FAW and Swansea pay tribute to former player and manager Kenny Jackett
Rhodri Evans
Swansea City and the Football Association of Wales (FAW) have paid tribute to Kenny Jackett, who has died at the age of 64.
Watford-born Jackett made 428 appearances for his hometown side during a one-club playing career that also saw him win 31 caps for Wales.
Due to his father’s land of birth, Kenny was eligible to represent Wales on the international stage. He made his debut in 1982 against Norway and played his final game in April 1988 in a friendly defeat to Sweden.
Forced to retire at the age of 28, following persistent knee injuries, he began a long coaching career which included spells in charge at Watford, Swansea City, Millwall, Wolves, Rotherham, Portsmouth and Leyton Orient.
Jackett became director of football at Gillingham in 2022, but stood down from his role for medical reasons in November 2024.
A left-sided defender or midfielder, Jackett was part of the Watford side who won promotion to the top flight under Graham Taylor, and played for the Hornets in the 1984 FA Cup final as they were beaten by Everton.
As a manager, he led Swansea to promotion from the fourth tier in 2004-05, their Welsh club’s final season at their former Vetch Field home, and masterminded a Football League Trophy triumph in 2006.
In a statement, Swansea paid tribute to the man that was “responsible for starting the club on its remarkable rise from the bottom tier to the top-flight.”
“He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but our club and the game of football as a whole has been all the better for his presence,” the club said.
“He will always have a special place in the hearts of Swansea fans, and his place in the history of our club is not in doubt.
“Swansea City sends its sincerest condolences to Kenny’s family and friends at this sad time, and the club will look to remember and pay tribute to Kenny when we are all together again at the start of the 2026-27 season.”
The FAW added: “The Football Association of Wales is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Cymru international Kenny Jackett at the age of 64.
“The thoughts of everyone at the Football Association of Wales are with Kenny’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
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Wales breeze past Lithuania in World Cup of Darts opener
Rhodri Evans
The Wales team of Jonny Clayton and Nick Kenny won their first match of the World Cup of Darts in comfortable fashion over Lithuania.
Clayton and tournament newcomer Kenny beat Darius Labanauskas and Mindaugas Barauskas 4-1 on the opening day of the tournament in Frankfurt, Germany.
Wales, who are having to go through group qualifying after Gerwyn Price withdrew, lost the opening leg at the Eissporthalle, but found their stride by winning the next four in the best-of-seven format.
Clayton followed up a 146 checkout in leg four with a double-double 100 finish to seal the deal, as Wales opened their bid for a third World Cup of Darts crown in style.
Their next game is against minnows Thailand and, if they win that, will potentially face one of the seeded nations in the round of 16: England, Netherlands, Scotland, and reigning champions Northern Ireland.
Clayton and Price won the World Cup in 2020 and 2023, and reached the final last year, losing an incredible last-leg final against the Northern Ireland duo of Daryl Gurney and Josh Rock.
Price, however, pulled out of the competition citing darts’ busy schedule, allowing 63rd ranked Kenny to take his place.
2026 World Cup of Darts
Group Stage – Thursday June 11
Czechia 4-0 India (H)
Japan 4-3 Croatia (K)
Norway 4-3 Finland (L)
Republic of Ireland 4-1 Singapore (D)
Poland 4-1 Portugal (E)
Sweden 4-2 South Africa (F)
Latvia 4-2 Italy (J)
Hong Kong 4-2 Belgium (B)
Germany 4-0 Philippines (A)
Wales 4-1 Lithuania (C)
Austria 4-1 China (I)
USA 4-3 Australia (G)
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Forwards Wainwright and Thornton sign new Cardiff contract
Rhodri Evans
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Rhodri Evans
Rhodri Evans
Cardiff Rugby have announced that forwards Sam Wainwright and Rory Thornton have signed new contracts to stay with the region.
Wainwright joined the Blue & Blacks on a one-year deal from the Scarlets last summer and has now extended his stay in the capital.
Standing at 6ft 1ins and tipping the scales at more than 19 stone, the North Walian brings a physical presence on the pitch and has made 10 appearances during his debut season at the Arms Park.
Thornton, who made his 100th appearance alongside Keiron Assiratti and Ben Thomas, earlier this season, has also signed a new contract of undisclosed length.
