Rhodri Evans, Author at Sportin Wales

09.04.25 - Picture shows a General View of St Helens Sports Ground in Swansea.

Ospreys granted planning approval for St Helen's redevelopment

Rhodri Evans

Rhodri Evans

Ospreys’ plans to redevelop St Helen’s Sports Ground have been officially approved amid uncertainty over the future of the region.

In July 2024, the Swansea-based region announced plans to move from their most recent home, the Swansea.com Stadium, to St Helen’s ahead of the 2025/26 season.

At a meeting on Tuesday, Swansea council’s planning committee members voted unanimously in favour of the redevelopment plans for St Helen’s – which will be delivered in two phases.

Phase one includes a new 3G pitch, fan zone, and stands to accommodate up to 8,000 spectators.

Phase two will add a training facility and gym.

“This is an incredibly exciting moment and a vital step in building the future of the Ospreys and rugby across our region,” said Ospreys chief executive Lance Bradley.

“I’m immensely proud of the work that’s brought us here and grateful to our partners for their dedication and commitment to this project.

“We’re also very appreciative of the ongoing support from Swansea Council for the redevelopment of this iconic ground.”

Ospreys have maintained their desire to start the upcoming season at St Helen’s but, with the region confirming that redevelopment will not begin until September – after the cricket season – the question of where the region will be playing their home games next season remains unanswered.

Ospreys’ first home game of the 2025/26 season is against Zebre Parma on October 11, with the official venue for the match still ‘To Be Confirmed’.

It remains to be seen whether the club return to the Swansea.com Stadium – home of Swansea Football Club – for this season while the redevelopment of St Helen’s takes place.

Despite this step forward for Ospreys, the future is uncertain. The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) are currently undergoing a game-wide consultation about a restructuring of the professional game in Wales, which the Union have confirmed may mean a reduction in the number of regions from the current four to a little as two.

This decision – which is expected to be announced in the autumn – would have massive ramifications for Ospreys’ future.

Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.

If you want to read more pieces from Sportin Wales, why not read to our monthly magazine here or subscribe to the magazine and newsletter at https://sportin.wales/subscribe/.

Our podcast is back for the new season and our co-founder Alex Cuthbert is in charge! You can find all the episodes here or the video versions on our YouTube channel.

You can also keep track of our pieces and videos on our socials at @Sportin_Wales on X or Sportin Wales on Instagram and Facebook.

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by Rhodri Evans

Welsh sporting duo’s 'Captains Clubhouse' platform backed Development Bank of Wales

Rhodri Evans

Daniel Bevan

Two leading figures in Welsh sport have launched a first-of-its-kind global platform aimed at helping captains and team leaders in sport develop their skills and leadership abilities.

Backed by a £20,000 micro loan from the Development Bank of Wales, the new venture, Captains Clubhouse, promises to deliver specialist training, tools, and a global peer network for sports captains at all levels.

Founded by Ria Burrage-Male and Vicki Sutton, both of whom bring extensive experience as sports executives and former captains, Captains Clubhouse is designed to fill what they saw as a major gap in the sports development landscape.

The platform is open to current and aspiring captains from grassroots clubs through to elite international squads.

“This is the only platform of its kind that we know of,” said Vicki Sutton. “We couldn’t find anything that was similarly global or pan-sport, going from grassroots sporting right up to the elite.”

The idea for the business emerged from a successful pilot programme involving 25 sports professionals. Feedback from participants confirmed what the co-founders suspected , there was clear demand for tailored captaincy support that extended beyond the pitch.

“We had a lot of people on the pilot, and they said they couldn’t believe no-one had thought of something like it before,” Sutton added.

“We realised it would be an exciting opportunity, but we also recognised people wouldn’t know they needed it until we started it.”

The Captains Clubhouse platform offers more than just basic leadership training. Members gain access to expert-led resources on decision-making, team dynamics, and emotional intelligence, as well as exclusive recorded interviews with veteran captains. The aim is to help sports leaders improve both on and off the field.

