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Wales Online
5 days ago
- 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.
The Irish Sun
25-04-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Munster rue indiscipline as United Rugby Championship play-off hopes take major hit with defeat to Cardiff
MUNSTER rued indiscipline as they lost out to fellow URC play-off hopefuls Cardiff at Arms Park. There was little between the sides but two Munster yellows proved crucial. Advertisement 1 Munster lost to Cardiff in the URC Credit: Chris Fairweather/Sportsfile The visitors were first on the board when Calvin Nash scored. They then lost lock Fineen Wycherley to a yellow for a deliberate knock-on and the hosts capitalised through Gabriel Hamer-Webb's try. Munster were quickly hit by a second when Harry Millard ran in. Wycherley returned to see his side regain the lead when Mike Haley grounded and Jack Crowley converted for a 14-12 half-time lead. Tom Farrell's score put the province further in front but Cardiff immediately responded when a penalty try was awarded after Jack O'Donoghue was yellow-carded for preventing a try. Advertisement Read More on Munster Rugby In his absence, Cardiff took the lead with a bonus-point try from Johan Mulder and hung on. SCORERS — Cardiff: Tries: Hamer-Webb, Millard, Mulder, penalty; cons; Sheedy, Thomas. Munster: Tries , Nash, Haley, Farrell; cons , Crowley 3.
Wales Online
22-04-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Tonight's rugby news as WRU chief issues warning to regions and England great retires
Tonight's rugby news as WRU chief issues warning to regions and England great retires The latest headlines from Wales and around the world Collier-Keywood has issued a warning to the regions (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency ) These are your evening rugby headlines on Tuesday, April 22. WRU chief issues 'much worse' warning to regions Welsh Rugby Union chair Richard Collier-Keywood has warned the regions they will be "much worse" off if they fail to sign the new Professional Rugby Agreement. The Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets are yet to agree to the new deal, despite Collier-Keywood setting a deadline of last Tuesday for the three clubs to confirm their intention to sign. All four of Wales' professional clubs had agreed on terms on a new PRA in February but the WRU's takeover of Cardiff Rugby earlier this month put a spanner in the works, with the three other sides having concerns. The current PRA expires at the end of the 2025/26 season, but the WRU are desperate to get the new version over the line that would result in a financial upswing. However, with the latest deadline now passed, WalesOnline understands that talks are likely to continue for some time yet. Article continues below But Collier-Keywood has warned of a "much worse" alternative for the regions if a new PRA deal isn't concluded. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. 'If they don't sign we are back under PRA mark one with a sharing in the upside and downside of the trading performance of the WRU," he told BusinessLive. "In the last couple of years there has been quite a bit of downside, so it is a much worse financial deal for them. 'It also puts the risk back on them as businesses. The new deal is fixed for them for a period of three years and then it rolls, so they know with absolute certainty what they are going to get from the WRU and that is hugely different to what we have seen in the past and the picking up as owners (private clubs) of the delta on whatever happens, and that was often negative and having to put their hands in their pockets. "That is why we have fixed it. And we are having the same philosophy on the debt by trying to fix it for them over the medium-term, so that we are better able to take the up and downside in the market and making it relatively stable for them.' On pressing the regions to sign off on the deal before Easter, Collier-Keywood added: 'All I was saying was that Cardiff is an interruption to where we are going, but I am confident that we will get there. They are asking totally fair questions. "We now sit as the owner of Cardiff and they want to know from that perspective what we are going to contribute. And we are saying we are going to deliver what we should do in Cardiff, as opposed to the previous owners (Helford). 'We are in the middle of talks with people about refinancing our debt and these numbers have been given, so if 'one of you is going to blow up' this deal because of Cardiff, and we get why you want to understand what we have done, then I really do need to know that sooner rather than later because I we don't want to waste anyone's time around the refinancing. "The whole basis of the new PRA is fixing things for the clubs as much as possible and we are effectively taking the equity risk on Welsh rugby. That makes sense to us and the clubs as we are the bigger entity and the ones generating the revenues for the most part in Welsh rugby. And we are looking to pass the benefits of any refinancing onto the clubs. "We have made an offer to the regions to swap approximately £3m of debt each into equity or a preference position. On the balance (lent by the WRU) refinancing helps them repay it over a longer period of time." England great announces retirement By PA Sport Staff England's most capped men's player Ben Youngs is to retire at the end of the season. The 35-year-old scrum-half, who racked up his 332nd appearance for Leicester at the weekend, made his senior debut in 2007 and went on to win five Premiership titles. 'It's a bittersweet feeling really. Obviously, I'm sad at the thought it's coming to an end but I'm excited about the rest of this season, excited about what this group can do,' said Youngs. 'That's the strange part, I'm using the 'r' word (retirement) but it isn't over today, there is still plenty of rugby left this season and that's what is at the front of my mind. 'I'm not done, let's not write the obituary just yet. I have spent two decades of my life here at the club and I have been lucky to be a part of some incredible moments along the way, enjoyed so much success and made memories that will last a lifetime.' Youngs is England's most-capped player, having made his debut in March 2010 and played at four World Cups – in 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023 – before retiring two years ago after a third-place finish in France. He played in 127 Tests for his country and won four Six Nations titles. But now he is focused on securing a sixth Premiership title with Leicester, who are currently second to Bath, as he brings to an end his one-club career. 'It's all I have known in club rugby, the green, red and white, and all I've wanted to know,' said Youngs, who last year had heart surgery after being diagnosed with an irregular and abnormally fast heartbeat. 'The idea of playing against this club wasn't ever an option for me and so, for me to be able to finish a one-club player will be one of my greatest achievements. 'The time will come to thank everybody who have helped me achieve what I have but, that's for when it comes to an end. For now, it's about finishing this chapter of my life with some more success. I'm not done just yet.' Cardiff ready to 'make history' Cardiff Rugby can close in on qualifying for the URC playoffs against Munster on Friday evening, with Ben Thomas predicting a 'special day' at the Arms Park. Cardiff go into the clash in sixth place, one place above their Irish opponents, with just one point separating the two sides. Describing Munster as 'a different test to what we had on Judgement Day, but hopefully a test we're up to," the Wales international said: 'When you look at historically any big games here, any knockout games, our supporters tend to come out in force, and I expect Friday to be something similar. With the backdrop of Cardiff's off-field turmoil and rumours around potential departures at the club, the significance of the occasion isn't lost on the centre. 'It's about making history for this club, but we've got a pretty special group of boys here who've done a lot for the club, so it will be important for us to send them off in the right way,' said Thomas. Since the system was introduced to the URC during the 2009-10 season, which at the time was the Celtic League, Cardiff have never qualified for the playoffs. A win at the Arms Park this Friday would go a long way to achieving the feat for the first time, a prospect Cardiff stalwart James Botham is excited by. Article continues below 'I've been here for nearly 10 years now and to have a chance of getting any sort of silverware would be amazing so I can't wait for the game and can't wait to see how it pans out,' the backrower said. 'It'll be massive for fans; they've been great all year. But to finish on a high for the season, to give ourselves the best shot of the playoffs and also to finish for the fans will be massive".
