Latest news with #HartpuryUniversity
South Wales Argus
7 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Hughes believes physical battle key to Scotland clash
The opening round of games at the Centre for Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly, saw both sides lose in closely fought physical encounters. Wales slipped to a 22-10 defeat against their Ireland Under-20 counterparts while Scotland were downed 31-17 by England. The tournament hosts looked strong early on against Ireland, pinning their opponents inside their own 22 for much of the opening 10 minutes. But despite ultimately failing to get the win, Wales showed determination throughout, reducing Ireland's advantage to 10-5 and 15-10 during the match through scores from Savannah Picton-Powell and Seren Singleton. And Hughes, who is currently at Hartpury University, is ready for the challenge that awaits them in Round 2. Wales will be looking to get their first win of the competition over Scotland on Friday (Image: 6Nations Rugby official photo) 'We've looked at writing some of the wrongs from the Ireland game,' the 20-year-old said. 'We know what Scotland can bring. We've had a look at their game against England, and we also had an opportunity to have a training game against them too, so we have a fair idea of what they're about. 'It's going to be a race to win the physical battle and to see who puts in the first big hit to set the tone. 'Us and Scotland are on an even playing field. We both didn't have great games last week, so we're both looking to get our first win. 'Scotland have some really good ball carriers, and we have to be ready to try and counter that.' Hughes, who plays for Gwalia Lightning in the Celtic Challenge, admitted the team has been looking at 'righting a few wrongs' from their performance against Ireland in training, and said their defence 'wasn't quite where [Wales] wanted it to be'. But the Pembrokeshire-native was upbeat about her side's prospects after a positive week and said that being clinical in Scotland's 22 was going to be crucial if they are to take the spoils. '[The team] decided that what didn't go right [against Ireland] are actually easy fixes,' she continued. 'We created a lot of opportunities, so we are doing something right. We moved the ball into the right areas, but the final execution is so important. 'The positive thing is we have got the right intentions; we just need to work on that execution in the 22 to finish our moves off. That'll bring confidence to the team. 'As soon as we let a few points get behind us, I think we mentally dropped a little bit. 'So, getting that head start will be huge. Getting points on the board and allowing the team to have confidence in themselves as a collective is really important.' Discover the future of international rugby at the 2025 Women's Summer Series – where rising stars shine. Follow the action live at and on Instagram @u20sixnations.
The Herald Scotland
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Hughes believes physical battle key to Scotland clash
Wales slipped to a 22-10 defeat against their Ireland Under-20 counterparts while Scotland were downed 31-17 by England. The tournament hosts looked strong early on against Ireland, pinning their opponents inside their own 22 for much of the opening 10 minutes. But despite ultimately failing to get the win, Wales showed determination throughout, reducing Ireland's advantage to 10-5 and 15-10 during the match through scores from Savannah Picton-Powell and Seren Singleton. And Hughes, who is currently at Hartpury University, is ready for the challenge that awaits them in Round 2. Wales will be looking to get their first win of the competition over Scotland on Friday (Image: 6Nations Rugby official photo) 'We've looked at writing some of the wrongs from the Ireland game,' the 20-year-old said. 'We know what Scotland can bring. We've had a look at their game against England, and we also had an opportunity to have a training game against them too, so we have a fair idea of what they're about. 'It's going to be a race to win the physical battle and to see who puts in the first big hit to set the tone. 'Us and Scotland are on an even playing field. We both didn't have great games last week, so we're both looking to get our first win. 'Scotland have some really good ball carriers, and we have to be ready to try and counter that.' Hughes, who plays for Gwalia Lightning in the Celtic Challenge, admitted the team has been looking at 'righting a few wrongs' from their performance against Ireland in training, and said their defence 'wasn't quite where [Wales] wanted it to be'. But the Pembrokeshire-native was upbeat about her side's prospects after a positive week and said that being clinical in Scotland's 22 was going to be crucial if they are to take the spoils. '[The team] decided that what didn't go right [against Ireland] are actually easy fixes,' she continued. 'We created a lot of opportunities, so we are doing something right. We moved the ball into the right areas, but the final execution is so important. 'The positive thing is we have got the right intentions; we just need to work on that execution in the 22 to finish our moves off. That'll bring confidence to the team. 'As soon as we let a few points get behind us, I think we mentally dropped a little bit. 'So, getting that head start will be huge. Getting points on the board and allowing the team to have confidence in themselves as a collective is really important.' Discover the future of international rugby at the 2025 Women's Summer Series – where rising stars shine. Follow the action live at and on Instagram @u20sixnations.
