More recently, Schmidt has been a key part of the All Blacks coaching set up, initially as a selector and then interim head coach during a Covid crisis, and then attack coach during their run to the World Cup Final last year.
Recent Form:
Schmidt’s first test as Wallabies head coach was a two-match series against Wales, passing the initial assessment by winning 25-16 in Sydney and then 36-28 in Melbourne.
A 40-29 victory over Georgia also helped build momentum and combinations as Australia prepared for the 2024 Rugby Championship.
Much of that good work was dented by back-to-back home defeats to then-world number one side South Africa, with the Wallabies struggling to take the step up in quality.
Two matches in Argentina looked like a good opportunity to rebuild and get some points on the board. A 19-20 win looked to have proved as much, but a 67-27 defeat the next week was a clear sign of how far the team has to go.
The fact that Australia were 3-20 ahead after 29 minutes, only to then concede a whopping 64 points will have been a stark warning sign for Australia.
Subsequent Bledisloe Cup defeats against New Zealand (28-31 and 33-13) left the Wallabies bottom of the Rugby Championship table.
Having arrived in Europe for the Autumn Nations Series low on confidence, Australia ripped up the form book with a stunning 10-try festival of running rugby at Twickenham, beating England 37-42 with an 84th minute winner from Max Jorgensen.
With the Wallabies coming to Cardiff on a high, Wales will be out to spoil the party.
Star Man: Rob Valetini
There are not many bigger ball carriers in world rugby than Wallaby back-row Rob Valetini. The 26-year-old plays his club rugby at the Brumbies and has been a key part of the Australia pack since his debut in 2019.
Earning 48 caps in that time, Valetini is not a prolific try scorer at test level – only five in his career – but provides the necessary go-forward that Australia often lack when he is not in the XV.
Mostly a number eight, the emergence of Wallaby skipper Harry Wilson has seen him shift to blindside flanker this year, but has not diminished his undoubted qualities.
Rob Valetini of Australia leaves the field.
One To Watch: Jospeh Sua’ali’i
In Hunter Paisami, Len Ikitau, and Samu Kerevi, Australia already had a cabal of centres who would envy even the best international sides.
Now, though, they have a genuine superstar in their midst.
Joseph Sua’ali’i was lured from rugby league to union by Rugby Australia and played his first ever professional union match at Twickenham against England last weekend.
And, boy, what a match he had. On top of performing his 13 duties with the defensive nous of a 50-capper, Sua’ali’i showed all the extra touches that will stand him out as a world star in the years to come.
On kick offs, Australia would kick short but high and Sua’ali’i regathered with an ability that reminded one of Israel Folau. His basketball-style pass to Tom Wright for the Wallabies’ opening try was a perfect example of the 21-year-old’s skillset.
Sua’ali’i represented New South Wales in five sports at age grade level: rugby union, league, aussie rules, athletics, and basketball, and with the pure talent his possesses, suddenly the 2025 Lions Tour looks a whole lot more interesting!
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Joe Allen: The Legend Returns
Rhodri Evans
It was an unassuming performance, in truth.
The stats show that: 32 minutes, 18 passes completed, two tackles, and an ignominious foul as Montenegro attempted to equalise in the dying minutes.
Not much to write home about from one of Wales’ greatest ever players but the return of Joe Allen, playing for his country 686 days after what was supposed to be his 74th and final cap, is no small thing.
While he was cheered heartily by the Welsh faithful throughout the evening, when his name was read out prior to kick-off, upon the sight of him warming up, and eventually coming on, his very presence in this team speaks to Wales’ direction under Bellamy.
An Old Head Amongst Young Pups
It is easy to fall into a groove of always looking forward and searching for the next great player while the current one is still performing.
To some extent, the likes of Harry Wilson have suffered this. While youngsters such as Lewis Koumas and Rubin Colwill grab headlines for their potential, Wilson has made a stunning start to life under new coach Craig Bellamy, scoring three goals in four games.
