Wales goalkeeping great Wayne Hennessey has retired from playing.
The 38-year-old’s career lasted almost two decades, during which he played 109 times for Wales – a national record in his position – and was part of the side that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016.
Hennessey made his professional club debut in 2006 for Wolverhampton Wanderers, playing on loan for clubs including Bristol City, Stockport County and Yeovil Town, before permanent moves to Crystal Palace, Burnley and his final club Nottingham Forest.
“I have decided to bring my playing career to an end, I look back with gratitude and forward with optimism as I take the next steps on my footballing journey,” Hennessey said on social media.
Tenby in Pembrokeshire has been named one of the UK’s top 20 best coastal destinations – and it’s easy to see why, with its quaint harbour, sandy beaches and great places to eat
15:08, 15 Jul 2025Updated 15:09, 15 Jul 2025
UK seaside town with pastel-coloured houses and four beautiful beaches(Image: Andrea Pucci via Getty Images)
You don’t have to fly off to a far-flung destination for a stunning beach experience; we’ve got some fantastic seaside spots right here in the UK. One of the most picturesque is Tenby, a charming town in Pembrokeshire.
With its quaint harbour adorned with pastel-hued buildings, four sandy beaches, and an array of delightful eateries, it’s no surprise that it’s been ranked among the top 20 best coastal destinations in the UK by holidaycars.com. The website praised: “Tenby is one of Wales’s most popular seaside towns, but with gorgeous sandy beaches, technicolour cottages, and a delightful harbour, it deserves its recognition.
“The working harbour sees fishing boats come in and out, and the crisp scent of the salty sea is always hanging in the air.
“Its maze-esque streets offer plenty for visitors, including top-notch restaurants, independent boutiques, and galleries. There are also three Blue Flag beaches nearby, and Tenby Castle Beach is a favourite.
The pretty pastel-coloured houses line the harbour at Tenby(Image: Getty Images)
“After exploring Tenby Castle, which sits atop Castle Hill, you can meander back down to the beach for a well-earned ice cream.”
Visit Wales provides a comprehensive list of activities for those visiting Tenby – from enjoying the town’s four beaches, embarking on a fishing trip from the harbour, or taking a trip to the nearby Caldey Island, reports the Express.
It said: “Just 20 minutes away by boat, the holy island of Caldey Island is an oasis of calm where you can watch seabirds or relax on a tiny beach.
Tenby North Beach(Image: Patrick Donovan via Getty Images)
“Owned and run by a community of Cistercian monks, it’s open to the public on summer weekdays and Saturdays.
“Regular boat trips set off from Tenby Harbour (pick up your tickets from the kiosk), taking visitors straight to Priory Beach, a beautiful place for a dip in the sea and the starting point for exploring the island.”
Tenby can be accessed via the A477, turning south onto the A478 at Kilgetty. It’s approximately a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Cardiff.
The town is also well-served by regular bus and train services. The closest airport is Cardiff Airport, roughly 60 miles away, while the busier Bristol Airport is about 88 miles away.
The campsite is nestled among the Rhinog mountains and is just two miles from the best beach in Wales
Lake at Capel Curig, Snowdonia(Image: joe daniel price via Getty Images)
A picturesque Gwynedd campsite, boasting an “out of this world” location, has been crowned as one of Britain’s finest. Situated beside a river and near a waterfall, the woodland retreat in Eryri National Park is described by visitors as possessing a “fairytale ” charm.
Nantcol Waterfalls has earned its place on a list of 150 exceptional sites curated by Campsites.co.uk, which boasts over 3,200 locations. A total of 19 other North Wales campsites also made the cut, showcasing the region’s top-notch staycation offerings.
Set amidst the breathtaking Rhinog mountains, Nantcol Waterfalls campsite is merely two miles from Shell Island, with its golden beaches near Llanbedr recently hailed as the best in Wales by the annual Times and Sunday Times Best UK Beaches guide.
The site is traversed by Afon Nantcol – perfect for paddling, swimming or fishing. Thewaterfall is just 100 metres away.
Rhinog National Nature Reserve, Gwynedd(Image: Charles Hawes via Getty Images)
Beyond tent pitches, the campsite offers glamping pods complete with TV, underfloor heating, WiFi, and firepits available for hire, reports North Wales Live.
Last year, the campsite clinched the title of the UK’s number one, and guests wholeheartedly concur, awarding it a 4.89-star rating.
One visitor remarked: “Only noise you can hear are the birds, river and odd sheep. It really is a peace of paradise, we didn’t want to come home.”
Another enthused: “We’ve officially found our happy place. The site is so well maintained, sustainable, and focused on preserving the beauty of nature.”
