Latest news with #Cardiff-born
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Joe Cordina eyes fight in Cardiff stadium ahead of return
Joe Cordina, a two-time super featherweight champion who held the IBF title from 2022 to 2024, will move back up to the lightweight division and face Jaret Gonzalez Quiroz this Saturday, July 5 at the Manchester Arena, live on DAZN. Cordina famously knocked out Kenichi Ogawa in the 2nd round at Cardiff International Arena a few years ago to capture the IBF strap, but the former Olympian wants to fight in a stadium as part of his quest to become a two-weight world champion. Cordina makes his return on Saturday, July 5 in Manchester against the Mexican Jaret Gonzalez Quiroz. (Image: Matchroom) He said: 'I've had loads of conversations with Eddie [Hearn] about coming back to Cardiff and fighting at Cardiff Castle, Cardiff City Stadium or Arms Park. 'But it's got to make sense financially for everyone and it's got to happen at a certain time of the year because those stadiums are all outdoors. 'There's loads of things in the pipeline. But first and foremost I need to get past this week, because if I don't, my chances of winning another world title are gone.' If Cordina was to capture a world title at lightweight, he would join Joe Calzaghe as the only other Welshman to become a two-weight world champion. Cordina continued: 'It would mean everything to me to be there alongside Joe. Joe is a pal of mine. When I'm around him and we're talking, sometimes I think, is this even real? 'He is a legend. He doesn't get the recognition that he should get. Let's get it right, he's Britain's best ever champion and best ever fighter. 'Take his boxing ability away and look at his credentials. He retired undefeated. He beat the big names. He's done it all. But yeah, to be alongside him in the history books would be amazing.' Cordina could face the winner of Abdullah Mason vs Sam Noakes for the WBO Lightweight world title. (Image: Matchroom) There is speculation that Cordina could face the winner of Abdullah Mason vs Sam Noakes for the WBO Lightweight world title, yet the Cardiff-born boxer has motivations beyond accolades in the squared circle. 'I'm in this game to win world titles and make money. People have asked me if I would fight Sam Noakes. Yeah, I would fight him, especially if it's for a world title. But at the time they were asking me to fight him, it just didn't make sense to me. 'But the winner of Sam Noakes vs Abdullah Mason, one hundred percent I would take that. 'I've also got three kids I need to provide for and I need to make them proud. At this moment in my life that's my top motivation.' However, Cordina must prove he is still a formidable fighter after he was stopped in the eighth round and suffered his first professional loss to Anthony Cacace in May 2024. 'I knew they won the lottery that night and that's the reason why my name is never ever mentioned again for a fight with them. But it is what it is. I've gone up in weight. If they come up, then I'll be chasing that fight and I'll be putting that wrong right. 'Cacace is a good fighter. I'm not going to say he ain't. I just believe I'm a little better in most aspects. But he got the job done on the night and unfortunately for me it was two shots on the break and incompetence from the referee.'
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Beaten English finalists confirm signing of 'exceptional' Welsh-qualified star
Beaten English finalists confirm signing of 'exceptional' Welsh-qualified star Gabriel Hamer-Webb had put himself in contention to tour Japan with Wales following a strong end to the season Cardiff wing Gabriel Hamer-Webb after the win over Munster (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency ) Leicester Tigers have confirmed the signing of Welsh-qualified winger Gabriel Hamer-Webb following his departure from Cardiff last month. The 24-year-old, who qualifies for Wales through his Cardiff-born mother, had put himself into contention for the summer tour of Japan with a strong end to the season at the Arms Park - including a hat-trick against the Ospreys at Judgement Day. However, he wasn't included in Matt Sherratt's squad for the two-Test tour. The Blue and Blacks had been hopeful of keeping hold of the former England U20s wing, but his departure from the Welsh capital was announced in May. And now, beaten Gallagher Premiership finalists Leicester have confirmed they have signed Hamer-Webb ahead of next season. 'I'm really excited about joining the Tigers," said Hamer-Webb. "The group is littered with brilliant players, and I intend to add to that next season, I've played alongside the likes of Jack van Poortvliet and Freddie Steward already and looking forward to building on that connection again. "I see massive potential with Leicester Tigers to go on and do great things in the league and Europe.' Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Article continues below He added: 'It is an incredible place to play, having played there against Leicester Tigers before I know how passionate the fans are, and hope I can give them lots of reasons to make some noise.' Hamer-Webb had joined Cardiff from Bath on a short-term contract during the 2023-24 season, before eventually signing a permanent deal with the club. After his departure was announced last month, Hamer-Webb thanked the club "for the opportunity to represent the city that means so much to my family". "Most importantly I'd like to thank my team-mates and the fans for the many memories I am leaving with," he added. Hamer-Webb joins Leicester amid a time of monumental change for the Tigers. Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika decided to not stay for a second season, with former England and Lions second-row Geoff Parling replacing him. Wales defence coach Mike Forshaw is set to join the coaching staff at the Welford Road club. Speaking about the signing of Hamer-Webb, Leicester general manager Richard Wilks said: 'Gabriel is an exceptional athlete who adds important competition to our outside backs next season. "He's powerful, fast and, as we've seen for Cardiff recently, a very strong finisher. Article continues below 'We identified him a while ago as a potential Leicester Tigers player and, since then, his game has gone from strength to strength, so it's exciting that we will be bringing him in on the back of that kind of form to build on further under Geoff Parling. 'He's keen to show what he is capable of at this level, as well as being determined to bring further success to this club which is a great sign and excites us all ahead of his arrival.'