“I’m pleased to have extended my stay in Cardiff,” Thornton said.
“I love living here and the Arms Park is an amazing place to play thanks to the support we receive and atmosphere created.
“We currently have an awesome group of players with a great mix of young, exciting talent, regular internationals and experienced heads. The staff are also brilliant and together, with new signings also adding to the environment, we are all focussed on driving the club forward.
“On a personal level, I really enjoyed last season and felt I played some good rugby. I was pleased to get the opportunity to play as much as I did, and that is something I would like to continue while building on my performances.”
Thornton has been a mainstay during the 2025-26 season, making 18 appearances and scoring two tries.
“Rory is an important member of our group and has had a great season for the club,” Cardiff Rugby head coach Corniel van Zyl added.
“After the injury to Teddy Williams we had to form a plan to rotate Rory, George (Nott) and Josh (McNally) and all three played a lot of minutes and did really well.
“He is an excellent set-piece second-row, who brings a lot of experience to the pack and team. He is a good leader and decision-maker in high pressure moments, which is an important asset for us.
“I am excited to have him with us moving forward and seeing how he continue to push his game on and help us grow collectively.”
Wainwright’s performances for Cardiff have been rewarded with a Wales call-up for this summer’s internationals.
“Myself and my family are over the moon to sign for another two years at Cardiff,” Wainwright said.
“This is a special club with special players, people and supporters and it is exciting to see where we can go as a team.
“Moving to the Arms Park has been like a breath of fresh air for me. It has really challenged me on the pitch and the competition for places is driving me to be a better player and person.
“We have a brilliant group and I have so much gratitude for the opportunity to continue playing here. After the progress we made during the past season, I am really excited for the future and I’m hugely motivated to play my part.”
van Zyl commended the 28-year-old on his commitment to Cardiff since joining last summer.
“Sam has really impressed us this year,” the head coach added. “He is a big man with a lot of potential and is nearing his prime as a tight-head prop.
“Day to day he is all in. It doesn’t matter whether he is in the match-day 23 or helping the squad prepare, he is exactly the same, bringing intensity, energy and commitment. He gives his all to the team and his peers.
“He has done well for us this year and that has been reflected in his inclusion in the Wales Six Nations squad and again this summer.
“I am pleased he is staying and look forward to seeing what he can bring moving forward. He is competing with two other internationals and we are confident they can push each other onto greater heights, raising standards and team performance.”
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FAW chief Mooney urges UEFA to expand women's Euros
Rhodri Evans
The Football Association of Wales (FAW)’s chief executive Noel Mooney has called for UEFA to expand the Women’s European Championships.
Mooney is asking UEFA to bring the women’s competition in line with the men’s version, and increase the number of nations competing from 16 to 24.
Wales beat the Republic of Ireland in a play-off to qualify for their first ever major tournament in 2025, before bowing out at the group stages following defeats to European giants France, Netherlands, and England.
Rhian Wilkinson’s side are currently bidding to reach their first World Cup and, with Euro 2029 in mind, the FAW wants European football’s governing body to increase the number of participants.
“We’re lobbying quite strongly with UEFA to try and move from a 16-team Euros to 24 teams like the men,” FAW chief executive Noel Mooney told BBC Sport Wales.
“I don’t see why we shouldn’t have 24 teams for 2029.
“We think that’s right, we think that’s fair, so we’re lobbying for that which would obviously give teams like ourselves or our neighbours in Scotland or Northern Ireland or Republic of Ireland a greater chance to play at the Euros.”
The first men’s tournament to expand to 24 team was Euro 2016, where Wales qualified for their first European Championships, embarking on a remarkable run to the semi-finals before defeat to eventual champions Portugal.
Germany are set to host Euro 2029, with infrastructure in place to hold an expanded edition of the tournament.
“The Republic lost out to us going to Euro 2025, but if that was a 24-team tournament they’d have been there and that would have been a huge lift for their country,” Irishman Mooney added.
“We were beneficiaries last time and for the World Cup it’s our aim of course to get there but we are cognisant of the complexity of the current system with FIFA to qualify.”
Rhian Wilkinson’s Wales side are currently aiming to be one of 11 teams at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, and qualify for a first Women’s World Cup.
