Latest news with #Scarlets'
Wales Online
31-05-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
GP told parents their eight-year-old son's cancer was 'just growing pains'
GP told parents their eight-year-old son's cancer was 'just growing pains' 'We knew it was more than just growing pains, and we had to fight to physically see a GP. Eventually when we got to see a doctor they referred us straight away to our local hospital' Frazer (left), who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of eight, and his brother Nathan In 2023, proud parents Steph and Jordan were told one of the most awful things a parent can hear - their eight-year-old son had cancer. In the weeks leading up to his diagnosis, Frazer had been complaining to his parents of leg pain, so they took him to the GP who diagnosed him with "growing pains." Though as the weeks went by, the so-called "growing pains" were not going away, and both Steph and Jordan knew it was something a lot more serious. "Frazer is, and was, a really active little boy," said mum Steph, 36. "He'd be running across the football field fine and then on the way back he would have a little limp, and complained of pain in his knee. Stay informed on Carms news by signing up to our newsletter here . On December 12, 2023, we were supposed to have a GP appointment but they ended up cancelling it. At the time, Frazer was playing rugby at the Scarlets' stadium in Llanelli, and he again complained of pain but said he did not want to stop playing. "We knew it was more than just growing pains, and we had to fight to physically see a GP. Eventually when we got to see a doctor they referred us straight away to our local hospital, Glangwili in Camarthen. "Following an X ray and a CT scan, the hospital said they thought he had an infection in his knee, possibly an abscess, that needed to be drained straight away. Overnight we were transferred to Noah's Ark in Cardiff and in the morning Frazer would be going in for surgery to drain the 'abscess.'" Frazer on his ninth birthday After the surgery, the surgeon said something did not seem right and a biopsy was performed the next day. At this point, father-of-two Jordan described how Frazer was in a lot of pain and could not walk. After a gruelling two week wait in a hospital an hour and a half away from home, two days before Christmas, on December 23, 2023, Steph and Jordan received the call that it was "highly likely" Frazer had osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. They chose to keep this news to themselves, to ensure their sons Nathan and Frazer had a normal and happy Christmas. "It ruined us, it broke our hearts," said Jordan. "But we chose to run a normal Christmas with our families and the kids, and not tell anyone, as we were holding onto the hope that it was going to be that slim chance that they had got it wrong and it was just an infection." After Christmas, in January, the results of a third biopsy that was done at Birmingham Children's Hospital confirmed that Frazer had cancer. In the face of such a daunting diagnosis, Frazer's parents say he showed incredible bravery. He began chemotherapy almost immediately, but after three rounds it became clear the treatment wasn't working. The only option was an above-the-knee amputation. A family photo after Frazer's amputation "Frazer was in school when we found out it was definitely cancer," said Jordan. "We collected him and his younger brother, and found ourselves having to break the news to them. "We started by telling him there was a chance he would lose his hair, which obviously upset him, and that we were going back to hospital where he will be having some more operations and some medicine." Mum Steph remembered: "On the April 29, 2024, Frazer had his leg amputated. He was up the next day doing physio and we were home within 4 days. "Frazer was straight back to chemo and went on for another four rounds of new intense chemotherapy, weekly immunotherapy treatment and on his two day breaks he was undergoing physio for his new prosthetic leg. Frazer had his last chemo and received his prosthetic leg the day before his birthday at the end of October 2024. "He continued to have weekly immunotherapy treatment until this January, which is when we found out he had a lymph node on his lung. He then had thoracic surgery in The Royal Brompton Hospital in London. "Frazer picked up an infection which resulted in him being in intensive care but thankfully by the end of February he made a full recovery. He is now receiving scans every three months but is back in school with his friends and once again enjoying his childhood. "Exceeding all our expectations, a year after Frazer had his leg amputated he is back playing football for our local team, back swimming, playing the drums and he even took part in his schools sports day. "The support from friends, family, Frazer's school and the community has been unbelievable. Frazer