Wales Online
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Tonight's rugby news as Lions star ruled out and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso hit with ban
Tonight's rugby news as Lions star ruled out and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso hit with ban The latest headlines from Wales and around the world England's Immanuel Feyi-Waboso tackles France's Antoine Hastoy (Image: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire. ) These are your evening rugby headlines on Sunday, June 22 Lions star ruled out of first match Scotland international Blair Kinghorn will miss the British and Irish Lions' first match in Australia next week after helping Toulouse through to the final of the Top 14. The full-back returned to action for the first time since sustaining a knee injury in April to play 60 minutes in the semi-final against Bayonne this weekend, helping his side to a 32-25 victory and booking their place in the final, where they will face Bordeaux-Begles. The clash will see two of the best club sides in the northern hemisphere go head-to-head at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday, June 28, with Kinghorn expected to start. That same day, the Lions will kick off their campaign in Australia as they take on Western Force at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. As a result, Kinghorn - who already missed out on featuring against Argentina in the Lions' warm-up match in Dublin on Friday - will also be absent for the opener Down Under. If he can avoid injury against Bordeaux, he will fly out to join up the rest of the squad after the final, although he is also unlikely to feature in the Lions' clash with Queensland Reds on July 2. Article continues below Andy Farrell's side opened their 2025 account with a disappointing 24-28 loss to the Pumas at the Aviva Stadium, with England international Marcus Smith playing at 15. By the time the first Test against the Wallabies comes around on July 19, however, it is expected that Kinghorn will start at full-back, having excelled at club and international level in the last 12 months. Feyi-Waboso banned England wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has been banned for two matches after being shown a red card during his side's 24-26 defeat to a France XV on Saturday. The 22-year-old was making his first appearance since dislocating his shoulder in December, but his afternoon ended after 34 minutes as he was sent off for a high tackle on fly-half Antoine Hastoy, catching the Les Bleus star with a swinging right arm. Referee Hollie Davidson initially showed a yellow card before the sanction was swiftly upgraded to a red on review, with the challenge deemed to involve a high degree of danger with no mitigation. Feyi-Waboso's ban has left his participation on England's three-match summer tour of Argentina and the United States in major doubt, as it has ruled him out of the double header against the Pumas. However, he will be free to play against the United States side on July 19 if he completes the World Rugby Coaching Intervention programme, informally known as 'tackle school'. The Cardiff-born wing had also not been ruled out of being called into Andy Farrell's British & Irish Lions squad as a late arrival, but his suspension means that slim chance has now been left hanging by the thinnest of threads. A World Rugby statement read: "The independent FPRC has confirmed a two match suspension (subject to successful completion of the Coaching Intervention Programme) to England's Immanuel Feyi-Waboso after determining an action contrary to Law 9.13 (dangerous tackle) during the England XV v France XV match on 21 June 2025. The sanction has been accepted by the Player. "In determining the sanction, the FPRC reviewed the matter, including all submissions and footage, the FPRC determined that Feyi-Waboso's actions were contrary to Law 9.13 (dangerous tackle), and that they carried a high degree of danger. "Therefore, a three match suspension was proposed to the player, reduced to two matches subject to successful completion of the Coaching Intervention Programme. The Player has accepted the sanction. "Feyi-Waboso is therefore suspended for the following matches: 5 July - England v Argentina, 12 July – England v Argentina, 19 July - England v USA (*he will be free to play in this match after his successful completion of the World Rugby Coaching Intervention programme)." Following the non-capped match at the Allianz Stadium, England head coach Steve Borthwick said Feyi-Waboso was "gutted" to have picked up a red card. 'You know Manny Feyi-Waboso well enough, this is a good guy who just tries his heart out and has left the field today and it didn't go the way he wanted it to, so he's gutted in the changing room,' he said. 'Everyone will get around him and we'll find out about what the situation is in the next 24 hours. As you know, that's now going to go to a disciplinary procedure so I'm not going to comment upon it. "The officials made their decision on the day and we'll see what the disciplinary comes back with. Once I have the facts, I'll deal with that." Borthwick excited by Argentina challenge By Ed Elliot, PA England boss Steve Borthwick is relishing the 'great challenge' of taking on Argentina following their statement victory over the British and Irish Lions. Los Pumas celebrated a famous 28-24 win on Friday evening in Dublin as Andy Farrell's Lions encountered a setback ahead of their series in Australia. England, who suffered a last-gasp 26-24 loss to a France XV in a non-capped fixture on Saturday afternoon, face Test matches against the South Americans on July 5 in La Plata and a week later in San Juan. Borthwick's men will finish their summer tour against the United States on July 19 in Washington DC. 'Argentina are a passionate, committed team who score fast in transitions, and they did that,' said the head coach, referring to the Lions match. 'Argentina changed their strategy in a couple of areas and ultimately they got some opportunities and they took them really, really well, took them quickly. 'It's a great challenge, one we're looking forward to and it's exciting. This group of players are really enthused by the chance to go to Argentina and play against a very good team.' Borthwick is due to name his final squad on Monday before England fly the following day. He gave opportunities to five uncapped players in the experimental fixture against France, with try-scorer Joe Carpenter, Seb Atkinson and Guy Pepper starting the match and Jack Kenningham and Oscar Beard coming on from the bench. England led 24-12 going into the final 10 minutes at Allianz Stadium before conceding two converted tries to lose. Article continues below 'I had a meeting earlier on this week and I was talking about the importance of disappointment and in Test rugby how one penalty conceded can cost you a Test match,' said Borthwick. 'Ultimately now a couple of people have gone into that arena and that's happened: gone into the final 10 minutes in a winning position and made some mistakes that have cost us the game. 'While I wanted to win this game – every England supporter wants us to win this game – that's the real learning development for us and our players and those young players.'