Abersoch is a beautiful coastal village on what’s known as the ‘Welsh Riviera’ – boasting sandy beaches, resident dolphins and one of the UK’s best ice cream parlours
Abersoch is a beautiful coastal village on what’s known as the ‘Welsh Riviera’ – boasting sandy beaches, resident dolphins and one of the UK’s best ice cream parlours(Image: wellsie82 via Getty Images)
One of Wales’ best coastal towns, boasting sandy beaches, resident dolphins and a chic ice cream parlour recently crowned as one of the UK’s top spots for ice cream by the Sunday Times, is nestled on the Llŷn Peninsula. Situated on Pen Llŷn, the seaside town of Abersoch is among the most picturesque locations along the Llŷn.
This northwestern Welsh peninsula is brimming with natural splendour, rich cultural heritage, and idyllic beaches. Flanked by the crystal-clear waters of the Irish Sea on one side and Cardigan Bay on the other, this Welsh region offers an ideal alternative to a holiday abroad, complete with a plethora of activities, accommodation options, and independent eateries and cafes.
Visitors can explore remnants of Iron Age forts and islands, expansive stretches of sandy beaches, and numerous charming coastal villages and historical sites.
This coastal bolthole is also renowned for its water sports(Image: Daily Post Wales)
Dubbed the ‘Welsh Riviera,’ Abersoch, located on the southern part of the Llŷn, is renowned for its sandy beaches, internationally acclaimed sailing waters, and a bustling high street lined with trendy bars, restaurants, major brands, and independent shops, reports Wales Online.
Visit on a warm day when the skies are clear and the sea glistens, and you’ll understand why Abersoch draws thousands to this scenic corner of Gwynedd each summer. This coastal hideaway is also famed for its water sports, particularly paddle boarding. If fortune favours, you might even spot resident dolphins gliding through the transparent waters.
The protected bay offers ideal conditions for novice and seasoned paddleboarders alike, with the village staging numerous events and competitions throughout the year, drawing enthusiasts from across the UK.
You can reserve a SUP session through Abersoch Watersports, where skilled instructors will lead you around the stunning coastline, highlighting marine wildlife and coastal landmarks.
Beautiful Porth Ceiriad beach lies on a remote stretch of coastline on the Llŷn Peninsula(Image: Google)
Fresh to paddle boarding? You can plunge into the #SUP lifestyle and master paddle boarding with their ISA-certified instructors using premium Red Paddle Co paddleboards.
You’ll receive coaching in the bay and master proper paddle methods to boost confidence and enhance your SUP abilities so you can emerge from the water and begin searching for dolphins.
Another major attraction in the town is the expansive sandy shoreline, which the AA has previously recognised as one of the ‘finest seaside destinations’.
The AA characterised Abersoch Beach as a scenic Welsh location: “The top place goes to this sandy beach, which is dog-friendly and also manned by lifeguards. There are two nearby tourist attractions: the Porth y Swnt Interpretation Centre and Nant Gwrtheyrn, which is home to the National Welsh Language and Heritage Centre.”
Close by sits Harbour Beach, a stretch of sand along the River Soch nestled between the harbour and Warren Beach. For those seeking adventure, Porth Ceiriad is an isolated beach that can prove challenging to locate.
Despite its proximity to the bustling Abersoch, this heavenly location stays relatively undiscovered, something that devoted visitors surely cherish. According to North Wales Live, its misleading nearness to Abersoch and the surrounding clifftops contribute to the enigma of locating this hidden gem.
The quest to uncover Porth Ceiriad has become legendary amongst locals. It gained the nickname “Porth Ceiriad Mystery Tour” due to the peculiar phenomenon of vanishing holidaymakers misguided by faulty Satnav systems and baffling maps.
Following your exploration of Abersoch’s stunning shores and coastline, be sure to treat yourself to ice cream at Two Islands, a artisanal ice cream parlour recently crowned as one of Wales’ finest frozen dessert destinations.
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Both residents and visitors have been singing the praises of this delightful ice cream haven since its 2018 launch, and the Sunday Times has now bestowed its official endorsement. Their journalists declared it amongst the premier locations for a cornet and advised readers, “Don’t miss the raspberry ripple.”
Jack Pollitt from Two Islands Ice Cream in Abersoch(Image: Daily Post Wales)
This artisanal ice cream parlour crafts their frozen treats on the premises using regional and natural components, including Welsh free-range eggs and organic and fair-trade ingredients sourced from SUMA, a cooperative that champions exemplary and equitable employment practices. Taking a leaf out of the book from ice cream parlours they visited on the west coast of America, this small enterprise is on a mission to whip up indulgent textures and innovative flavours, all with a nod to their Welsh roots.
