Dragons owners say 'elite rugby' must stay in Gwent
Rhodri Evans
Dragons’ owners have insisted that top-level rugby must remain in Gwent, stressing that the club is well-placed to continue in its present form.
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) is preparing to reveal its “optimal solution” for the domestic game in the coming days. Proposals are expected to explore reducing the number of professional teams, potentially cutting from the current four of Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys, and Scarlets, to three or even two.
Once the plan is published, a six-week consultation will take place with stakeholders, leading to a final decision anticipated by the end of October.
Each region has been putting forward its case for survival. The Ospreys have outlined plans to relocate to a redeveloped St Helen’s in Swansea, while the Scarlets have secured new investment. Cardiff, currently under WRU ownership after entering administration in April, appear relatively secure, with chief executive Abi Tierney noting that it was “hard to see a model where you don’t see rugby being played in Cardiff.”
In response, the Dragons issued a statement from their owners David Wright, David Buttress, and Hoyoung Huh:
“When we took over the Dragons in 2023 our ambition was clear: we wanted to build a club that could thrive both on and off the field.
“That commitment has not changed. With the incredible support of our staff, players, partners and above all our fans we are making real progress. We have established financial stability and we remain fully focused on driving forward on field performances.
“In the coming weeks we will take part in the WRU consultation on the future of the game in Wales. Our message will be simple and consistent – elite rugby must stay in Gwent, and Dragons RFC has every reason to continue proudly in its current form.”
Formed in 2003 as one of Wales’ five regional teams, the Dragons were taken over by the WRU in 2017 following financial struggles, before returning to private ownership in June 2023. Despite this, they have endured the weakest results of the Welsh professional sides in recent years.
The statement concluded: “Like all Welsh fans we also want to see a strong national side; this requires a robust and competitive regional set up.
“We expect the WRU to listen carefully to all feedback during the consultation process and to reflect the views of every stakeholder when shaping its final proposals.
“We have great fans, dedicated staff and players, and fantastic partners. As custodians of Dragons RFC, we’ll continue to represent the interests of our entire rugby community.”
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Cardiff fans can dream, while Wrexham face reality: Welsh football weekend round-up
Rhodri Evans
Home wins for Cardiff City and Swansea City saw both sides shoot up the League One and Championship tables respectively, while Wrexham and Newport County suffered defeats.
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‘Straight back up Cardiff City’
Brian Barry-Murphy has refused to pour cold water on Cardiff fans’ celebrations after their 3-0 victory over Rotherham United saw their unbeaten start to the League One campaign continue.
Goals from Yousef Salech, Cian Ashford, and Rubin Colwill sealed a dominant victory for the Bluebirds, who recorded 76% possession at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday.
With the side now sitting in second in the League One table – one of the automatic promotion places – fans took the chance to chant “straight back up Cardiff City.”
“The energy since I came to the club has been incredible,” Barry-Murphy said after the match.
“We played the cup during the week, Swindon scored a goal and the reaction from our supporters was something the players commented on. It gave us a lot of energy to go on and win the game.
“The supporters can do whatever they want and dream whatever they want to dream because they deserve it, but our focus is solely on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.”
Wrexham face reality of life in Championship
In stark contrast to Cardiff, Wrexham remain winless after their first two Championship matches against tough opposition.
A spirited 2-1 away defeat on the opening day of the season to recently-relegated Southampton was a disappointing result soothed by a fine performance – Wrexham led for much of the contest.
However, the 2-3 home defeat to West Brom on Saturday demonstrated that this season may not be as successful as the previous three.
Despite level at halftime, Phil Parkinson’s side were poor after the break, conceding twice in the space of seven minutes before Sam Smith’s late consolation threatened a comeback similar to their League Cup thriller against Hull City.
“I think between both boxes we were decent, we showed good control in our play with and without the ball,” Parkinson said after the match.
“But the game was won and lost in both boxes. The goals we conceded today were too soft, it’s as simple as that.