Which is why, when a week before the Wales squad for the October internationals were announced Ethan Ampadu suffered a knee ligament injury, Bellamy did not look to Charlie Savage or Charlie Crew to fill the hole that the Leeds captain would leave in his side.
Instead, Bellamy called an old teammate and lent into the romance of international football.
Despite being conscious of falling into the trap of simply saying that the former Wales captain ‘gets it’, it is clear that Bellamy does have a distinct emotional connection to the job and the fans, which has only grown with good results and an adventurous style of play.
Leaning Into The Romance
Speaking before the Montenegro game, Bellamy admitted that playing Allen would be a gamble but also that he would relish the “romance” of seeing him play for Wales again.
“Of course, he’s a gamble if you throw him in from the start because of his minutes and football this year,” head coach Bellamy said.
“Hopefully he kicks the ball for me tomorrow. Even if he doesn’t, he’s had an incredible week for us and been really positive for us.
“We all love romance, no? It doesn’t always happen in football. You’re in the wrong business if you don’t like romance in football.”
What member of Red Wall would give to see the likes of Gareth Bale and Ashley Williams, or going back further, Mark Hughes and Ian Rush play in red again?
Bellamy gave the fans that feeling by bringing Allen back against Montenegro last month.
While some naysayers will point at the fact that Wales’ 1-0 win was a competitive match and part of the UEFA Nations League, a competition that has benefitted Wales in the past, the point stands that Allen’s return was more impactful than giving more minutes to young players who will have their time in the future.
In any case, would Crew or Savage have done a better job of securing the ball under pressure and solidifying Wales in order to see out the result? Despite their undoubted talent, probably not.
‘It’s great to be back’
On top of this, Allen seems excited to be back in the Wales set-up.
“It’s great to be back,” said Allen after the match.
“An incredible welcome here from the supporters, but also from my team-mates and all the staff on camp.
“I thought [returning] was unlikely, but I don’t think it’s anything you can 100 percent rule out. When I spoke to Craig, I was pretty easily convinced to come back and be part of the set-up.
“I’m really grateful to him for giving me the opportunity. It’s up to me now to prove I still have value and worth to add and help this group.”
What comes across from Allen is that he is taking his return one step at a time, something that Wales has been guilty of failing to do in recent times, with the frustration around previous manager Rob Page’s continued emphasis on ‘transition.’
“This has all been a bit of a whirlwind and how quick this has come around to be back in the fold,” Allen said.
“First and foremost, I wanted to get on this camp, get on the pitch at least once over the two games and thankfully I got that chance.
“There’s a big onus on me to really push over the next month. Get as many minutes as I can and be in good shape hopefully for the two games in November.”
Allen’s Return Masks Midfield Muddle
What Allen’s recall does signal, though, is that Wales do have a slight problem with their midfield, particularly while Ampadu continues to be absent from the team.
There are not many countries in international football the size of Wales that would not miss a player of Ampadu’s quality, and this speaks to the nature of the sport.
Unlike his club side, Wales cannot simply use the transfer market to buy or loan in a replacement for him. Instead, Bellamy must find a solution from the players that he has in-house.
Every nation has positions that they struggle to fill. When was the last time England had a great goalkeeper? Or Scotland a great striker? For Wales, currently Ampadu is our only elite defensive midfielder. Sometimes it just shakes out that way.
Bellamy has not been shy in trying to find options within his current group before turning to Allen as a second-half substitute.
During the game against Montenegro, Josh Sheehan played as the deepest midfielder – or ‘Ampadu role’ as it has been coined during Bellamy’s tenure – but the Bolton midfielder is more of an attacking presence, laying on 12 assists in League One last season.
The other options in the Wales squad are also more naturally attacking than Bellamy would perhaps like, with Jordan James often playing in attacking midfield for Birmingham, despite shifting into a deeper role at his new club Rennes.
