Latest news with #RhysWilliams
ITV News
5 days ago
- Politics
- ITV News
Cutting deep: Welsh Rugby faces radical reform to reverse sport's decline
There is a desperate battle brewing in the proud rugby nation of Wales, with a U-turn by the Welsh Rugby Union throwing the game into chaos. ITV News Wales Reporter Rhys Williams has more Having punched above its weight for so long, Wales has worn its rugby heritage like a badge of honour. But after a string of disappointing results on the pitch, resignations in the governing body over allegations of misogyny and sexism, and a growing financial crisis, the future of Welsh rugby has never looked more months after pledging to fund the existing four professional clubs, the Welsh Rugby Union is now considering a radical and controversial restructuring of the professional game, including the possibility of halving the number of clubs from four to just two. It's a move that would reshape the sport at its highest level in Wales, but one that's already causing anger and resentment among thousands of has also created enormous uncertainty for the clubs, with the new season due to begin next would be a very bold move. No international team with fewer than four professional clubs has even finished higher than third in the Six Nations Rugby Championship, let alone win CEO Abi Tierney told ITV News today that this is a 'once-in-a-generation chance to get this right for Wales', and acknowledged the urgent need to provide stability and clarity to the game. With clubs facing challenging financial and performance issues, WRC CEO Abi Tierney explains why the reforms are being put forward But the turbulence isn't confined to the pitch. A political row has erupted after Carmarthenshire-based politicians called on the Welsh Government to block the Ospreys' planned redevelopment of the historic St Helen's Ground on Swansea MP and Swansea East MP Carolyn Harris has hit back strongly, calling their behaviour 'underhand.' Meanwhile, Ospreys CEO Lance Bradley told ITV News that it's vital the clubs know what's happening 'as soon as we can,' but said short-term pain could be worth it if it leads to long-term gain for Welsh rugby.'We have to keep our eye on the prize here. What we're all aiming for is to get Welsh rugby, at both national and club level, into a much better place than it is now. That's what we're all working together to try and achieve.''Whatever happens, we're very positive about the future here at St Helen's and to be honest, we can't wait to be in.'The landscape of Welsh rugby looks set to change dramatically. The hope is that bold reform can reverse its the fear remains: cutting teams may only make things worse.
Perth Now
7 days ago
- Business
- Perth Now
New Mini Woolies open to support students with disabilities
South Metropolitan TAFE has teamed up with Woolworths to give students with disabilities hands-on experience at a new training facility on the Mandurah campus. The Mini Woolies initiative provides a fully simulated supermarket environment where students can develop practical retail and customer service skills as part of their vocational education. Mandurah MLA Rhys Williams represented Skills and TAFE minister Amber-Jade Sanderson at the official launch last week and said the initiative was a strong example of inclusive education in action. 'The new Mini Woolies at South Metro TAFE is more than just a training space, it's a stepping stone to future education, employment and independence,' he said. 'Mandurah is proudly leading the way as the most accessible and inclusive city in Western Australia and the new Mini Woolies is another step in creating real opportunities for everyone in our community.' Ms Sanderson said the experience would help build the confidence and skills needed for students to move into further training and employment. 'It's another way our TAFE sector is providing training opportunities for Western Australians,' she said. 'Congratulations to South Metropolitan TAFE and Woolworths on this innovative approach to vocational training.'
Perth Now
29-07-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Million-dollar upgrade coming to WA beach
The City of Mandurah has received a $1.32 million grant from the State Government's 2025-26 CoastWA program to upgrade the Town Beach seawall and improve protection against coastal erosion. Mayor Caroline Knight said the seawall was first built in the late 1990s. 'The Town Beach seawall has been prone to damage during storms, posing safety risks to the community and threatening nearby infrastructure,' she said. 'Over the years we've had to carry out multiple emergency repairs, so this upgrade will stop the patch jobs and provide a long-term solution.' Ms Knight said work on the seawall would reinforce the 200m stretch of seawall in front of the Town Beach carpark on Breakwater Parade, along the front of Seashells Resort, and up to the other Town Beach carpark off Dolphin Drive, with works beginning early next year. The current seawall is about 380m long and is constructed from limestone rock. 'Town Beach is one of Mandurah's most exposed coastal locations — this will protect vital community assets including a dual-use path, carparks and the Seashells Resort,' Ms Knight said. 'We want to ensure Town Beach continues to be safe, accessible and enjoyed by locals and visitors for generations to come. 'We're proud to be working with the State Government to protect the places that people love.' City of Mandurah CEO Casey Mihovilovich and Mandurah MLA Rhys Williams. Credit: Supplied Mandurah MLA Rhys Williams said the funding was an investment in practical, climate-smart infrastructure that would keep Town Beach safe and vibrant for decades to come. 'Town Beach is one of the community's favourite gathering spots, yet its ageing seawall has been flirting with failure for years,' he said. 'This funding means we can shore up the wall and avoid the heartbreaking beach closures we've seen elsewhere when infrastructures gives way.' Since 2020, the CoastWA grants program has invested more than $25.4m across 246 coastal projects to combat the impact of a changing climate on WA's coastline. This year, more than $3m will be shared across 27 projects to safeguard WA's coastline from critical coastal hazards. Among the work in Mandurah, other key projects include renourishment to the City of Wanneroo's Quinns Beach and Yanchep Lagoon, dune stabilisation along Perth's northern coastline and a review of the Shire of Ashburton's Onslow Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan. The State Government will also provide one-off emergency funding to the Shire of Gingin in response to rapid erosion threatening Lancelin coastlines. Sand erosion near the Lancelin Sands Hotel, with tens of metres of sand washed away this year. Credit: 7NEWS Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said continuing to find ways to protect and build WA's beaches and foreshores was vital. 'This latest round of CoastWA grants will support the development of important management plans and implementation of on-ground projects to deliver long term outcomes for our coastline,' she said. Planning and Lands Minister John Carey said the grants supported existing coastal planning and management strategies for diverse and fragile coastal areas. 'The grants are part of our government's $33.5m commitment to protect and maintain WA's spectacular 20,000 km coastline,' he said. 'The success of CoastalWA is heavily driven by the ongoing partnerships with local governments and community groups.'