Burrage-Male is a former CEO of Hockey Wales, founder of KIBO Group, owner of Aberdare Feet podiatry, and a trustee of Cymru Women’s Sport. Sutton is a former CEO of Wales Netball and Cardiff Dragons Netball, and currently serves on the Welsh Rugby Union’s Women’s Rugby Committee.

The £20,000 loan from the Development Bank of Wales will be used to scale the platform through marketing and content creation, ensuring that the founders can reach more athletes and clubs both in the UK and internationally.

“Both Ria and I have spent money and time ourselves to get the business to a good starting position, but we knew we needed more support to take it further,” said Sutton.

“The Development Bank was the perfect solution to what we needed. We’re both quite determined and like getting stuff done quickly, it suited our needs brilliantly.”

Chris Stork, Investment Executive at the Development Bank of Wales, praised the founders’ vision and the niche they are targeting.

“Ria and Vicki are doing fantastic work in an area which is largely untapped,” he said.

“The services they provide bring together sporting captains to provide them with catered support and training, improving themselves and the teams they lead.”

The Development Bank of Wales offers micro loans ranging from £1,000 to £100,000, with fixed interest rates, flexible terms and fast-track application processes, designed to help entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses get the capital they need to grow.

Captains Clubhouse is now set to build on its early momentum as it connects team leaders across the sporting world, offering a rare mix of high-performance insight, mentorship, and peer-led support.

Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.

If you want to read more pieces from Sportin Wales, why not read to our monthly magazine here or subscribe to the magazine and newsletter at https://sportin.wales/subscribe/.

Our podcast is back for the new season and our co-founder Alex Cuthbert is in charge! You can find all the episodes here or the video versions on our YouTube channel.

You can also keep track of our pieces and videos on our socials at @Sportin_Wales on X or Sportin Wales on Instagram and Facebook.

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by Rhodri Evans

15.10.23 - Wales v Croatia - European Championship Qualifier - Wales' Kieffer Moore in action.

Wrexham confirm signing of Wales international Kieffer Moore

Rhodri Evans

Rhodri Evans

Wrexham have confirmed the signing of Wales international striker Kieffer Moore on a three-year contract from Sheffield United.

The north Walian club have confirmed that Moore has made the move for an undisclosed fee, although numerous reports have put the figure at around the £2 million mark.

The Wales international played 27 matches in the Championship for Sheffield United last season, scoring five goals as the club lost the EFL play-off final.

A return to Wales could do the forward some good after a few years of struggling for regular game time at Bournemouth, Ipswich, and the Blades.

Continuing the Wrexham trend of buying experience, the 32-year-old striker has made 200 appearances in the EFL Championship and is a two-time promotion winner with AFC Bournemouth and Ipswich Town.

Moore is Wrexham’s eighth signing this season, alongside Ryan Hardie, Liberato Cacace, George Thompson, Josh Windass, Lewis O’Brien, Conor Coady, and fellow Wales international Danny Ward.

“I’m over the moon to join the Club and I can’t wait to get started,” Moore said.

“I want to be that experienced leader and bring a lot to the team. My work ethic is one of my strongest assets and I want to be someone that can help drive the team forward.”

On his signing, Phil Parkinson added: We’re delighted to welcome Kieffer to the Club. He’s a player with a lot of Championship and international experience 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.

If you want to read more pieces from Sportin Wales, why not read to our monthly magazine here or subscribe to the magazine and newsletter at https://sportin.wales/subscribe/.

Our podcast is back for the new season and our co-founder Alex Cuthbert is in charge! You can find all the episodes here or the video versions on our YouTube channel.

You can also keep track of our pieces and videos on our socials at @Sportin_Wales on X or Sportin Wales on Instagram and Facebook.