Wales Online
20-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Live a life of peace, tranquility and luxury at Riverwood Hollow
A Cardiff-born property developer is launching a stunning selection of five luxury homes in the village of Machen. Karen Collins has always had a passion for creating beautiful, thoughtfully designed homes - and is now bringing her flair to the Caerphilly area. Having helped craft a luxurious five-bedroom pool home in the prestigious Reunion Resort in Orlando, Florida, Karen knows how to deliver the wow factor. The success of this home inspired the building company to further follow her innovative design approach in future developments. Dedicated to quality craftsmanship and creating spaces that complement their natural surroundings, Karen is working to bring her new vision to life in the sought-after village of Machen, nestled between Cardiff and Newport. As well as aiming to create a selection of gorgeous new homes in the area, at the core of this prestigious project is a commitment to preserving the land's natural character while offering modern homes. Live the dream a t Riverwood Hollow (Image: Eli Rose Developments) Working in collaboration with CFW Architects and Mango Planning, Riverwood Hollow is set to become an exclusive five-plot gated community offering you the chance to design and build a stunning luxury home. The stunning homes will embrace the beauty of their surroundings, offering views of Machen Mountain and peaceful woodland landscapes. You'll be able to enjoy peace and tranquillity in your own south-facing garden, listening to the trickle of the Rhymney River that runs alongside this private gated community. Despite feeling worlds away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Riverwood Hollow is conveniently located a stone's throw away from fantastic local amenities, Cardiff, and some incredible historical sites such as Ruperra Castle. Whether you're seeking a countryside escape, a family home, or an investment* in a premium location, Riverwood Hollow invites you to experience the perfect balance of luxury and nature. Introducing Riverwood Hollow homes for sale Riverwood Hollow will consist of five beautifully designed homes ranging between four and five-bedroom properties. With no further developments to be built nearby, this is a rare opportunity to be a part of this exclusive, secluded community. Only four homes remain at Riverwood Hollow**, so don't miss out on your chance to become an owner of one of these incredible properties. Discover more and register your interest today by visiting *The value of investments can fall as well as rise, which could mean getting back less than you originally put in. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Therefore before deciding to invest, please consult an independent financial adviser to better understand the risks and if such an investment is right for you. **Remaining homes correct at the time of publication.
Daily Mirror
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
First rugby league player in sport's 130 year history to receive knighthood
Rugby League hero Billy Boston, now 90, will be given the honour at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, ending the sport's 130-year wait Rugby League hero Billy Boston is set to become the sports first-ever knight at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday. The honour for the Cardiff-born Wigan player will end Rugby League's 130-year wait for the honour. Now aged 90, Boston was a trailblazer for black sports stars when he played for Wigan and Great Britain in the 1950s and 1960s. The honour follows a campaign by his MP and councillors for him to be recognised as well as a campaign calling for the sports' first knighthood. Sir Billy's wife Joan said: 'Billy's family are so proud of him and so excited that everything he's done for the sport and for our community is being recognised. He is a wonderful person who has always loved rugby league and all of the people involved in the sport.' Sir Billy scored a huge 571 tries in a career that ended at the age of 36. He was awarded the MBE in 1996, and was one of the first inductees in the Rugby League Hall of Fame in 1998, joining the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame the following year. He received the freedom of Wigan in 2000 and is immortalised in three statues, in Wigan, Wales and at Wembley. Tony Sutton, the Chief Executive of the RFL, said: 'On behalf of the Rugby Football League, and the sport of Rugby League, it is a privilege to congratulate Sir Billy Boston on his knighthood. 'Sir Billy deserves to be recognised as an iconic figure in the history of British sport, for the way he overcame prejudice in his journey from working-class Cardiff to legendary status in Wigan, and became the most prolific British try-scorer in the 130-year history of Rugby League.' There has been growing frustration over the lack of Rugby League honours, with a group of cross-party MPS suggesting it was down to snobbery. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: 'The first knighthood for a rugby league player is long-overdue recognition for a game that has contributed so much to our national life. "This is the moment we right a historic wrong,' she said.