BBC News
03-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Wales forward Pyrs makes Gloucester switch
English champions Gloucester-Hartpury have signed Wales forward Alaw Pyrs for the forthcoming Premiership Women's Rugby 19-year-old lock made her Wales debut last September and featured in this year's Six previously played for Gwalia Lightning in the Celtic Challenge as well as Hartpury University in the British universities championship."To be an international whilst still a teenager is a remarkable achievement, and shows the potential that Alaw clearly has," Gloucester's head of rugby Dan Murphy said."She's a physical player and has impressed with Wales, Hartpury and Gwalia Lightning, so we're delighted that she's put pen to paper here."She'll learn so much from the experienced forwards we have here and get better and better, and that's what really excites us."
Pembrokeshire Herald
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Fishguard Sports edge Camrose in dramatic Division Two Cup Final
A FISHGUARD amateur rider has qualified for the prestigious Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) following a standout performance at a major qualifier in Warwickshire. Hannah Jenkins and her eye-catching grey horse, Le Paz—known as Balou at home—secured victory in the Working Horse class at the SEIB Search for a Star qualifier held at Stoneleigh Park on Saturday (May 25). Judged by top showing experts Nicola Taylor and Richard Ramsay, the win earns the pair a coveted place in the HOYS finals at the NEC Birmingham this October. Hannah, who works full-time as an intensive care nurse, spoke of the challenges she faced juggling work commitments and competition preparation. The pair narrowly missed qualification at an earlier event at Hartpury University, where they finished runners-up. 'Hartpury was originally the only qualifier I could do,' she said. 'After we came second there, I thought, 'I'm going to have to try again now,' so I swapped my shifts around so we could come here today.' Balou originally came to Hannah on loan from her best friend, who bred him. 'I had twin boys and she knew I got on with Balou and wanted to help me get back in the saddle,' Hannah explained. 'He came to stay and never left. I've owned him since last summer and I love him to bits.' Nicolina MacKenzie, organiser of SEIB Search for a Star, praised Hannah's determination and the ethos of the competition. 'Search for a Star is all about the journey—learning and improving over time. Our team of judges and stewards are committed to supporting competitors and helping them achieve their potential.' The SEIB Search for a Star series, launched in 1996, has opened the door for thousands of amateur riders to compete at national level, including at HOYS and Your Horse Live. Qualifiers take place throughout the country, offering a broad range of classes for amateur show riders. For more information and updates, visit or the SEIB Search for a Star Facebook page. Entries can be made via the Showing Scene platform. SEIB has been providing specialist equestrian insurance for over 60 years, offering tailored cover for horses, riders, horseboxes, trailers, and businesses. More details can be found at
Western Telegraph
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Fishguard rider qualifies for Horse of the Year Show
Amateur rider Hannah Jenkins and her horse Le Paz, known as Balou at home, have qualified for the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in Birmingham this October. The pair competed in the SEIB Search for a Star qualifier on May 25 at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire. They won the Working Horse class under judges Nicola Taylor and Richard Ramsay, earning their HOYS qualification. Ms Jenkins and Le Paz had narrowly missed out on qualifying last month when they took the runner-up spot in the Search for a Star qualifier at Hartpury University in Gloucestershire. Ms Jenkins said: "Hartpury was originally the only qualifier I could do, I work as an intensive care nurse and after we came second there, I thought I'm going to have to try again now and managed to swap my shifts around so we could come here. "Balou came to me on loan from my best friend who bred him. "I had twin boys and she knew I got on with Balou and wanted to help me get back in the saddle so he came to stay and has never left. "I've now owned him since last summer. "I love him to bits." The SEIB Search for a Star competition first took place in 1996 and has since provided thousands of opportunities for amateur riders to compete at HOYS. Each of the SEIB Search for a Star qualifying shows offers opportunities for a full range of show horses to earn a place at the series championships at Horse of the Year Show and Your Horse Live. SEIB Search for a Star organiser, Nicolina MacKenzie said: "Search for a Star is all about the journey and learning and improving over time. "Our team of judges and stewards are all invested in providing support and encouragement to help competitors and their horses and ponies perform to the best level they can."
