Yousef Salech 'really happy at Cardiff' amidst transfer talk
Rhodri Evans
Cardiff City striker Yousef Salech says that he is “really happy” at the club despite persistent speculation linking him with a move away.
The 23-year-old striker was Cardiff’s shining light in the second half of last season, scoring nine goals since joining from Swedish Allsvenskan club IK Sirius in January.
Despite Salech’s goals, Cardiff were relegated to League One, and much of the transfer speculation around the Danish forward has centred on a move back to the Championship.
Championship clubs – most notably Middlesbrough – are reportedly interested in signing the 6ft 5in centre-forward, who still has four years left on his contract.
With new head coach, Brian Barry-Murphy, in charge of Cardiff, Salech believes the Welsh club can win promotion from League One.
“I’m really happy at Cardiff. It obviously wasn’t long ago I joined, and I’ve enjoyed every part of it so far,” he said.
“I don’t speak to any clubs personally but, if the club does or an agent does, that’s their job. I’m just coming into training every day and trying to improve and do my best for the team.
“Obviously as a striker you want to score goals and help the team win games. Especially now that we went down a division. Obviously the goal for the whole club is to get back up and to do it the best way possible.”
11 senior players have left Cardiff prior to the start of the season, the most notable of which are experienced midfielders Aaron Ramsey and Joe Ralls. The club are yet to confirm their first signing of the summer.
They are the last club in the English Football League to add to their squad.
Despite the transfer impasse, Cardiff have managed to hold on to a number of senior players, including strikers Salech and Callum Robinson.
Barry-Murphy has been assured there is no financial need to make further sales.
“I think the support and clarity from the ownership of Vincent [Tan] has been really clear,” he said prior to the first game of the season against Peterborough.
“The players that leave the club will be on our terms. Players that we accept leave for reasons that benefit us and anybody who we want to keep stays here.
“Yousef, as an example, has been exceptional in pre-season. From the first week of pre-season he’s shown really high level of performance and we believe there’s a lot of things that he can improve to take him to a different level.”
Cardiff have yet to make a signing this summer but are reportedly keen on signing Copenhagen goalkeeper Nathan Trott on loan.
Asked about that potential transfer, Barry-Murphy added: “I think until everything is absolutely done I think it’s very dangerous to presume things have got to happen.
“But I think the line that is important is that we are absolutely looking to improve all areas of the team with real quality and hopefully there will be something in before the weekend.”
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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Lions make two changes as Morgan stays on the bench
Rhodri Evans
Andy Farrell has made just two changes for the British and Irish Lions third test match against Australia in Sydney on Saturday, with James Ryan and Blair Kinghorn coming into the starting XV.
Ryan and Kinghorn coming into the team for Ollie Chessum and James Lowe respectively, with the former moving onto the bench and the latter dropping out of the squad.
Wales’ only Lion, Jac Morgan, is on the bench again, having impressed in the final stages of the second test in which Farrell’s team wrapped up the series with a game to spare.
Despite the match being a dead rubber, Farrell has rotated very little. Ryan is one of nine Irish players in the starting line-up and becomes Maro Itoje’s third different starting Test partner in the second-row, Chessum and Joe McCarthy being the others.
The bench is the only major change, as Ben Earl returns to form a 6-2 split, with Alex Mitchell and Owen Farrell covering the backs.
Mitchell is the only player on the 2025 tour to appear in every game.
Farrell has opted against giving test caps to the likes of Pierre Schoeman, Josh van der Flier, Mack Hansen, or Henry Pollock, aiming instead for a 3-0 sweep of the series.
The Lions are bidding to become the first of their kind to win three Tests in a row since Willie John McBride’s side of 1974 in South Africa. If they manage to win Saturday’s Test they will become the first Lions outfit to complete a clean sweep since they won 4-0 in Argentina in 1927.
For the Wallabies, Joe Schmidt is without his talisman from the second test, Rob Valetini. The powerful flanker was at the heart of all Australia’s good play, but was taken off at halftime at the MCG as he was not fully fit.
Australia are also without Allan Alaalatoa who is nursing a shoulder issue. Taniela Tupou returns at tighthead prop in his place.
Nic White will don the green and gold for the final time in Syndey, and comes straight into the starting XV, replacing Jake Gordon.