is such a strong, positive and determined little boy, we can't wait to see what he achieves next. We couldn't be prouder." Mum Steph, dad Jordan, and younger brother, Nathan, aged seven, never left Frazer's side. Steph said: "Frazer has been an inspiration to us all. He amazes us every single day. It feels like we've got Frazer back again. He's turned back into a kid again." Throughout it all, Frazer remained a positive ray of light to everyone he came across. His dad recalled shaving off his hair alongside Frazer, and Frazer being annoyed because he did not want his dad to lose his hair as well. Meanwhile, Frazer and his younger brother Nathan brought joy to the Rainbow ward in Noah's Ark Children's Hospital, handing out "positivity potatoes" to the children and staff. Frazer (left) on an adapted Segway with his younger brother Nathan (right) Though Frazer's diagnosis forced him to grow up early and endure pain no child should ever have to, Frazer has come out the other side of a life-changing diagnosis as a "happy" and "cheeky" child who is "still fighting." The Noah's Ark Children's Hospital Charity in Cardiff is hosting a Superhero 5K Fun Day on Sunday, June 22, in Sofia Gardens, and have labelled Frazer as one of their superheroes. He hopes to complete as much of the 5k unaided as possible. "We are so grateful to Noah's Ark for making our stay in hospital fun - Frazer's favourite times being pizza nights and a visit from the balloon maker," said Steph and Jordan. Article continues below "They were always providing new and fun ways to keep the children happy and occupied. Please donate to them so they continue to offer their amazing support to the children and families at Noah's Ark Hospital. "Frazer wants to thank Noah's ark by raising as much money as possible. He is training for the 5k by going on walks and using a walking machine to be able to walk as much of the 5k as possible." To donate to Frazer's campaign you can click here, or for more information or to register for the 5k event, visit Noah's Ark's charity page.
Wales Online
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Wayne Pivac's brilliant one-liner turned match on its head in 'best team talk ever'
Wayne Pivac's brilliant one-liner turned match on its head in 'best team talk ever' The New Zealander delivered a half-time team talk that got his side over the line One sentence from Wayne Pivac was enough to motivate his players (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) Wales international Rhys Patchell has revealed a comical one-liner from Wayne Pivac inspired Scarlets to a famous victory. Patchell appeared as a guest on the latest episode of BBC Scrum V's The Warm Up alongside Lauren Jenkins, Ellis Jenkins and Alex Cuthbert. The 32-year-old rugby star spoke about Scarlets' famous semi-final win over Irish heavyweights Leinster in 2017. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Of course, that was the year the west Walians clinched the Pro12 title against Munster at the Aviva Stadium in a thrilling finale. However, prior to that, they had secured arguably an even more impressive win against the Dublin-based province. Facing Leinster in a decisive second half wasn't the only challenge for them, with winger Steff Evans being sent off for a tip-tackle before the break and leaving the Llanelli side to play the second half with one player fewer. However, this didn't dampen their spirits, as Patchell says. "The best thing that we did," began Patchell. "Was that Lewis Rawlins absolutely drilled Johnny Sexton in the first five minutes and after that, he was always getting rid of the ball early because he didn't want to come to the line, because Lewy hit him that hard. "We came in at half-time, didn't concede, managed the game to half-time, came in, Byron Hayward comes up with a plan. "Right, we're going to stick Cubby (James Davies) on the wing, on scrum defence, and otherwise, we're just going to have to work really hard in the backfields at all other times. "And Pivac's best-ever half-time team talk, the best half-time team talk ever.' "I know what's coming,' said Cuthbert. "Just before we walked out, he pops his head back around,' continues Patchell. "And goes: 'Lads, imagine the night out we're going to have if we win this way'. "We were right in the thick of Cubby's tours and the boys enjoying a beer together and the social aspect of it. "And out (in the) second half, got the job done and it was a pretty good night!" Scarlets would go on to win the match 27-15 thanks to tries from the dismissed Evans, Aaron Shingler and Gareth Davies, with Patchell and Liam Williams knocking over points form the tee. Article continues below Pivac's Scarlets defeated Munster 46-22 in the grand final in Dublin in a nine-try thriller. With Cardiff winning the Challenge Cup in 2018, Scarlets' league victory remains one of the last major trophies a Welsh region has won.