“We’ve just handed them goals today by not dealing with the situation. Football never changes, it’s about what happens in and around the boxes.”
Swansea gets first points on the board against lacklustre Blades
In what seemed a potentially difficult match against last season’s play-off finalists, Swansea dominated against Sheffield United, recording a 1-0 victory.
The visitors did not have a shot on target, as the Swans’ midfield of Goncalo Franco, Ethan Galbraith, and new signing Malick Yalcouye helped their control much of the match.
Ronald broke the deadlock in the 66th minute as the winger latched on to a loose ball in the penalty area and stroked a fine first-time finish into the bottom corner.
It was 19-year-old loan signing Yalcouye who stood out on debut, with Swansea boss Alan Sheehan impressed by his first outing in white.
“I think he did well. He’s been with the team a couple of days. He’s got great energy,” said Sheehan.
“Now he’s got to get integrated into the Championship. He showed some real quality at times and calmness within our structure and he worked really hard for the team, so it’s great to have that competition for the team, and I don’t think you can pick out any individual today that didn’t come out of it positively.”
Late sickener for Newport caps mixed start
Kieran Green struck at the death to earn Grimsby Town a 2-1 win against Newport County in League Two.
Grimsby had taken the lead in the first minute when Newport striker Courtney Baker-Richardson deflected Green’s header into his own net.
Jaze Kabia had a golden chance to extend the lead in the 19th minute but saw his penalty saved by Exiles ‘keeper Nik Tzanev, who pulled off a string of stops in the first half.
County managed to equalise via an acrobatic effort from Matt Baker after the interval, but the Welsh side were always second best, with Green’s goal just what Grimsby deserved on the overall balance of play.
“In the first half Grimsby were very, very good and we hung in the game,” said County boss David Hughes.
“We thought that we had weathered the storm and knew we would get better than we were in the first half, and we did. But the goal was so avoidable, that’s the disappointment of it.”
Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.
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Welsh Darts mid-year report: Highs and lows of the 2025 season so far
Rhodri Evans
By Dylan Williams, Darts Cymru
Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton: The Dynamic Duo
Wales may have fewer PDC Tour Card holders this year, but Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton are flying high as we enter the business end of the season.
With six Welsh players holding a PDC Tour Card, Wales is on par with Belgium, ranking fifth overall. Only England, the Netherlands, Germany, and Scotland are ahead in the Tour Card table.
‘The Iceman’ Reigns Supreme
Gerwyn Price, the highest-ranked Welshman, is back in top form. After a challenging 2024, Price has already clinched three Players Championships this year, more than any other player on the PDC Pro Tour.
He also triumphed at the Poland Darts Masters and the Baltic Sea Darts Open, showcasing his prowess. Despite falling short at the World Matchplay, Price remains a formidable contender for major victories.
Price’s journey has been nothing short of inspirational. Known as ‘The Iceman’, he has faced numerous challenges and setbacks throughout his career. However, his resilience and determination have always shone through.
This year, Price’s performances have been a testament to his hard work and dedication. His victories at the Poland Darts Masters and the Baltic Sea Darts Open were particularly impressive, as he displayed exceptional skill and composure under pressure. These wins have not only boosted his confidence but have also solidified his position once again as one of the top players in the world.
Clayton’s Comeback
Jonny Clayton is having a stellar year. He reached the final of the Winmau World Masters in February and the Semi Finals of the UK Open only a few weeks later.
‘The Ferret’ also secured the 14th Players Championship of the season and the Dutch Darts Championship. At 50, he is proving that age is just a number, and he’s poised for more major wins.
Clayton’s comeback has been a remarkable story of perseverance and passion and has managed to regain his form and deliver outstanding performances. His journey to the final of the World Masters was a thrilling ride, filled with intense matches and dramatic moments.
His ability to stay focused and maintain his composure in high-pressure situations has been a key factor in his success. The victory at the Dutch Darts Championship was a testament to his skill and determination, as he outplayed some of the best players in the world.