Teams
Australia
Tom Wright; Max Jorgensen, Joseph Akuso Sua’ali’i, Len Ikitau, Dylan Pietsch; Tom Lynagh, Nic White; James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Taniela Tupou, Nick Frost, Will Skelton, Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (capt).
Replacements
Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angus Bell, Zane Nonggorr, Jeremy Williams, Langi Gleeson, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Andrew Kellaway
British and Irish Lions
Hugo Keenan; Tommy Freeman, Huw Jones, Bundee Aki, Blair Kinghorn; Finn Russell, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Maro Itoje (capt), James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne, Tom Curry, Jack Conan.
Replacements
Ronan Kelleher, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, Ollie Chessum, Jac Morgan, Ben Earl, Alex Mitchell, Owen Farrell.
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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Louis Rees-Zammit leaves NFL and return to rugby union
Rhodri Evans
Louis Rees-Zammit is leaving the NFL to return to playing rugby union.
The decision comes 18 months after the 24-year-old initially quit rugby to pursue a career playing American football. Rees-Zammit had spells with the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars, but did not play in a regular-season game.
The former Gloucester wing, capped 32 times by Wales and a tourist with the British & Irish Lions to South Africa in 2021, has not yet confirmed which rugby club he will be joining.
“I’ve decided to leave the NFL and return to rugby,” Rees-Zammit said in an Instagram post.
“It’s been a great experience, but it’s time to come home. I’ve decided that this is the best time to make this decision to give myself time to get everything in place for next season.
“There’s only one thing that’s on my mind, that’s coming back to rugby and doing what I do best.
“I can’t explain how excited I am.”
Rees-Zammit joined the NFL via the International Player Pathway Program (IPPP), signing a training contract with Kansas City Chiefs as a running back in March 2024.
He played three preseason matches for the Chiefs, but became a free agent in August after missing the cut for the 53-man squad for the regular season.
Rees-Zammit was quickly picked up by the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad, and changed positions from running back to wide receiver.
At the end of the season, his contract was not renewed, and was made a free agent.
Rees-Zammit remained with the Jaguars for most of preseason training this summer, before his announcement that he would be returning to rugby.
This decision is undoubtedly a big boost for new Wales head coach Steve Tandy, who will most likely be able to welcome back a key player in the near 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.
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Glamorgan and Washington Freedom purchase of Welsh Fire completed
Rhodri Evans
Glamorgan CCC and Washington Freedom have confirmed that The Hundred franchise Welsh Fire is now under joint ownership of the two clubs.
Freedom are owned by Indian-American IT entrepreneur Sanjay Govil and tabled the winning bid for a 49% share of the Fire back in January 2025.
It was widely reported at the time that the winning bid was worth £40 million, putting the franchise’s overall value at twice that.
Glamorgan have relinquished the 1% remaining, meaning that the two parties have a 50/50 split of Welsh Fire.
Freedom’s owners beat off interest from Capri International, which owns UP Warriorz in India’s Women’s Premier League and Sharjah Warriors in the UAE’s International League T20.
Wrexham Football Club’s Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny were among those who were interested in acquiring a stake in Fire.
However, the pair did not enter the formal bidding process following their initial contact last year.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) sold off their stakes in The Hundred teams this year, but retain full control of the overall competition.
On the pitch, Welsh Fire had a good 2024 season. The men’s side’s performances improved markedly from their lows of the year previous, while the women reached the final, having topping the table, but fell at the final hurdle against London Spirit.
Speaking on the deal completion, Mark Rhydderch-Roberts, Chair of Glamorgan Cricket Club, said, “When we embarked on the journey to secure long-term investment through The Hundred and the Welsh Fire franchise, we had a clear vision to elevate cricket in Wales to a level that reflects not just its potential but its identity. Today, I’m proud to say that we’ve done exactly that, and more. Our ambition for Welsh Fire is open ended.
“This investment has given us the means to back our ambitions with action. But more than that, it has shown what Welsh cricket is capable of when it’s bold, confident and proud of its unique voice. Cricket in Wales has a new chapter, and this time, it’s one we get to write on our terms.”
Sanjay Govil, Washington Freedom owner and principal Welsh Fire investor said, “We’re incredibly excited to announce our investment in Welsh Fire, a team with tremendous potential within The Hundred, one of the world’s premier cricket leagues.
