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Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Welcome to ‘bonkers' beach', the seaside paradise for swingers where Brits romp on roof terraces & trade partners in sun
Sex with partners, sex with someone else's partner, group sex, sex on the beach, sex in the sea, sex during foam parties… in this hedonistic playground, anything goes SUN, SEX & SEA Welcome to 'bonkers' beach', the seaside paradise for swingers where Brits romp on roof terraces & trade partners in sun Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CAP d'Agde lies on a stunning stretch of Mediterranean coastline in the south of France. The sea is crystal clear, the sands are powdery white. But frankly, nobody really cares, because visitors come here with only one thing on their minds – SEX. 7 The 2km-long beach at Cap d'Agde is divided into three zones, the second being for naturists and the third section for swingers Credit: Rex 7 Cap d'Agde is located in the south of France and boasts stunning beaches and crystal clear water Credit: Getty 7 One Cap d'Agde regular, Brit Katie, reveals all about the swinging scene on the Mediterranean paradise 7 'There are parties going on, group interactions, couples looking for single guys, single women, couples – anything goes,' says Katie who visits with her partner Steffan Sex with their partners, sex with someone else's partner, group sex, sex on the beach, sex in the sea, sex during foam parties. In this hedonistic playground, anything goes. Hundreds of thousands of swingers, including many Brits, descend on the resort each summer looking to fulfil their wildest fantasies. But despite all the exhibitionism, it's a closed, secretive world. As a rule, visitors to Cap d'Agde follow the motto: what goes on tour, stays on tour. Most visitors have been part of the swinging scene for a while and have received an 'invitation' to join the fun. But one Cap d'Agde regular has agreed to speak to Fabulous, on the condition her identity is kept secret. 'There are parties going on, group interactions, couples looking for single guys, single women, couples – anything goes,' says Katie, 34, who visits Cap d'Agde with her partner of six years, Steffan, 39. The couple, from Milton Keynes, run a website for swingers – fittingly. 'Everyone finds it so exciting,' she says. 'You get a real sense of the hedonist lifestyle. I've seen all sorts. Cap d'Agde has really opened my eyes. It's crazy.' The two kilometre beach at Cap d'Agde is divided into three zones. The first is for ordinary families, the second for naturists and the third section is for swingers. Thousands of swingers descend on sleepy village for UK's biggest sex festival with 'play tents, hot tubs and massages' Bonkers' beach, if you will. The swingers' zone even has a number of hotels to choose from. Some accommodation even has two interconnecting rooms for couple swaps, while one hotel has a roof terrace where residents can have sex on sun loungers. Katie had her first swingers experience ten years ago, while with a former partner. 'We were going to Berlin to see a music gig and I was searching on TripAdvisor for what to do – just some innocent searching,' she explains. 'I came across what was described as a lifestyle club. It was number three on the list of attractions. 'That looks interesting', I thought. I was nervous, but inquisitive. You get a real sense of the hedonist lifestyle. I've seen all sorts. Cap d'Agde has really opened my eyes. It's crazy Katie 'I remember getting the train there with my ex and I felt like people knew where we were heading. It felt a bit naughty.' When Katie arrived, she discovered her intuition was spot on. 'It was held in a nightclub and while everyone was clothed, there were private areas where people went to have sex or get involved,' she says. 'It was like this other world we didn't know existed. We just observed the first time and didn't participate. But it felt incredibly liberating.' When she came back home, Katie and her partner began visiting swingers' clubs in Newcastle and Leeds. 7 Katie met her current boyfriend through the swinging scene six years ago after splitting from her ex 7 Cap d'Agde was a naturist village 30 years ago before swingers started going there Credit: Getty 'Soft swap' 'We were keen to meet similar people in the UK,' she says. 'We found so many normal people do it. It's like a secret life. It opened our minds to a different world. Even so, I didn't participate the first two or three times. I just watched others having sex. 'By the time I did get involved, I'd made some connections with people, so I was more relaxed. My first experience was a soft swap. My first full swap was the next time we went to a club. 'A soft swap might mean switching partners, but not having full sex. It might involve kissing, or foreplay. 