Wales beat the Czech Republic on Tuesday to finish top of their 2027 World Cup qualifying group. Wilkinson’s team must now navigate two European play-off ties, and could also face an inter-confederation play-off after that.
“We’re very lucky and we have great friends at UEFA,” said Mooney, who used to work for UEFA and the Football Association of Ireland, taking interim control of the association during a period of financial crisis..
“For example, Nadine Kessler, the chief of women and girls’ football, I worked very closely with and she’s someone who is very progressive in how she thinks. UEFA itself has been very progressive.
“[Former Wales captain] Laura McAllister is vice president of UEFA and would be very much somebody who can bring our voice to UEFA, which is great for us.
“Working with countries like our neighbours who are interested in this, we can bring those voices to UEFA and say, ‘Look, we understand the costs impact by increasing the amount of teams, but if you’re doing it for the men you should do it for the women too’.”
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Newport County captain Baker leaves club to 'pursue new challenge'
Rhodri Evans
Newport County have announced that captain Matt Baker has left the League Two club to “pursue a new challenge.”
The 23-year-old centre-back was a key figure in the Exiles avoiding relegation to the National League after stepping up to the role of captain.
The former Wales Under-21 international was offered a new contract by Newport but will move on at the end of his current deal.
It follows the departure of Bobby Kamwa, who has also left at the end of his contract.
Baker and Kamwa have decided to leave County, who last month announced that they were also in talks with defenders Cameron Evans and Ciaran Brennan and midfielders Michael Spellman and Keenan Patten.
“Newport County can confirm that Matt Baker has decided to explore new opportunities after turning down an improved contract offer at Rodney Parade,” read a club statement
Baker returned to Newport County in July 2024, signing a permanent two-year deal after two successful loan spells with the Exiles.
Born in Kent, Baker began his football journey with Gillingham, where he spent a decade before joining Stoke City in 2021, captaining their Under-21 side in Premier League 2.
He first joined Newport on loan in January 2023, making 18 appearances and helping the club secure their League Two status. A return loan in the 2023–24 season followed, during which he featured regularly with 39 appearances.
Impressed by his performances, Newport secured Baker’s permanent signature in July 2024. During the 2024–25 season, he made 45 appearances in all competitions and scored five goals from defence, demonstrating a significant attacking threat and adding a new dimension to his game.
Internationally, Baker qualifies for Wales through his grandmother from Narberth. He has captained Wales at U17, U19, and U21 levels and earned a call-up to the senior national team in June 2024, without making his senior debut.
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Four Glamorgan youngsters called up for England U19 game
Rhodri Evans
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Rhodri Evans
Rhodri Evans
Four members of the Glamorgan Cricket pathway have been called up to play in the England U19 fixture against an England U19 invitational XI.
Tom Norton and Harry Wallace have been selected for England U19’s team, while Jack Hope-Bell and Jacob Blades are a part of the England U19 Invitational XI.
It is a significant feat for Glamorgan, with four young Welsh cricketers recognised at national level following a period of impressive development and standout performances across age‑group and senior cricket.
Across the two squads of 25 in total, only Durham have had more pathway cricketers picked.
18‑year‑old seamer Norton continues his rapid rise after a breakthrough year that included a First‑Class debut and a record‑breaking hat‑trick for Glamorgan. His selection reflects his growing reputation as one of the most exciting young fast bowlers in the country.
Wicketkeeper-batter Wallace also earns a deserved call‑up following a string of strong performances for the Glamorgan U18s and 2nd XI. Wallace’s consistency with the bat has seen him emerge as a key figure within the Club’s youth structure.
“I am really pleased for the four boys they have worked really hard and thoroughly deserve their selections,” said Head of Talent Pathway Richard Almond.
“As part of our wider strategic plan the club has increased its investment in our pathway so it is good to see the work the coaches are putting in start to pay dividends. We all wish the boys well in their upcoming matches.”
Hope‑Bell, who recently received his maiden first‑team call‑up, has been named in the England U19 Invitational XI after a standout 2025 season across Academy, U18s and 2nd XI cricket for the Club.
His selection highlights his continued progression and growing maturity as a top‑order batter.
Jacob Blades, another product of the Glamorgan Pathway, also earns a place in the Invitational XI.