QUICK LINKS

by Rhodri Evans

August's Sporting Calendar

Rhodri Evans

KO 15:00 23^rd August

Rodney Parade

EFL League Two

Cardiff City vs Plymouth Argyle

KO 15:00 30^th August

Cardiff City Stadium

EFL League One

Rugby Union

Australia vs British & Irish Lions

KO 11:00 2^nd August

Stadium Australia, Sydney

British and Irish Lions Tour of Australia

Scotland vs Wales

KO 14:45 23^rd August

Salford Community Stadium, Manchester

Women’s World Cup

Canada vs Wales

KO 12:00 30^th August

Salford Community Stadium, Manchester

Women’s World Cup

Rugby League

North Wales Crusaders vs Swinton Lions

KO 14:30 3^rd August

Eirias Stadium

RFL League One

North Wales Crusaders vs Goole Vikings

KO 14:30 24^th August

Eirias Stadium

RFL League One

North Wales Crusaders vs Keighley Cougars

KO 14:30 31^st August

Eirias Stadium

Vale of Glamorgan (7 miles)

9:30am 7^th August

“Church, College and Mosaic”, Llantwit Major, Railway Station car park, CF61 1ST

A circular country walk visiting one of Britain’s oldest learning establishments and a Roman villa.

Vale of Glamorgan (7 miles)

9:30am 13^th August

“Coychurch and Coity”, Coychurch, Waterton Road, CF35 5EN

A circular country walk through countryside to the east of Bridgend.

Vale of Glamorgan (7 miles)

10am 27^th August

“Gileston Going East”, Gileston Beach car park, CF62 4HW

Starting at a power station and following the Wales Coastal Path.

For more walks, visit www.valeways.org.uk

Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.

If you want to read more pieces from Sportin Wales, why not read to our monthly magazine here or subscribe to the magazine and newsletter at https://sportin.wales/subscribe/.

Our podcast is back for the new season and our co-founder Alex Cuthbert is in charge! You can find all the episodes here or the video versions on our YouTube channel.

You can also keep track of our pieces and videos on our socials at @Sportin_Wales on X or Sportin Wales on Instagram and Facebook.

QUICK LINKS

by Rhodri Evans

July's Sporting Calendar

Rhodri Evans

Football

Cymru vs Netherlands

KO 18:00 5^th July

Allmend Stadion Luzern, Lucerne

2025 Women’s European Championships

Cymru vs France

KO 21:00 9^th July

Arena St. Gallen

2025 Women’s European Championships

Cymru vs England

KO 21:00 13^th July

22^nd-25^th July

Sophia Gardens

County Championship Division Two

Rugby Union

Queensland Reds vs British and Irish Lions

KO 11:00 2^nd July

Lang Park, Brisbane

British and Irish Lions Tour of Australia

France U20 vs Wales U20

KO 14:30 4^th July

Stadio Mario Battaglini

World U20 Championship

Japan vs Wales

KO 06:00 5^th July

Mikuni World Stadium Kitakyushu

Wales Summer Tour of Japan

New South Wales Waratahs vs British and Irish Lions

KO 11:00 5^th July

Sydney Football Stadium

British and Irish Lions Tour of Australia

ACT Brumbies vs British and Irish Lions

KO 11:00 9^th July

Canberra Stadium

British and Irish Lions Tour of Australia

Wales U20 vs Spain U20

KO 14:30 9^th July

Payanini Center

World U20 Championship

Japan vs Wales

KO 06:50 12^th July

Noevir Stadium Kobe

Wales Summer Tour of Japan

Invitational AU & NZ vs British & Irish Lions

KO 11:00 12^th July

Adelaide Oval

British and Irish Lions Tour of Australia

Australia vs British & Irish Lions (First Test)

KO 11:00 19^th July

Lang Park, Brisbane

British and Irish Lions Tour of Australia

First Nations & Pasifica XV vs British & Irish Lions

KO 11:00 22^nd July

Docklands Stadium, Melbourne

British and Irish Lions Tour of Australia

Australia vs British & Irish Lions (Second Test)