James played in an advanced role next to Ampadu against Turkey and Montenegro in September, before adopting the deepest position against Iceland. The midfielder was suspended for the reverse fixture against Montenegro.
Another used in midfield has been Ollie Cooper, who is mostly a number 10 for club Swansea City, while the aforementioned Crew and Savage are 18 and 21 years old respectively and not ready to be given such responsibility.
With Ampadu and captain Aaron Ramsey injured for the October international break, it seemed logical, therefore, that Bellamy would turn to the experience of Allen.
Ampadu is expected to return in time for Wales’ first World Cup qualifiers in March and Allen’s importance will no doubt diminish.
But the sight of the ‘Welsh Pirlo’ controlling the middle of the Cardiff City Stadium turf again is one that warmed the cockles of the Wales fans on a cold Monday night.
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Casi and Cori: Goal-Setters And Goal-Getters At Gwalia United
Rhodri Evans
Gwalia United Women’s Football Club might not be a household name yet, but with big ambitions and a big plan, having players like Lampeter’s Casi Gregson and Blaenrhondda’s Cori Williams-Mills means it’s surely only a matter of time.
The club is creating a big buzz in Welsh women’s football, and these two are right at the heart of it. Both have fascinating stories: Casi is balancing her studies with her football ambitions, while Cori’s footballing story combines a wealth of experience as both a coach at Swansea City’s academy and a successful property developer with Bespoke Sourcing.
Together, they’re aiming to help to put Gwalia United—and Welsh women’s football—on the map.
Having just celebrated her seventeenth birthday with a two-goal brace against Swindon Town and helping Gwalia progress to the next round of the FA Cup, Casi Gregson is slowly becoming a standout player at Gwalia United as well as being a student at Coleg y Cymoedd.
Balancing college work with a love for football, she is one of the younger talents to watch in the Welsh women’s game.
Coming from the FAW’s Academy System, she is one of a collection of young starlets through that system that are shining in Gwalia colours.
“It’s a lot to juggle,” Casi admits, “but playing for Gwalia makes it all worth it. The team feels like family.”
Gregson is a big believer that studying and playing football can go hand-in-hand, setting an example for other young girls in Wales who might be unsure if they can commit to both.
Gwalia have a partnership with Coleg y Cymoedd where both institutions dovetail academic progression with footballing talent development under the watchful guidance of individuals such as Alun Davies and Kath Morgan, themselves powerhouses in the Welsh sporting landscape with Morgan having played for Wales herself and Davies an integral part of talent development in rugby, with names such as Leigh Halfpenny and Marcus Smith on his CV.
Both would testify to just how powerful young talent can be when given a platform.
While Gregson balances her studies with a growing football career, her teammate and mentor, Cori Williams-Mills, is juggling a very different scenario: guiding Casi’s development, fully aware that she may eventually take her own place on the team.
A former Wales striker, Williams-Mills brings a wealth of experience to Gwalia United. A coach at Swansea City academy, she is also focusing on nurturing talent in-house, with the likes of Keira O’Keefe and Gregson at the forefront.
“Casi’s got the passion and potential to go far,” says Williams-Mills.
“It’s about giving her the tools to reach that next level.”
Gwalia United has ambitious goals, and as it continues to grow, Williams-Mills is looking ahead to ensure a solid foundation with players like Gregson who can carry the torch.
Yet, by helping Gregson climb the ranks, Williams-Mills faces the reality that her young protégé might someday step into her own spot on the team.
“In a way, it’s bittersweet,” she reflects. “I want to see her succeed—even if it means she takes over my role.”
It’s a testament to Williams-Mills’ dedication that she’s willing to foster this next generation, preparing Gwalia United to compete at higher levels while actively paving the way for her own potential successor.
For Gregson, it’s the ultimate opportunity to learn from a seasoned player with a career in both football and coaching.
Casi and Cori, while in different stages of their careers, share the same goal: growing the women’s game in Wales.
Gwalia United has become an important space for female players to build their skills, connect with a community, and find opportunities that weren’t always readily available in women’s football.
