Performance Is All We Can Control - Cunningham
Rhodri Evans
Ioan Cunningham is looking for a response from his side ahead of their Six Nations clash with France at Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday.
After 36-5 defeat in Ireland last Saturday, Wales sit bottom of the table having lost all three games in the 2024 edition.
With Wales going into Sunday’s match with France as underdogs, Cunningham have urged his side to “focus on performance” rather than the result.
“It’s all we can control at the moment,” said Cunningham.
“We were very disappointed by our performance in Ireland. We’ve got a to take the criticism on the chin, but the response we want this week, that’s the biggest message.
“The specifics have been huge to our game over the last 18 months. Our DNA has all been about our work off the ball and it was missing against Ireland.
“That’s something we’ve got to focus on this week.”
Cunningham has been open throughout this tournament that he would rotate his team to give some of the less experienced members of his squad a chance to stake a claim for a spot at next year’s World Cup.
Winger Catherine Richards and fly-half Mollie Wilkinson will make their debuts against France, with experienced players Jasmine Joyce, Keira Bevan, and Bethan Lewis dropping out.
“It’s great to have new faces,” said Cunningham.
“One thing we said we were committed to at the start of this campaign was to expose some new talent and young talent to the group. And we’ve stuck true to that regardless of results. So it’s pretty exciting to see these players get the opportunity.
“We are looking for a response [from those dropped to the bench].
“Again, it’s that part of that process of growing depth and giving players exposure at this level and knowing that we have experience on the bench. They can come on and make that impact hopefully.”
Another beneficiary of Cunningham’s rotational policy is full-back Kayleigh Powell.
Powell, recently returning from a long lay-off due to an ACL injury, began all three of Wales’ previous games on the bench, but has been handed a start for this Sunday’s match.
“Coming off the bench, it’s just given me that push and desire to get that starting jersey,” said Powell.
“I’m thankful to actually get it and yes, we are underdogs against France but let’s see what I can do.
“Our confidence has taken a bit of a knock after the Ireland game, but this week we are just focusing on what we can control and what we are good at. Going back to basics and having confidence in ourselves.
“We are good players, that’s why we are here, that’s why we finished top three last year, so we definitely can do it. We’ve just got to show up and show we can against France.”
While mostly a full-back, Powell has played fly-half at both club and international level and is looking to reduce the burden on the current incumbent of the number 10 jersey, Lleucu George.
“Having both of us in the team is only going to benefit us,” Powell added.
“We can play that attacking rugby when there’s two receivers on the pitch. I can also help Lleucu when it comes to kicking as well, take a bit of pressure of her by having multiple options of kickers.”
Lock Natalia John is another player that has had to fight for her starting shirt, with other experienced options such as Georgia Evans and Abbie Fleming forming strong depth in the second row.
John is keen for her team to show how much they love playing the sport, rather than getting caught up in the criticism that the team has come under this week.
“We’ve had a lot of criticism about not been being clinical enough and I just think it’s come down to the fact that all the other teams are developing,” said John.
“We’ve taken a step back and asked ourselves ‘What are we really good at and what can we bring to this game now?’
“For us, it’s about enjoying it because that’s what it’s all about. Rugby is about playing with a smile on your face.
“We always want to perform. No one puts a Welsh jersey on and doesn’t want to perform.
“For us, it’s just stripping it back and just doing what we’re really good at and doing it really well. So, I think that’s maybe what we’ve lacked in the past games. We’ve gone away and tried some new things, but now it’s time to go back to what we’re good at and hopefully take it to France.
“Physicality is a big thing and, you know, fair play to Ireland. They did shock us. They came out firing, so I think it’s just about matching that physicality and having that hunger to win those 50/50 battles.”
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Glamorgan Awarded Tier 1 Women's Team
Rhodri Evans
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have awarded Glamorgan CCC a Tier 1 women’s team, starting in 2027.
Eight teams will host professional women’s teams as part of a major restructure to the domestic game from 2025.
