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Wales Online
18-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Tonight's rugby news as WRU warned 'we will not be cowed' and Super Rygbi Cymru champions crowned
Tonight's rugby news as WRU warned 'we will not be cowed' and Super Rygbi Cymru champions crowned The latest rugby news from Wales and beyond The official Scarlets Supporters Trust have issued a statement (Image: 2025 Huw Fairclough ) Here's your round-up of all the latest rugby news for Sunday, May 18. Scarlets Supporters Trust hits out at WRU decision The Scarlets' official Supporters Trust has slammed the Welsh Rugby Union for its "lack of understanding for the sport it represents" following the decision to put in motion huge changes that are set to see the number of professional teams cut to three. The WRU has triggered a two-year notice period on the current Professional Rugby Agreement, having officially confirmed a move away from four evenly funded teams in a statement. WalesOnline understands the Union has informed all four clubs they believe the number of teams must reduce to three. It all comes on the back of a refusal by the Ospreys and Scarlets to sign the WRU's proposed new PRA. One possible option could now be the merging of two teams if a deal can be struck over the coming weeks and months. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. The WRU's recent takeover of Cardiff sparked huge concerns from the Ospreys and Scarlets, resulting in the failure to sign up to the deal that was at the centre of the governing body's five-year strategy. Now, Scarlets fan group Crys 16 have issued a strong statement, saying: "Despite the 'One Wales' strategy setting out the intention for four equitably funded professional clubs, and a positive, collaborative relationship, it has become clear in recent weeks that the WRU wishes to proceed in a very different direction. Article continues below "As a representative body for the supporters of the Scarlets, we want to continue to see our club stand independently with a financial model that rewards our consistent development of players for the national team. "As a proud and strong club with over 150 years of heritage, backed by the West Walian community, we will not be cowed by a governing body that continues to show its lack of understanding for the sport it represents and we will not accept any solution which damages us. "In particular, this should not come about because of the financial issues of Cardiff Rugby, which has led to this significant uncertainty. "The WRU should not prioritise the interests of one club at the expense of the others, particularly when the financial issues at Cardiff have proven to be the main impediment to agreeing this deal. "The WRU must work with the club to seek a fair and equitable deal as soon as possible. This should be done through constructive negotiation, rather than media driven pressure." Dragons confirm PRA deal Meanwhile, the Dragons have confirmed they have agreed to sign the WRU's proposed PRA deal, which the club says will help to secure its long-term future. In a statement, the club said: "Following the recent statement from the Welsh Rugby Union, Dragons RFC are delighted to have signed a five-year deal under the new Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA25) which provides the club with three-years of agreed fixed funding. "We did so to demonstrate our commitment to provide stability and security to Dragons RFC as we continue to develop on and off the field. "As demonstrated by signing the agreement, our owners are committed to the long-term future of professional rugby and the financial stability of Dragons RFC." Newport edge to glory in Super Rygbi final Newport ran in three tries to claim a 27-18 win over Ebbw Vale in the Super Rygbi Cymru Trophy final on Sunday afternoon. Dafydd Buckland's try just after half an hour got the Black and Ambers up and running after Vale's Evan Lloyd and Newport's Jac Lloyd had previously traded early penalties. The latter then followed up his success from the tee by going over for a converted score to extend Newport's lead on the stroke of half-time, before Evan Bowden cut the lead back down to five with Ebbw Vale's first try of the afternoon just after the break. A brilliant individual touchdown from Carwyn Penny put Newport back in control, but back came the Steelmen, who bagged another try just before the hour through Curtis Gregory. However, Newport held on, with Jac Lloyd adding another three points 10 points from time as his side eased their way to victory. Graham hits back at Lions snub in style Darcy Graham delivered a superb response to being left out of the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia by running in a superb hat-trick to help Edinburgh book a URC play-off spot by claiming a 47-17 bonus point win over Ulster. Commenting on Graham's omission from the trip Down Under, coach Sean Everett said after the game: 'Selections are tough, especially the Lions tour when it only comes around once every four years. 'Darcy has been in good form for Edinburgh and he was in good form for Scotland as well. 'I know he didn't play all the Six Nations games, but every time he puts on a rugby jersey he tends to turn something out of nothing. Article continues below 'He's a real magician out there with his footwork and the work rate that he does. So it is disappointing for him, but he is still young enough to make the next one. 'You've just got to keep on fighting because the nature of the sport is there could be injuries and he's the next one in.'
Wales Online
30-04-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
TUI adds new routes and flights at Cardiff airport
TUI adds new routes and flights at Cardiff airport If you're planning to enjoy even more sunshine, then getting to these holiday hotspots just got much easier TUI holidays is adding new routes and flights from Cardiff Airport (Image: 2022 Huw Fairclough ) TUI has just announced a major expansion at Cardiff Airport, bringing even more sunshine within easy reach. From summer 2026, a fourth aircraft will be based at the airport, unlocking new routes and adding extra flights to some of the most popular destinations in its weekly flying programme. Flights to hotspots like Turkey, the Canaries and Majorca will see an increase. While new routes to Portugal, Hurghada and Fuerteventura will be up and running. These new journeys will see 48,000 extra seats available. The following routes are being added: Hurghada: on May 26, 2026, TUI will launch a brand-new route from Cardiff to Hurghada meaning holidaymakers will be able to soak up Egyptian sunshine from May. Faro: on May 21, 2026, a brand-new route from Cardiff to Faro will launch, taking travellers directly to the golden sands and beautiful coastlines in Portugal. Fuerteventura: this route is new for summer, 2026, but will continue from the winter season which launches on December 20, this year. Customers will now have greater flexibility to choose when they want to enjoy the year-long sunshine to one of the Canary Islands' most stunning spots, right from Cardiff. Increased flying routes Due to increased demand for summer hotspot destinations, TUI is also increasing its flying frequency to the likes of Antalya, Gran Canaria, Palma de Mallorca, Enfidha and Tenerife. The Antalya route will see an extra flight each week, increasing it from three to four flights per week TUI will double its weekly flying frequency to Gran Canaria from once to twice weekly The Cardiff to Palma De Mallorca route will be increased from five flights per week, to six Enfidha will see an additional weekly flight, taking it from two to three flights per week And customers will be able to choose from an additional flight to Tenerife each week, with four weekly flights Find the latest deals from Cardiff to Gran Canaria, Malaga, Antalya and more, click here. TUI UK&I commercial director Chris logan said: 'We're really excited to be expanding our routes and flying frequency from Cardiff Airport to give our customers even more choice and flexibility. "With exclusive new routes and additional flights to some of the most popular holiday destinations, we're making it even easier for travellers to visit new places from their local airport. "We've seen the demand for destinations such as Turkey, Tenerife and Mallorca grow year on year, so this increase in capacity allows customers to explore more options when booking their holiday. Lee Smith, Head of Business Development at Cardiff Airport, added: 'This is fantastic news and a major investment in Cardiff Airport and Wales from TUI. The recent announcement of a second based aircraft this winter, followed by today's news of a fourth based aircraft in summer 2026, shows the confidence TUI has in the market. Article continues below "TUI's latest expansion means there will be an additional 48,000 holidays available with TUI from Cardiff next summer, including new routes to Faro and Hurghada. We look forward to working with the TUI team to continue growing in Wales.'
