Latest news with #ChrisFairweather
Wales Online
25-06-2025
- Climate
- Wales Online
Wales' plan for the dark arts of Eddie Jones as kick-off time stand-off emerges
Wales' plan for the dark arts of Eddie Jones as kick-off time stand-off emerges Wales fly out to Japan today as they look to end their 17-Test losing run Wales players training in the heat chamber (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency ) As Wales fly out to Japan on Wednesday, they do so with weeks of preparation for the humid and hot conditions that await them. Temperatures are set to rise above 30°C Kitakyushu and Kobe in the coming weeks, with the added humidity only serving to make conditions that little bit more difficult. It's little wonder why the kick-off times in Japan has been a source of negotiations behind the scenes. British TV broadcasters are understood to want a later kick-off from the 6am UK time, but Japan coach Eddie Jones has remained steadfast on the 2pm local start time. As things stand, it's not entirely clear if the kick-off time has been finalised. Jones' hardball stance - described by one source as 'playing silly buggers' - is understandable, with the heat likely to be stifling at that time of the day. Working in special chambers to acclimatise to the heat and humidity should help Wales, but Japan's style of play will be another factor to contend with. A statistic hammered into the Welsh squad in recent days is that Japan boast the fourth-best speed of ball out of the top 13 nations in the world. Little wonder then that Jones recently stated his hope that the Brave Blossoms would "really run Wales off their feet" - hence the analysis. Article continues below It's a piece of information that has clearly been repeated in meetings and training - one which will stay with them on the lengthy direct flight to Japan. "Watching Japan, that's the way they have played for a long time," said defence coach Gethin Jenkins this week. "They try to get quick ball and as fast rucks as possible. "Their stats in that area are quite high, so we are aware of what's coming from them. It's my job to put things in place so we can slow up their ball and impose our defence on them." He added: "I won't pretend we haven't talked about it in terms of what it's going to be like. The training some of the boys have been put through in terms of that heat out there. "Greasy balls. It does a little bit play into the defence, but not too much. When you're preparing you want to get your system in place and what you want to do. "If it is a greasy ball that's a bonus, means one or tweaks come game week in terms of what's coming. It hasn't had much impact on what I'm doing. "More of a case where do we get our energy from as a team and what our game plan and game model looks like on the field. That's an overall factor talked about as a group of coaches rather than just in defence." Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Stopping the adventurous Brave Blossoms will be some task in those conditions. Cardiff defence coach Jenkins has been brought back into the international fold by club colleague Matt Sherratt, three years after leaving his role in charge of Wales' defence. In the meantime, while Jenkins continued to develop as a coach at the Arms Park, Mike Forshaw - still technically contracted by the Welsh Rugby Union right now - took over. There were fleeting successes, with Wales being solid in the World Cup in 2023, but ultimately they conceded over 100 tries in 29 Tests - losing 23 of those matches - and Forshaw seems likely to take up a job with Leicester Tigers when his contract with the WRU expires soon. Jenkins, who worked under Wayne Pivac before being overlooked once Warren Gatland returned to his Wales head coaching post, has benefitted from a solid amount of preparation time to get his philosophies in place. However, ahead of a tricky test in Japan, he hasn't gone about reinventing the wheel. "Mike Forshaw would have worked hard to put his system in place," said the former Wales loosehead. "There'll be little tweaks over calling systems and what I ask of players. "But in this small space of time it's how you put a lot of info in. That's been the biggest challenge in the last couple of weeks. How do I simplify everything. "I'm not starting from scratch. It's just about what tweaks I can make with the players. The other thing is that when they come back into Wales camp they have been at four or five different clubs. Sometimes it is a re-set anyway. You are almost adding your stuff in. You have to recap everything anyway. Article continues below "That's been the challenge, getting as much or as little info in. Already in the week or two from where we started I've seen big improvements, which is a good thing. "It's about getting them comfortable with the way I want them to defend. It's not easy for some of them because they might be used to defending in a different way. There has been good buy in and some real positives in transferring what I want onto the pitch."