Those eight are Durham, Essex, Hampshire, Lancashire, Nottinghamshire, Somerset, Surrey and Warwickshire and will be joined by Glamorgan and Yorkshire in 2027, as well as two more unnamed counties in 2029.
The counties will replace the regions that have competed in the Charlotte Edwards Cup and Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy in recent years.
The new three-tiered domestic competition will be coupled with £8m of new funding every year from the ECB, which says could lead to an 80% increase in professional women’s players in England and Wales by 2029.
The funding will take the ECB’s annual investment in the women’s game to £19m annually.
Glamorgan and Yorkshire will receive additional funding from 2025 to run their own ‘Tier 1 standard’ talent pathways in preparation for joining the top tier in 2027.
“Through this process we’ve seen a huge appetite from first class counties to have a women’s professional team, and a real commitment to growing women’s and girls’ cricket in this country,” said ECB chief executive officer Richard Gould.
“More professional teams means more women able to make a career out of being a cricketer, more role models to inspire future generations, and more of the country having a women’s professional team to follow nearby.”
ECB director of women’s professional game, Beth Barrett-Wild, added: “It’s clear that the game is united in wanting to take the women’s professional game forward, and in wanting to produce commercially vibrant teams and competitions that excite fans and showcase the quality of our professional players.”
All 18 first-class counties and the MCC were invited to tender to become a women’s Tier 1 club, with the “vast majority” submitting bids.
Counties not successful will be asked to be “in a process to determine the composition of Tier 2 and Tier 3” with the outcome to be confirmed by September 2024.
There will be no promotion or relegation between tiers from 2025 until 2028.
Dan Cherry, Chief Executive at Glamorgan Cricket said: “The whole team at Glamorgan is extremely excited by the confirmation that there will be a professional Glamorgan Women’s team playing in Tier 1 of the newly established competition.
“We aim to see cricket become the number one women’s team sport in Wales and are very pleased that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have recognised this commitment.
“We will continue with the substantial work we already do to develop Women’s and Girls’ Cricket in Wales and are grateful to the ECB for the additional funding to run our talent pathway to a Tier 1 standard so that we will be fully prepared for Tier 1 professional cricket in 2027.
“We would like to thank the Welsh Government, Cricket Wales, Sport Wales and a number of leading Welsh businesses for their support for our bid.”
Aimee Rees, Head of Women’s and Girls’ Cricket at Glamorgan Cricket, was delighted at the news.
“Seeing Glamorgan awarded a Tier One Women’s Cricket Team is the proudest moment in my 20-year coaching career to date,2 said Rees.
“We will embrace the opportunity and make the whole nation proud.
“To be able to offer the opportunity for young women and girls from all over Wales to develop their skills and move through a fully operated pathway to represent a professional Women’s Cricket Team based in their own country will be transformational for women’s cricket in Wales.
“This is a momentous step to add to an already long and rich history of women’s cricket in Wales. Glamorgan doesn’t just represent a county, we represent a country, and today’s announcement will give girls in Wales the best opportunity to be professional cricketers at the highest level.”
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Cardiff Win EDC Place Over Neath
Rhodri Evans
Cardiff RFC have pipped Neath RFC to the 10th and final place in Welsh rugby’s new 10-team Elite Domestic Competition (EDC).
The capital club joined the second phase of the application process after the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) awarded nine clubs a licence to compete in the new competition.
The WRU appealed for a 10th club to join the competition to “perform at its optimum level”.
The governing body have now turned down both of Neath’s applications to join the EDC.
The club described their initial omission from the EDC as “grossly unfair” and “reprehensible”.
The new competition is designed to bridge the gap between the semi-professional teams and the four professional regions, with a particular emphasis on developing players between 18-25.
The competition will replace the existing Welsh Premiership from next season and will be ring-fenced for three seasons, with no promotion or relegation and include a salary cap for all squads.