The struggles of other Welsh players
Jim Williams, ranked 57th, has been struggling lately. Despite winning a Players Championship in 2022, his recent performances have been disappointing.
Robert Owen, in 58th place, started the year strong but has since faded somewhat. Nick Kenny, ranked 60th, will fight until the bitter end to retain his Tour Card, while Rhys Griffin, in 82nd place, faces an uphill battle to hold onto his professional status.
The strive for success as we enter the business end of the season
The journey of Welsh darts in 2025 has been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. Gerwyn and Jonny have been the shining stars, delivering exceptional performances and bringing glory to Wales. Their achievements have been a source of inspiration for aspiring darts players and fans alike.
Yet, the struggles of the other Welsh hopefuls paint a stark, sobering contrast, casting long shadows over the brightness of Price and Clayton’s triumphs. Their battles serve as a raw reminder of the relentless, unforgiving nature of professional sports, where security is fleeting and every match could tip the scales of fate.
As the year races toward its climax, the tension mounts, these players stand at the precipice, where a single victory could reignite their dreams, or a misstep could see those dreams slip away. All eyes will be watching as they fight to hold onto their coveted tour cards, knowing that the next chapter of their darts journey hangs in the balance.
One thing is certain, the passion and dedication of Welsh darts players will continue to shine brightly, and with unwavering spirit, they are sure to rise above any obstacles that come their way. The story of Welsh darts is far from over, each match holds the promise of new triumphs just waiting to be claimed.
Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.
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Sportin Wales' August Team of the Month: Miskin Manor Cricket Club
Rhodri Evans
Congratulations to the Sportin Wales team of the month for August, sponsored by Prichards: Miskin Manor Cricket Club!
Team:
Miskin Manor Cricket Club
Sport:
Cricket
League:
Various teams in the South East Wales Cricket League, hardball and softball
Age Range:
5-60
About Us:
We are a community-based cricket club and community beneficial trust based in the Miskin area of RCT and primarily serving the surrounding area of Llantrisant, Pontyclun and Llanharan.
The club has over 500 members including nearly 200 junior members, and over 140 playing members including 40 women. The club has 4 Saturday hardball teams and 2 ladies’ softball teams, as well as juniors from age 5 upwards, and teams playing competitive cricket from under 9s through to under 15s.
Big Wins:
We recently got to within one game of the final of the annual village cup, which takes place every year at Lords. Our ladies’ team won the league last year
What You’re Really Proud Of:
Our continued commitment to our juniors teams. On Saturday of the 44 who represented Miskin in its 45 teams, over 30 had been through the club’s junior system.
Our ladies’ team, which did not exist pre-covid, now has 40 playing members, a thriving girls’ junior team, and 2 teams competing in the league for the first time.
Charity Work:
Our nominated club charity is 2Wish and we host an annual match for the charity with proceeds going to support their excellent work helping bereaved families in the area. The founder is a member of the club, and her son is one of our junior players.
What’s Next:
A new second pitch and a new pavilion. Membership of the club has grown by 40% post covid and the club has ambitious plans to accommodate this growth with the creation of a second pitch at our Glyn Parc home, and the development of a new pavilion which it is hoped will become a hub for use by the wider community.
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Wales head into first test of the Sean Lynn era: Rugby World Cup 2025
Rhodri Evans
After just two minutes of Wales’ final match before the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, disaster struck.
Alex Callender, talismanic flanker and newly installed co-captain, limped off the field at the North Sydney Oval, and pictures after the match of the 25-year-old in a protective boot had fans fearing the worst.
Cut to two weeks on and Callender is sitting with a wide smile on her face as she confirms that she will be fit to take on Scotland in Wales’ opening match of the tournament.
“It was a precaution to take me off, I just tweaked an old injury, but I’m raring to go for Scotland,” Callender said.
Callender was made co-captain alongside fellow flanker Kate Williams this summer and had missed much of the 2025 Six Nations with an ankle injury suffered while playing for club side Harlequins.