Wales Online
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Swansea City's pre-season schedule complete as final friendly against Euro side confirmed
Swansea City's pre-season schedule complete as final friendly against Euro side confirmed The Swans have confirmed their final pre-season friendly of the summer (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency ) Swansea City have confirmed they will take on French side Lorient in the final fixture of their pre-season schedule this summer. The Ligue 2 champions will visit the Stadium on August 2 for a 3pm kick-off, in what will be their final outing before the upcoming Championship season. The club had initially hoped to welcome Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven to south Wales, but were forced into a rethink following the Dutch side's league triumph. PSV pipped rivals Ajax to the Eredivisie title during a thrilling end to the season, coming out on top by just one point. That put the buffers on the proposed fixture at the Stadium, with PSV instead set to be involved in the Johan Cruyff Shield, which is the Dutch equivalent of the Community Shield, where they will meet Go Ahead Eagles. However, the club has now confirmed European opponents, with Lorient preparing for life back in Ligue 1 after winning promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking. Article continues below The move completes Swansea's pre-season schedule, which starts out in Spain against League One side Stevenage on July 19. Kick-off for that one is at 11am. The club then travel to Cheltenham Town four days later for a 7pm kick-off, before heading to Exeter City the following Saturday at 1pm. The Championship season gets under way on the weekend of August 8, with fixtures for the upcoming campaign released at 12pm on June 26. Sign up to our Swansea City newsletter here. Swansea's pre-season schedule in full Stevenage - July 19, Pinatar Arena, Murcia, Spain, 11am BST Cheltenham Town - July 23, EV Charger Points Stadium, 7pm BST Article continues below Exeter City - July 26, St James Park, 1pm BST Lorient - August 2, Stadium, 3pm BST
Wales Online
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Motorway speed limit reduced for drivers in certain cars
Motorway speed limit reduced for drivers in certain cars The government has warned drivers not to go over the limit The speed limit can vary depending on what vehicle you're driving (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency ) The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has issued a caution to drivers, urging them to be careful of an important legal limit because it's "not always safe". The government has reminded drivers they must adhere to the appropriate speed limit for their vehicle type and the road they are on. "The speed limit is the absolute maximum - it does not mean it's safe to drive at this speed in all conditions," the Labour Party government website and DVSA have warned. While the standard motorway speed limit stands at 70mph, it's important to note that it drops to 60mph for cars, motorcycles, car-derived vans and dual-purpose vehicles when they are towing caravans or trailers. The 60mph limit also applies to buses, coaches, and minibuses over 12 metres in length, as well as goods vehicles with a maximum laden weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes in England and Wales. In the majority of built-up areas across Wales, the standard speed limit is set at 20 miles per hour (32km/h). For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . Some Welsh roads have been reverted back to 30mph but where this is the case signs will advise drivers accordingly. Article continues below This decision is subject to individual councils running public consultations asking people which roads they thought should be considered for a change. The government has warned drivers about driving over the speed limit (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency ) The standard 20mph limit is the same for cars, motorcycles, car-derived vans, motorhomes, dual-purpose vehicles or those towing vehicles and not dependant on vehicle type. The speed limit for buses, coaches and minibuses (not exceeding 12 metres in overall length), buses, coaches and minibuses (exceeding 12 metres in overall length) is also set at 20mph. It further applies to goods vehicles (not exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight), goods vehicles (exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight) in England and Wales. Vehicles with more than eight passenger seats, such as buses, minibuses, coaches, and stretch limousines, must be fitted with a speed limiter. Article continues below This device must also be installed on goods vehicles with a maximum laden weight of more than 3.5 tonnes. These devices are engineered to minimise collisions by limiting the maximum speed of a vehicle through restricting the fuel supply to the engine. A speed limiter may mean the vehicle cannot reach the speed limit.