'A full swap is having sex with them. It's like experimenting, but with other people. It opens you up to a new world of different experiences.' I'm more of a voyeur – I'll be in among the fun. I like being in the vibe Katie Katie says the word swinging is now considered old-fashioned and those involved in the lifestyle call it ethical non monogamy – ENM. After splitting with her partner, she met her current boyfriend, Steffan, through the scene six years ago. About a year later, they took off to Cap d'Agde after learning about it from friends on the scene. 'The first time I went, it opened my eyes even wider,' says Katie. 'There's all sorts of stuff going on. You've got adults playing freely, having sex on the beach and in the sea. Some couples like to stand on the sidelines, enjoying the voyeuristic side where you watch others enjoying themselves.' Voyeurism is Katie's particular thing. 'There might be a handful of people I'll interact with, kissing or dancing,' she says. 'But I'm more of a voyeur – I'll be in among the fun. I like being in the vibe.' 'Freedom and empowerment' Katie and Steffan loved their first experience so much that they have returned every other year since. You could call it a swingers' pilgrimage. Katie says that contrary to what appearances might suggest, Cap d'Agde is not a free-for-all. Well, not most of the time. 'Everything is about consent and respect,' she explains 'When you go to Cap d'Agde, you'll be on one of the lifestylers [swingers] apps, such as one called Wyylde. If you have a profile, you explain what you're looking for, there is a conversation, then you meet. 'For single guys and adventurous couples, you could have over 10 interactions, from soft swaps to full sex, in a day.' Interacting with complete strangers is not unusual. 'If you're on the beach, for example, people might start to watch. You might say, 'Do you want to join us?' and there's the joy of the spontaneous situation. 'But there's always consent. There's no pressure. You do get people you're not interested in making approaches, but you can politely decline.' One of the curious things about Cap d'Agde is that while all this sex and wild abandon is going on, parents with kids might be eating picnics and building sandcastles just metres along the coast. 'There are families on a different part of the beach,' says Katie. My parents' initial reaction was that they wanted to make sure I was OK and it wasn't something I was being forced into Katie 'And Cap d'Agde was a naturist village 20 to 30 years ago, before swingers started going there. So you'll see naturists walking about, who are not there for sex.' Surprisingly, Katie claims she doesn't get jealous when she sees Steffan having fun with other women. 'No, actually I find there's less jealousy,' she says. "It's about sex positivity, freedom and empowerment. It can strengthen your relationship.' Katie believes swinging has 'skyrocketed' in recent years. 'From our research on Google, it's around five per cent and growing. It's opening up in the mainstream,' she says. "Most of my friends are now in the lifestyle. We told them and they were interested to see what it was all about. People questioning the standard monogamous relationship structures. 'There are ENM clubs across the UK, and events at mansions. From our research, 30 to 60 years old is the main age group, but the 20 to 30 age group is growing.' What is Swinging? SWINGING, also known as partner swapping, is a sexual activity where partners in a committed relationship engage in sexual activities with other people. All parties involved must give explicit and enthusiastic consent. Open and honest communication between partners is crucial. Many swingers engage with a community or attend events specifically for swinging. Such activity can enhance intimacy and trust within the primary relationship. It provides an opportunity to explore sexual fantasies and desires. But it is not suitable for every relationship and requires a strong foundation of trust. Jealousy and emotional challenges may arise and need to be managed. While Katie wishes her identity to remain unknown to the wider world, her friends and family know her secret. 'My parents' initial reaction was that they wanted to make sure I was OK and it wasn't something I was being forced into,' she says. 'But they're fine with it because they know I'm fine with it. Family members find it interesting – they're all very inquisitive.' Katie and Steffan recently started a family. Their baby son is just four months old, so they won't be heading out to Cap d'Agde this summer. Being a new mum, my attention is on the little one now Katie 'Being a new mum, my attention is on the little one now,' says Katie. 'But I'll definitely be going back at some point. My family will be able to look after my son.' Despite the demands of motherhood, Katie says she's very much still part of the 'lifestyle'. She and Steffan recently set up a website, Playful Pineapple, aimed at improving the experiences of swingers. 'Playful Pineapple is a destination for people in the lifestyle. The online experience was dated,' says Katie. 'You get a lot of fake profiles on websites. We want to make it safe, so people know they're talking to a real person, a social networking space for the lifestyle. 