Latest news with #JonathanDavies
BBC News
3 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Tandy needs 'patience' in Wales task, says Davies
Steve Tandy's appointment as Wales head coach has been welcomed by Jonathan Davies, but the dual-code great says people must "show patience" as he looks to revive the national team's Neath and Ospreys flanker Tandy will leave his role as Scotland defence coach and officially take up his Wales duties on 1 45-year-old has been appointed until at least the 2027 World Cup in Australia by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).Tandy's first game in charge will be against Argentina in Cardiff on Sunday, 9 November, before further autumn Tests against Japan, New Zealand and South Africa."I'm glad that they've just announced someone because it needed someone straight away - they haven't got a lot of time before the autumn," Davies said. "I'm glad Tandy's been given the job. He's got a great CV, he's been everywhere and the main thing for me is that he's going to be living in Wales."Because it's very different if you're living outside Wales, you don't really get to feel the importance of it. When you walk down to the post office or the corner shop in the morning, people are telling you how good or bad you are and you are ingrained in it, you're in it." The WRU has been looking for a new men's head coach since February, when Warren Gatland stepped down in the middle of a winless Six Nations campaign."It's taken a bit of time but I think [WRU director of rugby] Dave Reddin got in and had to make his peace as well and decide that he [Tandy] was the right man," said Davies, 62, who represented Wales in both union and league, as well as the Great Britain league side."It's not going to be easy for anyone. You've got to remember now where we are, where the regions are, where we are in the world rankings. Hopefully he's going to be there for a long spell and have a bit of consistency."Tandy takes over a Wales side that has been in the temporary stewardship of Cardiff's Matt Sherratt, who led them to a victory against Japan in Kobe earlier this month that finally halted a record run of 18 straight Test Tandy will start with a fresh slate - and without the pressure to end a losing streak that lasted 21 months and saw Wales fall at one point to an all-time low of 14th in the world rankings - he takes over with the domestic game in WRU is considering cutting up to two of its four professional regional current professional rugby agreement (PRA) that underpins the Welsh professional game runs out in June 2027 and it was due to be superseded by a new five-year deal has been agreed by WRU-owned Cardiff and privately-owned Dragons, but has still not been signed by either Ospreys or Scarlets, who say "key issues" have not been will also have to navigate these choppy waters as he seeks to select a winning squad, and there would be some irony if Ospreys - the team he played for with distinction and then led to the 2012 Celtic League title as head coach - cease to exist due to WRU cuts."I'm not sure whether Gatland was really worried about the regions or the under-20s or the age groups [and] because of that I think the union have neglected it," Davies added."Tandy has been there with the Ospreys, he knows the systems. He knows what underpins the regions and he's got to look at that, because at the moment everyone says we've got great people coming through [but] we finished eighth in the Under-20s World Championship."Yes, you'll have the odd good player but that isn't enough. You need a real competitive structure below the regions so that those players are ready to step up to the regions and then maybe step up to the internationals."Davies said "getting everyone working together" will be a challenge as he attempts to complete the "big task" which is winning Test matches. "The regions, the development areas and looking at where we need to strengthen the development... Is it schools, is it academies?" he added. "Do we need to change the academies? Have we got the right people in place? "Ultimately we all work together to hopefully get a better Wales. We don't even know if it's going to be four or two regions yet, so I hope he's involved in those decisions as well." 'A great coach' After ending his coaching time at Ospreys in 2018, Tandy took up a role with Australian side Waratahs, before linking up with Scotland in 2019 - with the Scottish set-up reluctantly waving goodbye when Wales came also held a defence coach role with Gatland's British and Irish Lions squad in South Africa in 2021."Wherever he's been he's done really, really well and everyone has said what a nice guy he is, how well he's worked, what a great coach," Davies added."He's gone abroad, he's gone to other countries and his development has been great. He's also played in Wales, he's coached the Ospreys to success so he knows it in and out. "I think everyone has to be patient here because a coach is only as good as his players and at the moment the Union have neglected the development, hence this is where we are and we've said this for a long, long time. "We'll have to be patient with him and hopefully the people in the Union who understand rugby listen to him and hopefully Dave Reddin. "It's going to be maybe two or three World Cups where we might be competitive again, so we have to be really patient and get behind Tandy and the boys."