Her importance to Wales was shown on her return to the side. In her first outing as captain, Callender topped the charts for tackles and carrying from an unfamiliar number eight role, as her side earnt a morale boosting 22-12 victory over the Wallaroos.
And asked if she thought her World Cup was over, she added: “Yes, to be honest but I’m in a really good place at the moment, I’m just excited to get going.”
That Scotland game takes on immense importance for Wales. Not only were they Sean Lynn’s first opponents after he took over this spring, but they are also the team most likely to stand in Wales’ way of a quarter final place.
Three years ago, it was a similar scenario. In a group with Australia, New Zealand, and Scotland, Wales had to beat the Scots to progress. A Keira Bevan penalty long after the 80th minute saw her side through in the most dramatic of fashion.
This year, number two Canada are widely expected to top Pool B, with Wales and Scotland vying for second, and Fiji – coached by former Wales boss Ioan Cunningham – bringing up the rear.
Callender and Williams, for whom this will be the latter’s first World Cup, underline the feeling that the squad is in a transitional phase.
There are four teenagers in the 32-player squad – Seren Lockwood, Tilly Vucaj, Alaw Pyrs, and Branwen Metcalfe. Lockwood and Vucaj made their debuts on that tour Down Under, while Metcalfe is uncapped.
As well as those two, the likes of Katherine Baverstock, Catherine Richards, Jenni Scoble, Maisie Daives, Meg Davies, and Molly Reardon all have less than ten caps.
With Lynn developing some real depth in the Wales squad despite his short time in charge, there is no place in the squad for Natalia John, Hannah Bluck, Jenny Hesketh, Sian Jones or Robyn Wilkins, some due to injury.
“I’ve been super impressed by Branwen,” Lynn explained. “I have watched all the games in the under 20s but I’ve also watched a lot of the training and diligence off the pitch.”
Metcalfe is one of two pairs of sisters in the squad, with elder sister Nel Metcalfe along with siblings Alaw and Gwenllian Pyrs.
“It’s really cool,” said Williams. “I think that the way they interact is quite funny. They all work so hard in training.
“It’s nice to have that family feel. We talk about family, and we’ve got real family in the team. So, it’s brilliant to have another set of siblings around the squad!”
If Wales can channel the family feeling, then Sean Lynn’s first real test as Wales coach will be a success. One thing is for sure, the squad will be ready for it.
“We live for these moments and these Test matches,” said Callender.
“We’re all really excited to step out and showcase all the hard work that we’ve put in over the last couple of months, and hopefully we can put in a performance, and the result will follow.”
Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.
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Wrexham smash transfer record to sign local lad Nathan Broadhead
Rhodri Evans
Wrexham have smashed their transfer record to sign Wales international Nathan Broadhead from Ipswich Town for a reported £10 million.
Broadhead, a versatile forward capable of playing across the forward line, has signed a four-year deal with the Welsh club, who he briefly played for in his academy days.
“It’s been a long time coming and I’m delighted to join the club,” Broadhead said.
“Belief is going to be the biggest thing for us this season. We want to get everyone from North Wales down to the Stok Cae Ras and to show that belief in us.”
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said: “I’m delighted to welcome Nathan to the club. We’re all looking forward to working with him in the coming seasons.”
While the initial fee is likely to be some way short of the reported £10m figure, Broadhead’s arrival will have shattered Wrexham’s transfer record.
They have broken their transfer record on numerous occasions since Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took control of the club in 2021.
The previous high mark was believed to be in excess of £3m, which Wrexham paid to sign midfielder Lewis O’Brien from Nottingham Forest last month.
Broadhead is Wrexham’s ninth signing since they were promoted from League One last season.
The 27-year-old is not the only current Wales international to sign for Wrexham this summer, with Kieffer Moore and Danny Ward also making the move to the North Walian club this season.
