Latest news with #Steffan
Wales Online
18 hours ago
- Business
- Wales Online
What's going on behind the scenes in Welsh rugby as direction of travel now clear
What's going on behind the scenes in Welsh rugby as direction of travel now clear There is a growing realisation the four team model has no future, with a reduction to two now being discussed Welsh rugby's difficult decisions are in the process of being made (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) In the latest edition of the Inside Welsh Rugby newsletter, Steffan Thomas gives an update on where things are at behind the scenes as the future continues to be decided. Last week's latest Professional Rugby Board meeting saw the WRU and regions come together and, while no major decisions were made, things are starting to become clearer, with a series of WRU board meetings over the coming weeks likely to move us on to the next stage. The union's aim is to work collaboratively with the four clubs to thrash out what the future looks like, but there is a growing realisation that four teams are simply not feasible, even on a tiered funding model. That, of course, makes things difficult. The full newsletter is available to subscribers in full here and you can sign up here to read it. Steffan says: "As Wales prepare for a summer Test series in Japan and the British & Irish Lions jet off to Australia, high level talks continue between the Welsh Rugby Union and its four professional clubs - Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets. Article continues below "The Professional Rugby Board (PRB) met last Wednesday to discuss the future direction of the professional game in Wales. WalesOnline understands no consensus was reached, with the WRU outlining the potential scenarios facing the professional game in Wales. "The three options are a reduction to three or two teams and a tiered funding model where two clubs receive significantly higher funding than the other two. Due to the Ospreys and Scarlets refusing to sign PRA25 because of concerns the WRU would turn Cardiff into a 'super region' after acquiring the capital city club, there will be a tiered funding system for the 2025/26 season. "But this is not a long-term solution and WalesOnline understands there is a desire within the upper echelons of Welsh rugby to reduce the number of professional clubs, with two actually looking more likely than three at this moment in time." Article continues below Read the full story on what's happening, the full options and how it will be resolved by subscribing here. Inside Welsh Rugby is a weekly newsletter which gets under the skin of the game in Wales, attempting to get to the heart of the issues and biggest stories. Sign up here
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Yahoo
Loved ones of Midland man killed in crash launch fundraiser to help surviving family
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Loved ones of a Midland man killed earlier this week in a crash off of Interstate 20 have launched a fundraiser to help his wife and children through their loss. 29-year-old Robert Steffan Mick was killed January 27 when he collided with a semi-truck, investigators with the Texas Department of Public Safety said. Now his friends have rallied around the surviving family. RELATED: Midland man killed in Midland Co crash off I-20 'He was a beloved husband, father, son, and friend whose life was cut far too short. Steffan leaves behind his loving wife, Kayla, and their two beautiful children: a one-year-old son and an almost three-year-old daughter, who now face a future without their devoted husband and father. Steffan and Kayla shared a deep love and partnership, working together to provide a happy and stable life for their young family. This heartbreaking loss has left Kayla to carry the weight of raising their children while grieving the loss of her soulmate. We are asking for your help during this incredibly difficult time. Any donation, no matter how small, will go directly to assisting with funeral expenses, providing for the immediate needs of Kayla and the children, and helping ensure stability for their future. Your kindness and generosity will mean the world to Kayla and the family as they navigate this unimaginable loss. If you're unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser to help spread the word. Thank you for your support, prayers, and love during this heartbreaking time,' Mary Morris, of Odessa, said of the tragedy in a Gofundme launched this week. If you'd like to help, you'll find the fundraiser here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