Their dynamic menu is a testament to their commitment to seasonal produce, but rest assured, you’ll always encounter a quirky twist on some classic favourites. The Salted Coffee flavour is a hit among Two Islands fans, boasting a unique fusion of Coaltown espresso and HALEN MôN sea salt, while the mascarpone and blackcurrant combo becomes an instant highlight whenever it features.
Two Islands doesn’t just serve up delicious treats; they’re also dedicated to green practices: “Everything they are involved in – from pod picking to package recycling – is as sustainable, ethical and conscientious as possible.”
Proudly proclaiming on their website, “We use real vanilla from LITTLE POD,” they celebrate the independent company’s recognition with the Queen’s Enterprise Award for sustainability.
Wales’ men qualifying for Euro 2016, their first major finals in 58-years, has transformed the way football has been viewed in Wales ever since.
Once undisputedly a rugby country, Wales’ men’s side are more than used to seeing ‘sold out’ signs at the Cardiff City Stadium and it is now more of a talking point when Wales don’t qualify for a major finals than when they do.
The fervour of that support has not, however, translated to the women’s side, until now.
Wales sold more tickets than two of their Euro 2025 group D opponents, Netherlands and France, with the Red Wall showing a commitment to Rhian Wilkinson’s side that has previously been missing.
Many supporters in Switzerland have attended their first women’s football matches and the hope is that the visibility of the tournament will add interest in the women’s game, with boss Rhian Wilkinson previously expressing disappointment that supporters prioritise watching the men’s side.
The Welsh support in Switzerland has caught people’s attention, both inside and outside of the Wales camp.
“The fans have been loving it, they have been superb this whole journey, they have been our 12th person,” captain Angharad James reflected.
“The fans have given us so many special moments with the noise they have created, there have been times when all we’ve seen and heard is that Red Wall, just a sea of red.
“Wales have been by far the best crowd that I’ve seen out in this Euros.”
Wales’ cap centurion Sophie Ingle revealed that after Wales defeat by the Netherlands, her former Chelsea teammate, Wieke Kaptein, messaged her to say how moving she found the rendition of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau.
Wales will now hope that support will translate to bigger crowds for home matches, with Wales’ record attendance still not having even reached the 20,000 mark.
“Hopefully that’s what it’s going to do in so many ways,” former Wales defender Danny Gabbidon said.
“The game is growing. Football now is the most popular sport that girls are playing in Wales.
“That process has started, but it needs to continue. This is just the start for this team.”
Replacements: Hayate Era, Sena Kimura, Shuhei Takeuchi, Waisake Raratubua, Ben Gunter, Shinobu Fujiwara, Sam Greene, Kazema Ueda.
Wales: Blair Murray; Tom Rogers, Johnny Williams, Ben Thomas, Josh Adams; Dan Edwards, Kieran Hardy; Nicky Smith, Dewi Lake (capt), Archie Griffin, Freddie Thomas, Teddy Williams, Alex Mann, Josh Macleod, Aaron Wainwright.
Replacements: Liam Belcher, Gareth Thomas, Chris Coleman, James Ratti, Taine Plumtree, Tommy Reffell, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Keelan Giles.
Referee: Luke Pearce (RFU)
Assistant Referees: Karl Dickson (RFU), Damian Schneider (UAR)
Television Match Official (TMO): Glenn Newman (NZR).
A survey of 1,700 holidaymakers has revealed some of the best and worst of British holiday park breaks
04:00, 12 Jul 2025Updated 10:39, 12 Jul 2025
Pontins – who were bottom of the list – have closed locations including Camber Sands in East Sussex(Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)
A survey by Which? has revealed some of the best and worst holiday parks in the UK for 2025, with well-known brands such as Haven and Center Parcs losing out to lesser-known providers.
The survey was completed by 1,700 Which? members who were asked to rate their experiences in UK holiday parks and resorts. Respondents were asked to rank details from the cleanliness of the park to the quality of their accommodation, variety of free activities on offer, and the overall value for money of their holiday.
Topping the chart for “customer score” was Potters Resorts, which offer all-inclusive holidays at two resorts based in Essex and Norfolk. While it’s an adults-only resort most of the year, children are allowed during the summer holidays in Norfolk. Potters scored an impressive 87%, with an impressive five-stars for quality of facilities and accommodation, and a perfect score for the variety of free activities on offer.
Potters Resorts have two locations including the beautiful Hopton-on-Sea in Norfolk(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Although Potters is the most expensive of the parks included in the Which? survey, the price includes all food and drink, activities that range from pickleball to archery and evening entertainment which is described as ‘West End’ quality, netting the parks a four-star rating for value for money.
Forest Holidays came in second, with an overall customer score of 80%. The brand has eight parks in England, three in Scotland, and two in Wales, with rural locations and accommodation such as log cabins and treehouses. Customers gave positive feedback for the quality of the accommodation and cleanliness, although they only got three-stars for value for money.
