Latest news with #RodneyParade
South Wales Argus
19 hours ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Newport County can profit from League Two big spenders
The Exiles have had an encouraging start to the transfer window by signing three seasoned EFL campaigners and another player of potential from the Cymru Premier to go along with loanee Michael Reindorf. County have pulled off something of a coup by signing Wales midfielder Matt Smith, who at 25 will still have ambitions of representing his country. They have also brought in goalkeeper Nik Tzanev and striker Ged Garner, two players who are well versed in the third and fourth tiers. There has been a slight shift in the recruitment policy that is driven by owner Huw Jenkins, who last year brought in a raft of novices, the majority of them in their early 20s. So far, 23-year-old defender Lee Jenkins is the only player in that bracket after signing from Haverfordwest, while Cardiff forward Reindorf has arrived on loan for the season. Perhaps that is an acknowledgement that County got away with it last season with an inexperienced group. Maybe it's recognition that if they are to develop players to sell on then they need them to grow alongside some seasoned campaigners. BUILDING: County owner Huw Jenkins (Image: Huw Evans Agency) Trading remains a vital part of the Jenkins plan given that Newport are a club whose only assets are their staff. They don't own a training ground - pre-season is taking place at USW Sports Park in Treforest - and they are tenants at the Dragons' Rodney Parade. Those issues are not going to be solved any time soon and that means that new boss David Hughes arrives with three big tasks. The first is obvious – get County winning again so that they can look up the table rather than down as they were at the end of last season (albeit from a position of relative comfort). The second is to produce the goods in cup competitions to boost the coffers. The Carabao Cup doesn't actually bring in much cash so there won't be too many tiers if County lose at Barnet in the preliminary round and miss out on a round one tie against Millwall. The prize money is pretty good in the EFL Trophy and excellent in the FA Cup, which provided much-needed boosts under Michael Flynn and Graham Coughlan. That's partly down to luck of the draw – James Rowberry landed then League One Morecambe away, Nelson Jardim faced League One Peterborough in Newport – and the 2023/24 run showed that it's not just about the plum tie. Coughlan's squad had already brought in plenty of cash before the Manchester United tie thanks to three wins over National League opponents in Oldham, Barnet and Eastleigh (with a TV pick of the Bees replay earning £30,000). Last season the first round winners got £45,000 (losers £15,000), second round winners £75,000 (£20,000), third round winners £115,000 (£25,000). County might not have used cup money particularly wisely in the past but another reasonable run – it doesn't even have to feature a Premier League fixture – would ease some of the financial pressure as the club works towards some sales. The Exiles need to sell players to invest and not many clubs actually make a success out of such a policy. However, the willingness of League Two clubs and National League clubs to start spending money - Milton Keynes and Gillingham being the most eye-catching so far - presents more opportunities if County get it right. On that front, new boss Hughes and Jenkins need to make some pretty swift decisions to stop players of potential leaving on frees next summer. TALENTED: Cameron Antwi has shown glimpses of his ability for County (Image: Kian Abdullah/Huw Evans Agency) Sell now or get a new (and improved) contract sorted. Winger Bobby Kamwa and centre-back Matt Baker were the relative stars of last season, rangy right-back Joe Thomas has shown promise and midfielder Cameron Antwi, who clearly has the ability but needs consistency and focus, seem to be the main assets. Centre-back Ciaran Brennan could push on, perhaps energetic but slightly wild midfielder Kai Whitmore will come back with more on-field discipline. Defenders Jaden Warner and Tom Davies were brought in from clubs higher up the pyramid for a reason in January but fitness/injury means we've not seen much of them. County need to start making decisions if they are to avoid a repeat of recent Dom Telford, Priestley Farquharson, Cameron Norman situations. There is money in the National League and League Two, which makes County's on-field task tougher but also presents more summer and January opportunities if they get their talent ID and development spot-on. SWITCH: Nick Townsend has signed for Eastleigh after leaving County (Image: Kian Abdullah/Huw Evans Agency) 2025 LEAVERS WITH NEW CLUBS NICK TOWNSEND: Eastleigh. The goalkeeper was in contract talks with County but opted for a fresh challenge with the Spitfires, who look to be having a real crack at promotion. AARON