Wales Online
27-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Tonight's rugby news as club hold talks with Wales star and WRU told to reopen discussions with regions
Tonight's rugby news as club hold talks with Wales star and WRU told to reopen discussions with regions The latest headlines from Wales and around the world Williams looks set to stay at the Scarlets (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency ) These are your evening rugby headlines on Tuesday, May 27. WRU told to 'return to discussion table' A group of Welsh MPs have urged the Welsh Rugby Union to "return to the discussion table" and recommence negotiations with the Ospreys and Scarlets over the new Professional Rugby Agreement. The two regions refused to sign the new PRA over fears that the WRU would turn Cardiff into a super club after the union took ownership of the capital city club following its entry into administration, with those concerns of inequality not being suitably allayed after weeks of negotiations with the governing body. This refusal led the WRU to put a two-year notice period on the current deal and later confirm it would move away from having four evenly funded teams going forward. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. In a joint statement made earlier this month, the Ospreys and Scarlets reiterated their calls for clarity and accused the WRU of "creating more destabilising and debiliating uncertainty" within Welsh rugby. Now, their calls have been echoed by nine local MPs, including Aberafan Maesteg MP Stephen Kinnock, who have issued a statement calling on the WRU to treat each of the regions with "respect and fairness" and reopen discussions with the Ospreys and Scarlets. The statement, which was shared on social media, reads: 'On Friday (May 23) we met as a group of MPs with the Chair and Group Chief Executive of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) to discuss our concerns over recent developments around the Professional Rugby Agreement as representatives of the constituencies linked with Ospreys and Scarlets regions. Article continues below 'Both Ospreys and Scarlets had committed to signing the new PRA before the collapse of Cardiff Rugby and its subsequent rescue by the WRU. Following that event the clubs requested assurances of fairness and equality for all clubs. The requests from clubs was not with a mind to gaining an advantage for themselves, but to help ensure a positive future for the whole of Welsh rugby. 'Rugby is central to our communities, not just at professional level, but in schools, local clubs and grassroots settings across the country. Wales' professional clubs understand that they play a critical role in supporting the rugby ecosystem as well as the social and economic fabric of Welsh communities." 'Rugby is a game that is built on respect," the statement continued. "It is imperative that the WRU treats each of Wales' professional clubs with respect and fairness and that no club is handed an advantage at the expense of others. Without our professional clubs everyone – schools, local rugby clubs and the wider community – suffers. 'The uncertainty that the WRU's actions and announcements have caused is leading to further destabilisation of Welsh rugby and everything which relies upon it. Both clubs have both assured us they remain committed to working collaboratively with the WRU to reach an agreement that gives fair treatment to all. 'We urge the WRU to return to the discussion table to provide the assurances of fairness and equality for all clubs that Ospreys and Scarlets have requested in the best interests of Welsh rugby.' Scarlets hold positive talks with Wales star The Scarlets say they are hopeful of keeping hold of Johnny Williams following his Test recall ahead of the summer tour of Japan. The seven-cap centre hasn't featured for Wales since the 2023 World Cup pool stage match against Portugal, with a move away from Llanelli having looked likely at one stage with his contract out at the end of this season. However, while he was out of favour under Warren Gatland, he has remained consistent for the Scarlets - providing Dwayne Peel's side with plenty of experience in midfield as they became the only Welsh club to reach the URC play-offs. And now, with the 28-year-old in the Wales squad to tour Japan this July, Peel is hopeful a new deal will be sorted soon for Williams. "We're having some positive conversations with Johnny," said Peel ahead of their URC play-off clash with Leinster. "Hopefully there'll be some good news shortly. When that's ready, the club will release." England legend announces retirement By Andy Hampson, PA Former England prop Dan Cole has announced he is to retire at the end of the season. The 38-year-old, who is the country's second-most capped men's player with 118, will hang up his boots at the conclusion of Leicester's campaign. Cole featured in four World Cups with England, reaching the final in 2019, and has won four Premiership titles with the Tigers. He also toured twice with the British and Irish Lions. The veteran said his decision was partly influenced by that of Ben Youngs, his long-time team-mate for club and country, who is also retiring. Cole told Leicester's website: 'It has not been an easy decision at all. I have been to-ing and fro-ing – however, I think this is the best time for me to finish playing. 'I believe with Ben Youngs, Julian Montoya and others that are in and around my age ending their time at the club at the end of the season, plus the new chapter next season with Geoff Parling coming in as head coach, it's time for the club to kick on and the right time for me to go. 'As you get older, physically, it's definitely harder to carry on and, looking around the changing room, I am 10 years older than most of the guys in there with me and that's challenging as well. I don't want to be the old guy, just sat around and hanging on to something for too long.' Cole, a graduate of the Tigers' academy, has made 340 senior appearances for the club since his debut in October 2007. He had loan spells at Bedford Blues and Nottingham early in his career before establishing himself as a regular in the Leicester side in the 2008-09 campaign. His first England cap came in 2010 and he went on to win three Six Nations titles, in 2011, 2016 and 2017. He played all three Lions Tests against Australia in 2013 and also toured New Zealand four years later. Article continues below Cole has a chance to bow out with another title with Leicester currently second in the Gallagher Premiership ahead of the final round of regular-season fixtures. He said: 'It's clear it is not over yet. This is about finishing my career at the end of our season. There is still hopefully a few more games left for me to play.'