Another winner was Bluestone Wales, which is set in picturesque Pembrokeshire. Bluestone offers luxury lodges and cottages, also scoring highly for the quality of accommodation on offer. While they scored well for the variety of children’s activities on offer and the entertainment, they also scored three-stars for value for money, giving them an overall score of 77%.
Forest Holidays clinched second place(Image: Leicester Mercury)
Pontins are yet again at the bottom of the chart, having also come bottom in 2024. The brand only has one holiday park that’s currently open to guests, the adults-only Sand Bay Holiday Village in Weston-Super-Mare. Their other two parks in Burnham on Sea, Somerset and Pakefield, Suffolk are temporarily closed in order to house construction workers.
Scoring just 56% for customer satisfaction, Pontins scored just two-stars in most areas and, despite being the cheapest option, customers still felt they received poor value for money.
Sand Bay near Weston-Super-Mare is the only Pontins currently open to the public(Image: Rowan Griffiths)
In a Tripadvisor review of their Pakefield park, one customer said: “Worst place I have ever visited, chalet was old unkempt and dirty, holes in sheets, beds pushed together with terrible matress and pillows, to shower you had to keep pushing a button in, it leaked all over the floor”.
Another complained: “Rooms are shabby and quite dirty. Dirt on the baseboards, cobwebs in the corners and behind doors, our shower curtain had pink mold growing along the bottom seam, clearly not laundered between guests.”
However, there were positive reviews of the Pontins experience. One said: “We went beginning of October had a brilliant week! Food was great, swimming pool was really good and for the price you really can’t get any better!”
And many reviews praised the entertainment on offer, with one saying: “The Bluecoats show Vegas was amazing! They are all so talented and are always doing some activity or joining in on the dance floor and having a laugh or chatting with people.”
Away Resorts have 25 family-friendly resorts including one in Newquay(Image: William Dax / SWNS)
The bottom of the list also included Largo Leisure Parks, a chain of six parks in Scotland, who scored 64%. However, it’s worth noting they had a small sample size of just 30 respondents who had visited their parks.
A spokesperson for Largo Leisure said: “Whilst this is of course disappointing, this relates to only 30 people who were surveyed about Largo Leisure over 12 months ago. On both TripAdvisor and Google Reviews, where we have thousands of reviews for each of our six Scotland holiday parks, all of them are rated 4.3 or above out of 5.
“We regularly get 5 star reviews on both TripAdvisor and Google reviews and we would encourage people to take a look on both to see a true reflection of the guest experiences at our parks. We are very proud of our track record for providing exceptional holidays for our guests but we never stop trying to improve. We are enjoying a busy year across all our parks and if people read the online reviews they will see why.”
Away Resorts had the same score. They have 25 parks across the UK, including the popular south-west of England area and the Isle of Wight.
Away Resorts got just two stars for value for money, despite offering a wide range of accommodation from caravans and glamping to luxury lodges. They also scored poorly for customer service, but received three-stars for cleanliness and quality of accommodation.
The most popular holiday park provider in the survey was Center Parcs, which scored 69%, putting it neck and neck with Haven. While it scored well for the quality of its facilities and accommodation, it received low scores for the variety of free activities on offer and overall value for money. It was the third most expensive on the list, coming in after Potters and Warner Leisure Villages, who offer adults-only breaks.
Center Parcs in Elveden Forest – their parks received high scores for quality but were described as ‘expensive’(Image: Publicity Picture)
One Which? member wrote: “Very expensive for what it is. Accomodation excellent, apart from the oasis pool, everything was extra. Staff were very helpful and the children enjoyed their stay. I will not be going back.”
Haven, who have 38 parks across the UK, scored the same percentage as Center Parcs, although they did get three stars for value for money. Which? readers gave them two star scores for food and drink and the variety of free activities on offer.
Best and worst holiday parks in the UK ranked by customer score
Potters Resorts 87%
Forest Holidays 80%
Bluestone Wales 77%
John Fowler Holiday Parks 77%
Hoburne Holidays 75%
Hoseasons 74%
Waterside Holiday Group 74%
Warner Leisure Villages 71%
Center Parcs 69%
Haven Holiday Parks 69%
Parkdean Resorts 68%
Butlins 67%
Park Holidays UK 66%
Away Resorts 64%
Largo Leisure Parks 64%
Pontins 56%
Pontins, Away Resorts, Park Holidays, Butlins, Center Parcs, and Haven have been approached for comment.
Hout Bay in Cape Town is a stunning seaside spot that’s a must-visit for anyone travelling to South Africa – but there’s a near-perfect alternative much closer to home
Porthdinllaen has been named as a perfect dupe for South Africa’s Hout Bay(Image: R A Kearton/Getty Images)
A Welsh coastal gem bears a striking resemblance to the breathtaking Hout Bay in Cape Town, South Africa.