WILDIG: Gloucester City. The midfielder, who is on the comeback trail from ruptured knee ligaments, opted to quit full-time football to drop down the levels as a player-coach as he starts to look to the future. KIBAN RAI: Aldershot. The forward spent the second half of last season on loan at Merthyr only to suffer injury misfortune. Will play in the National League with the Shots, aiming to finally rack up games to fulfil his potential. NATHAN WOOD: Penybont. The attacking midfielder/forward returned to Cymru Premier contenders Penybont last season on loan so it was no surprise that he made the move permanent. KIERON EVANS: Eastleigh. The midfielder spent the season on loan from Cardiff but was released by the League One Bluebirds. Followed Townsend to Eastleigh, with the Spitfires claiming they had beaten EFL competition for the signing. DAVID AJIBOYE: Carlisle. The winger spend the second half of last season on loan from Peterborough and was, as expected, released by the Posh. Will hunt National League promotion with Mark Hughes' Carlisle. DESTINATION UNKNOWN Lewis Webb, Josh Seberry, Kyle Jameson, Josh Seberry, Josh Martin, Geoffroy Bony, Luke Jephcott, Hamzad Kargbo, Kyle Hudlin (has left Huddersfield after returning from loan). (Shane McLoughlin a likely leaver despite being offered a new deal but yet to be confirmed)
South Wales Argus
21 hours ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Evan Minto: Wales can cause upsets at U20 World Championship
The Welsh youngsters get their campaign under way against Argentina tomorrow (kick-off 7.30pm) and all five Rodney Parade prospects feature in Verona. New signing Harry Beddall captains the side from openside and is joined in the back row by Minto, Nick Thomas starts at lock and Harri Ford pulls the strings from fly-half, with tighthead Owain James on the bench. Abercarn's Jack Woods and Abergavenny-born Aidan Boschoff, both former Monmouth School pupils and now with Bath and Bristol respectively, line up at full-back and wing. Towering Thomas, who made three senior Dragons appearances last season, makes a first start since suffering a serious ankle injury against France in February. 'Nick has worked hard to get back from the injury he had in Six Nations,' said head coach Richard Whiffin, who brought the lock off the bench in the warm-up win against Italy. 'He offers a level of experience in the second row against what we know is going to be a formidable Argentina pack.' Wales face the young Pumas and then take on group favourites France on Friday before a clash with Spain. Whiffin's side head into the tournament buoyed by their Six Nations displays when they edged out Italy, stunned Ireland at Rodney Parade and then denied England a Grand Slam and the title with a remarkable performance at Cardiff Arms Park. INFLUENTIAL: Evan Minto on the charge for Wales U20s (Image: Mark Lewis/Huw Evans Agency) Minto, a firm fixture in the XV, believes their togetherness will be key in a tournament that will stretch the squad with five games in 20 days. 'We are just a side that works really hard for each other and we know that, on our day, we can put in a performance to beat anyone,' he said. 'We are a group that works hard for each other and doesn't give up and the atmosphere in the camp is really good. We have a laugh together but also know when to switch on. 'I don't think that spirit is something that can be coached into a team and it's almost that we clicked as soon as we came together. 'There are no cliques, we are willing to work hard for the player next to us and we help each other even when competition is strong for places.' Minto will lead the charge for Wales at the end of a hectic season. The 19-year-old from Griffithstown made three senior Dragons cameos and featured for the development side, played for Pontypool in Super Rugby Cymru, Hartpury in the English Championship plus started all five Six Nations games and the two warm-up fixtures. 'It's been a long season but really enjoyable,' he said. 'I have been playing for a full year but I've had a smile on my face no matter who I've been playing for or what the opposition is. I've learnt so much and that is what keeps driving me on.' Wales U20: Jack Woods (Bath, 2 caps); Elijah Evans (Cardiff, 7 caps), Osian Roberts (Sale, 3 caps), Steffan Emanuel (Cardiff, 10 caps), Aidan Boshoff (Bristol, 11 caps); Harri Ford (Dragons, 14 caps), Sion Davies (Cardiff, 4 caps); Ioan Emanuel (Bath, 8 caps), Harry Thomas (Scarlets, 15 caps), Sam Scott (Bristol, 15 caps), Kenzie Jenkins (Bristol, 5 caps), Nick Thomas (Dragons, 11 caps), Deian Gwynne (Gloucester, 4 caps), Harry Beddall (captain, Dragons, 11 caps), Evan Minto (Dragons, 5 caps). Replacements: Saul Hurley (Aberavon, 2 caps), Louie Trevett (Bristol, 5 caps), Owain James (Dragons, 3 caps), Dan Gemine (Ospreys, 4 caps), Caio James (Gloucester, 3 caps), Ellis Lewis (Neath, uncapped), Harri Wilde (Cardiff, 17 caps), Tom Bowen (Cardiff, 5 caps).