This latest decision means that the full list of clubs taking part in the EDC from the 2024/25 season is: Aberavon, Bridgend, Carmarthen Quins, Ebbw Vale, Llandovery, Pontypool, Newport, RGC 1404, Swansea, and now Cardiff.
The WRU says an expert panel, which included two independent members, considered the applications consisting of club business plans, rugby performance plans and other key data.
Applications were evaluated against five criteria: organisational due diligence, rugby development, growth potential, unique selling point and public interest.
“We now have the recommended 10 licences in place and can look forward to a competition which will provide the missing link between our elite professional teams in Wales and the community game and vastly improve our pathway provision at the same time,” said WRU Executive Director of Performance, Nigel Walker.
“We are grateful to all those who applied to join the EDC, it is unfortunate for Neath that, despite an improved application, they didn’t score enough points to be considered for a licence.”
WRU Performance Director Huw Bevan added: “This is a hugely exciting development for Welsh rugby and we need to ensure we have the right building blocks in place to achieve our ambitious aims for this competition.
“The league will integrate our long-standing, ambitious and committed semi-professional clubs in Wales with the professional game. It will support the development of high potential young professional players but also drive the quality of the domestic semi-professional game.”
Neath Miss Out
Alongside their two applications to join the league, Neath launched a sustained social media campaign to bring more publicity to their fight to join the league.
Former international rugby players, such as Jonathan Davies and Shane Williams, as well as celebrities with connection to the club have given support to the club’s bid.
Despite this, their first application in Marsh was deemed the lowest ranking applicant and its score was significantly lower than any other.
Neath scored 130 of a potential total 268 points that were available under the licensing criteria, which was 88 behind the applicant ranked directly above in the scoring system.
“We are acutely aware that this will be difficult news for all of those at Neath rugby club and their supporters and we thank them genuinely for their passion and commitment to the process,” said Walker.
“The club will be eligible for a parachute payment as they join the Championship competition, with potential reconsideration for EDC next available in three-years’ time.
“It is unfortunate for Neath that, despite an improved application, they didn’t score enough points to be considered for a licence.”
Neath issued a statement in response to the decision: “We have been at pains throughout to stress that this is not about Neath and Cardiff or any of the other clubs for that matter.
“We believe that Cardiff is an elite club… but so too is Neath RFC.
“We are formulating a formal response to the WRU as we still have concerns as to the integrity and veracity of the process.
“Neath as a Town is under attack on many fronts and we urge everyone to show their support for us and our defence of our rugby community, culture, and heritage.”
Finally a Cardiff-based Club
Cardiff, who initially declined to apply to the league, competed for the final place after the WRU appealed for a Cardiff-based club to join the league.
No club in the Cardiff regional umbrella was among the initial nine EDC teams announced by the WRU in February.
Merthyr and Pontypridd also declined to enter, with the clubs claiming that the reduced competition was “financially unviable and disengaging for players” and had the potential to “jeopardise its solvency as a commercial entity”, respectively.
“Many congratulations to Cardiff who submitted a bid which placed them high up in the rankings on the scorecard we have used for awarding a licence,” Walker added.
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Josh Turnbull: Cardiff Legend Retires
Rhodri Evans
John Turnbull has retired from rugby with immediate effect, bringing an end to his 17-year career.
The 36-year-old confirmed in a statement with Cardiff Rugby that his 200th appearance for the region against Leinster is to be his last.
Turnbull began his career with Llanelli RFC in 2006 and went on to play for Scarlets, Llandovery RFC, and Cardiff.
A versatile player capable of playing lock, blindside flanker, or number 8, Turnbull played 13 times for Wales over eleven years.
Only Connacht’s John Muldoon made more appearances than his 245 in the United Rugby Championship.
Overall, the former Wales international made 334 top-flight appearances, as well as caps for Wales at under-18s, 19s, 20s, and sevens.
Turnbull made his Wales debut against Scotland in 2011 and was in and out of squads under Warren Gatland. He was recalled by Wayne Pivac for what proved to be his last Test appearance in 2021.