“We’ve identified significant synergies between our organisations and look forward to sharing our expertise and learning from Welsh Fire’s established strengths.
“Our commitment has always been to foster an unparalleled environment for players and their families, rooted in a positive team culture. We’re eager to bring this philosophy to Welsh Fire and help elevate them to new heights.”
Dan Cherry, Glamorgan CEO added, “Cricket in Wales is entering a transformative chapter. And with the Washington Freedom partnership now secured for Welsh Fire, we’re facing an opportunity unlike anything we’ve seen.
“At Glamorgan we are custodians of a rich and proud tradition. But our eyes are also fixed firmly on the future. We are part of a rapidly evolving sport, one that is becoming increasingly global and dynamic to captivate new and diverse audiences.
“Cricket has a global platform now. Wales deserves its place on it. And at Glamorgan, we are ready to rise to the moment.”
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/.
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Wales men and women exceed expectations at FIH Nations Cup
Rhodri Evans
Wales’ senior men’s and women’s hockey teams delivered strong performances in their respective FIH Nations Cup competitions recently, surpassing their pre-tournament seedings and showcasing resilience and skill throughout the competition.
The women won a bronze medal with fantastic wins against the Czech Republic and hosts Poland, as well as a draw with Italy. Meanwhile, the men were held to a strong draw with South Africa before defeating Japan and hosts Malaysia to secure fifth place.
Despite financial limitations and the added challenge of players balancing hockey with full-time careers, both teams have demonstrated remarkable commitment, resilience and skill on the international stage.
These performances also highlight the effective coaching and player development strategies in place. Coaches have worked diligently within the constraints of limited resources to prepare their squads, ensuring players are ready for the challenges of international competition.
This preparation has been particularly successful in integrating young talent into the senior teams, with several emerging players gaining invaluable international experience.
In particular, the women’s team stands out for its youth, with an average age of just 23 at the tournament.
Many of the players in both squads have the potential to progress into the Great Britain setup, with five athletes currently involved in GB senior programs and another five in the Elite Development Squad.
The ability of these young players to perform at a high level bodes well for the future of Welsh hockey.
A key highlight of the tournament was the achievement of Head Coach Kevin Johnson, who marked his 100th official test or tournament game in charge of the Welsh senior squads.
This milestone reflects the continuity and stability within the program and is a testament to Johnson’s leadership and commitment to the development of Welsh hockey.
The Nations Cup also saw a number of individual player milestones. Gareth Furlong celebrated his 150th cap for Wales, alongside his 100th goal, highlighting his significant contribution to the team over the years.
Additionally, five players earned their first senior caps during the tournament, with Sam Welsh, Katie Partridge, Beth Peers, Ffion Horrell, and Lottie Atkinson all making their international debuts.
Hoci Cymru CEO, Paul Whapham, commented on the performances:
“These performances are a testament to the extraordinary commitment, resilience, and talent of our players and staff.
“Competing with and outperforming higher-ranked nations on the world stage, despite limited resources and the challenges our athletes face balancing full-time careers, is a remarkable achievement.
“It reflects not only the dedication of everyone involved but also the strength of our development pathways. We’re immensely proud of what’s been accomplished and excited about what lies ahead.”
The results at the Nations Cup provide a solid foundation as both teams set their sights on the upcoming European Championships at the end of July.
These tournaments are crucial for further development and will provide the necessary experience ahead of Wales’ long-term goal: qualification for the 2027 Europeans in England.
For both teams, the Nations Cup was a vital opportunity to gain experience, assess their development, and build towards future challenges.
The performances at the Nations Cup provide a solid foundation for the teams as they prepare for the Euros and the long-term goal of achieving success at the highest level of international competition.
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.
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Glamorgan men continue promotion charge as women lose T20 semi-final
Rhodri Evans
It was a contrasting weekend for Glamorgan Cricket, as the men continued their push for County Championship promotion, while the women lost the Blast League 2 semi-final.
Glamorgan captain Kiran Carlson’s fourth innings score of 89* saw his side home against Kent, further cementing their place in the County Championship Division Two promotion race.
With four matches to go, Carlson’s side sit in second, 17 points ahead of Derbyshire in third. Glamorgan has their bowlers to thank for this result, as their first day rout of Kent to bowl the visitors out for 155 proved decisive.