Gwalia – formerly Cardiff City Ladies FC, have been the historical hotbed of talent development in Wales with everyone from Jess Fishlock, Gwennan Harries and Sophie Ingle as former players.
No less than 10 players in the current national team under Rhian Wilkinson’s guidance come from within their ranks.
“Gwalia isn’t just a football club; it’s a community. It’s about finding a place for every player to grow,” Cori explains.
They’re part of a movement that’s shaking up the landscape and making Welsh women’s football a more visible, inclusive space. From Casi’s determination as a young student-athlete to Cori’s balancing act between coaching and business, both are proving that Welsh women’s football is on the rise, and the best is yet to come.
These two aren’t just players and coaches—they’re trailblazers, role models, and inspirations for a new generation of Welsh athletes. With Gwalia United providing a platform, we can expect to see many more success stories like theirs in the years to come.
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Wrexham Win and TNS Make It Six On The Bounce
Rhodri Evans
It was not the most successful weekend for the Welsh sides competing in the EFL, with defeats for Cardiff, Swansea, and Newport. North Wales showed the South how to do it though, as Wrexham earnt a hard-fought win at home to Mansfield.
In the Cymru Premier, The New Saints marched on with a comeback win over Haverfordwest County making it six wins in a row for the side who are also competing in Europe.
Let’s get into it!
Ryan Barnett Gives Wrexham Win
On a weekend where Cardiff, Swansea, and Newport all lost, Wrexham extended their unbeaten run in League One to five games.
Right back Ryan Barnett scored the only goal of the game after six minutes, cutting back onto his right foot and firing home from the edge of the box.
Fellow Wrexham full-back James McClean was booed throughout the game by sections of the visiting Mansfield supporters, the Republic of Ireland international not linking arms with team-mates for the minute’s silence before kick-off marking Remembrance Sunday, and foregoing displaying a poppy for personal reasons as he has throughout his career.
“The result was great for us, it’s good to get back to winning ways after losing in the FA Cup last weekend. It was important,” Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said.
“It was a hard-fought game, Mansfield are a good team who have done well on their travels and we had to work exceptionally hard to get the win today.
“Were we at our best? No, in terms of giving the ball away cheaply at times. Whether that was a little bit of a hangover from last week, I’m not sure with the early kick-off – because both teams in the early exchanges gave the ball away.”
Riza Future Still Unclear Ahead of International Break
Cardiff interim manager Omer Riza admitted that his future at the capital club is still unclear after a 1-3 home defeat to Blackburn Rovers.
Andreas Weimann’s brace gave Blackburn the lead before David Turnbull put Cardiff back in the game on 73 minutes. Lewis Baker’s late goal put the result beyond doubt.
After an unbeaten October, Cardiff have now lost successive matches in the league, dropping back into the relegation places.
“Regarding what it looks like, I don’t know. It’s every international break is a chance to bring in another manager,” Riza said after the match.
“We have always said that when you are winning it’s more difficult, when you are losing it’s easier. It depends what the club wants to do moving forward, only they can answer it.
“What I’m worried about is not winning games. The pressure is there if you don’t win games and then the opportunity is there for anything to happen. I’m not going to say whether I want the job, you already know the answer to that.”
Swansea Denied By Late Penalty
Swansea’s recent upturn in form was halted by a stoppage time Jay Rodriguez penalty, handing Burnley a first win in five games.
The visitors struggled in front of goal once again, with the new striker partnership of Myles Peart-Harris and Zan Vipotnik labouring in a drab first half.
With the club in the midst of a potential takeover, Luke Williams will undoubtedly be feeling a bit of pressure to keep the good results coming
Swansea chairman Andy Coleman and fellow shareholders Brett Cravatt and Nigel Morris – plus businessman Jason Cohen – are in the process of buying out majority owners Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan.
“I think we are all holding our breath and hoping it’s going to be the start of something very exciting,” manager Williams said.