With its spectacular scenery and crystal-clear azure waters, Hout Bay has established itself as an essential destination for travellers exploring South Africa. Yet there’s a remarkably similar shoreline much nearer to home for holidaymakers seeking an affordable getaway.
North Wales’s Porthdinllaen, featuring the magnificent Morfa Nefyn Beach, serves as Britain’s answer to Hout Bay, according to staycation specialists at holidaycottages.co.uk.
Both Porthdinllaen and Hout Bay are enchanting coastal settlements renowned for their golden sandy shores and dramatic clifftops, each boasting a lively local character with thriving harbours.
Hout Bay in Cape Town has a dupe quite a bit closer to home(Image: Getty Images)
Porthdinllaen, much like its South African counterpart, provides an ideal spot for wildlife observation, and whilst you won’t encounter any penguins as some fortunate Hout Bay visitors have, there’s still an abundance of creatures to discover, including seals, sand martins, and oystercatchers.
The Welsh coastal destination also appeals to those eager to enjoy a dip in the ocean or participate in more thrilling water activities such as kayaking and snorkelling.
Visitors to Porthdinllaen must make sure to grab a bite at The Ty Coch Inn, a quaint red-brick establishment situated on its own stretch of sandy coastline, which has been described as “world-class” and “magical” by guests. Dog owners will be chuffed to hear that Morfa Nefyn is a dog-friendly beach, but do remember to keep your furry friend on a lead near the Ty Coch area.
Porthdinllaen is the perfect location for wildlife watching(Image: Jason Wells/Getty Images)
The beach has been showered with praise on TripAdvisor, with one holidaymaker commenting: “Fantastic views, beautiful beach. Ideal for kayaking and paddle boarding. Lovely pub on the beach selling good homemade food. Naturally gets busy at peak times, bank holidays etc.”
Another visitor remarked: “I thought that this was a particularly good beach. It had sand, sea, boats, old buildings and mountainous views. It is definitely worth a go, if you are out that way.”
A third reviewer shared: “We were staying in a nearby holiday cottage and had a quiet, scenic, pleasant walk on a January morning. With it being out of season, it was pleasant having the entire place to ourselves for the walk. Would be lovely to visit again in better weather and with a picnic.”
Brits worry a popular seaside town will meet its demise following the announcement that its biggest attraction is slated to be bulldozed down due to a new council development
The move has been described as the ‘end of an era’(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
Fears a beloved seaside resort will turn into a ‘ghost town’ have emerged, following the closure of a century-old attraction.
Situated on the stunning Welsh coastline, some 25 miles west of Cardiff, lies the coastal gem of Porthcawl. Neighbouring the Kenfig National Nature Reserve, and home to miles of soft golden sand, it is an ideal base to explore the country’s rich wildlife and pristine beaches. But, Porthcawl’s biggest claim to fame is its Coney Beach Pleasure Park.
Opening up back in 1920, the fun fair enthralled thousands of tourists back in its heyday, thanks to its eclectic range of stomach-churning rides and food vendors. But in a move that has been described as the ‘end of an era’, Coney Park is slated to shut its doors for good – giving Brits just three months to experience the dodgems, go karts, flying cars and tea cups for one last time.
Coney Beach is closing in October, its owners have confirmed(Image: John Myers)
The announcement follows a consultation back in February, where Bridgend council and the Welsh government unveiled plans to redevelop the waterfront. The transformation will see up to 1,1000 new homes replace the theme park, along with shops, restaurants, and the extension of boardwalks and green spaces.
“It is with heavy hearts we would like to share with you personally that this season at Coney Beach will be our last,” the owners of the pleasure park wrote on Facebook. “We will be closing our gates for the final time this October.
The theme park is being turned into a huge housing development(Image: John Myers)
“It’s the end of an era, for over one hundred years we and other showmen and their families have lived and worked in Porthcawl, helping to make it a busy seaside destination. Bringing fun, laughter, and fond memories to so many. We will miss it greatly, and while we are sad to see our time here come to an end, we are forever grateful to have had the opportunity to have been part of so many generations of families’ lives, young and old.”
Thousands of Brits flocked to the comments section to share their fond memories of the park, with many saying they’ll miss the ‘doughnut man’. Others argued the theme park’s closure will have a negative impact on Porthcawl, with one user stating: “It will not be the same without the fairground.
Locals worry the town will suffer when the theme park closes(Image: John Myers)
“Porthcawl will have nothing to go down there for, only the beach, shop, and pub. The fairground made the attraction.” Another agreed, commenting: “I think there will be a negative impact on tourism for Porthcawl. The fairground has been integral to its success,” while a third added: “It really needs to stay otherwise Porthcawl will be a ghost town.”