'On our website, you've got profiles, what you're looking for in lifestyling, what your travel plans are, where you might be heading. It's a safe environment.' The logo is an upside down pineapple – a swingers' symbol. 'Upside down pineapple cake, that was the essence of offering, of hospitality, in countries like Hawaii,' says Katie. Now you get necklaces, earrings and so on, to showcase the lifestyle.' Pineapples are used as a secret sign to other prospective swingers. At Cap d'Agde, however, there's no need for pineapples or any other secret sign. When you hit the beach, there's not a chance of mistaking what it's all about.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Welcome to ‘bonkers' beach', the seaside paradise for swingers where Brits romp on roof terraces & trade partners in sun
CAP d'Agde lies on a stunning stretch of Mediterranean coastline in the south of France. The sea is crystal clear, the sands are powdery white. But frankly, nobody really cares, because visitors come here with only one thing on their minds – SEX. Advertisement 7 The 2km-long beach at Cap d'Agde is divided into three zones, the second being for naturists and the third section for swingers Credit: Rex 7 Cap d'Agde is located in the south of France and boasts stunning beaches and crystal clear water Credit: Getty 7 One Cap d'Agde regular, Brit Katie, reveals all about the swinging scene on the Mediterranean paradise 7 'There are parties going on, group interactions, couples looking for single guys, single women, couples – anything goes,' says Katie who visits with her partner Steffan Sex with their partners, sex with someone else's partner, group sex, sex on the beach, sex in the sea, sex during foam parties. Advertisement In this hedonistic playground, anything goes. Hundreds of thousands of swingers, including many Brits, descend on the resort each summer looking to fulfil their wildest fantasies. But despite all the exhibitionism, it's a closed, secretive world. As a rule, visitors to Most visitors have been part of the swinging scene for a while and have received an 'invitation' to join the fun. But one Cap d'Agde regular has agreed to speak to Fabulous, on the condition her identity is kept secret. Advertisement 'There are parties going on, group interactions, couples looking for single guys, single women, couples – anything goes,' says Katie, 34, who visits Cap d'Agde with her partner of six years, Steffan, 39. The couple, from Milton Keynes, run a website for swingers – fittingly. 'Everyone finds it so exciting,' she says. 'You get a real sense of the hedonist lifestyle. I've seen all sorts. Cap d'Agde has really opened my eyes. It's crazy.' The two kilometre beach at Cap d'Agde is divided into three zones. The first is for ordinary families, the second for naturists and the third section is for swingers. Thousands of swingers descend on sleepy village for UK's biggest sex festival with 'play tents, hot tubs and massages' Bonkers' beach, if you will. The swingers' zone even has a number of hotels to choose from. Advertisement Some accommodation even has two interconnecting rooms for couple swaps, while one hotel has a roof terrace where residents can have sex on sun loungers. Katie had her first swingers experience ten years ago, while with a former partner. 'We were going to Berlin to see a music gig and I was searching on TripAdvisor for what to do – just some innocent searching,' she explains. 'I came across what was described as a lifestyle club. It was number three on the list of attractions. 'That looks interesting', I thought. I was nervous, but inquisitive. You get a real sense of the hedonist lifestyle. I've seen all sorts. Cap d'Agde has really opened my eyes. It's crazy Katie 'I remember getting the train there with my ex and I felt like people knew where we were heading. It felt a bit naughty.' Advertisement When Katie arrived, she discovered her intuition was spot on. 'It was held in a nightclub and while everyone was clothed, there were private areas where people went to have sex or get involved,' she says. 'It was like this other world we didn't know existed. We just observed the first time and didn't participate. But it felt incredibly liberating.' When she came back home, Katie and her partner began visiting swingers' clubs in Newcastle and Leeds. 7 Katie met her current boyfriend through the swinging scene six years ago after splitting from her ex Advertisement 7 Cap d'Agde was a naturist village 30 years ago before swingers started going there Credit: Getty 'Soft swap' 'We were keen to meet similar people in the UK,' she says. 'We found so many normal people do it. It's like a secret life. It opened our minds to a different world. Even so, I didn't participate the first two or three times. I just watched others having sex. 'By the time I did get involved, I'd made some connections with people, so I was more relaxed. My first experience was a soft swap. My first full swap was the next time we went to a club. 