Forwards Josh Windass and Ryan Hardie, defenders Conor Coady and Liberato Cacace and midfielders George Thomason and O’Brien have also made the switch, representing quite the overhaul for the club as they prepare for life in the Championship.
He has netted twice in 14 senior outings for Wales, with his first goal coming on debut against Croatia in 2023.
Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.
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Rees-Zammit Returns: Wales wing signs for Bristol Bears
Rhodri Evans
Louis Rees-Zammit has completed his return to rugby after 18 months at the NFL, signing for English Premiership side Bristol Bears.
The 24-year-old has been capped 32 times for Wales and was selected for the 2021 British and Irish Lions tours of South Africa, before his shock move to American football.
Rees-Zammit left rugby union in January 2024 to pursue a career in American football and was on the training squads of the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars, but did not play in a regular-season game.
The length of Rees-Zammit’s contract at Bristol Bears has not been confirmed, and he is joining the local rivals of his first professional club Gloucester.
“Bristol Bears was the obvious choice for me. The style of rugby the team play – all about entertaining the fans and growing the game – perfectly aligns to how I want to play and how I express myself on and off the field,” he said.
“I want to get fans out of their seats, create exciting moments and help people fall in the love with the game. I’m excited to return to rugby at a club that demands those values.”
Rees-Zammit will join up with the Bristol squad on Saturday, with their Prem season starting on 28 September against Leicester.
With 14 tries in 32 caps for Wales, his return will undoubtedly be a boost for new head coach Steve Tandy. It remains to be seen how his readaption to rugby union will go, but it is expected that he will be back in the Wales squad for the Autumn Internationals.
Director of rugby Pat Lam described Rees-Zammit as a “world-class player”.
“He has the drive and ambition to be one of the best back-three players in the world, and his goals align perfectly with our ambitions as a club,” he said,
“At just 24 years old, we know the athlete and competitor he is. The way we play and the way he wants to play fit seamlessly together, and we’re looking forward to working with him.”
Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.
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Abi Tierney to take step away from WRU CEO role after cancer diagnosis
Rhodri Evans
Abi Tierney will take a step away from her role as Chief Executive of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) after being diagnosed with cancer.
The WRU have added that Tierney will be undergoing treatment from the 22nd of August, with no return date confirmed.
“This has not been an easy decision, but it is one I must make to focus fully on my health and recovery,” Tierney said in a statement.
“I am grateful for the support I have already received from my family, friends, and colleagues, and I am confident in the team’s ability to continue our work during my absence.
“I kindly ask for understanding and privacy during this time.”
Tierney became CEO of the WRU in January 2024, and has overseen a period of immense uncertainty – both on and off the pitch – in Welsh rugby.
Richard Collier-Keywood, Chair of the WRU, has confirmed that he will be “more involved” in the immediate future of the Union.
Collier-Keywood added: “Everyone involved with Welsh rugby wish Abi well over this period and the WRU is committed to supporting her during this time.
“In my role as chair, I will continue to have overall responsibility for the WRU and in order to provide cover and give Abi the space she needs, will be more involved in the immediate future.
“Abi and the board have recruited a strong executive team which will continue to lead the WRU on a day-to-day basis.”
With the WRU’s consultation period about the future of the domestic game in Wales now underway, Collier-Keywood and Dave Reddin – Director of Rugby and Elite Performance – will now oversee the process.
“The most important topic on our agenda right now is the consultation on the future of elite rugby in Wales,” said Collier-Keywood.
“This will be led by Dave Reddin, as a member of the executive, and I will take overall responsibility for its successful delivery.
“We will be working closely with board members including Malcolm Wall as chair of the Professional Rugby Board, Amanda Bennett who leads at board level on our women’s game and Andrew Williams.”
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Mastercard signs deal with ‘biggest name in football’ to promote online payments
Rhodri Evans
Mastercard has become the official shirt sponsor of CPD Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch FC in a three-year deal that will support the team’s promotion ambitions and raise awareness of its new Click to Pay technology.