He played a key role as Cardiff lifted the 2018 European Challenge Cup and also won Cardiff’s Player of the Season award in 2021-22.
“It’s been a difficult decision to call time on my career, which has gone in the blink of an eye, but I am comfortable it is the right one for myself and my family,” Turnbull reflected.
“Reaching 200 appearances for Cardiff has been a huge motivator for me, and I was honoured to do that a few weeks ago at the Arms Park with so many friends and family in attendance.
“Rugby has given me so much – I have traveled the world, made incredible friends, and have so many great memories from my time both at Cardiff and the Scarlets.
“I am enormously grateful to everyone who has played a part in my journey, whether teachers, coaches, backroom staff, supporters, and of course my family.”
Turnbull’s next move is into a coaching position with Cardiff’s academy.
“With close to 350 games of professional experience under my belt, I am now looking forward to the next chapter in my career, and I am very grateful to Cardiff for giving me an opportunity to continue coaching within the academy set-up,” he added.
“There is so much talent coming through in this region; you only need to look at the lads who have come through this year to see that, and I’m excited to pass on my experience.”
Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt said: “Josh has been a great servant to Cardiff both on and off the pitch and to play 334 competitive games in the professional era is no mean feat.
“He is a player who continually put his body on the line for the team and gave his absolute all.
“He has been a great professional and role model to our young players in terms of his commitment, diligence, work-rate, and selflessness.”
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Neath To Host RGC For End Of Season Party
Rhodri Evans
Neath RFC will attempt to “redefine the rugby experience” when they host Rygbi Gogloedd Cymru 1404 (RGC) at The Gnoll Stadium on Saturday, April 20th.
The fixture with RGC is Neath’s last home game of the season and tickets are free for supporters.
Channelling the “spirit of rebellion”, Neath have announced an “Entertainment Extravaganza”, which includes, along with the rugby, Heels Empowerment Dancers and Super Choir UK, all compèred by Dirty Sanchez’s Matthew Pritchard.
A ‘world class’ film crew will be capturing the events as Neath attempts to “put itself firmly on the world rugby map.”
This move comes amid the controversial decision by the WRU to turn down Neath’s application to join Welsh rugby’s new Elite Domestic Competition (EDC).
The EDC is designed to bridge the gap between the semi-professional teams and the four professional regions, with a particular emphasis on developing players between 18-25.
The competition will replace the existing Welsh Premiership from next season and will be ring-fenced for three seasons, with no promotion or relegation.
The club described their initial omission from the EDC as “grossly unfair” and “reprehensible”.
Wales and Neath legends such as Jonathan Davies and Shane Williams have come out publicly in support of their old club’s fight.
Williams, Wales’ record-try scorer, said it has been “tough time for Neath, but it’s one of the most historical and biggest clubs in the game.”
“It’s where it all kicked off for me. My blood is black. Come on, boys,” he said.
Former Wales captain, Davies added: “Good luck to Neath RFC in the race to the EDC.”
“I hope your application is successful because it’s a wonderful club with a history of great players and also fantastic supporters.
“My best wishes to you all.”
Neath, who submitted a second application, will likely find out whether they have been awarded the final place this week, with Cardiff RFC the most likely other club to be given a place.
The other nine teams are: Aberavon, Bridgend, Carmarthen Quins, Ebbw Vale, Llandovery, Newport, Pontypool, Swansea and this week’s visitors, RGC.
This coming Saturday, though, promises to be an example of the kind of events that Neath hope to put together when part of the EDC.
Chairman James Hadley has been forthright in his views on where the sport is going and where Neath want to take it.
“The fabric of rugby commercialism is old and malfunctioning,” said Hadley.
“So we’ve changed it. What Neath are going to do will be closely copied by others, and we welcome that.
“This will become the model for future sport in the UK and Northern Ireland. You cannot miss this first event.”