Perth Now
08-07-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
Mandurah charity looking for breakfast donations
More children than ever are starting their school day with a nutritious meal thanks to Mandurah charity WestAus Healthy Breakfast Club. The Healthy Breakfast Club served more than 16,660 breakfasts in Term 1 alone, operating across 12 schools in Mandurah and Pinjarra, and helping ensure thousands of local students don't start their day hungry. WestAus Crisis chief executive Lynn Rodgers said she expected the program would hit 20,000 breakfast donations in Term 2. 'Because of the increase in children accessing the breakfast club, we need more than what we're getting and anything is most welcome,' she said. Mandurah MLA Rhys Williams, WestAus Crisis CEO Lynn Rodgers and Dawesville MLA Lisa Munday. Credit: Supplied Demand is expected to grow further throughout the year and Ms Rodgers is calling on the community for donations to support the program, particularly essential supplies such as margarine, fruit juice and Milo. 'We run the breakfast club so students can concentrate in class and retain the knowledge they are learning,' Ms Rodgers said. 'The program is largely unfunded, relying heavily on community donations, so even the basics make a real difference.' Mandurah MLA Rhys Williams and Dawesville MLA Lisa Munday have joined the campaign this year to raise awareness and encourage community contributions. 'A good breakfast is critical for coming to school ready to learn, which the Healthy Breakfast Club is all about, so I really encourage people to get behind the call for donations,' Mr Williams said. Drop-off points for donations are now available at both Mr Williams and Ms Munday's electorate offices.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Japanese schoolchildren sing brilliant Welsh anthem to Wales players
More than 100 Japanese schoolchildren performed a pitch-perfect rendition of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau for a group of Wales internationals in Kitakyushu on Wednesday. Ahead of the first Test at Mikuni World Stadium on Saturday, Wales captain Dewi Lake, along with Tommy Reffell and Rhodri Williams, visited Shinozaki Junior High School on Wednesday as part of a series of events to mark the visit of the Welsh national team. The city in Japan's Fukuoka Prefecture was the training base of Wales during the 2019 World Cup, with the locals essentially adopting the side as their favourite team. Advertisement Remarkably, that bond still remains six years on, with Wales receiving a rousing welcome when they arrived here last week. READ MORE: Today's rugby news as Lions name new team after 'desperately sad' news shocks tourists READ MORE: How to watch Lions v Queensland Reds on TV - channel and UK kick-off time However, no sight better represented the affection held for Welsh rugby in this city than the anthem by the schoolchildren on Wednesday morning. As part of a visit to the school by the Welsh Rugby Union, the group of children sang a stirring rendition of the anthem for the Wales stars, with former internationals Rhys Williams and Siwan Lillicrap also present. Advertisement "It was incredible to hear more than 100 children singing our national anthem in Welsh after they had been practising every day for a long time," said Williams, who is now the WRU's head of commercial. "It feels like a bit of Wales is here. We created a huge legacy programme back in 2019. "This is the first time we have had the chance to come back to Japan and especially Kitakyushu. The relationship we have with the city is unbelievable." As part of the visit, Lake, Reffell and Williams took part in passing drills, while each pupil received a Wales hat as a gift. The school was also presented with a signed Wales shirt. The school returned the favour with a gift of their own to the WRU, with a decorative item featuring the kanji for 'kokoro' - the Japanese word for 'heart', as well as the Welsh word for it too, 'calon'. "We were speaking to people last night and they think the majority of the crowd will be backing Wales," added Williams. "We hope that is the case." Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack for the exclusive five-week tour diary from Japan and Australia. There is an expectation that local support could be in Wales' favour, with assistant coach T. Rhys Thomas being asked about that likelihood by a local journalist. "We are hoping there are going to be a big percentage of the crowd supporting us," he said. "We feel the support and really appreciate it and it is a big thank you from all the players and staff. "It will be interesting to see who people are supporting but hopefully we can inspire people to give us a good atmosphere." Wales No. 8 Aaron Wainwright was one of a handful of the current squad who were in Kitakyushu back in 2019. "It is nice to be back," he said. "We have seen a lot of Welsh and Japanese fans on the streets over the last few days and had a chance to speak to them. "I met some people I met in 2019 so it's nice to catch up with them. "It's good to come back and take more in than maybe I did in 2019. When I came here six years ago I was not sure what to expect but those open training sessions we had at a packed stadium with the guys chanting and singing the anthem was surreal and I am hoping for the same on the weekend. "We had a big welcome when we arrived and a few of the boys were quite taken aback because it was probably something we had not experienced before and I was trying to explain what it was like in 2019 and how big that World Cup was. "We went for a team walk and we had some of the guys coming up to a few of the boys and asking for photos and autographs with some of the boys taken aback by how much support we have here and a lot of that comes from the World Cup."