Blades has impressed coaches with his technical quality and aggressive batting up top, and his inclusion is further recognition of the depth of talent emerging from Welsh cricket.
Seven players who were a part of England’s run to the ICC Men’s U19s World Cup final earlier this year are selected: Farhan Ahmed, Ralphie Albert, Ben Dawkins, Will Bennison, Ali Farooq, Alex French and James Minto.
Rocky Flintoff and Jack Nelson return after injury ruled them out of the U19s World Cup.
“We have an exciting summer of Under-19s fixtures ahead of us, firstly with South Africa and then later in the summer versus Pakistan,” England Men U19s head coach, Michael Yardy, said.
“We’ve named a smaller squad for the upcoming Youth ODIs against South Africa as it is important to have some flexibility with so many Under-19s players featuring in the Vitality Blast.
“It’s always great to have some new faces in the group and it will exciting to watch them put in performances in an England shirt for the first time.”
England Men U19s squad:
Ralphie Albert (Surrey)
Will Bennison (Yorkshire)
Ben Dawkins (Kent)
Ali Farooq (Leicestershire)
Rocky Flintoff (Lancashire)
Alex French (Surrey)
Charlie Harmison (Durham)
Byron Hatton-Lowe (Nottinghamshire)
James Minto (Durham)
Tom Norton (Glamorgan)
Jack Nelson (Middlesex)
Harry Wallace (Glamorgan)
Invitational U19s squad:
Jack Auld (Essex)
Jacob Blades (Glamorgan)
Robbie Bowman (Durham)
Lucian Brockman (Worcestershire)
Jake Green (Derbyshire)
Jack Hope-Bell (Glamorgan)
Omaris Khan (Warwickshire)
Theo Lamey (Somerset)
Zak Mawdsley (Durham)
Jack Parish (Essex)
Owen Smith (Yorkshire)
Bradley Sylvester (Yorkshire)
Luke Symington (Durham)
England Men U19s v South Africa Men U19s schedule:
Friday 26 June – Warm-up match, England Men U19s v Invitational U19s XI; Hazlegrave Ground, Loughborough
Saturday 27 June – Warm-up match, South Africa A v Invitational U19s XI; Hazlegrave Ground, Loughborough
Tuesday 30 June – 1st YODI; Uptonsteel Grace Road, Leicester
Friday 3 July – 2nd YODI; cinch County Ground, Northampton
Monday 6 July – 3rd YODI; The County Ground, Beckenham
Friday 10 July – 1st Youth Test; The County Ground, Beckenham
Friday 17 July – 2nd Youth Test; The County Ground, Hove
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Wales U20 team to face Scotland announced
Rhodri Evans
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Rhodri Evans
Rhodri Evans
Wales U20 head coach Richard Whiffin has named his side to face Scotland U20 at Boroughmuir RFC on Friday in an uncapped international.
The match the last chance for players to put their hands up for selection for Wales’ World Rugby Junior World Championship squad which will be confirmed early next week.
Wales will face pool matches against hosts Georgia, Uruguay, and championship favourites South Africa in Tiblisi.
“We’ve had a really good three weeks block where we split our focusses on unit based work alongside individual development and we were lucky in that we had the heat wave so we got three or four sessions in what will be similar conditions out in Georgia,” said Whiffin.
“The boys then had a few days off and then we came in for our second block where we trained against the senior team on Monday. Both teams obviously needed it against different opposition and it is always good to see the alignment working with the senior boys.”
Whiffin has taken the opportunity to give the likes of Ospreys back row Sam Morgan and Gloucester scrum half Cai Gealy a chance as he juggles the squad around to assess his options.
“The boys need some minutes and we need to test out some combinations for the World Cup,” he added.
“There is nothing like going out against an opposition that don’t know what you’re trying to do to get a feel on how you’re trying to work so it will be a valuable hit out.
“They [Scotland] had a game against Ireland last week so they will be into their second game and ready to go so it will be a good test for us.”