Gates open at 12:30pm, with the entertainment starting at 13:45 and the match at 14:30pm. Entry is free with tickets available at neathrfc.com.
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O'Connell - Wrexham Can Be As Big As They Want
Rhodri Evans
Eoghan O’Connell has said that Wrexham can be “as big as they want” after earning a second successive promotion.
With Barrow and MK Dons both losing as Wrexham thrashed Forest Green, the Red Dragons sealed their place in League One next season.
After winning the National League last season, Wrexham have now been promoted in successive seasons.
When asked how much further Wrexham can progress, defender O’Connell said: “I think as big as you want.”
“I just think with the fanbase, the support and the atmosphere they create and obviously the owners are incredible people.
“Who knows really.”
Even with two games remaining, the former Celtic man has urged his team to relish in their success.
“I think it’s important to enjoy these achievements over the past couple of years,” he added.
“We’ve had two [promotions] in a row, it doesn’t come around too often.
“I’m sure we’ll have a good few days and maybe even weeks.”
Manager Phil Parkinson echoed O’Connell sentiments, stressing there are more “chapters” to come from Wrexham.
“Last year when we got promotion I felt there were a lot more chapters to be written,” he said.
“I firmly believe that’s still [the case] now.”
Under the stewardship of Parkinson and the well-publicised Hollywood owners, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, the Red Dragons’ fans will be dreaming of further promotions.
Although the owners were not at SToK Cae Ras on Saturday, Parkinson said he spoke with McElhenney over the phone.
“Rob rang up – I don’t think he was expecting me to answer – so I’ve had a great chat with him,” he said.
“Obviously him and Ryan would have loved to have been here today, they deserve a lot of credit obviously because the support they’ve given myself and all the staff and the backing they give all the players as well.
“They deserve this and I’m sure they will celebrating wherever they are in the US.
“Owning a football club is tough. It’s not an easy job and you’ve got to savour these promotions, we’re building a structure underneath and I think that’s really important with the academy, I think that’s very important for the future of the club and the owners obviously recognise that and we had to get back in the league to do that.
“There’s great people been employed in our academy and they are going to work hard to get some good young players, because that’s going to be key as the club progresses.”
Parkinson has now won five promotions as a manager – two with Wrexham and one each with Colchester United, Bradford City and Bolton Wanderers.
“It’s a great achievement for everybody connected with the club. There’s a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes and I always say about being a team effort,” he added.
“It really is at Wrexham, everybody pulls together, and you’ve got to include the supporters in that because home and away they’ve been absolutely magnificent for us again.
“We’ve had some periods where we haven’t played as well as we could, but that happens even in a promotion season.
“But they’ve stayed with us, kept the faith and kept the belief and they’ve got their rewards.”
Elliot Lee, scorer of 16 goals from midfield this season, said that the club “is only going one way”.
“We know the ambition of the club,” he said.
“It will be more difficult next season but that’s why we’re all here, we want to test ourselves against better players and teams.
“We’ve come so far from being in the National League to potentially playing some massive teams next season.
“It’s a big leap, but it’s one we are all ready for and looking forward to already.”
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Devils Gear Up For Finals Weekend
Rhodri Evans
Cardiff Devils booked their place in the semi-finals of the Elite Ice Hockey League play-offs after a 7-4 aggregate victory over Dundee Stars in the quarter-final stage.
The Devils beat the Stars 4-2 in Cardiff on Saturday before travelling to Scotland and finishing the job with a 3-2 win.
Cardiff finished second in the table in the regular season, behind Sheffield Steelers, while Dundee Stars were seventh.
In front of a sold-out Vindico Arena, goals from Sam Duggan, Trevor Cox, and a brace from Tyler Busch, were enough to overcome their Scottish opponents.
Ryan Valentini and Jake Elmer responded for the Stars but their goals were not enough on the day.
An excellent save by the returning Ben Bowns in goal directly led to Duggan’s opener, as his rebound from a Ben Davies’ shot found the net.