KO 11:00 26^th July

Melbourne Cricket Ground

British and Irish Lions Tour of Australia

Wallaroos vs Wales Women

KO 05:00 26^th July

Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane

Wales Women Summer Tour of Australia

Rugby League

North Wales Crusaders vs Workington Town

KO 14:30 6^th July

Eirias Stadium

RFL League One

North Wales Crusaders vs Dewsbury Rams

KO 14:30 13^th July

Eirias Stadium

RFL League One

Horse Racing

Summer Social Night 2025

4^th July

Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse

Midweek Evening Racing

9^th July

Ffos Las Racecourse

Ladies Day 2025

11^th July

Chepstow Racecourse

Cider & Sausage Festival

16^th July

Ffos Las Racecourse

Thursday Afternoon Flat Racing

17^th July

Chepstow Racecourse

Rum & Reggae Caribbean Racenight

25^th July

Chepstow Racecourse

Free Racenight

29^th July

Ffos Las Racecourse

Cycling

National Youth Circuit Championship 2025

6^th July

Pembrey National Closed Road Circuit

Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.

If you want to read more pieces from Sportin Wales, why not read to our monthly magazine here or subscribe to the magazine and newsletter at https://sportin.wales/subscribe/.

Our podcast is back for the new season and our co-founder Alex Cuthbert is in charge! You can find all the episodes here or the video versions on our YouTube channel.

You can also keep track of our pieces and videos on our socials at @Sportin_Wales on X or Sportin Wales on Instagram and Facebook.

QUICK LINKS

by Rhodri Evans

Mimi Xu has a memorable Wimbledon in 2025

Rhodri Evans

Rhodri Evans

Mimi Xu was the standout performer in a hugely positive Wimbledon for Welsh tennis. Three Welsh players featured in either the qualifying or main draw at this year’s Championships, with all hitting major career milestones.

Mimi Xu, Felix Bockelmann-Evans, and James Story represented Wales with pride on one of tennis’s biggest stages. Here’s how they got on.

Mimi Xu

Due to some fantastic results on grass so far this year, Mimi was awarded a wildcard into the Wimbledon main draw, becoming the first Welsh player in 20 years to appear in the singles main draw.

Her first-round match was very high-profile, she faced British No.1 and former US Open champion Emma Raducanu on Court One.

Despite the tough challenge, Mimi showed real quality and composure, holding her own in front of a huge audience both courtside and on TV. While she didn’t win the match, she captured the attention of the wider tennis fan base.

While on Court One, Mimi invited several of her Welsh coaches to sit in her player’s box.

Speaking to the BBC, she said: “I had my coaches from Wales… my first coach when I was four, my coaches until I went to Loughborough. Without any of them, I don’t think I’d be here today.”

In women’s doubles, Mimi partnered with British player Ella McDonald. The pair won their opening match and reached the second round before falling to the 16th seeds.

Still only 17, Mimi then turned her attention to the Junior Girls’ Singles. Though unseeded due to focusing more on the pro circuit than juniors, Mimi had a fantastic run.

A hard-fought win over American Thea Frodin in round one was followed by dominant victories over 12th seed Alena Kovackova and Tahlia Kokkinis in the last 16. It marked the first time Mimi had reached the quarterfinals of the girls’ singles at Wimbledon.

There, she faced 3rd seed and reigning Junior French Open Champion Lilli Tagger. Mimi played brilliantly, winning 7-6, 6-1 to become the last British player remaining in the junior singles draws.

In the semi-finals, she took on American Julieta Pareja, a 16-year-old already ranked No. 340 in the WTA rankings. In scorching conditions, Mimi battled hard but was edged out in a three-set thriller: 6-2, 6-7, 6-4.

Mimi’s Wimbledon is widely being hailed as her breakthrough tournament, proving she is a name to watch for the future.

Felix Bockelmann-Evans

Felix Bockelmann-Evans made his Wimbledon debut in the Junior Boys’ Doubles after winning the Lexus Junior National Championships with partner Ferran Redza.

The duo defeated the top three seeds to claim the national title. Felix, 18, from Penarth, is part of the Tennis Wales National Training Programme delivered in partnership with Cardiff Met University.

At Wimbledon, they faced a strong American team seeded 7th and former French Open finalists. After dropping the first set, Felix and Ferran fought back but narrowly lost in a second-set tiebreak.