'A soft swap might mean switching partners, but not having full sex. It might involve kissing, or foreplay. Advertisement 'A full swap is having sex with them. It's like experimenting, but with other people. It opens you up to a new world of different experiences.' I'm more of a voyeur – I'll be in among the fun. I like being in the vibe Katie Katie says the word After splitting with her partner, she met her current boyfriend, Steffan, through the scene six years ago. About a year later, they took off to Cap d'Agde after learning about it from friends on the scene. 'The first time I went, it opened my eyes even wider,' says Katie. Advertisement 'There's all sorts of stuff going on. You've got adults playing freely , having sex on the beach and in the sea. Some couples like to stand on the sidelines, enjoying the voyeuristic side where you watch others enjoying themselves.' 'There might be a handful of people I'll interact with, kissing or dancing,' she says. 'But I'm more of a voyeur – I'll be in among the fun. I like being in the vibe.' 'Freedom and empowerment' Katie and Steffan loved their first experience so much that they have returned every other year since. You could call it a swingers' pilgrimage. Advertisement Katie says that contrary to what appearances might suggest, Cap d'Agde is not a free-for-all. Well, not most of the time. 'Everything is about consent and respect,' she explains 'When you go to Cap d'Agde, you'll be on one of the lifestylers [swingers] apps, such as one called Wyylde. If you have a profile, you explain what you're looking for, there is a conversation, then you meet. 'For single guys and adventurous couples, you could have over 10 interactions, from soft swaps to full sex, in a day.' Interacting with complete strangers is not unusual. Advertisement 'If you're on the beach, for example, people might start to watch. You might say, 'Do you want to join us?' and there's the joy of the spontaneous situation. 'But there's always consent. There's no pressure. You do get people you're not interested in making approaches, but you can politely decline.' One of the curious things about Cap d'Agde is that while all this sex and wild abandon is going on, parents with kids might be eating picnics and building sandcastles just metres along the coast. 'There are families on a different part of the beach,' says Katie. My parents' initial reaction was that they wanted to make sure I was OK and it wasn't something I was being forced into Katie 'And Cap d'Agde was a naturist village 20 to 30 years ago, before swingers started going there. So you'll see naturists walking about, who are not there for sex.' Advertisement Surprisingly, Katie claims she doesn't get jealous when she sees Steffan having fun with other women. 'No, actually I find there's less jealousy,' she says. "It's about sex positivity, freedom and empowerment. It can strengthen your relationship.' Katie believes swinging has 'skyrocketed' in recent years. 'From our research on Google, it's around five per cent and growing. It's opening up in the mainstream,' she says. "Most of my friends are now in the lifestyle. We told them and they were interested to see what it was all about. People questioning the standard Advertisement 'There are ENM clubs across the UK, and events at mansions. From our research, 30 to 60 years old is the main age group, but the 20 to 30 age group is growing.' What is Swinging? SWINGING, also known as partner swapping, is a sexual activity where partners in a committed relationship engage in sexual activities with other people. All parties involved must give explicit and enthusiastic consent. Open and honest communication between partners is crucial. Many swingers engage with a community or attend events specifically for swinging. Such activity can enhance intimacy and trust within the primary relationship. It provides an opportunity to explore sexual fantasies and desires. But it is not suitable for every relationship and requires a strong foundation of trust. Jealousy and emotional challenges may arise and need to be managed. While Katie wishes her identity to remain unknown to the wider world, her friends and family know her secret. 'My parents' initial reaction was that they wanted to make sure I was OK and it wasn't something I was being forced into,' she says. 'But they're fine with it because they know I'm fine with it. Family members find it interesting – they're all very inquisitive.' Katie and Steffan recently started a family. Their baby son is just four months old, so they won't be heading out to Cap d'Agde this summer. Advertisement Being a new mum, my attention is on the little one now Katie 'Being a new mum, my attention is on the little one now,' says Katie. 'But I'll definitely be going back at some point. My family will be able to look after my son.' Despite the demands of motherhood, Katie says she's very much still part of the 'lifestyle'. She and Steffan recently set up a website, Playful Pineapple, aimed at improving the experiences of swingers. 