Valentini levelled in the second period, but the Devils hit back 33 seconds later through Busch.
Elmer’s feint and finish brought things level at 2-2, but Cardiff pulled ahead yet again through Cox’s effort.
Busch added his second of the game shortly after the start of the third period, giving the Devils a two-goal lead going into the second leg.
Dundee flew out of the traps in the second leg and took the lead through Spencer Naas.
Jamie Arniel calmed the nerves of the travelling Devils fans when he tied the game before the end of the first period.
Justin Crandall settled the result for Cardiff in the middle period before both teams traded goals in the third, thanks to Arniel’s second and Drydn Dow for the Stars.
The Devils will face Belfast Giants in the semi-finals in Nottingham on April 20th with victory there leading to the final against either Guildford Flames or Sheffield Steelers the following day.
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Wales Dismal In Defeat To Ireland
Rhodri Evans
A dominant Ireland display consigned Wales to a dismal 36-5 defeat at Musgrave Park on Saturday.
This chastening defeat leaves Wales winless from their first three games of the 2024 Six Nations.
Previous defeats at home to Scotland and away in England could be spun positively, but this cloud was without a silver lining.
Tries from Aoife Wafer, Eve Higgins and Neve Jones gave Ireland a 21-0 lead at halftime before wingers Katie Corrigan and Beibhinn Parsons built a 36-point lead before debutant Gwennan Hopkins scored a consolation.
After placing third in the previous two editions, questions will now be asked of the direction that this Wales side is being taken in by coach Ioan Cunningham.
Cunningham has consistently spoken of how the aim for his side is to make the semi-final stage of the 2025 Rugby World Cup and, with a six successive defeat, that seems a long way off.
Wales made far to many errors in possession and out, and could not deal with either the power of Ireland’s forwards, nor the guile of their backs.
Wales started brightly with possession in Ireland’s half. An early Irish indiscretion gave Wales’ rolling maul a chance to show itself but Carys Phillips’ break away was isolated and turned over on the 5m line.
Ireland’s excellent kicking game drove them up the pitch and led to the opening score.
The ball was worked wide to the left inside the Welsh 22 and Aoife Wafer crashed onto the ball 10-metres out. Despite the attention of three Welsh defenders, she drove over for the score.
Dannah O’Brien converted from close to the touchline with an excellent kick.
Wales looked visibly rocked by the early Ireland try and never regained their composure.
Another Ireland attack brought Welsh mistakes. A lack of care around the ruck area give Aoibheann Reilly the chance to snipe and suddenly she was away.
Jenny Hesketh recovered well to haul her down before the line but a quick recycle and a pick-and-go from Eve Higgins gave Ireland a second try.
Buoyed by their start, Ireland started to expand their game. Aoife Wafer broke tackles every time she received the ball and co-captains Sam Monaghan and Edel McMahon dominated at the set piece.
Their third try was a less flashy affair but showed the excellent work this Irish team have put in since losing every game of the 2023 Six Nations.
Another Welsh error – this time an offside penalty – gave Ireland’s maul a chance to shine and seconds after the ball was secured, Neve Jones flopped over at the back to dot down her side’s third score.
Ioan Cunningham made changes before the interval, one enforced and one tactical, with Courtney Keight replacing Kerin Lake who was in some pain, and Natalia John on for Bethan Lewis, respectively.
While the Welsh defence remained resolute, the errors in possession continued.
Just before the break, a wonderful high-ball take and break by Lleucu George forced Ireland into a penalty.
Wales went to their usual one-up runners strategy when in the red zone, but a drop by Sisilia Tuipulotu ended the Welsh attack and gave Ireland a huge lead at the break.
The second half started with another huge Welsh error leading to another Irish score.
After Jenny Hesketh’s kick from the mark failed to find touch, Lleucu George’s clearance was brilliantly charged down, collected, and scored by teenage winger Katie Corrigan.