Felix posted afterwards: “A goal I’ve had since I was 8 years old was achieved today, my Wimbledon debut. I’ve learnt so much from this and can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

He thanked his teammate, Tennis Wales, Cardiff Met, the LTA, and Penarth Windsor LTC.

James Story

James Story reached Wimbledon Qualifying for the first time, earning his place through the LTA Wimbledon Qualifying Play-Offs which is held the week prior. It marked his return to Wimbledon since competing in the junior events in 2018 and 2019.

He faced world No.107 Tomas Barrios Vera of Chile in the opening round, who was 5th seed and former ATP 250 Chile Open champion.

James fought hard and although he lost he learned a lot from the experience. It marks a strong rise for the 24-year-old from Cardiff, who only turned pro in summer 2024 and continues to climb the world rankings.

These three players are amongst the best players in Wales currently and show that Wales is ready to make its mark on the international stage once again.

Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.

If you want to read more pieces from Sportin Wales, why not read to our monthly magazine here or subscribe to the magazine and newsletter at https://sportin.wales/subscribe/.

Our podcast is back for the new season and our co-founder Alex Cuthbert is in charge! You can find all the episodes here or the video versions on our YouTube channel.

You can also keep track of our pieces and videos on our socials at @Sportin_Wales on X or Sportin Wales on Instagram and Facebook.

QUICK LINKS

by Rhodri Evans

14.10.23 - Wales v Argentina - Rugby World Cup Quarter Final - Louis Rees-Zammit of Wales

Who will sign Louis Rees-Zammit? We assess the options

Rhodri Evans

Rhodri Evans

With Louis Rees-Zammit announcing his return to rugby union, it has triggered a scramble to sign one of the best wingers in European rugby.

At time of writing, Rees-Zammit has not confirmed who he will be playing club rugby for next season, having spent the last two years pursuing his dream in the National Football League (NFL).

In January 2024, the former Wales and British & Irish Lions wing announced his now-temporary retirement from rugby to join the NFL’s International Player Performance Pathway (IPPP).

After brief spells at Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars, it was clear that the 24-year-old’s race in the sport was run.

With a number of suitors lining up to convince Rees-Zammit to sign, Sportin Wales assesses who he could be playing for this season.

Gloucester

Perhaps the least likely of the English Premiership Rugby – sorry, PREM Rugby – clubs, a return ‘home’ to Gloucester is not out of the question.

The Kingsholm faithful would welcome their favourite adopted son back with open arms and the move would be a massive statement of intent from the West Country club.

With Santiago Carreras and Christian Wade already departing from Gloucester, there may be some budget for a blockbuster signing.

Bath

Bath are the Prem’s big spenders, but have already strengthened their back three options considerably this summer. Carreras has arrived from Gloucester and Henry Arundell from Racing 92, but the reigning champions would potentially be the perfect landing spot for Rees-Zammit.

An attacking brand of rugby, built on the foundations of the biggest pack in the league, would suit the wing’s game down to the ground and provide the ideal place for Rees-Zammit to return to rugby.

Racing 92

If money is on his mind, then Rees-Zammit will be assessing suitors across the Channel. Racing 92 are no longer the all-star backline that they were when Finn Russell was pulling the strings a couple of years ago, but the Paris-based club are still one of the Top 14’s highest spenders.

A poor season (10th in 2024/25) may see them look to improve the squad, and Rees-Zammit could be joining a backline that includes Nolan Le Garrec, Gael Fickou, and Josua Tuisova.

Bristol Bears

It would be painful for the Kingholm faithful, but perhaps the most realistic landing spot for Rees-Lightning would be at their rivals Bristol Bears.

They are the only side in the Prem that can compete with Bath’s budget and are a little light in the back three after Max Malins’ long-touted return to Saracens was completed this summer.

Mark your calendars for October 17th if this move does go through – Gloucester vs Bristol at Kingholm on a Friday night – box office!

