RUGBY LEAGUE

Former Super League duo Ben Flower and Lloyd White are helping South Wales Jets in their preparations for their Challenge Cup debut.

Former Wigan Warriors prop Flower and ex-Widnes Vikings hooker White have joined the Jets’ coaching staff to help prepare the team for what will be the 100th men’s Challenge Cup match to feature a Welsh club.

The Jets will host West Yorkshire-based club Stanningley in South Wales for what will be their first-ever appearance in the prestigious Cup competition.

The Challenge Cup first round tie will be held at Ebbw Vale RFC – home of The Steelmen – over the weekend of January 13-14, with the club saying full match details will be announced ‘very soon’.

And to help them prepare for their Challenge Cup debut they’ve added former Super League pair Flower and White to their coaching ranks.

“As we look ahead to our first time in the Challenge Cup we wanted to make sure the lads are as well prepared as possible,” the Jets’ official account wrote on X.

“Jets RL want to say a huge thank you (to) Ben Flower and Lloyd White, who are Welsh internationals, for coming on board to prepare the squad.”

Former Crusaders prop Flower made 184 appearances across nine seasons with Wigan between 2012 and 2020, helping the Warriors win three Super League titles, three League Leaders’ Shields, a Challenge Cup and a World Club Challenge before finishing his career with Leigh in 2021.

 

SKIING

Para-Alpine chiefs believe there is still much more to come from Menna Fitzpatrick after the Wales-based skier won downhill gold at the Para-alpine World Cup in St Moritz, Switzerland.

Fitzpatrick, competing for Great Britain and guided by Katie Guest, clinched the gold medal after winning a silver during the season opener on Saturday.

The 25-year-old Macclesfield-born skier is Britain’s most-decorated Winter Paralympian with an impressive tally of six medals.

Ally Brown, the head coach of GB Para-alpine, expressed optimism about the duo’s potential, stating that there is “much more to come” from the British pair.

Fitzpatrick and Guest displayed exceptional teamwork, clocking a winning time of one minute and 17.69 seconds.

 

CRICKET

All-rounder Ben Kellaway and wicketkeeper Alex Horton have both signed new contracts with Glamorgan.

Kellaway has signed a three-year contract extension that will see him extend his stay at Glamorgan until at least 2026.

The 19-year-old from Newport burst onto the scene this year, making his debut for the Club in all three formats, and having a stunning showing in the Metro Bank One Day Cup earlier this year.

Having made his T20 debut against local rivals Gloucestershire after impressing in the 2nd XI, he then made his List A debut against Worcestershire and didn’t look back, making a composed 82 on debut.

“It has been a really special first year at the club and I am just really excited to be continuing my journey over the next couple of years,” said Kellaway.

Glamorgan director of cricket Mark Wallace said: “Ben has already enjoyed some success in his short career at the club and we’re delighted that he’s re-signed at the club for the next three years.

Kellaway’s fellow 19-year-old, wicketkeeper-batter Alex Horton, has also penned a new one-year contract extension with Glamorgan that will see him remain at the club until at least 2025.