“I am confident it will be, but of course time will tell. Having spoken to Andy at length, his ambition and his energy are very obvious.
“There are many issues around football club ownership as I am sure you know and [which are] well above my level. But the people I have met, Andy of course included in that, have shown a real energy and enthusiasm for the club.”
County Drop Into Bottom Half After Tranmere Defeat
Thanks to goals from Connor Jennings and Keiron Morris, Tranmere Rovers beat Newport County 2-1 at Prenton Park, causing the Exiles to drop into the bottom half of League Two.
Kyle Hudlin pulled one back for County but, while in the hunt for an equaliser, Newport went down to 10-men with Kyle Jameson sent off for a second bookable offence.
“Going into half-time losing the game I think was unfair for the boys,” said Newport boss Nelson Jardim.
“We tried to react second half, we did that. Their second goal kind of complicated things for us, but our reaction was there, we did score a goal.
“A draw overall would have been a fair result, but again disappointed obviously, but we have to look forward and the next game.”
TNS Pull Away from Haverfordwest in Cymru Prem
TNS’ comeback victory over third place Haverfordwest has made the Cymru Premier a proper two horse race at the top.
The New Saints have now won six straight league matches hunting down leaders Penybont.
The Bridgend-based club beat Flint Town 3-1 on Saturday to leave themselves four points ahead of TNS, albeit having played two games more.
With the two side set to play on Saturday 23rd, the title may well be on the line at Park Hall.
Results
Friday
Aberystwyth Town 3-1 Newtown
Saturday
Cardiff City 1-3 Blackburn Rovers
Wrexham 1-0 Mansfield
Tranmere Rovers 2-1 Newport County
Barry Town 3-2 Connah’s Quay Nomads
Briton Ferry 0-1 Caernarfon Town
Penybont 3-1 Flint Town
Cardiff Met 3–3 Bala Town
Sunday
Burnley 1-0 Swansea City
The New Saints 2-1 Haverfordwest County
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Kiprop And Cherop Win Cardiff Cross Challenge 2024
Rhodri Evans
The Cardiff Cross Challenge once again enhanced its status as the UK’s premier Cross Country event on Saturday.
Thousands of competitors and spectators descended on Llandaff Fields as some of the world’s top athletes ran alongside domestic stars and grass roots club runners from the length and breadth of Britain.
In the senior races at the World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold Label event there was double glory for Uganda as Keneth Kiprop returned to retain his Cardiff Cross Challenge men’s title and Charity Cherop claimed the women’s crown.
There was a familiar look to the podium in the 9,600m men’s race as Kiprop claimed the win in 27:06, once again beating last year’s runner-up Vincent Mutai, of Kenya, into second place.
Mutai crossed the line in 27:08, ahead of Uganda’s Daniel Kibet, who stopped the clock in 27:15.
The top domestic finisher was Zak Mahamad (Southampton AC) whose seventh place in 27:36, gave him the honours in the first fixture of this year’s UK Athletics Cross Challenge series.
In the senior women’s race, Cheprop, produced an impressive performance to claim victory in 20:15, just ahead of Kenya’s Sheila Jebet in 20:16.
Third place overall went to Kate Axford (Belgrave Harriers) in 20:21, who took the win in the UK Cross Challenge race.
Just behind in fourth overall was the top Welsh finisher Cari Hughes (Cardiff Athletics), whose brilliant run saw her finish in 20:25.
Hughes, who hails originally from Angelsey, has happy memories of the Cardiff event having finished third in the Under-20 race in 2018.
The former Welsh 1500m champion went on to win gold for Great Britain in the under-20 team event at the European Cross Country Championships.
And Hughes is eyeing another crack at a GB vest with the next fixture in the UK Athletics Cross Challenge – the Liverpool Cross Challenge hosting the European Cross Country Championships trials in a fortnight.
A good performance on Merseyside could book a spot on the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team at the Euros in Antalya, Turkey in December.