However, others welcomed change, with one user arguing: “Times change and things move on, and Porthcawl has to. It’s been coming for years, so it shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. The days of fairgrounds are long gone; people want different things today. Porthcawl will survive; there is a lot more here than just a funfair.
Responding to the backlash, a spokesperson for the Welsh Government said: “Porthcawl is a popular tourist destination for numerous reasons, including its beautiful Blue Flag beaches and vibrant seafront attractions. The acquisition of the land represents a significant investment in the area’s future, creating new opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors whilst respecting the town’s heritage as a cherished seaside destination.”
The Mirror has also approached Bridgend County Borough Council for comment.
Do you think Coney Beach should be turned into houses? Let us know in the comments section below
Replacements: Hayate Era, Sena Kimura, Shuhei Takeuchi, Waisake Raratubua, Ben Gunter, Shinobu Fujiwara, Sam Greene, Kazema Ueda.
Wales: Blair Murray; Tom Rogers, Johnny Williams, Ben Thomas, Josh Adams; Dan Edwards, Kieran Hardy; Nicky Smith, Dewi Lake (capt), Archie Griffin, Freddie Thomas, Teddy Williams, Alex Mann, Josh Macleod, Aaron Wainwright.
Replacements: Liam Belcher, Gareth Thomas, Chris Coleman, James Ratti, Taine Plumtree, Tommy Reffell, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Keelan Giles.
Referee: Luke Pearce (RFU)
Assistant Referees: Karl Dickson (RFU), Damian Schneider (UAR)
Television Match Official (TMO): Glenn Newman (NZR).
Wilkinson was full of praise for Seattle Reign’s Fishlock, 38, who inevitably produced Wales’ first memorable moment at a major finals, 19 years after her Wales debut, also in Switzerland.
“I don’t think you have many players anywhere in the world who are such servants to their nation,” she said.
“I mean she plays in Seattle. That flight is terrible, terrible and she’s never turned down Wales and she’s done it for years.
“She’s at the twilight of her career and whenever she chooses to call it a day she has demonstrated what it is to be a proud Welsh woman who will give everything to her country and to her team and there haven’t been so many highlights.”
Wilkinson is delighted Fishlock has now had a moment in the limelight.
“There’s been great games, there’s been fantastic performances but they haven’t quite made it to the to the world stage and she’s on it and she’s on the field and she scores that goal and everyone knows that is one of those moments that we should celebrate,” she added.
“Her career spans the whole of Welsh history on the women’s side and we are minnows. We are at the very cusp of what we’re going to be doing in Wales with women’s football and Jess is leading that charge with the group of women and I am completely in awe of this moment and this group.”
Remaining fixtures (all times BST): France v Wales (9 July, 20:00) England v Wales & Netherlands v France (both 13 July, 20:00)
England, who won the tournament in 2022, will advance if they beat tournament debutants Wales no matter the result in the Netherlands’ match with France.
If the Lionesses fail to beat Wales, they may still reach the quarter-finals if other results go their way.
Wales will reach the knockouts if they beat France on Wednesday and England on Friday.
But, if they were to lose to France on Wednesday, they’re as good as out. That’s because they’d need to beat England by at least seven goals because of their unfavourable head-to-head goal difference in matches involving themselves, the defending champions and the Netherlands.
France will reach the quarter-finals if they beat Wales and avoid defeat against the Netherlands.
The Netherlands will advance if they beat France on Sunday and England don’t beat Wales.
If England, France and the Netherlands all finish on six points, the Netherlands are likely to be the side that misses out on head-to-head results because of their heavy defeat by England.
At this tournament, teams level on points are separated by head-to-head record. And if three teams are level on points, their head-to-head record is calculated as if they were in a mini-league.
Just such an opportunity comes in Kobe on Saturday, as Wales look to level the series in their final game of the season.
Wales are aiming to ensure they do not go a full international campaign without a win after suffering nine defeats in 2024-25.
“At the moment we’re in this big losing streak but that one win will give them a bit of confidence to kick on,” said Jones.
“It’s the last week of the season, which is always tough, but there’s a carrot at the end of it.
“They’ve got five weeks off after this now, so they’ve put everything into this last game and hopefully we’ll get the result we want.”
While the players get five weeks off, Jones will be straight back to the day job at Harlequins on Monday morning after having had two stints with Wales during the Six Nations and summer tour.
Jones was brought into the Wales set-up by Warren Gatland, who then left his role after defeat against Italy in Rome in February, with Matt Sherratt taking over as interim head coach.
Jones was retained for the summer tour, with his Harlequins head coach Danny Wilson also brought in on a temporary basis to look after the forwards.