The North Wales Coast West Division One side, known for having the longest club name in world football at 58 letters, plays in the fourth tier of the Welsh league and will debut the new kits this season.
Designed by local football shirt specialist Andrew Maclean and manufactured in nearby Bangor, the home, away and goalkeeper kits are described as an “all-Welsh affair” featuring the full town name, club badge, Welsh dragon, and Mastercard branding.
Andrew said the blue-and-black striped home shirt was “part-inspired by Barcelona, as well as by the windows at the Llanfairpwll railway station, one of the town’s most popular attractions.” The away kit incorporates burgundy detailing to match the station’s iconic sign.
The sponsorship builds on Mastercard’s earlier collaboration with the village of Llanfairpwll, one of eight long-named European towns chosen to pioneer Click to Pay, a secure, single-click payment system designed to eliminate the need for entering card numbers and personal details during online purchases.
Simon Forbes, Division President, UK and Ireland, Mastercard, said: “Football clubs are the beating heart of communities across the country, and we’re proud to announce this long-term partnership, cementing our links with Llanfairpwll.
“This expanded collaboration reflects our commitment to backing grassroots football and local businesses and driving forward technology that helps support everyday transactions across small towns and villages as well as global cities.”
Click to Pay is part of Mastercard’s strategy to end manual card entry by 2030. The company says the technology addresses consumers’ biggest frustrations with online shopping, including lengthy checkouts and concerns over data security.
To launch the sponsorship, Mastercard will host an event at Llanfairpwll’s first home game of the season against Llangoed on Bank Holiday Monday, 25 August. A ‘Click to Pay’ van will serve free matchday pies, and fans will be able to sign up for the payment service with partner the Co-op, as well as receive exclusive club merchandise.
Forbes added: “Click to Pay is designed to make life easier for everyone – from fans buying tickets and merchandise to local businesses processing transactions quickly and securely.
“We’re looking forward to cheering on Llanfairpwll FC this season and showing residents and local retailers a simpler, faster and more secure way to pay online.”
The move comes amid a wave of high-profile investment in Welsh football. Since 2021, Wrexham AFC has risen to the Championship under its Hollywood owners, while Swansea City recently announced new A-list backing.
Llanfairpwll FC chairman Samantha Jones-Smith said: “You only have to look down the road at Wrexham to see how football partnerships can inspire success on the pitch and a huge feel-good factor off it.
“This isn’t just another sponsorship deal for our club, it’s a collaboration that builds on the strong relationship Mastercard has forged with the Llanfairpwll community throughout the year.
“They’re not just putting their name on our shirts; they’re investing in our future, our facilities, and most importantly, our supporters. We’re looking forward to celebrating before our first home game of the season and getting the opportunity to try out the technology as we kick-off with Click to Pay together.”
Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.
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'The Brewery Field is in for a treat' - Reaction as Ospreys move to Bridgend
Rhodri Evans
Analysis by guest columnist Peter Ryan
Ospreys will have a new home next season. No, it’s not going to be St Helens, it’s going to be the Brewery Field. The home of the Ravens will welcome Ospreys. Professional rugby will come back to Bridgend at least for now.
In a exciting move for this upcoming season. One thing is for sure, the Brewery Field is in for a treat. A fresh chapter begins, and on historic ground, it will write it in steel and sweat.
Finding a new home
There has been a lot to debate in Welsh rugby over recent times. One of those topics has been where the Ospreys’ new home will be. Anticipation was building as three formidable rugby fortresses were in the running.
St Helens, the Brewery Field, and the Gnoll have incredible pedigrees. Grounds that have witnessed tremendous rugby games over the years. What began as a three-horse race was soon cut to two. The Gnoll stepped aside. After months of waiting, St Helens got the nod.
The home of Swansea RFC was going to be revamped to welcome the Ospreys. That was the end of the matter, with planning approved as recently as August 5th. Yet, today, the announcement rang out: the Ospreys are heading to Bridgend in the short-term, whilst work is gets underway at St Helens.