After Saturday’s run, Hughes, who is now based in St Moritz with OAC Europe, said: “I’m super happy with that to be honest. I didn’t really know what to expect. Coming into the race, I wasn’t sure how fit I was, but yeah, it was really good just to blow the cobwebs off.
“I honestly had no clue what form I was in. My coach was saying that I was in good shape in training, but we’ve only been doing threshold and stuff, so coming out here and racing is a totally different game. I just gave it my all, like every race.”
On her prospect for the European trials, Hughes said: “We’ll see. There’s two weeks to go, a lot can happen. I’m just going go there and race a normal race and see what happens.”
“Hopefully I will make the team. That would be great. But you never know, Liverpool is always a super tough competition.”
Another Welsh athlete who will be looking to impress at Sefton Park in two weeks is Dafydd Jones (Swansea Harriers), who was the top Welsh finisher in the men’s senior race, coming home in an excellent 11th overall in 28:02.
Jones said afterwards: “I was really pleased with that. It’s my last target race before the Liverpool Cross Challenge. I wanted to come here, have a really solid race, probably not fully empty the tank, but give myself some confidence ahead of Liverpool.
“It was a really good field. There were a fair few Europeans here, a lot of the Dutch guys, and a fair few East Africans as well. So, I felt like it was a good field to compare myself to.
“I came out really well, ran strong and finished probably further up than I was expecting. I feel like I can go into Liverpool now with my head held high, and hopefully I can give it a really good shot to make the GB team for the European champs.”
Jones was full of praise for the Sportshoes.com sponsored Cardiff event, which is the only cross country race in the UK to hold the prestigious World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold Label.
“It’s actually really encouraging that Wales is putting on such a great cross country event,” said Jones.
“We’re putting on these events and getting some really top athletes here. I really appreciate having this on the doorstep and having a lot of people cheering my name along the course.
“It’s a really good course. I feel like every year it sort of changes, depending on the conditions. It was a fast course today, quite a few firm spots and few muddy spots. It’s testing, but it’s quick.”
There was another impressive Welsh performance in the women’s Under-17 and Under-20 race, contested over 4,450m.
Libby Hale (Swansea Harriers), who enjoyed an outstanding year on the track, finished second in the under-17 category, clocking 15:01 behind Isla McGowan (Banbury Harriers AC) who broke the tape in 14:51.
The under-20 race was once again dominated by the reigning European cross U20 champion Innes FitGerald (Exeter Harriers), who returned to take the title she won last year. This time winning the 4,450m race in 14:12 ahead of Lizzie Wellsted (Colchester Harriers) 14:42 and Zoe Gilbody (Telford AC) 14:46.
There was a thrilling end to the men’s Under-17 and Under-20 race where the 5,560m contest came down to a sprint finish, which was won by under-20 man William Rabjohns (Poole AC) fractionally ahead of under-17 athlete Matthew Clark (Preston Harriers) as both athletes clocked the same time.
Results: https://wales.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2024/GBR/ccc/event/
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.
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Wales vs Fiji: Five Things We Learnt In Defeat
Rhodri Evans
Wales lost 19-24 to Fiji at home for the first time in their history on Sunday but there was plenty that Warren Gatland learnt about his side.
Tries from debutant Blair Murray, a penalty try, and a late Ellis Bevan score were not enough to best the visitors, who were inspired by a sumptuous performance from flyhalf Caleb Muntz, kicking 14 points and scoring the try of the match.
The inquest into Wales’ recent performances – winless since last year’s World Cup and one defeat away from a record – while begin in earnest this week with Warren Gatland taking the brunt of the criticism for results.
There were plenty of lessons learnt in defeat that Gatland will attempt to build on if they are to break this winless run against Australia next Sunday.
Blair Murray has contrasting debut
After seven minutes, Scarlets’ Blair Murray must have thought test rugby was a cake walk.
A sweeping move set off by Ben Thomas’ lovely flick-on pass found its way through the hands of Mason Grady and Cam Winnett and eventually the winger to score on debut.
