Latest news with #Neath
South Wales Guardian
30-05-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Llandovery RFC announce new signings for upcoming season
Addressing an audience at the annual 25 Club Dinner, Mr Evans, along with fellow coaches Gareth Potter and Nic Hudd, shared the news during a question and answer session. The club will see the departure of hooker Taylor Davies and Nathan Hart, both of whom are retiring. Mr Evans expressed his regret over their departure but showed optimism about the new recruits. "Three-quarter Corey Baldwin and hooker Cameron Lewis are really good arrivals at Church Bank; both players who, if they stay clear of injury, will be big players for us," he said. Davies, who had an impressive record of 32 tries in 59 games over two stints at Church Bank, will be especially missed. In the 2023-2024 season, he topped the Premiership's try-scoring list with 18 tries, including four against Neath at the Gnoll. Hart, 36, also had a remarkable run, contributing significantly to the team's success. In just 46 matches, he was on the winning side 39 times. Corey Baldwin, an Old Llandoverian, is considered the star signing. Baldwin, who has had stints with the Scarlets, Exeter Chiefs, and Dragons, will return to Church Bank, bringing his experience as a centre or wing. His career has been marred by injuries, but the 26-year-old is now looking forward to the new challenge of Super Rygbi Cymru rugby. Joining Baldwin is Cameron Lewis, a 25-year-old hooker who has been coached by Evans. Lewis, the son of former Llandovery coach Lyndon Lewis, is known for his well-rounded game. Despite being unlucky with injuries, Lewis is expected to adapt well to the Drovers' style of play. Other signings include Dan Gemine, a second row/back row player in the U20 World Cup squad, and Tom Pritchard, a former Wales U20 tight head prop transferring from Cardiff Met. Tom's younger brother, Jac Pritchard, who is the current Wales U20 tight head, will also join as a Scarlets Academy attached player. Lampeter lock Kai Jones, son of former Drover Ceirian Jones, will also join the team. Jones recently excelled at the U18s International Festival. Full back Sion Jones, a former Junior Drover, will join the club as a Scarlets-attached player. Ioan Thomas and prop Llyr James, key figures in Llandeilo's Welsh Youth Cup final win over Pontypool, will also train with the squad. Thomas was the hero of the day at the Principality Stadium, kicking a last-gasp penalty to secure the win.
Sky News
29-05-2025
- General
- Sky News
Reward for tortoise, 43, thought to have been stolen
A woman in South Wales, whose 43-year-old tortoise is thought to have been stolen, has issued an appeal to help locate him - more than a month since he was last seen. Ann Thatcher, whose tortoise Sesame went missing from his home in Neath, South Wales, is still hoping to be reunited with her beloved pet. The 76-year-old told Sky News Sesame had been part of her family since he was bought in a shop in Cardiff 43 years ago. "He's been through five cats, two dogs, two daughters, four grandchildren and various members of the family who've loved him and now gone, so he really is a family member," she said. "And I just can't believe somebody has taken him like that with no thought or regard for him or for us." Her young grandson is particularly upset at the thought of Sesame having been taken away. Sesame would spend most of his time out in the garden, before he would "toddle off to his little house" in the evening. While police have been informed, there was "very little they can do" without further evidence, Mrs Thatcher said. She is now offering a £500 reward to anyone who reunites her with her pet tortoise. Sesame, who Mrs Thatcher described as "quite a frisky male", damaged his shell last year and requires medication. "After having him, cared for him after all this time, now he's not going to be so well treated," Mrs Thatcher added. "He obviously isn't, because they don't know him. And that's what bothers me now is that, will he even survive?" A change in the law was introduced in England and Northern Ireland last year, meaning that anyone convicted of stealing a pet in those nations could face up to five years in prison - but it only extends to cat and dog abduction. Pet theft is a criminal offence in Wales but is not covered by the Pet Abduction Act introduced last year. "We're talking about a living thing here, not items," said Mrs Thatcher. "He's older than my youngest daughter. He's grown up with so many people, it's just wrong, it's cruel to take him away."
Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Mark Jones dead at 59: Wales rugby star dies after heart attack in gym as touching tributes paid to ‘giant'
REST IN PEACE Mark Jones dead at 59: Wales rugby star dies after heart attack in gym as touching tributes paid to 'giant' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FORMER Wales dual-code rugby international Mark Jones has died suddenly at the age of 59. Wales Rugby League said Jones died of a heart attack while at a gym in the Middle East. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Former Wales No 8 Mark Jones has died at the age of 59 Credit: Mark Jones/Media Wales Neath said news of the death of their former player had left the club "heartbroken" and paid tribute to "a real force of nature". Jones began his senior rugby career in union with local side Tredegar Ironsides before joining Tredegar RFC, then on to Neath in 1985 - at the time one of the powerhouses of Welsh rugby. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.. The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Mark Jones dead at 59: Wales rugby star dies after heart attack in gym as touching tributes paid to ‘giant'
FORMER Wales dual-code rugby international Mark Jones has died suddenly at the age of 59. Wales Rugby League said Jones died of a heart attack while at a gym in the Middle East. 1 Neath said news of the death of their former player had left the club "heartbroken" and paid tribute to "a real force of nature". Jones began his senior rugby career in union with local side Tredegar Ironsides before joining Tredegar RFC, then on to Neath in 1985 - at the time one of the powerhouses of Welsh rugby. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..
The Irish Sun
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Mark Jones dead at 59: Wales rugby star dies after heart attack in gym as touching tributes paid to ‘giant'
FORMER Wales dual-code rugby international Mark Jones has died suddenly at the age of 59. Wales Rugby League said Jones died of a heart attack while at a gym in the Middle East. Advertisement 1 Former Wales No 8 Mark Jones has died at the age of 59 Credit: Mark Jones/Media Wales Neath said news of the death of their former player had left the club "heartbroken" and paid tribute to "a real force of nature". Jones began his senior rugby career in union with local side Tredegar Ironsides before joining Tredegar RFC, then on to Neath in 1985 - at the time one of the powerhouses of Welsh rugby. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.. The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video . Like us on Facebook at Advertisement READ MORE SPORT NEWS