Her first international try secured her side a bonus point.
O’Brien, who kicked excellently from hand and tee, punted a penalty over from 15 metres out to stretch the lead ever further.
Ireland’s fifth try was their best.
Quick hands from Dorothy Wall and Edel McMahon released Wafer in space again. Rather than go herself, this time the marauding flanker fed her wing, Beibhinn Parsons who beat the final defender, Hesketh, to score in the corner.
Debutant Gwennan Hopkins finally got Wales on the scoreboard with fifteen minutes to go as her excellent drive following Carys Cox’s break was adjudged to have been touched down on the line after initially being ruled as held up.
Another break by Hopkins gave the smattering of Welsh voices something to shout about, but the visitors squandered yet another opportunity by knocking on.
Ireland: 36 (21) Tries: Wafer, Higgins, Jones, Corrigan, Parsons. Con: O’Brien x4. Pen: O’Brien
Wales: 5 (0) Tries: Hopkins.
Ireland: Delaney; Corrigan, Higgins, Breen (Dalton 54mins), Parsons; O’Brien, Reilly (Scuffil-McCabe 54mins); Djougang (O’Dowd 64mins), Jones (Moloney 52mins), Haney (McGrath 64mins); Wall, Monaghan (cc) (Tuite 48mins); Wafer, McMahon (cc) (Fowley 67mins), Hogan (Ikahihifo 56mins).
Wales: Hesketh; Joyce, Jones (c), Lake (Keight 32mins), Cox; George (Powell 61mins), Bevan (Jones 52mins); Pyrs (Constable 59mins), Phillips (Reardon 52mins), Tuipulotu (Rose 59mins); Fleming (Hopkins 61mins), Evans; Butchers, Callender, Lewis (John 28mins).
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Wrexham Thrash Forest Green To Secure Promotion
Rhodri Evans
Paul Mullin’s brace sent Wrexham to a dominant 6-0 win over Forest Green Rovers, confirming their promotion to League One.
Further goals from Elliot Lee, Ryan Barnett, Jack Marriot and a Ryan Inniss own goal completed the rout as the Red Dragons earnt a second successive promotion.
Never would Wrexham fans more enjoyed doing some mental maths this week.
Ahead of this weekend’s games, the promotion formula was clear: beat Forest Green and wait on MK Dons and Barrow to fail to win.
Wrexham themselves started slowly, perhaps showing some pre-party nerves.
The opener came through Elliot Lee, one of Wrexham’s brightest stars this season.
A deep Tom O’Connor corner was cleared but only reached Mullins on the edge of the area. The Wrexham top-scorer fired a strike back across goal and Forest Green could not clear their lines before Lee poked home for his 16th league goal of the season.
It would only take six minutes before Paul Mullin got himself on the scoresheet, with Lee heavily involved again.
Lee drove forward down the left, before feeding James McClean into space. He dinked a delightful ball to the back post, where Mullin headed past Vicente Reyes unmarked inside the six yard box.
After a succession of Wrexham crosses and long balls where dealt with comfortably by the visitors, Forest Green will have been disappointed with the way they failed to clear their lines.
Forest Green had a response of sorts through yellow cards for Charlie McCann and Emmanuel Osadebe.
Then the afternoon really turned Wrexham’s way.
On the half-hour mark, as Mansfield equalised at MK Dons, Eoghan O’Connell’s shot from a cut back took two deflections before finding the net. Ryan Inniss the unfortunate scorer of the own goal.
Soon enough, Mullin had his brace through yet another deflection.
Another O’Connor corner was cleared to Mullin, who shot first time just inside the box. The ball took a wicked deflection, sending Reyes the wrong way in the Forest Green net.
As it stood, Wrexham would be going up and didn’t the 11,450 home fans know it. The SToK Cae Ras was bouncing at halftime and chants of “we are going up” could be heard for miles around.
While Wrexham started the second half slowly, cheers went round the ground when Mansfield turned it around to lead 2-1 at MK Dons.