In a Kookaburra ball round – in which results have been hard to come by – the experienced Timm van der Gugten and James Harris were exemplary, taking 3-27 and 3-35 respectively.
In reply, Colin Ingram and Ben Kellaway put on 172 for the fifth wicket and, although but fell shirt of three figures, Glamorgan’s lead of over 150 was too much for Kent to overcome.
The wickets were shared around in Kent’s second innings, with Carlson the pick, taking 3-24 from 5 overs to remove the lower order and see his side chase 189 to win.
Starting day four at 25-2 meant the first hour was particularly nervy, and at 40-3 the result was in the balance. A steady 68-run partnership between Carlson and Root settled things down before Ingram’s quick 27 put the result beyond doubt.
The innings of the match, though, was undoubtedly Carlson’s 89*, expertly steering his side home for a 21-point win.
Yorkshire put Glamorgan away in Blast semi-final
Glamorgan women were well beaten by eventual runners-up Yorkshire in the second Vitality Blast Women League 2 semi-final, with the Welsh county losing by 7 wickets.
Lauren Parfitt’s side posted a slightly below par score of 124-9 from their 20 overs, despite scores of 41 and 29 from Bethan Ellis and Parfitt respectively.
England batter Lauren Winfield-Hill and fellow opener Georgie Boyce leading the way for Yorkshire who, despite Poppy Tulloch’s two wickets briefly giving Glammy a sniff.
Yorkshire went on to lose the final to Middlesex by 10 wickets.
“I’m really proud of the way the girls carried themselves, against a professional team it was never going to be easy for us but the girls put on an amazing show,” said Glamorgan head coach Rachel Priest.
“We just fell away a bit with the bat and we need to keep working on options to score boundaries throughout the innings.”
Glamorgan won five of seven completed games to finish second in the South group, whereas Yorkshire stormed through the northern section unbeaten in eight.
“Extremely positive, the hard work in the winter has shown on the field and we’ll look to keep building on that,” Priest added.
“If we can recruit some players and keep working with the players we’ve got, we’ll look to be where Yorkshire are now.
“It’s really exciting to have cricket as your job and lots of our girls are working hard towards that opportunity.”
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.
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Wales earn first victory under Sean Lynn with excellent Aussie performance
Rhodri Evans
Wales beat Australia 12-21 in Brisbane, to earn their first victory under head coach Sean Lynn after his appointment this year.
Lynn’s side lost all five of their 2025 Six Nations matches in the spring in what was a baptism of fire for the new head coach.
Ahead of this autumn’s Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, Wales headed out to Australia to test themselves against the Wallaroos.
Lock Annabelle Codey gave the hosts the lead after eight minutes, before 20-year-old fullback Nel Metcalfe responded with two very well taken tries for Wales.
With Lynn looking to imprint his style of rugby that had been so successful at PWR side Gloucester Hartpury, Wales looked much better after a full preseason than they did in the Six Nations. Lynn was announced as the new coach just weeks before that tournament and, with his club commitments, only had six days of training before their first match against Scotland.
Wales’ good work was almost undone before halftime, as number eight Tabua Tuinakauvadra dotted down to reduce Australia’s deficit to just two points.
As the rain fell in the second half, Wales’ forward pack came to the fore. Kelsey Jones marked her 50th cap with a stellar performance, while new captain Alex Callender was immense at number eight.
‘Al Cal’ made 24 tackles, 16 carries, beat three defenders, and turned the ball over three times in a true leader’s performance.
The composure shown by debutants Katherine Beaverstock, Tilly Vucaj, and Seren Lockwood off the bench was pleasing to Lynn, who showed his emotions at the final whistle.
“You’ve just gone into the Aussies’ backyard and you’ve taken a scalp,” he said to the team in the huddle.
“Believe in this, believe in this journey we’re on, it’s gonna be a good one.”
“We are going to enjoy it [victory] but we know we have work on Monday ready for a six-day turnaround,” he added after the match.
“We are not the finished article and still have a lot to work on, but what I wanted from the team and the girls this week, they delivered.
“We’re still going to work hard, I mean it, because we’re taking it to the World Cup.”
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.