Wales Online
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Form star Warren Gatland never rated gets second chance and is now in straight Wales shootout
Form star Warren Gatland never rated gets second chance and is now in straight Wales shootout Johnny Williams' international career has been reignited The Scarlets' Johnny Williams races clear for a try against the Lions (Image: Sydney Seshibedi/Huw Evans Agency ) When Johnny Williams held court with journalists to preview the Scarlets' derby against the Ospreys last December he was inevitably asked why he had been left out of the Wales squad despite being in a rich vein of form. "It was work rate off the ball," said Williams at the time. "That was the big one for me. With what I was doing and my skill set they were quite happy with. It was my work rate off the ball, kick chasing hard and metres in training. "There's always strings you can add to your bow and you can always look to improve. "A big one for me has been my fitness, involvements in games, speed up off the floor, kick chasing hard and leadership also. I've been quite hard on myself." Williams has certainly had a big impact on the Scarlets' late surge which secured a place in the United Rugby Championship play-offs. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Article continues below In fact it could strongly be argued that if it wasn't for powerful centre Williams and outside-half Sam Costelow returning from injury the Scarlets wouldn't have reached the last eight. Williams and Costelow have dovetailed wonderfully, with the Scarlets' attack functioning far more efficiently as a result. The 28-year-old is a high-impact player who can carry the ball into heavy traffic and make significant post-contact metres. His offloading and footwork have also been top notch but his peripheral vision has improved significantly with Williams now striking the balance between when to carry hard and when to shift the ball wide. Throughout Wales' barren run of 17 straight defeats they have lacked players to consistently cross the gainline, but Williams is in this mould. Despite his obvious qualities Williams has been limited to seven caps for his country with a series of injuries certainly playing its part. Warren Gatland selected Williams in his Rugby World Cup squad in 2023 but he figured just once against Portugal. But from then on Williams was deemed surplus to requirements by Gatland, who preferred the likes of Ben Thomas, Nick Tompkins, Owen Watkin and Max Llewellyn. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free The Scarlets centre was perhaps a little inconsistent at the time but interim Wales head coach Matt Sherratt has opted to include Williams in his squad to tour Japan. At the end of the day selection is a matter of opinion and Williams has been presented with a second chance to prove he can cut it as a high-end, international-class player. Williams was outstanding in the Scarlets' victory over Leinster last month and backed it up with another excellent performance against the Lions in Johannesburg. In Japan this summer, Sherratt will have to decide between Williams and Ben Thomas for the number 12 shirt. Both players are the polar opposite in style, with Thomas in the mould of a southern hemisphere-style second five-eighth, and acts like a second playmaker, while he also provides a kicking option from 12. Thomas is arguably more adaptable to the expansive style of rugby Sherratt is likely to adopt in Japan, plus he is coached by him at Cardiff. But Williams' relationship with Joe Roberts - who will almost certainly start at outside centre - and outside-half Costelow could help his cause. Cohesion is an important factor in any side and given how well the Scarlets backline have played of late this goes in Williams' favour. Japan are also not the biggest of sides so a centre who can crash over the gainline as easily as Williams has to be an option. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here As Williams' journey continues to unfold, his recent resurgence with the Scarlets has not only reignited his international ambitions but also reminded us of the unpredictability of professional rugby. Once seemingly on the fringes, Williams now stands as a key figure in Wales' plans for the upcoming tour to Japan. His blend of power, skill and leadership offers Wales a dynamic option in the centre, particularly with the 2027 World Cup on the horizon. Whether he secures a starting role this summer or not, Williams' ability to adapt and evolve makes him a player worth keeping a close eye on in the years to come. Article continues below In the fast-paced world of rugby, a second chance is a rare gift — and Williams seems determined to make the most of it.