RC Toulon

Another French club willing to splash the cash, Toulon would offer more competition on the wings for Rees-Zammit, but would likely be competing at domestic and European level straight away.

With Gael Drean, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Gabin Villiere, and Jiuta Wainiqolo all already tearing it up at the Stade Mayol, the Welsh superstar will have to be at his best from the off just to command a starting place.

Newcastle Falcons

Definitely the most intriguing of the options, Newcastle Falcons – with just two wins out of 18 last season – do not seem like the ideal move for Rees-Zammit.

However, with the takeover of the club by the Red Ball group set to be confirmed in the coming weeks, the 24-year-old could be the headline signing for a new ownership to mark their mark on the sport.

R360

Then there is R360, a potential breakaway franchise league that wants to attract superstars with a view to a first season between September and December 2026.

However, there are still questions about what that ambitious competition will look like and Rees-Zammit has surely had enough inactivity in the NFL and will not be short of suitors.

It would certainly be a controversial move, but with a number of England internationals reported to be considering it, the Wales wing could be the first major coup for the league.

Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.

If you want to read more pieces from Sportin Wales, why not read to our monthly magazine here or subscribe to the magazine and newsletter at https://sportin.wales/subscribe/.

Our podcast is back for the new season and our co-founder Alex Cuthbert is in charge! You can find all the episodes here or the video versions on our YouTube channel.

You can also keep track of our pieces and videos on our socials at @Sportin_Wales on X or Sportin Wales on Instagram and Facebook.

QUICK LINKS

by Rhodri Evans

23.05.25 - Glamorgan v Middlesex - Rothesay County Championship, Division Two - Sam Northeast of Glamorgan celebrates scoring a century with Kiran Carlson

Winning weekend for Glamorgan as men take big step in promotion battle

Rhodri Evans

Rhodri Evans

Both Glamorgan men’s and women’s sides won this weekend, with the women set for One-Day Cup finals day and men in the driving seat for promotion.

The men’s team beat Lancashire by 154 runs, with leg-spinner Mason Crane taking 9 wickets in the match, including a pivotal 6-19 on the second day as Glamorgan bowled Lancashire out for 137.

Having scored 261 in their first innings at Old Trafford, with 77 and 61 from Kiran Carlson and Asa Tribe respectively, the Welsh county needed a strong bowling performance to assert their dominance on the contest. Crane and Sri Lankan overseas seamer provided that, with the pair taking nine of the ten wickets to give their side a lead of 124.

From there, Glamorgan’s experienced pair of batters Sam Northeast and Carlson took charge of the game, putting on 215-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

A pair of hundreds for the captain and vice-captain took Glamorgan to a lead of 472, which Lancashire never looked likely to chase.

A plucky hundred from Lancs opener Luke Wells and 61 from Australia overseas batter Marcus Harris provided some resistance, but six wickets between spinners Crane and Ben Kellaway eventually delivered their side a 20-point victory early on the fourth day.

It was the Welsh side’s fifth win in the last eight matches, the other three drawn, after a poor start, and puts them 38 ahead of Lancashire while also extending their advantage over third-placed Derbyshire.

With Glamorgan’s final two matches a trip to Derbyshire and at home to Lancs, the Welsh county’s cushion will be vital in the race for promotion to Division One of the County Championship.

Loan player Freeborn stars for Glammy

Abbey Freeborn – making her debut for Glamorgan on loan from Warwickshire – starred with the bat for the Welsh county as they beat Leicestershire by a comfortable margin of 125 runs on Saturday.

Freeborn batted unbeaten throughout the innings for 108*, including 10 fours as Glamorgan reached 261-5. Support came in the form of a number of starts from captain Lauren Parfitt (28), Bethan Ellis (28), Beth Gammon (29), and Rose Evans (28).

With the ball, the spoils were shared as the Foxes were bowled out for 136 in 34.1 overs. Gemma Porter ended with the pick of the figures – 3/25 – with Ellis, Ellie Anderson, and Nicole Reid also taking two each.

The result sees Glamorgan go up to third in the League Two table, having won three of four matches.

Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.