'Playful Pineapple is a destination for people in the lifestyle. The online experience was dated,' says Katie. Advertisement 'You get a lot of fake profiles on websites. We want to make it safe, so people know they're talking to a real person, a social networking space for the lifestyle. 'On our website, you've got profiles, what you're looking for in lifestyling, what your travel plans are, where you might be heading. It's a safe environment.' The logo is an upside down pineapple – a swingers' symbol. 'Upside down pineapple cake, that was the essence of offering, of hospitality, in countries like Hawaii,' says Katie. Now you get necklaces, earrings and so on, to showcase the lifestyle.' Pineapples are used as a secret sign to other prospective swingers. Advertisement At Cap d'Agde, however, there's no need for pineapples or any other secret sign. When you hit the beach, there's not a chance of mistaking what it's all about. 7 Cap d'Agde has really opened my eyes. It's crazy, says Katie
The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
Welcome to ‘bonkers' beach', the seaside paradise for swingers where Brits romp on roof terraces & trade partners in sun
CAP d'Agde lies on a stunning stretch of Mediterranean coastline in the south of France. The sea is crystal clear, the sands are powdery white. But frankly, nobody really cares, because visitors come here with only one thing on their minds – SEX. 7 7 7 Sex with their partners, sex with someone else's partner, group sex, sex on the beach, sex in the sea, sex during foam parties. In this hedonistic playground, anything goes. Hundreds of thousands of swingers, including many Brits, descend on the resort each summer looking to fulfil their wildest fantasies. But despite all the exhibitionism, it's a closed, secretive world. As a rule, visitors to Cap d'Agde follow the motto: what goes on tour, stays on tour. Most visitors have been part of the swinging scene for a while and have received an 'invitation' to join the fun. But one Cap d'Agde regular has agreed to speak to Fabulous, on the condition her identity is kept secret. 'There are parties going on, group interactions, couples looking for single guys, single women, couples – anything goes,' says Katie, 34, who visits Cap d'Agde with her partner of six years, Steffan, 39. The couple, from Milton Keynes, run a website for swingers – fittingly. 'Everyone finds it so exciting,' she says. 'You get a real sense of the hedonist lifestyle. I've seen all sorts. Cap d'Agde has really opened my eyes. It's crazy.' The two kilometre beach at Cap d'Agde is divided into three zones. The first is for ordinary families, the second for naturists and the third section is for swingers. Thousands of swingers descend on sleepy village for UK's biggest sex festival with 'play tents, hot tubs and massages' Bonkers' beach, if you will. The swingers' zone even has a number of hotels to choose from. Some accommodation even has two interconnecting rooms for couple swaps, while one hotel has a roof terrace where residents can have sex on sun loungers. Katie had her first swingers experience ten years ago, while with a former partner. 'We were going to Berlin to see a music gig and I was searching on TripAdvisor for what to do – just some innocent searching,' she explains. 'I came across what was described as a lifestyle club. It was number three on the list of attractions. 'That looks interesting', I thought. I was nervous, but inquisitive. You get a real sense of the hedonist lifestyle. I've seen all sorts. Cap d'Agde has really opened my eyes. It's crazy Katie 'I remember getting the train there with my ex and I felt like people knew where we were heading. It felt a bit naughty.' When Katie arrived, she discovered her intuition was spot on. 'It was held in a nightclub and while everyone was clothed, there were private areas where people went to have sex or get involved,' she says. 'It was like this other world we didn't know existed. We just observed the first time and didn't participate. But it felt incredibly liberating.' When she came back home, Katie and her partner began visiting swingers' clubs in Newcastle and Leeds. 7 7 'Soft swap' 'We were keen to meet similar people in the UK,' she says. 'We found so many normal people do it. It's like a secret life. It opened our minds to a different world. Even so, I didn't participate the first two or three times. I just watched others having sex. 'By the time I did get involved, I'd made some connections with people, so I was more relaxed. My first experience was a soft swap. My first full swap was the next time we went to a club. 'A soft swap might mean switching partners, but not having full sex. It might involve kissing, or foreplay. 