Irish Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Times
Andy Farrell backs debutant Dan Sheehan to lead Lions for Australian opener
A chilly Sunday afternoon in Rodney Parade 20-months ago sounds like the opening to a story that will be long on mud and short on glamour but after Dan Sheehan was chosen to captain the British & Irish Lions against Western Force at the Optus Stadium on Saturday (11am Irish time), the day in question has been afforded a little more gravitas. On November 12th, 2023, Sheehan captained Leinster for the first time in a 33-10 victory over the Dragons, the hooker one of five try scorers on the day. For a self-confessed shy kid, it was a notable landmark in his transition to leader. What Leinster head coach Leo Cullen saw then, Andy Farrell followed up on in February when he asked Sheehan to lead Ireland against Wales in the Six Nations in the absence of the injured Caelan Doris. There is a similarity to both occasions in that Cullen and Farrell had access to more established leaders and captains but instead chose the 27-year-old hooker, decisions that opened a path to this latest honour. Neither coach required the powers of soothsayer to divine Sheehan's qualities; they recognised that he had the leadership skills to supplement those of a player. Tom Court - Ireland's accidental Lion Listen | 40:32 Conor Murray was the last Ireland player to captain the Lions when he led the tourists against South Africa A four years ago. Ulster secondrow Iain Henderson also captained the Lions during that tour, in the first of two matches against the Sharks. READ MORE Sheehan's 45 tries in 73 matches for Leinster and 15 in 32 Tests for Ireland are numerical touchstones of a player who is arguably the most accomplished hooker in world rugby. On Saturday in Perth, he will be surrounded by a sea of familiar faces as the Lions Tour begins in earnest. There are 11 Irish players in the matchday 23, eight of which are Leinster team-mates of Sheehan. Three more, Hugo Keenan, Jamison Gibson-Park and James Ryan were not available for selection due to injury, while Scotland's Blair Kinghorn is still with Toulouse as they play Bordeaux-Bègles in the French Top 14 final this weekend. Farrell retains just two of the starting team beaten by Argentina in Dublin last week, centre Sione Tuipulotu and Tadhg Beirne, with the Munster captain shifting from secondrow to backrow. Tadhg Beirne scores a try for the Lions against Argentina. Photograph:Scott Cummings, Tadhg Furlong, Henry Pollock, Pierre Schoeman, Elliot Daly, Mack Hansen and Tomos Williams are elevated to starting roles having started on the bench against the Pumas. Having started against Argentina, Alex Mitchell and Marcus Smith make way. Hansen starts on the right wing while James Lowe is named on the other flank. Tuipolotu moves to his more familiar role of inside centre having played at 13 against the Pumas, while the introduction of Garry Ringrose at outside centre not only provides a more natural balance to the midfield but also a playing familiarity with the two wings. Daly's versatility sees him named at fullback in the continued absence of Keenan and Kinghorn. Scotland's Finn Russell takes over the 10 jersey in a halfback combination alongside Tomos Williams. Farrell will demand more assured handling from his backline than was demonstrated in the warm-up game in Dublin, where too many passes were forced or lacked accuracy. It will be interesting to note how Russell's intuitive flair blends into the collective patterns. The presence of his Scottish sidekick Tuipulotu should bring cohesion to aspects of the game on both sides of the ball in much the same way as the Irish trio of Ringrose, Lowe and Hansen in the backline know each other's games well in the Test match environment. Sheehan will have Tadhg Furlong for company after the tighthead prop returned from a calf injury in a second-half cameo against Argentina. Pierre Schoeman completes the frontrow. Leinster lock Joe McCarthy partners Scott Cummings in the secondrow, while Beirne's relocation to the six jersey suggests that consideration has been given to their lineout woes against the Pumas. Josh van der Flier and the effervescent Henry Pollock ensure the backrow is long on athleticism, with all three capable of being a scourge at the breakdown. On the bench, Rónan Kelleher retains his role as replacement hooker, Andrew Porter is set for a Lions debut and Jack Conan is an old hand in the famous red shirt having played for the Lions during their last Tour in South Africa. Will Stuart, fresh from Bath's victory in the English Premiership, and Scottish centre Huw Jones complete the replacements. Scrumhalf Nic White will captain Western Force against the Lions. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho Meanwhile, Wallabies sextet Tom Robertson, Darcy Swain, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Nic White, Dylan Pietsch and Ben Donaldson are all in the starting XV ahead of linking up with the national team on Sunday. Donaldson's inclusion comes after Kurtley Beale was ruled out having suffered a hamstring strain at training on Tuesday. Donaldson travelled to Perth on Thursday afternoon. Former Wallabies and Ulster lock Sam Carter will also start in the final game of his career. Captain Jeremy Williams, home-grown back-rower Carlo Tizzano and winger Harry Potter are all unavailable due to being in Wallabies camp ahead of Sunday week's Test against Fiji in Newcastle. LIONS: Elliot Daly (Saracens/England); Mack Hansen (Connacht/Ireland), Garry Ringrose (Leinster/Ireland), Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors/Scotland), James Lowe (Leinster/Ireland); Finn Russell (Bath/Scotland), Tomos Williams (Gloucester/Wales); Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh/Scotland), Dan Sheehan (Leinster/Ireland, capt), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster/Ireland); Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors/ Scotland), Joe McCarthy (Leinster/Ireland); Tadhg Beirne (Munster/Ireland), Josh van der Flier (Leinster/Ireland), Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints/England). Replacements: Rónan Kelleher (Leinster/Ireland), Andrew Porter (Leinster/Ireland), Will Stuart (Bath/England), Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers/England), Jack Conan (Leinster/Ireland), Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints/England), Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors/Scotland), Marcus Smith (Harlequins/ England). WESTERN FORCE: Ben Donaldson; Mac Grealy, Matt Proctor, Hamish Stewart, Dylan Pietsch; Alex Harford, Nic White (capt); Tom Robertson, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Ollie Hoskins; Sam Carter, Darcy Swain; Will Harris, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Vaiolini Ekuasi. Replacements: Nic Dolly, Marley Pearce, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Lopeti Faifua, Reed Prinsep, Henry Robertson, Max Burey, Bayley Kuenzle.