Despite all the trauma, with six defeats and no wins so far while he has been involved, Jones has no regrets about his international return, after playing his final game for Wales in 2014.
“I’ve loved it, it’s been brilliant,” said Jones.
“It’s been just over a decade since I last played for Wales and I loved representing my country.
“Playing for them for 11 years changed my life. The chance to represent them as a coach has been just as special.
“It’s been frustrating. It’s been pretty strange with Gats bringing me in where I had god knows how many questions over whether we get on anymore.
“Next thing he’s gone, so that was strange.
“I have enjoyed it but then I just get straight back into it with Harlequins on Monday and I might be a bit jet-lagged.”
Tired, maybe, but Jones will hope he has the memory of that long-awaited Wales win to give him a boost.
Faletau has been involved in certain aspects of Wales’ preparations for the second match in the two Test series.
When asked whether missing a training session could affect his selection, Jones said: “With him, no. He has played more than 100 internationals and been a Test match player since 2011.
“If you don’t look after those older players they will break so we are just looking after him which is a key thing.
“If I was a 34-year-old player for Wales and someone offered me a session off, I would bite their hand off. “
Cardiff number eight Faletau has played 109 internationals for Wales and is the tourists’ most experienced performer.
He was one of Wales’ leading players in Kitakyushu but could still not help his side suffer an 18th successive international loss.
“He is a brilliant player,” said Jones, who played with Faletau for both Wales and the Lions.
“I remember when he came through. He has not really changed much with his movement, the rugby IQ.
“He is not massively vocal but he has a brilliant follow-me characteristic which the boys see in him and get behind him.
“He has been excellent for us and we just need the boys to back him up a little bit at times.”
The oppressive conditions – with the temperature above 30 degrees Celsius as well as high humidity – meant a three-minute water break in each half and an extended interval of 20 minutes were introduced.
Wales faded badly in the second half as Japan scored 19 unanswered points but Sherratt refused to blame the heat and humidity for the tourists’ demise.
“I would be making excuses if I said that [conditions played a part],” said Sherratt.
“If you look at the game, we took pretty much every chance we got bar one in their 22.
“Every ball that hit the floor bounced for us and we were on the right side of the penalty count.
“In the second half there were some big moments. We had a lineout around 45 minutes to take the game to three scores and it was a tough call by the referee to penalise us.
“We have a young group, we have not had a win for a while and those little scars can start to run deep.
“In the second half every bounce went for them, we had some key lineout positions we did not make the most of and the penalty decisions went away from us.
“Maybe the conditions added to that also but my instinct is not so much.”
Lake says Wales will look at themselves first.
“Conditions are going to play a factor but we’re not blaming that,” said Lake.
“We weren’t clinical enough in the 22 and we didn’t come away with points.”
Jones was proved right when he said before the match the team that coped with conditions would win the game, but the Australian also praised his opposition.
“For Wales to come from the northern hemisphere into those conditions is difficult,” said Jones.
“Like every Wales team, they were always tough to beat. They’re a proud rugby nation and produce tough, good players.”
Japan: Takuro Matsunaga; Kippei Ishida, Dylan Riley, Shogo Nakano, Malo Tuitama; Seungsin Lee, Shinobu Fujiwara; Yota Kamimori, Mamoru Harada, Shuhei Takeuchi, Epineri Uluiviti, Warner Deans, Michael Leitch (capt), Jack Cornelsen, Amato Fakatava.
Replacements: Hayate Era, Sena Kimura, Keijiro Tamefusa, Waisake Raratubua, Ben Gunter, Shuntaro Kitamura, Ichigo Nakakusu, Halatoa Vailea.
Wales: Blair Murray; Tom Rogers, Johnny Williams, Ben Thomas, Josh Adams; Sam Costelow, Kieran Hardy; Nicky Smith, Dewi Lake (capt), Keiron Assiratti, Ben Carter, Teddy Williams, Alex Mann, Josh Macleod, Taulupe Faletau.
Replacements: Liam Belcher, Gareth Thomas, Archie Griffin, James Ratti, Aaron Wainwright, Tommy Reffell, Rhodri Williams, Joe Roberts.
Referee: Damian Schneider (Argentina)
Assistant referees: Karl Dickson (England) & Luke Pearce (England)
Television match official (TMO): Ian Tempest (England).
The small village in Wales is no typical UK beach location
The UK beach spot has an enchanting Mediterranean-style atmosphere(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
Brits longing for an idyllic escape might consider jetting off to distant exotic destinations, but there’s an overlooked treasure right on our doorstep. Portmeirion, tucked away along the Dwyryd Estuary in North Wales, breaks the mould of your average UK coastal spot.
Wander into this village and you could easily believe you’ve landed in Italy, thanks to its captivating array of Mediterranean-style buildings, sun-kissed beaches, and charming boutiques. And the icing on the cake?