'A full swap is having sex with them. It's like experimenting, but with other people. It opens you up to a new world of different experiences.' I'm more of a voyeur – I'll be in among the fun. I like being in the vibe Katie Katie says the word swinging is now considered old-fashioned and those involved in the lifestyle call it ethical non monogamy – ENM. After splitting with her partner, she met her current boyfriend, Steffan, through the scene six years ago. About a year later, they took off to Cap d'Agde after learning about it from friends on the scene. 'The first time I went, it opened my eyes even wider,' says Katie. 'There's all sorts of stuff going on. You've got adults playing freely, having sex on the beach and in the sea. Some couples like to stand on the sidelines, enjoying the voyeuristic side where you watch others enjoying themselves.' Voyeurism is Katie's particular thing. 'There might be a handful of people I'll interact with, kissing or dancing,' she says. 'But I'm more of a voyeur – I'll be in among the fun. I like being in the vibe.' 'Freedom and empowerment' Katie and Steffan loved their first experience so much that they have returned every other year since. You could call it a swingers' pilgrimage. Katie says that contrary to what appearances might suggest, Cap d'Agde is not a free-for-all. Well, not most of the time. 'Everything is about consent and respect,' she explains 'When you go to Cap d'Agde, you'll be on one of the lifestylers [swingers] apps, such as one called Wyylde. If you have a profile, you explain what you're looking for, there is a conversation, then you meet. 'For single guys and adventurous couples, you could have over 10 interactions, from soft swaps to full sex, in a day.' Interacting with complete strangers is not unusual. 'If you're on the beach, for example, people might start to watch. You might say, 'Do you want to join us?' and there's the joy of the spontaneous situation. 'But there's always consent. There's no pressure. You do get people you're not interested in making approaches, but you can politely decline.' One of the curious things about Cap d'Agde is that while all this sex and wild abandon is going on, parents with kids might be eating picnics and building sandcastles just metres along the coast. 'There are families on a different part of the beach,' says Katie. 'And Cap d'Agde was a naturist village 20 to 30 years ago, before swingers started going there. So you'll see naturists walking about, who are not there for sex.' Surprisingly, Katie claims she doesn't get jealous when she sees Steffan having fun with other women. 'No, actually I find there's less jealousy,' she says. "It's about sex positivity, freedom and empowerment. It can strengthen your relationship.' Katie believes swinging has 'skyrocketed' in recent years. 'From our research on Google, it's around five per cent and growing. It's opening up in the mainstream,' she says. "Most of my friends are now in the lifestyle. We told them and they were interested to see what it was all about. People questioning the standard monogamous relationship structures. 'There are ENM clubs across the UK, and events at mansions. From our research, 30 to 60 years old is the main age group, but the 20 to 30 age group is growing.' What is Swinging? SWINGING, also known as partner swapping, is a sexual activity where partners in a committed relationship engage in sexual activities with other people. All parties involved must give explicit and enthusiastic consent. Open and honest communication between partners is crucial. Many swingers engage with a community or attend events specifically for swinging. Such activity can enhance intimacy and trust within the primary relationship. It provides an opportunity to explore sexual fantasies and desires. But it is not suitable for every relationship and requires a strong foundation of trust. Jealousy and emotional challenges may arise and need to be managed. While Katie wishes her identity to remain unknown to the wider world, her friends and family know her secret. 'My parents' initial reaction was that they wanted to make sure I was OK and it wasn't something I was being forced into,' she says. 'But they're fine with it because they know I'm fine with it. Family members find it interesting – they're all very inquisitive.' Katie and Steffan recently started a family. Their baby son is just four months old, so they won't be heading out to Cap d'Agde this summer. 'Being a new mum, my attention is on the little one now,' says Katie. 'But I'll definitely be going back at some point. My family will be able to look after my son.' Despite the demands of motherhood, Katie says she's very much still part of the 'lifestyle'. She and Steffan recently set up a website, Playful Pineapple, aimed at improving the experiences of swingers. 'Playful Pineapple is a destination for people in the lifestyle. The online experience was dated,' says Katie. 'You get a lot of fake profiles on websites. We want to make it safe, so people know they're talking to a real person, a social networking space for the lifestyle. 'On our website, you've got profiles, what you're looking for in lifestyling, what your travel plans are, where you might be heading. It's a safe environment.' The logo is an upside down pineapple – a swingers' symbol. 'Upside down pineapple cake, that was the essence of offering, of hospitality, in countries like Hawaii,' says Katie. Now you get necklaces, earrings and so on, to showcase the lifestyle.' Pineapples are used as a secret sign to other prospective swingers. At Cap d'Agde, however, there's no need for pineapples or any other secret sign. When you hit the beach, there's not a chance of mistaking what it's all about. 7