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Morgan central to Lions series clinching victory
Rhodri Evans
Jac Morgan was at the centre of the action on Saturday as the British and Irish Lions secured a series clinching 26-29 victory over the Wallabies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
With the Lions trailing 23-5, and then 23-17 at halftime, Morgan came off the bench to help complete the comeback for his side, as Hugo Keenan stretched to score the winning try with seconds to go.
The Ospreys flanker, cruelly overlooked for the first test, was immense, making five tackles and two carries. But it was his work at the attacking breakdown that stood out – and caused no small deal of controversy
Morgan’s desire to make attacking clean outs to help his team was highlighted in the final ruck of the game. Finn Russell, out of options, turned back against the grain to pass the ball off to James Ryan whose lack of momentum gave Carlo Tizzano the chance to get over the ball and secure the series levelling win.
In typical fashion, Morgan was first on hand to help his team, blowing Tizzano off the ball just as the Australian flanker got to the ruck. Tizzano threw is head back and pleaded for a foul, but by the time he had sheepishly got to his feet, Keenan had dotted down for the series-winning try.
Tension rippled around the stadium as referee Andrea Piardi consulted the TMO to review potential foul play in the lead-up. After a brief check, he ruled that the play was legal and the try stood.
Having been one of the players of the tour so far, it was a moment that Morgan deserved, even as he revealed his nerves to S4C in the aftermath.
“I was nervous!” Morgan said. “I thought I was all right, then I saw it.
“I’m quite happy. Chuffed! I don’t have the words. Happy. Chuffed to win!
“My family is in the corner. I’ve walked around and heard all the Welsh people here.
“It’s great. The support for the Lions is brilliant. I’m chuffed hearing everyone. I enjoyed it. I was a bit nervous as it was so close. But I enjoyed it.”
The reaction from the Wallabies was considerably different. Australia head coach Joe Schmidt called the decision an “error” and one that went against rugby’s “push for player safety.”
“I think everyone can make their own decision on that,” Schmidt said.
“Players make errors, match officials make errors. Our perspective is we felt it was a decision that doesn’t really live up to the big player safety push that they’re talking about.
“You cannot hit someone above the level of their shoulders and there’s no bind with the left arm, the hand’s on the ground.
“That’s what we’ve seen, we’ve watched a number of replays from different angles. It is what it is, we just have to accept it.”
The Lions fly-half Finn Russell said Morgan, who came on as a replacement for Tom Curry early in the second half, produced a “textbook” clearout.
He added that he felt Tizzano’s reaction was to try to get the score overturned.
“When he goes down holding his head, there’s always going to be a question,” Russell said.
“But I think when you saw it back, it just shows that it’s a textbook clearout. I think it’s a brilliant clearout from Jac.
“He’s gone in there and Tizzano’s over the ball, which is a good play from him. But I think Jac’s just cleared him out really well. It’s almost the aggression that he cleared him out with.
“That’s what the question mark was almost. It shouldn’t be a question mark. He obviously holds his head and tries to get a penalty from it.”
The fly-half’s view is similar to the one held by Lions head coach Andy Farrell.
“It was a brilliant clearout. I couldn’t understand what they were going back for,” added Farrell.
“They seem to go back for absolutely everything these days, don’t they? I’m so pleased that the referee held his nerve. The right decision in my opinion.”
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.
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Welcome to Hardline: 'The hardest downhill mountain bike track in the world'
Rhodri Evans
Tucked into the hillsides surrounding the market town of Machynlleth, a selected few of the most skillful riders in the world gather for the annual Red Bull Hardline event.
Widely regarded as the hardest and most dangerous downhill race around, Red Bull Hardline has been going since 2014, having been co-created by brothers Gee and Dan Atherton.
“Hardline came about from a conversation between me and my brother,” Gee Atherton says.
“We came up with an idea of how cool it would be to just create the hardest downhill mountain bike track in the world. As big jumps, as big drops, as big gaps as possible. Every feature, just go above what I would usually do.
“We went to Red Bull with this wild event and they loved it. It’s been going 11 years now and has been a great success.”
Not that the Atherton brothers rested on their laurels after the first edition in 2014. The mindset of an extreme sportsperson is to always look for the next challenge. So that’s what they did.
“The following year, the event came round again and we thought we needed to make Hardline even harder,” Atherton adds.