The New Zealand-born back was denied another on fifty minutes when Thomas spilled the ball in the build up. Ten minutes later he was put in one of the most difficult positions in world rugby: marking Josua Tuisova 1-on-1. Unsurprisingly, it only ended one way.
Overall, though, Murray showed that he has the finishing quality and all-round game for international rugby, despite an up-and-down debut.
6-2 Bench Debacle
It was a bit of a surprise on Friday when the Wales 23 was announced and it was confirmed that Warren Gatland had picked a 6-2 bench split, with just Ellis Bevan and Sam Costelow the replacement backs.
The worst happened after just 17 minutes when Mason Grady was forced off the field with a lower leg injury and Sam Costelow – only really a flyhalf – had to replace the Cardiff man on the wing.
Not only did Gatland concede that he will not be going back to a 6-2 split, he also admitted that there was a breakdown in communication when Grady went off.
The Wales head coach said after the game that scrumhalf Ellis Bevan – who did eventually play on the wing after Gareth Anscombe was replaced – was meant to come on instead of Costelow.
“Probably the wrong player has gone on as a replacement,” said Gatland.
“We talked about Ellis Bevan going on there and he was supposed to and then Sam’s ran on the field. I think he might have assumed he was the person going on.
“We had already had those discussions with Ellis that if we do lose a winger, you’re going to need to cover us there. I need to get to the bottom of that and that was something we had to deal with.”
Adam Beard is Wales’ most important forward
Adam Beard is a bit of a polarizing figure in Welsh rugby. Looking at the stats, you can see why some Welsh fans are sceptical.
Beard made less tackles than Ben Thomas and only one more carry than Gareth Anscombe, and yet he demonstrated yesterday how much Wales missed him over the summer.
A ‘maul god’ as some on X dubbed him, Beard won 12 lineouts at a 100% rate, with the next highest is Taine Plumtree with five and was instrumental in the most successful part of Wales game.
Wales’ penalty try came from a maul drive, orchestrated by Beard and his impact was felt beyond the lineout too.
Beard is so effective in open play. Outside of Wales’ main playmakers – Tomos Williams, Anscombe and Thomas – Beard made the most passes of anyone on the pitch. Remarkably, he passed more than Fiji flyhalf Muntz.
Often stationed in the 15m channel, the Ospreys second row has an excellent set of hands and is often overlook by an opposition defence, much to Wales’ benefit.
Caleb Muntz: World Class
Having missed late year’s World Cup, there will have been a fair few Wales fans who did not know much about Fijian flyhalf Caleb Muntz.
Well they know all about him now. A man of the match performance included 14 points from the tee and scoring the try of match inspired Fiji to a first win in Wales in their history.
While Fiji were accused of a lack of game management in the World Cup group stage match when they turned a 14-8 lead into a 32-14 deficit before a spirited comeback.
This time, Muntz, in combination with Frank Lomani, controlled the game and expertly guided Fiji to a famous win at the Principality Stadium.
Where do Wales go from here?
This latest defeat is a 10th successive loss in test matches since the Rugby World Cup, equalling the previous record set under Steve Hansen in 2002-3.
Wales have not won for 400 days and Gatland was bullish when asked if his position as head coach is under threat.
“You can write about that,” said Gatland.
“The pressure comes externally, basically from the media as it’s a narrative that you create. That’s ok from where I sit.”
Gatland added: “We’ve said for the last 12 months since the World Cup, with the number of players and experience that we’ve lost, we were going to invest in a group of youngsters that we felt we could build with and take us on.
“We’ve seen development from those youngsters. We’ve said we need some patience and time.
“But I understand Test match rugby is about performing and winning.
“You [the media] control the narrative and write what you want. I’ll see what happens there.”
Wales under Gatland have previous thrived as underdogs but currently they look under-coached and overawed at this level. Gatland needs a win this Autumn if he going to remain in place for next year’s Six Nations.
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.