BBC News
17-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Renewed push to save crumbling Belper Mills
A Derbyshire MP has insisted that "real change" is on the horizon to save the crumbling Derwent Valley Mills from losing its heritage status and falling into further Mills, a key part of the Derwent Valley Mills Unesco World Heritage Site, are in "poor condition" having stood largely derelict for owners of the Georgian mills, First Investments Real Estate Management, are currently awaiting feedback from Unesco on their plans for the application to convert the mills into apartments, as well as ground floor commercial uses, was submitted to Amber Valley Borough Council in 2018 but not determined. Jonathan Davies, the Labour MP for Mid Derbyshire who recently set up a pressure group in Parliament for World Heritage Sites, said the owners had expressed in recent meetings that they were "confident" they will shortly submit plans to be decided on by the borough council in the autumn. "I hope that will be the moment where we can start to bring this work together to see the redevelopment of the site and to have it brought back into use," he said."There's [now] a better likelihood of it being brought into a state where it's going to be refurbished sooner, so I think that's all really positive stuff that will give Unesco some reassurances." Davies said First Investments had been "clear" the plans should be submitted in time for a decision in November."We have a moment now, in this year, to deliver this project," he said."If we're in the same position next year then there'll be questions to answer. 2025 is a very important year for the mills." First Investments told the BBC: "We anticipate that it may take a number of months to receive a decision from Unesco on our plans for the site, during which time we will continue to work closely with key partners, including Amber Valley Borough Council, with a view to the planning committee considering the application and the feedback from Unesco before the end of the year." Last year Unesco outlined "grave concerns" about the Derwent Valley site, with large-scale development cited as an wrote in a report: "It appears that the development pressure on the property, coupled with the inability of the management system to safeguard its outstanding universal value, has reached such a level that, if not urgently addressed, may confirm an ascertained or potential threat."It is understood representatives from the body had robust discussions with council officers in Amber Valley in a meeting last year about the prospect of the site's heritage status being taken away before the report was subsequent report was seen as a "warning" that the site is not far from suffering the same fate as city was stripped of its World Heritage status in 2021 because of developments perceived to have threatened the value of its waterfront. The leader of the Belper Independents group on Amber Valley Borough Council Ben Bellamy said it was "naive" to think there would be progress in 2025."What we really need is real money, and investment in our heritage from central government, or we will lose World Heritage status and the council and government will never be forgiven," he said. There are concerns among some in charge of planning decisions on Amber Valley Borough Council about the amount of money needed to invest to ensure any redevelopment is appropriate to the heritage have also expressed doubt about the owners' plans, fearing they will be too County Council has said it is not in a position to offer financial assistance but deputy leader Rob Reaney told the BBC: "We will be doing all we can to support it." A spokesperson for Amber Valley Borough Council said it was "keen to work closely with the owner to ensure its protection."Unesco has been contacted for comment.
Wales Online
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Wales rugby star Jonathan Davies climbs Everest as he ticks off 'bucket list' adventure
Wales rugby star Jonathan Davies climbs Everest as he ticks off 'bucket list' adventure The former Scarlets, Wales and Lions star has posted the stunning photos on social media Wales rugby star Jonathan Davies has climbed to Everest Base Camp (Image: Instagram/Jonfoxdavies ) Former Wales and British & Irish Lions centre Jonathan Davies has embarked on a trek to Everest Base Camp, marking a new chapter in his post-rugby life. The 36-year-old, affectionately known as "Foxy," is undertaking the challenging journey through the Himalayas with adventure company EverTrek. Davies announced his retirement from professional rugby in October 2024, concluding an illustrious 18-year career that included 96 caps for Wales, two Grand Slam titles and six Tests with the Lions. Since retiring, the ex-Scarlets star has been preparing for this high-altitude adventure, sharing updates on his training and experiences, alongside a burgeoning broadcasting career which has seen him become a regular on the new-look Scrum V show. In a recent LinkedIn post, Davies expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Loving every minute of my trip to Nepal so far". Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Earlier this year, he shared his anticipation for the adventure, saying: "Looking forward to challenging myself again…. a different physical test. I'll be embarking on a journey to Everest Base Camp this year. "It as a challenging trek and one that I've had on the bucket list for a long time." A post from the EverTrek social media account on Wednesday confirmed that Davies, along with his travelling cohort, had reached Base Camp, stating: "Awesome news coming in that Yeti Rhys, Foxy and the rest of the EverTrekker team have reached Everest Base Camp! "Huge congrats to everyone! What an awesome achievement! Safe journey back down guys." Content cannot be displayed without consent Base Camp is located at an altitude of approximately 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) above sea level on the south (Nepalese) side of Mount Everest. A standard round-trip trek to Base Camp typically takes anywhere between eight to 12 days and is around 130km (81 miles) in distance. Article continues below Despite the altitude, the trek is non-technical, meaning no mountaineering experience is required, but it does demand good fitness and preparation due to its physical demands.