The Citizen
17-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
URC result: Sharks see off Scarlets in low-scoring affair
No tries were scored on the day, the Sharks claiming the win through four penalties to the Scarlets' solitary drop-goal. The Sharks edged out the Scarlets 12–3 in their final United Rugby Championship league phase match, played at Kings Park Stadium on Saturday. It was a low-scoring game that saw no tries scored. Whenever either team found momentum to reach the other's 22, they lost the ball at the breakdown or spilled it forward. The Sharks especially struggled to take their opportunities despite securing more possession and territory. Ultimately, it came down to mistakes and the penalties they conceded – which proved decisive. The match held familial significance as Sharks coach John Plumtree's son, Taine, played at No 8 for Scarlets on the day. He was good in defence but had few attacking opportunities. Sharks and Scarlets both struggle Both teams lacked sharpness at the start and were still scoreless after the first 30 minutes. This, despite a few good drives from the Sharks. The home side finally put points on the board through an easy penalty kick in the 38th minute. As the hooter sounded, Scarlets flyhalf Sam Costelow slotted a drop-goal to make it 3–3 at the break. The beginning of the second half was likewise quiet, the Sharks only securing a penalty kick in the 53rd minute, which Aphelele Fassi slotted to give them a three-point lead. The Sharks brought on four substitutes in the 55th minute. But even they struggled to provide the killing edge they needed. The Sharks extended their lead with another penalty kick in the 68th minute and their fourth in the final minute. All attacks from the Scarlets faltered, and they finished the game with just their drop-goal to speak of. Scorers Sharks: Penalties – Siya Masuku 1/1, Aphelele Fassi 3/3. Scarlets: Drop-goals – Sam Costelow 1/1.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Stormers stun Scarlets with bonus-point win
United Rugby Championship Scarlets (7) 17 Tries: Mee, Nicholas Cons: Lloyd 2 Pens: Lloyd Stormers (15) 29 Tries: Loader, Fourie, Zas, Venter Cons: Feinberg-Mngomezulu 3 Pens: Feinberg-Mngomezulu Scarlets' hopes of a United Rugby Championship play-off place have been hampered by a bonus-point defeat by Stormers in Llanelli. The two sides had started the game on the same amount of points as the battle for the top-eight places intensified. Tries from Ben Loader and Deon Fourie gave Stormers a 12-0 lead before Scarlets responded with scores from Ellis Mee and Ioan Nicholas. Stormers wing Leolin Zas claimed a third try and a final late score from replacement hooker Andre-Hugo Venter ensured the visitors finished with maximum bonus points and left the Scarlets with nothing. There are five rounds left of regular league matches and with the gap between fourth and 15th place in the league so tight, this could prove a pivotal defeat for Dwayne Peel's side. It was a first defeat at home in seven matches for Scarlets, who next face Ospreys in a local derby on Saturday, 29 March. Captain Josh Macleod returned from a hamstring injury that ruled the flanker out of his side's past two defeats against Ulster and Munster. Wales squad internationals Mee, Joe Roberts, Eddie James, Taine Plumtree and Henry Thomas started, but Blair Murray and Tom Rogers missed out through injury. Stormers named eight Springboks in the starting side with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu returning at fly-half and impressing in the victory. It was Scarlets' South African hooker Marnus van der Merwe who provided the Stormers the opening opportunity with a loose kick that the visitors eventually punished when wing Loader dived over. Another handling mistake from Scarlets allowed Stormers to counter-attack for an excellent second try finished by 38-year-old South Africa flanker Fourie as the Stormers exposed some weak home defence. Fourie was forced off the field after being involved in a heavy collision and Scarlets took advantage of the change with a well-worked try finished by Mee that started with a brilliant Sam Lousi line-out take. Scarlets hooker van der Merwe atoned for his earlier error with a couple of crucial defensive interventions. Home prop Alec Hepburn was shown a third yellow card of the season for a no-arms tackle on Feinberg-Mngomezulu who slotted over a penalty to give Stormers an eight-point half-time lead. Scarlets belied their one-man disadvantage early in the second half when full-back Nicholas stretched over after another strong Van der Merwe carry and deft Plumtree offload. Lloyd converted before missing a crucial attacking kicking penalty to touch with the ball going agonisingly dead. Stormers proved more decisive will a simple well worked-try from Zas that exposed the home defence. Lloyd brought back Scarlets to within a score with a penalty before the late intervention from Venter broke the home side's hearts. Scarlets: Ioan Nicholas; Macs Page, Joe Roberts, Eddie James, Ellis Mee; Ioan Lloyd, Gareth Davies; Alec Hepburn, Marnus van der Merwe, Henry Thomas, Alex Craig, Sam Lousi, Vaea Fifita, Josh Macleod (capt), Taine Plumtree. Sin-bin: Hepburn 40. Replacements: Ryan Elias, Kemsley Mathias, Gabe Hawley, Dan Davis, Jarrod Taylor, Archie Hughes, Charlie Titcombe, Tomi Lewis. Stormers: Warrick Gelant; Ben Loader, Wandisile Simelane, Dan du Plessis, Leolin Zas; Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Herschel Jantjies; Ali Vermaak, Joseph Dweba, Frans Malherbe, Salmaan Moerat (capt), Ruben van Heerden, Deon Fourie, Marcel Theunissen, Evan Roos. Replacements: André-Hugo Venter, Brok Harris, Sazi Sandi, Gary Porter, Willie Engelbrecht, Dewaldt Duvenage, Jurie Matthee, Damian Willemse. Referee: Eoghan Cross (IRFU) Assistant referees: Mike English (WRU), Tom Spurrier (WRU) TMO: Olly Hodges (IRFU).