Wales Online
24-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
What's going on behind the scenes in Welsh rugby as direction of travel now clear
What's going on behind the scenes in Welsh rugby as direction of travel now clear There is a growing realisation the four team model has no future, with a reduction to two now being discussed Welsh rugby's difficult decisions are in the process of being made (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) In the latest edition of the Inside Welsh Rugby newsletter, Steffan Thomas gives an update on where things are at behind the scenes as the future continues to be decided. Last week's latest Professional Rugby Board meeting saw the WRU and regions come together and, while no major decisions were made, things are starting to become clearer, with a series of WRU board meetings over the coming weeks likely to move us on to the next stage. The union's aim is to work collaboratively with the four clubs to thrash out what the future looks like, but there is a growing realisation that four teams are simply not feasible, even on a tiered funding model. That, of course, makes things difficult. The full newsletter is available to subscribers in full here and you can sign up here to read it. Steffan says: "As Wales prepare for a summer Test series in Japan and the British & Irish Lions jet off to Australia, high level talks continue between the Welsh Rugby Union and its four professional clubs - Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets. Article continues below "The Professional Rugby Board (PRB) met last Wednesday to discuss the future direction of the professional game in Wales. WalesOnline understands no consensus was reached, with the WRU outlining the potential scenarios facing the professional game in Wales. "The three options are a reduction to three or two teams and a tiered funding model where two clubs receive significantly higher funding than the other two. Due to the Ospreys and Scarlets refusing to sign PRA25 because of concerns the WRU would turn Cardiff into a 'super region' after acquiring the capital city club, there will be a tiered funding system for the 2025/26 season. "But this is not a long-term solution and WalesOnline understands there is a desire within the upper echelons of Welsh rugby to reduce the number of professional clubs, with two actually looking more likely than three at this moment in time." Article continues below Read the full story on what's happening, the full options and how it will be resolved by subscribing here. Inside Welsh Rugby is a weekly newsletter which gets under the skin of the game in Wales, attempting to get to the heart of the issues and biggest stories. Sign up here
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Yahoo
Loved ones of Midland man killed in crash launch fundraiser to help surviving family
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Loved ones of a Midland man killed earlier this week in a crash off of Interstate 20 have launched a fundraiser to help his wife and children through their loss. 29-year-old Robert Steffan Mick was killed January 27 when he collided with a semi-truck, investigators with the Texas Department of Public Safety said. Now his friends have rallied around the surviving family. RELATED: Midland man killed in Midland Co crash off I-20 'He was a beloved husband, father, son, and friend whose life was cut far too short. Steffan leaves behind his loving wife, Kayla, and their two beautiful children: a one-year-old son and an almost three-year-old daughter, who now face a future without their devoted husband and father. Steffan and Kayla shared a deep love and partnership, working together to provide a happy and stable life for their young family. This heartbreaking loss has left Kayla to carry the weight of raising their children while grieving the loss of her soulmate. We are asking for your help during this incredibly difficult time. Any donation, no matter how small, will go directly to assisting with funeral expenses, providing for the immediate needs of Kayla and the children, and helping ensure stability for their future. Your kindness and generosity will mean the world to Kayla and the family as they navigate this unimaginable loss. If you're unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser to help spread the word. Thank you for your support, prayers, and love during this heartbreaking time,' Mary Morris, of Odessa, said of the tragedy in a Gofundme launched this week. If you'd like to help, you'll find the fundraiser here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