A ground that has witnessed Welsh folklore
A settlement that holds a lot of weight in Welsh rugby. The Brewery Field has witnessed sensational talents, monumental games, and moments that burn long in the memory of fans . Arguably, its biggest moment happened on a Wednesday in winter 1978.
What now seems like a distant dream was once a living truth, as nations from the farthest shores would tour the entire country. Nowadays, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand hop on a plane, play the national team before heading home. However, back in the day, to get the most out of every mile, touring sides would take on local teams.
Over the years, there have been many memorable contests between rugby juggernauts and local rugby sides, in particular Welsh sides. On a Wednesday afternoon, 15,000 people packed the Brewery Field ready to get a glimpse of the mighty All Blacks.
As the rain beat a restless drum against the pitch, the abysmal weather did not deter the fans’ spirit. There was a real sense that something very special could happen. Bridgend had a powerful side headed up by the likes of Steve Fenwick and JPR Williams.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be as New Zealand secured a 17–6 victory, disheartening locals. Yet, when the dust settled, it wasn’t the game that stole the headlines, but the incident that will live on in rugby folklore as the centuries pass.
When JPR Williams found himself at the bottom of the ruck, he emerged with a crimson stream whispered from a wound, the price of war etched upon his skin. Kiwi prop John Ashworth’s steel met flesh as his studs carved into Williams’ cheek.
Fans thought that would mark the end of the full-back’s game, but to the shock of everyone around the ground, Williams returned to the game with 30 stitches. The Welsh international’s heart and resilience were on full display, as was his actual toughness. Even though victory was out of reach for Bridgend that December, three years later they would get their international scalp when defeating the Wallabies in 1981.
The professional game returns to Bridgend
From Cardiff derbies to battles with Sale Sharks and the DHL Stormers, the Brewery Field has recently experienced professional rugby, but not like this. For the first time since the Celtic Warriors, the professional game is returning full-time. With all this talk of cutting a region, it’s important to remember the one that fell first.
Local clubs, such as Bridgend, Neath, and Llanelli, dominated the Welsh club game in the past. In the early 2000s, it followed the path of Ireland and Scotland, creating four professional clubs that spanned different regions of the nation.
These teams are Cardiff Rugby, Dragons RFC, Scarlets, and Ospreys. Initially, there were five teams; the Celtic Warriors had a brief presence in the professional game. When the clubs started forming, two gigantic rugby forces came together, and Bridgend joined with the mighty Pontypridd.
The Warriors split their home games between the Brewery Field and Sardis Road but ultimately moved to Bridgend full-time. In the club’s brief history, they had some impressive moments. The biggest of the big wins for the club was at Adams Park against the London Wasps in the Champions Cup.
Looking at the squad the Celtic Warriors had, it’s no wonder they were competitive, with players like Gareth Thomas, Ryan Jones, and Gethin Jenkins. The professional chapter in Bridgend ended as the Warriors struggled to meet the high financial demands of professional sport.
After two decades, the famous ground welcomes professional competition from all over Europe once again with the Ospreys.
The season ahead
With everything going on with Welsh rugby, it’s easy to forget that the season is rapidly approaching. The Ospreys endured an up-and-down season last year, but towards the latter stage began to blossom.
A side capable of playing eye-catching rugby and converting that into results. Mark Jones’ team has the potential to make the play-offs. Talent is abundant in their ranks. Jac Morgan will keep his red-hot Lions form going and lead by example.
Dewi Lake has proved to be an outstanding operator who physically imposes himself in every encounter. Dan Edwards looks to be Wales’s answer at fly-half, and this season is the perfect opportunity to shine. It will be fascinating to see what the Ospreys can do in Bridgend this season.
Who knows what the future holds for Welsh rugby? Will they go down to three teams, or even two? It’s a step taken in the here and now, but its echoes could shape the future, guiding Bridgend into a fresh and vibrant chapter.
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