Wales Online
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Nine players leave Cardiff as legend departs and Wales international left without club
Nine players leave Cardiff as legend departs and Wales international left without club A raft of players are leaving the region this summer Lee-Lo (centre) is departing Cardiff as a club legend (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency ) Cardiff Rugby have confirmed that nine players will leave the region this summer, with a club legend and a Wales international among those departing. Ahead of the region's annual awards night on Wednesday evening, tributes were paid to those that would be moving on to pastures new, with legendary centre Rey Lee-Lo honoured with a special recognition award as his departure was confirmed. The 38-year-old made 180 appearances for the region having joined a decade ago and quickly became a fan favourite at Arms Park, with Cardiff saying he will "go down as one of our greats". Wales international Regan Grace - who joined the club as injury cover on a short-term deal in January - is also moving on, having made four appearances in all competitions. The former St Helens star has previously said he would like to try and crack rugby union, but also admitted that a return to rugby league is "an option" for him this summer after an injury-hit start to his time in the 15-a-side code. Flanker Gwilym Bradley is also among those leaving after an injury-hit five years at the club, while the other departures had already been confirmed or heavily expected. Earlier on Wednesday, Gabriel Hamer-Webb was confirmed to be leaving, with the wing linked with a move to Leicester Tigers in the Gallagher Premiership following a strong finish to the season. Article continues below Hamer-Webb, who is eligible to play for either Wales and England at international level, scored seven tries in his final four matches for the region - including a Judgement Day hat-trick against the Ospreys - but missed out on a place in Matt Sherratt's Wales squad for the summer tour of Japan. The trio of Seb Davies, Thomas Young and Tinus de Beer are also among the departures, with all three players set to make the move down the M4 to join the Dragons. The signing of Young, who has four Wales caps and was a consistent performer during his time at Arms Park, has already been confirmed by the Rodney Parade outfit, with the Davies and de Beer deals set to be made official soon. Highly-rated hooker Efan Daniel is also leaving, with the Ospreys closing in on the signing of the 22-year-old, who was called up by Wales for their summer tour of Australia last year. Daniel's departure follows that of fellow front row Rhys Litterick, who signed for Edinburgh on a two-year deal last month having moved to Wales from Harlequins at the start of the last campaign. Announcing the raft of exits on Wednesday night, a post on Cardiff's official X account read: "Before the awards begin, we'd like to thank those who are leaving us, and wish them the best of luck for the future. Diolch." Article continues below While nine players are leaving, Cardiff have also brought in some new faces ahead of next season, with three players confirmed to be joining this summer. Wales back row Taine Basham has signed for Sherratt's side from the Dragons with Davies, Young and de Beer going the other way, while fellow Welsh international Ioan Lloyd has joined from the Scarlets. Looking to the future, the Arms Park side have also brought in Wales U20s lock Tom Cottle, with the teenager signing a Senior Academy contract in January.