Wales Online
16-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
DWP update as almost half a million State Pensioners receive payment boost
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info State Pensioners over a certain age have seen a modest increase in their payments, with the UK Government confirming in Parliament the additional 25p weekly sum awarded to those on the basic State Pension when they reach 80. Those born in 1944 or earlier, as well as individuals who have turned 80 this year and are on the basic State Pension, are entitled to this slight boost. The extra payment for people in their 80s was first introduced in 1971. At that time, the State Pension stood at £6 per week, making the 25p rise a notable 4% increase. In today's terms, it amounts to an annual uplift of just £13. Despite the passage of time, ministers have not raised the additional payment since its inception, akin to the static £10 Christmas Bonus that pensioners receive during the holiday season, which has also remained unchanged since 1971. Labour MP Jonathan Davies questioned the total administrative cost of the 25p increase and whether it surpasses the amount actually given to beneficiaries. Pensions minister Torsten Bell assured that the 25p age addition is "simple to administer", stating: "Payments are made automatically as part of the person's ongoing State Pension entitlement. The administration costs are therefore negligible," reports Kent Live. However, the minister acknowledged that some expenses are incurred by the DWP in informing individuals approaching their 80th birthday about the modest pay increase. Mr Bell said: "In 2024, 474,239 letters were issued to inform people that they were now entitled to the age addition, costing £278,030 in printing and postage. "In 2024/2025, the annual cost of the 25p age addition to the State Pension for those eligible 80+ is estimated to be £50.8million. Administrative costs therefore do not exceed the total amount paid." A research briefing issued by Parliament in 2013 about the extra 25p explained the thinking behind the policy: "Pensioners aged 80 and over receive an addition of 25 pence to their State Pension. The age addition was introduced in 1971, in recognition of 'the special claims of very elderly people who on the whole need help rather more than others'. "It has never been uprated, with successive Governments either arguing that greater priority should be given to protecting the level of the basic benefits, or choosing to target additional resources at older pensioners by other means, for example, through means-tested benefits or lump sum payments, such as the Winter Fuel Payment." State pensioners received a 4.1% increase to their payments from April in line with the triple lock. This increased the full basic state pension from £169.50 a week to £176.45 a week. To receive the full basic State Pension, you generally need 30 years of National Insurance contributions. The full new State Pension now stands at £230.25 a week, up from £221.20 a week since April. You can find out your projected State Pension amount using the State Pension forecast tool on the Government's website. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find out what's happening near you
North Wales Live
16-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
DWP update as almost half a million State Pensioners receive payment boost
State Pensioners over a certain age have seen a modest increase in their payments, with the UK Government confirming in Parliament the additional 25p weekly sum awarded to those on the basic State Pension when they reach 80. Those born in 1944 or earlier, as well as individuals who have turned 80 this year and are on the basic State Pension, are entitled to this slight boost. The extra payment for people in their 80s was first introduced in 1971. At that time, the State Pension stood at £6 per week, making the 25p rise a notable 4% increase. In today's terms, it amounts to an annual uplift of just £13. Despite the passage of time, ministers have not raised the additional payment since its inception, akin to the static £10 Christmas Bonus that pensioners receive during the holiday season, which has also remained unchanged since 1971. Labour MP Jonathan Davies questioned the total administrative cost of the 25p increase and whether it surpasses the amount actually given to beneficiaries. Pensions minister Torsten Bell assured that the 25p age addition is "simple to administer", stating: "Payments are made automatically as part of the person's ongoing State Pension entitlement. The administration costs are therefore negligible," reports Kent Live. However, the minister acknowledged that some expenses are incurred by the DWP in informing individuals approaching their 80th birthday about the modest pay increase. Mr Bell said: "In 2024, 474,239 letters were issued to inform people that they were now entitled to the age addition, costing £278,030 in printing and postage. "In 2024/2025, the annual cost of the 25p age addition to the State Pension for those eligible 80+ is estimated to be £50.8million. Administrative costs therefore do not exceed the total amount paid." A research briefing issued by Parliament in 2013 about the extra 25p explained the thinking behind the policy: "Pensioners aged 80 and over receive an addition of 25 pence to their State Pension. The age addition was introduced in 1971, in recognition of 'the special claims of very elderly people who on the whole need help rather more than others'. "It has never been uprated, with successive Governments either arguing that greater priority should be given to protecting the level of the basic benefits, or choosing to target additional resources at older pensioners by other means, for example, through means-tested benefits or lump sum payments, such as the Winter Fuel Payment." State pensioners received a 4.1% increase to their payments from April in line with the triple lock. This increased the full basic state pension from £169.50 a week to £176.45 a week. To receive the full basic State Pension, you generally need 30 years of National Insurance contributions. The full new State Pension now stands at £230.25 a week, up from £221.20 a week since April. You can find out your projected State Pension amount using the State Pension forecast tool on the Government's website.