If you want to read more pieces from Sportin Wales, why not read to our monthly magazine here or subscribe to the magazine and newsletter at https://sportin.wales/subscribe/.

Our podcast is back for the new season and our co-founder Alex Cuthbert is in charge! You can find all the episodes here or the video versions on our YouTube channel.

You can also keep track of our pieces and videos on our socials at @Sportin_Wales on X or Sportin Wales on Instagram and Facebook.

QUICK LINKS

by Rhodri Evans

02.08.25 - Cardiff City v Peterborough United, EFL Sky Bet League 1 - Rubin Colwill of Cardiff City celebrates after scoring goal

Colwill stunner gives Barry-Murphy winning start at Cardiff

Rhodri Evans

Rhodri Evans

Cardiff City won their first match of the 2025/26 League One season against Peterborough United thanks to a pair of stunning strikes from captain Rubin Colwill and Ronan Kpakio.

Brian Barry-Murphy’s side, which had an average age of just over 22 and a debut in goal for Matt Turner, started much the brighter on Saturday, creating several chance through bright play from Rubin and Joel Colwill in the advanced midfield positions.

However, Peterborough were the ones to take the lead just after the half hour mark via a Bradley Ihionvien’s penalty.

The young Bluebirds could have faded, but showed great resolve after the break.

Colwill’s goal – a wonderful dipping free kick from all of 25 yards – sparked pandemonium in the stands and wild celebrations on the pitch. With the position of the ball wider than is usual for a freekick aimed at the goal, only two Posh players formed a wall.

The newly-appointed Cardiff vice-captain, promoted to skipper at the first time of asking due to the absence of Calum Chambers, saw an opportunity and took it with aplomb.

It was the type of goal that can ignite not only a match, but a season for both player and club.

Hardly ten minutes went by before Cardiff had taken the lead.

On the hour mark, teenage fullback Ronan Kpakio was found on the edge of the Peterborough box by Ollie Tanner and swept the ball into the roof of the net via the underside of the bar.

Queue an euphoric eruption from the Cardiff fans, bigger even than for Colwill’s strike.

The only dampener to a perfect start for new head coach Barry-Murphy was that his side’s finishing did not match the standard of their overall play, with the forward line missing a number of chances to put the game beyond doubt.

Cardiff’s playing style was clear to see. A 4-1-4-1, with Tanner, the Colwills, and Cian Ashford hunted the ball out of possession behind the focal point of Yousef Salech up front.

Sweeping up behind was Ryan Wintle at the base of midfield, a veteran of the side at the age of 28.

In defence, they will benefit from the return of Calum Chambers, who is calm on the ball and a leader. Joel Bagan and Kpakio looked calm and assured at this level.

“It was a great day. I think not just personally but I think for everybody involved,” said Colwill.

“We all want to play exciting football, play attacking football, be on the front foot, win the ball back. We’re all buying into that.”

On wearing the armband, he added: “It was nice, it was a big responsibility.

“I thought through what I needed to do, what was required of me but yeah once you almost accept that responsibility I think it’s almost freeing to have that on your shoulders and to try and help everybody get through the game.

“I think that responsibility, maturity is something that comes naturally when you’re around it long enough. I’m probably one of the more experienced players in the squad now. So it almost comes naturally with time, experience, and I think it’s just something that I like to do.”

The whole match felt like a new era for Cardiff City, albeit with a number of off-field questions to be answered in the coming months.

Barry-Murphy picked the youngest Cardiff team for a league fixture this century, handing first starts to the likes of goalkeeper Matt Turner – chosen in front of senior players Jak Alnwick and Ethan Horvath – and midfielder Joel Colwill.

Both goals were scored by academy graduates, Colwill and Kpakio.

“To have some of the academy graduates is really beneficial because they feel the club in a way that’s different from what I do, based on where I come from, so it’s really powerful,” said Barry-Murphy.

“Matt Turner wasn’t complicated [as a selection]. I had an idea of certain players before I came to the club. I didn’t know a lot about Matt but, since day one pre-season, he’s been exceptional.