South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Harri Ford hungry for more action for Wales U20s and Dragons
The Welsh youngsters start the tournament with a crucial opener against Argentina on Sunday, a fixture that is followed by an encounter against group favourites France. Wales will be put under pressure in the five-game championship – and that is perfect for watching club coaches. Ford will be under the microscope and get the chance to show that his game has progressed after a season of opportunities. The 20-year-old, who played for Senghenydd, made seven appearances for Pontypool in Super Rygbi Cymru, played for the Dragons in development fixtures and then made his senior debut with a cameo at Zebre Parma. In addition to that, he kicked what turned out to be the winner for Wales at Italy in the U20 Six Nations and then sealed the success against Ireland at a raucous Rodney Parade. Ford did have some injury frustration but time in the middle served him well and he hopes to repeat that when he returns from the World Cup. BREAK: Harri Ford on the run for Wales Under-20s against Italy (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency) 'It was a shock to make my Dragons debut and it was a good experience with the boys, who made me feel very welcome,' said Ford, who will tussle for the Welsh 10 jersey with Cardiff's Harri Wilde. 'I just want to try and keep getting minutes under my belt and then if I do get picked [for the seniors] then I have to play well and take my chances. 'Improving my game management will only come with playing and you can tell when someone is on form through being fit and playing week in and week out, building and building. 'Playing will be the most important thing for me next season because I want to be ready if needed by the Dragons, so I'll try to kick on with Pooler and there's tough competition there with Kieran Meek.' As things stand, Ford is backing up the pair of Tinus de Beer and Angus O'Brien at the Dragons after the exit of Will Reed. Cai Evans, a full-back who has covered 10, is unlikely to be fit until the very end of the year as he returns from a ruptured Achilles and the youngster would love more chances to test himself in the United Rugby Championship. 'I'd rather not make mistakes but I'm not really afraid of them,' said Ford. 'I feel that I am quite a brave fly-half because I like trying stuff and learning from mistakes.' PROSPECT: Dragons and Wales U20s fly-half Harri Ford (Image: Kian Abdullah/Huw Evans Agency) However, it's country and not club that is on Ford's mind and Wales cannot look further than Sunday's opener against Argentina as they bid to improve on last year's eighth-placed finish. 'It's a huge first game and if we get the win then it sets us up for a shot at the big four and the semi-finals,' said Ford, who is joined in the squad by fellow Dragons Owain James, Nick Thomas, Evan Minto and Harry Beddall. 'We know what we are capable of as a group and have shown what we can do in one-off games in the Six Nations. It's a massive push to get into that final four, then anything can happen.'
BBC News
17-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Newport new boy Smith would love Wales return
New Newport County signing Matt Smith has not given up on returning to the Wales squad, despite dropping into League Two with the 25, has won 19 caps for Wales since making his debut as an 18-year-old under Ryan the midfielder has not featured since being part of the squad that travelled to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup having made the move to the Scottish Premiership with St 25, Smith has headed to Rodney Parade to link up with new County boss David Hughes, his manager during his time at Wales youth speaking of his time in the national set-up, Smith told the club:, external "It's always been a massive honour to represent Wales. Every time I put on the shirt was a really proud moment and something I look back on with fond memories."I'd love to get back to that level again. I spent a number of years involved in the set-up and it's something I truly cherish."Being around players of that calibre, you see the standards every day in training and around the camp. I've learnt a lot from those players, and I hope to take those experiences forward here."Born in Redditch but eligible for Wales via a grandparent, the Manchester City academy graduate won caps under Hughes at under-17 added: "I've worked with the manager before, so we already have that connection. We had a really good conversation and he knows who I am, what I can bring, and the type of person I am. For me, it was a no-brainer. I'm really excited to be part of it."I want to be a big part of this team and help Newport push up the league and finish as strongly as possible. It's got a fantastic fanbase. I've always admired the club from afar, especially with the Welsh connection, and I've seen the passion the fans bring."