Wales Team
15 Lewis Edwards (Ospreys)
14 Dylan Scott (Cardiff Met)
13 Osian Darwin-Lewis (Cardiff Rugby)
12 Jack Hoskins (Ospreys)
11 Rhys Cummings (Cardiff Rugby)
10 Carwyn Leggatt-Jones (Scarlets)
9 Sion Davies (Cardiff Rugby);
1 George Tuckley (Dragons RFC)
2 James Talamai (Dragons RFC
3 Jac Pritchard (Scarlets)
4 Will Evans (Scarlets)
5 Tom Cottle (Cardiff Rugby)
6 Deian Gwynne (c) (Gloucester Rugby)
7 Sam Morgan (Ospreys)
8 Evan Minto (Dragons RFC)
Replacements
16 Oscar Thomas (Bath Rugby)
17 Dylan James (IOspreys)
18 Isaac Godfrey (Exeter Chiefs)
19 Luke Evans (Exeter Chiefs)
20 Osian Williams (Bristol)
21 Caio James (Gloucester)
22 Alex Ridgway (Bath Rugby)
23 Cai Gealy (Bristol Bears)
24 Lloyd Lucas (Cardiff Rugby)
25 Tom Bowen (Cardiff Rugby)
26 Steff Emanuel (Cardiff Rugby)
27 Bailey Cutts (Cardiff Rugby)
28 Brogan Leary (Dragons RFC)
29 George Leyland (Bristol Bears)
30 Tom Howe (Cardiff Rugby)
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Dai Rees appointed as WRU National Council Member
Rhodri Evans
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Rhodri Evans
Rhodri Evans
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has appointed David ‘Dai’ Rees to its Council as a National Council Member, bringing more than 25 years of experience across community, professional and international rugby.
Rees has held senior leadership roles within Welsh rugby and the Hong Kong Rugby Union, where he served as Chief Rugby Operations Officer between 2016 and 2020.
During his time in Hong Kong, he led the design and implementation of an integrated national rugby system aimed at aligning participation, player development and elite performance.
His career has spanned coaching and administration at community, professional and international levels, including several national coaching roles with the WRU.
Among his achievements are contributing to Asian Games medal success, securing qualification for the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup, supporting multiple Rugby World Cup qualification campaigns and helping Hong Kong achieve six consecutive World Rugby U20 Trophy qualifications.
Speaking following his appointment, Rees said: “It is an honour to join the WRU Council at such a pivotal time for the game in Wales.
“Throughout my career, I have seen how meaningful progress comes from aligning intent with delivery and I look forward to doing everything I can to help Welsh rugby thrive.
“We have something special here in Wales. A national sport that’s rooted in community.
“It’s our duty to ensure clubs, coaches and volunteers are supported to grow participation across Wales which will ultimately contribute to a healthy and sustainable pathway system.”
Rees currently serves as Head of Rugby at Monmouth RFC and Director of Rugby and Board Trustee at Crawshays Welsh RFC, roles that have given him extensive experience of the grassroots game.
He said: “My approach is to make inclusion part of everyday decision-making, not a separate initiative, ensuring it is embedded in how the game is run and developed.
“I am passionate about making rugby more accessible, inclusive and welcoming, and I look forward to contributing to the continued development of the game at every level.”
WRU President Terry Cobner said: “Dai brings a huge wealth of knowledge and a global perspective combined with a deep understanding of the Welsh rugby landscape.
“He will be a valuable asset to the Council as we continue to shape the future of Welsh rugby.”
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McCall the big winner at Dragons end of season awards
Rhodri Evans
Niamh McCall won the players’ player and MVP of the season awards at the LexisNexis Dragons end of season awards.
Leah Middleton also picked up two awards on the night, scooping up the coaches’ player of the year and fan favourite of the year awards.
Bethan Dyke won Dragon of the year, while centre and wing defence Ellen Withington winning most improved player of the year.
The evening recognised a campaign that saw the Dragons finish fifth in the NSL, their highest league position and points tally since 2014, narrowly missing out on a Grand Final play-off place.
It marks a significant step forward for a club that has rebuilt with intent over recent seasons, and a season that reflects a positive start to Wales Netball’s Ymladd 2030 vision.
The awards celebrated achievement across both the Dragons and the NXT Gen Dragons, the next generation of Welsh netball talent coming through the performance pathway.
“I am extremely proud of what we have achieved as a team this season,” head coach Reinga Bloxham said.
“We aimed to make top four and came close to doing that. We have worked hard throughout this season setting clear expectations and standards of how we wanted our team and performance culture to be delivered.