“His attitude, in terms of what we asked him to do, his commitment and his skill level as a goalkeeper has been outstanding. Just based on what I saw, he was the clear pick.

“Joel, we have a lot of competition in that position, but again, his appetite to do the things we’ve asked him to do and his relentless nature of application was evident.”

Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.

If you want to read more pieces from Sportin Wales, why not read to our monthly magazine here or subscribe to the magazine and newsletter at https://sportin.wales/subscribe/.

Our podcast is back for the new season and our co-founder Alex Cuthbert is in charge! You can find all the episodes here or the video versions on our YouTube channel.

You can also keep track of our pieces and videos on our socials at @Sportin_Wales on X or Sportin Wales on Instagram and Facebook.

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by Rhodri Evans

Sinclair Group expands its electric future with new BYD dealership in Bridgend

Rhodri Evans

The newest chapter in Sinclair Group’s electric journey is landing in Bridgend this August as the group prepares to open its third BYD dealership in South Wales, located right next to its existing Mercedes-Benz site on Old Field Road, Pencoed.

The arrival of this brand-new BYD showroom marks another exciting step forward in Sinclair Group’s investment in electric mobility, following the successful openings of BYD Cardiff in early 2024 and BYD Swansea earlier this year.

Investment in Bridgend and the Future of Driving

The new Bridgend showroom will offer the full BYD range, including the game-changing Dolphin Surf, and will bring significant investment to the area, creating new jobs and strengthening Sinclair’s long-standing presence in the town.

The group already operates Volkswagen, Audi and Mercedes-Benz dealerships locally, and this latest addition reinforces its confidence in Bridgend as a key automotive hub.

“BYD has firmly established itself in the UK market in an incredibly short space of time,” said Andy Sinclair, Managing Director of Sinclair Group.

“Their commitment to innovation and value, along with the pace and quality of new products arriving, makes BYD a brand we’re proud to represent.

“The opening of our third BYD site is not only a sign of their momentum, but also ours, as we continue to evolve and invest in the future of driving in Wales.”

Dolphin Surf: The Game-Changer EV for the UK

Speaking of momentum, BYD recently launched the Dolphin Surf in the UK and it’s already making waves.

With a starting price of just £18,650, the Dolphin Surf is one of the most affordable electric vehicles on sale today. It offers a stylish, well-equipped package that puts electric driving within reach for more people and businesses than ever before.

Even at the entry-level price point, the Dolphin Surf Active comes with a 30kWh battery, a 137-mile range, six airbags, a rotating 10.1-inch infotainment screen and adaptive cruise control.

Upgrade to the Boost model (£21,950) and you get a bigger battery (43.2kWh), a 200-mile range, faster charging, 16-inch alloy wheels and electric front seats.

With over one million Dolphin Surf models already produced globally, it’s not just a flash in the pan. It’s a record-breaker.

Wales Driving Electric Forward

Electric vehicle sales continue to grow across the UK, with more drivers and fleet owners looking to make the switch in the face of rising fuel costs, tax incentives and greater environmental awareness.

Sinclair Group’s expanding BYD network is a clear sign that the future is electric and the brand is backing it all the way.

From innovative new models to accessible pricing, BYD is helping make EVs the new norm and Sinclair Group is proud to be delivering that change right here in Wales.

Visit Us

Your nearest Sinclair BYD dealerships are in Cardiff and Swansea. Keep an eye out for more updates on the official Bridgend launch at sinclairbyd.co.uk.
Scan the QR code below to book your test drive in the new BYD Dolphin Surf.

Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.

If you want to read more pieces from Sportin Wales, why not read to our monthly magazine here or subscribe to the magazine and newsletter at https://sportin.wales/subscribe/.

Our podcast is back for the new season and our co-founder Alex Cuthbert is in charge! You can find all the episodes here or the video versions on our YouTube channel.

You can also keep track of our pieces and videos on our socials at @Sportin_Wales on X or Sportin Wales on Instagram and Facebook.

QUICK LINKS

by Rhodri Evans