Moments after they finished cheering Mansfield’s goal, Wrexham had scored a fifth.
Ryan Barnett, who scored his first for the club on Tuesday, got himself amongst the goals as he volleyed a McClean cross back the way it came and into the visitors’ net.
Wrexham have the best home record in League Two and the result today was never in doubt.
McClean, excellent all afternoon, bustled down the left once again and fed Jack Marriot for his first Wrexham goal on a historic afternoon for him and the club.
Two late Mansfield goals confirmed the inevitable as Wrexham fans stormed onto the pitch to embrace their heroes.
Wrexham: Okonkwo; McClean, O’Connor, O’Connell, Cleworth, Barnett (Bolton 82mins); Lee, Evans, Cannon (Davies 71mins); Palmer (Fletcher 71mins), Mullin (c) (Marriot 82mins).
Subs not used: Howard, Tozer, McFadzean.
Forest Green: Reyes; Robson (Thompson 80mins), Moore-Taylor (c), Keogh, Inniss, Dabo (Bernard 80mins); McCann, Jones (Bunker 83mins), Osadebe (Maddox 80mins); Garrick (McAllister 80mins), Doidge.
Subs not used: Searle, Omotoye.
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Gymnast Barber Retires Due To Heart Condition
Rhodri Evans
Commonwealth Games star Emil Barber has announced his retirement from gymnastics due to a heart condition.
The 23-year-old men’s artistic gymnast from Swansea was part of Team Wales at Birmingham 2022, where he was close to bagging bronze in the men’s individual floor final, finishing just outside the medal places in fourth.
He also made the men’s individual vault final and was part of the Wales men’s team alongside Brinn Bevan, Joe Cemlyn-Jones, Josh Cook and Jacob Edwards.
“As I gracefully bid farewell to the world of gymnastics, I am filled with a mixture of emotions,” Barber explained in a post on his Instagram account.
“This sport has been my passion, my identity, and my way of life for as long as I can remember.
“The countless hours spent in the gym, the exhilaration of nailing a routine, and the camaraderie with my fellow gymnasts have shaped me into the person I am today.
“The reason for my early retirement is a heart condition that requires future surgery, so to prioritise my health and well-being, it is necessary to step away from the physical demands of the sport,” Barber added.
“This decision hasn’t been an easy one to make as gymnastics has taught me discipline, perseverance, and the value of hard work.
“It has shown me that success is not solely defined by medals and trophies, but by the dedication and effort put into every practice and competition.
“The strength, flexibility, and mental toughness cultivated through this sport will forever be a part of who I am.”
Barber began his gymnastics journey aged nine at his local club in Swansea.
That memorable journey would eventually take him to the Commonwealth Games; his selection for the team two years ago came having been a travelling reserve to Gold Coast four years earlier.
A former Welsh champion on floor and vault, he was also part of the Wales men’s team who won Northern European team gold in 2021 and team silver in 2019 as well as securing Northern European individual vault gold in 2019.
“To my teammates, you have become my second family. The bond we have forged through blood, sweat, and tears is unbreakable,” said Barber.
“The memories we have created, the highs and lows we have shared, and the countless moments of laughter and camaraderie will forever hold a special place in my heart.
“To my coaches, thank you for pushing me beyond my limits and believing in my potential. Your guidance and expertise have played a huge part in my growth as a gymnast. Your unwavering support and belief in my abilities have fuelled my determination to achieve greatness.
“To my family and friends, thank you for your unwavering support and understanding. Your love and encouragement have been my rock throughout this journey. Your presence in the stands, cheering me on, has given me the strength to push through the toughest of times.
“As I retire from gymnastics, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities this sport has provided me. It has given me a platform to showcase my skills, to inspire others, and to be a part of something greater than myself. The lessons I have learned through gymnastics will continue to guide me in all aspects of life.
“Thank you, gymnastics, for the incredible journey.”