“Finishing fifth and pushing so close to play-off is our strongest season in over a decade which is credit to the support staff and players in this team.
“Tonight is about celebrating the journey of season 2026 as a franchise and recognising the amazing athletes and achievements this season.
“Choosing awards winners is always difficult as everyone has contributed to the success of this team. However, each award winner has earnt this recognition through their own individual values and performances and it is great to be able to identify and recognise this.”
Five awards were presented to each squad, recognising the players who defined the season on court, in the changing room and with supporters.
LexisNexis Risk Solutions Dragons award winners:
- Dragon of the Year: Bethan Dyke
- Players’ Player of the Year: Niamh McCall
- Coaches’ Player of the Year: Leah Middleton
- Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Year: Niamh McCall
- Most Improved Player of the Year: Ellen Withington
- Fan Favourite of the Year: Leah Middleton
NXT Gen Dragons award winners:
- Dragon of the Year: Thea Rhodes
- Players’ Player of the Year: Alice Clarke
- Coaches’ Player of the Year: Celyn Emanuel
- Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Year: Caris Morgan
- Most Improved Player of the Year: Alice Clarke
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Glamorgan's Rees named as one of ECB's 'The 53' women shaping the future of cricket
Rhodri Evans
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Rhodri Evans
Rhodri Evans
Glamorgan’s Head of Women’s and Girl’s Cricket Aimee Rees has been named as one of the English and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)’s ‘The 53’ women shaping the future of cricket.
The ECB has unveiled 53 purple seats at Edgbaston ahead of the first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup match on Friday.
The seats recognise 53 women shaping the future of cricket, in a nod to the number of years since the inaugural Women’s Cricket World Cup was held in England in 1973.
Rees is one of three women in cricket who have connections to Wales, and is joined on the list alongside Llandaff CC’s Ayesha Rauf, and Victoria Jones, Facilities Lead at Cricket Wales.
Rauf has made it her mission to ensure South Asian representation in cricket across Wales. The Cardiff-based coach has built the women and girls pathway at Llandaff Cricket Club from scratch and is determined to show that cricket is a space for them.
“It feels a bit emotional actually,” she said.
“It makes me feel like everything I do is making a difference, because I can see my name on the purple seat and it reminds me that I have and I am making a difference, and I’m being recognised for that as well.
“Growing up in London then moving to Wales, I rarely saw women who looked like me involved in the game.
“The absence made me reflect on where I fit in the sport and more importantly, how I could help change that for others coming through.
“Being visible in this role matters and I take pride in contributing to a more diverse and welcoming game.”
Writing her own personal profile in The 53, Rees reflected on how cricket has been “central” to her life.
“My current role as Head of Women and Girls’ Cricket at Glamorgan County Cricket Club is both diverse and incredibly rewarding,” Rees said.
“I oversee the entire female performance pathway, supporting players from as young as 10 years old through to our senior women’s Tier 2 squad. A major focus of my work is preparing the programme for its transition into Tier 1 cricket in 2027.
“This is an exciting and significant step for the club, and my priority is ensuring we have the structures, environment, and playing squad in place to compete at the highest domestic level.
“Cricket has always been central to my life. My dad played the game, and I spent much of my childhood at the cricket club.
“I am also incredibly proud to have played a part in bringing professional women’s cricket to Glamorgan in 2027, something built on decades of hard work by many dedicated people.”
Jones joined Cricket Wales in January 2023, having spent a large part of her career at Welsh Gymnastics, and also represented Team GB as a coach at both the World Summer Special Olympic Games and the European Games.
In her profile, Jones stresses that there is a “place for everyone” in cricket.
“My role is focused on securing investment into recreational cricket and helping to improve the facilities that support clubs, local authorities and communities across Wales,” she said.
“Over the last three years, I have helped bring more than £7 million into grassroots recreational cricket, creating opportunities for long-term, meaningful change.
“Cricket has shown me that there truly is a place for everyone in the game. I am proud to be a female leader within the sport and to help show women and girls that they can shape its future too.
“There is a place for everyone in cricket, and whether you want to play, volunteer or build a career in the game, don’t be afraid to step forward, you could make a difference far beyond what you imagine.”
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