It’s reportedly home to some of the UK’s most reasonably priced fish and chips. Last year’s statistics show that visitors typically spend just £8.57 on this beloved dish, according to Capital on Tap.
Portmeirion doesn’t have any permanent residents as it’s primarily geared around tourism and holidaymakers(Image: JasonBatterham via Getty Images)
This placed the coastal gem as the third most economical for fish and chips, trailing only behind Southwold in Suffolk and New Brighton in Wirral. What’s more, it’s got great TV history behind it, having been the location for the filming of hit British TV show The Prisoner.
Portmeirion has also caused quite a stir online, too. Influencer Meera Pankhania is among those smitten with its scenic beauty. “My boyfriend and I were meant to go to Portugal that weekend but as it went on Amber list, we visited here as an alternative and then climbed Mount Snowdon,” she said in a previous TikTok reported by the Mirror.
“We stayed there for two days and while I’ve never visited Italy myself, I felt like I was in Lake Como. To arrive at the place, you travel through some beautiful roads and beautiful scenery.”
Located in the heart of Gwynedd, the enchanting village of Portmeirion was brought to life by visionary architect Clough Williams-Ellis, who devoted five decades to shaping the site after purchasing the land in 1925.
Today, the village boasts a remarkable assortment of nationally significant listed buildings, including the stunning Grade I Listed Portmeirion Town Hall, built in 1938. However, you might be shocked to learn that Portmeirion doesn’t have any permanent residents, as its primary focus is on catering to tourists and holidaymakers.
In fact, the village operates on a schedule, generally opening its doors to visitors from 9.30am to 6.30pm, seven days a week, during the peak summer season. Beyond its impressive infrastructure and unbelievable chippy prices, tourists also sing praises about Portmeirion’s afternoon teas too.
In 2024, one visitor took to TripAdvisor to share their thoughts on this, writing: “The best afternoon tea in the world, in the one of the nicest places. The village is stunning and we really made the most of it, being amongst the last to leave.
“We had afternoon tea in the hotel, which was absolutely delicious.” Meanwhile, another added: “There is no other place in England like this, it is so SO unique and amazing.
Portmeirion also hosts some of the nation’s cheapest fish and chips, according to one report(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
“If you only visit ONE place before you die, hopefully not just yet! then come here. It is SO lovely! We spent hours here, we did have afternoon tea here and if the weather had been better and we could have gone on the coastal and woodland walks, we would happily have stayed from opening to closing time.”
So, it seems that for those seeking an affordable beach escape this summer, Portmeirion might just be the perfect destination.
What do you think? Let us know in the comment section below
Wales’ previous trip to Kitakyushu did not pass without controversy.
After all, this was the place in which the squad were based when attack coach Rob Howley was sent home after betting allegations surfaced.
But there are mainly happy memories for Wales – and their Japanese admirers – from those late summer days of 2019.
This visit will end with Saturday’s first Test, when Wales will aim to end a 17-match international losing run.
The Mikuni World Stadium was the scene of one of the highlights of Wales’ visit to these shores six years ago.
An open training session held before the tournament was attended by a capacity crowd of more than 15,000 locals, who memorably sang the Welsh national anthem in unison.
“I had never experienced something that before, where the stadium was full to the brim for just a training session,” said Wainwright.
“Having everyone singing and chanting during that session was one of the special highlights of my tour. Hopefully this time it will be even louder.”
But which anthem will be louder on Saturday? And will the home crowd be shouting for Japan or their beloved visitors?
“We were speaking to people last night and they think the majority of the crowd will be backing Wales,” said Williams.
Lake rekindles the Wales captaincy role he adopted during the 2024 summer tour of Australia and the autumn internationals.
He has been asked to lead the squad again after his good friend Jac Morgan was one of only two Welshmen picked for the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, alongside scrum-half Tomos Williams.
“I was just proud of him and happy for him,” said Lake. “We came through together and have done a lot together.
“To see his name read out was amazing. I was on the flight in South Africa with him at the time when he found out and we all expressed how happy and proud we all were.”
Lake’s own Lions ambitions were hampered by an injury-affected Six Nations in which he missed the start of the tournament because of a bicep injury.
After being absent for the first three games, Lake was reduced to replacement appearances against Scotland and England.
His latest setback continues a series of niggling injuries that has limited the Ospreys hooker to just 20 caps so far.
“It’s tough, but things happen for a reason I guess,” said Lake. “But I’m feeling good and my body’s feeling good.”
There are six uncapped players in the 33-man squad in Japan and Wales have benefitted from having a month together.
“We’ve trained well and hard,” said Lake. “It’s kind of a new group so a lot of time has gone into just building relationships.
“Having a certain understanding of each other and how they work has been important.”