“So we made everything bigger, more difficult. Seeing riders come back year on year and managing to get down the tracks that we built, just spurred us on to keeping pushing the difficulty”
Not that the Athertons are simply track builders.
All three siblings – Dan, Gee and their sister Rachel – have won National and World titles in downhill racing, with Gee starting Hardline off the back of winning his second mountain bike World Championship title in Hafjell, Norway.
Gee still races to this day, and will be one of the 30 riders competing this weekend in Red Bull Hardline 2025.
Such is the difficulty of the race, the event is invite only. The track may only take about two and a half minutes to ride, but it’s an intense route, taking in massive features like the infamous Road Gap, Crag Drop, and wall ride, to name a few.
It’s run in a time trial format, so each racer in the finals gets to set a race run time and aim to be the fastest down the hill. Last year, reigning World Cup winner Ronan Dunne took the Hardline title, in a time of two minutes, 23 seconds.
“The guys that love Hardline are the people that want to challenge themselves and push themselves,” Atherton says.
“They want to turn up and see a track that looks difficult and dangerous, they want to see if they can get down it. Red Bull Hardline attracts the best riders in the world because guys want that challenge.
“They want to be out of their comfort zones and be on the top of the mountain, scared and terrified, dropping into what could be one of the biggest features they’ve ever hit in their lifetimes.”
Despite the Atherton family being born in Salisbury, their biking exploits have brought them to their second home in Wales: Machynlleth in the Dyfi Valley.
“It’s just an incredible location,” Atherton says.
“We’ve lived their a long time, spent years riding our bikes around here and learning what an incredible terrain it is. We’ve got our base for Atherton Bikes down the road.
“Everything we do is here because it’s the most incredible riding. It’s one of the best place to mountain bike in the whole country. We’re still learning new spots to ride, new places to build features. That’s just what this corner of the world can offer.”
Gee Atherton spoke to Sportin Wales ahead of Red Bull Hardline which is taking place on 26th and 27th July – you can watch Red Bull Hardline live on Sunday 27th on Red Bull TV.
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.
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Morgan makes the bench for Lions second test
Rhodri Evans
Wales’ sole Lion on tour, Jac Morgan, has been selected on the bench for the second test of the series against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Morgan missed the first Lions test as head coach Andy Farrell prefered starting flankers Tadhg Beirne and Tom Curry, along with Ben Earl as the replacement.
The Lions have made three changes to their starting XV, with Andrew Porter swapping with Ellis Genge at loosehead, and Ollie Chessum and Bundee Aki coming in for the injured duo of Joe McCarthy and Sione Tuipulotu.
Garry Ringrose was supposed to come into the team for Huw Jones, but had to pull out, citing a concussion that had already kept him out of the first test.
Selected in the team ahead of Huw Jones, the Irishman took himself out of the team after telling Andy Farrell that he was not right.
Morgan replaces Ben Earl on the bench, while James Ryan is the spare lock. Owen Farrell – son of head coach Andy – replaces Marcus Smith and fit-again Blair Kinghorn takes the 23 shirt.
There are nine Irish players in the test starting XV, with nine Leinster players in the squad.
After losing the first test 19-27, Australia have rung the changes, with a number of big players returning from injuries that kept them out of last weekend’s match.
Will Skelton, Dave Porecki and Rob Valetini beef up the pack, while Joe Schmidt has picked a 6-2 bench with the intention of matching the Lions’ physicality.
The Wallabies head coach has kept faith with the back line that underperformed in Brisbane, with Tom Lynagh continuing at fly-half and Tate McDermott – who impressed off the bench – staying as a replacement.
Teams
Australia
Tom Wright; Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Akuso Sua’ali’i, Len Ikitau, Harry Potter; Tom Lynagh, Jake Gordon; James Slipper, Dave Porecki, Allan Alaalatoa; Nick Frost, Will Skelton; Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (capt).
Replacements
Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams, Langi Gleeson, Carlo Tizzano, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson.
British and Irish Lions
Hugo Keenan; Tommy Freeman, Huw Jones, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Finn Russell, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong; Maro Itoje (capt), Ollie Chessum; Tadhg Beirne, Tom Curry, Jack Conan.
Replacements
Ronan Kelleher, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, James Ryan, Jac Morgan, Alex Mitchell, Owen Farrell, Blair Kinghorn.
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