Welsh

Today’s announcement will do little to calm the often seething cauldron of Welsh rugby, particularly in west Wales.

The WRU said only one of the three future teams in Wales will be based in the west where both Ospreys (Swansea) and Scarlets (Llanelli) are based.

Scarlets and Ospreys are on a previous funding agreement until 2027 – worth just £4.5m a year – after refusing to sign the new participation agreement earlier this year.

There is still a hope within the governing body that the teams could merge but would open a tender process if they do not.

That process even opens the unlikely prospect that one of those clubs could apply for the licence based in Cardiff or east Wales.

The WRU, meanwhile, is a stakeholder in the URC – along with the four other national governing bodies – and would need support from the league to alter the number of regions competing.

Surveys have shown a majority of Welsh rugby fans would like the WRU to approach the English clubs to see if there could be an Anglo-Welsh league.

Reddin had stated that option was not on the table and the WRU remains committed to the URC.

So while the present now has greater clarity, the longer-term future of Welsh rugby will still remain uncertain.

CLOSE to Snowdonia National Park and the enchanting Isle of Anglesey, The Quay Hotel in Conwy is immersed in natural beauty.

Read on to find out more about the hotel.

Where is The Quay Hotel and Spa?

The Quay Hotel and Spa is on Deganwy Quay in Conwy, Wales.

Conwy is a walled market town with a rich history, and is a popular Welsh summer holiday destination.

The hotel has stunning views of UNESCO World Heritage Conwy Castle, and a terrace bar where you can soak up the serene waterside setting and sunset.

There’s also a luxury check spa, ideal for a laid-back check break away from the it out hustle and bustle of the daily grind.

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What is there to do there?

Head out to explore Conwy Morfa Beach and the local seaside, where you can treat yourself to fresh cockles and fish and chips.

The hotel is also close to Llandudno, Wales’ largest seaside resort. This town is home to a bustling high street, famous promenade and pretty pastel houses.

Guests looking to unwind can also visit the Quay Hotel Spa.

Here you can enjoy a thermal area, a spacious swimming pool, a vitality pool, heated loungers and foot baths.

If you’ve got cash to splash, the treatments here are fantastic, designed with skincare brand Oskia.

What is there to eat and drink at the hotel?

The hotel restaurant and bar offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery, and a relaxed dining atmosphere.

Dishes include a 24-hour slow-cooked beef that melts in the mouth, as well as salted caramel cheesecake.

The hotel restaurant is also well-known for its delicious seafood, including mussels and mackerel.

Swing by the Cove Bar afterwards and cosy down on one of the comfy sofas – the house red is excellent.

What are the rooms like?

Each of the rooms are bright, airy and beautifully decorated in calming, coastal hues.

Pick from Cosy Cove rooms, the smallest of the bunch, or Superior and Executive rooms, which have a bit more space.

Is the hotel family friendly?

The Quay Hotel and Spa offers some suites that have room for two adults and two children.

The hotel also offers dog-friendly stays in their ground floor Superior Rooms.

Just make sure to mention you’ll be bringing them when booking.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

The Quay Hotel and Spa is fully wheelchair accessible.

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Guests should contact the hotel for any special requirements. 

One night’s B&B costs from £129. See quayhotel.co.uk.

The three other options tabled by the WRU include two proposals suggesting a reduction in one side by keeping three teams. These choices are now seriously being considered by the WRU board.

Cardiff are owned by the WRU after the side temporarily went into administration in April.

With WRU chief executive Abi Tierney having already said she cannot see a situation where professional rugby would not be played in the Welsh capital, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets will be nervously watching what happens.

Reddin says he hopes a consensus could be reached if regions needed to be cut, with mergers an option.

Ospreys chief executive Lance Bradley says he can not imagine any possible merger with west Wales rivals Scarlets – that prospect having previously come close in 2019.

“I credit myself as a rather imaginative person but even I can’t imagine that,” Bradley told BBC Radio Wales Sport.

“I can’t see how it could work. It was proposed a few years ago but there would be so many barriers to it now, that I find it very hard to imagine.”

Bradley says he hopes to have some clarity by the end of October.

“We have been working closely with the WRU but at the end of the day it will be them who has to make the decision,” said Bradley.

“We have had a lot of conversations and they have been constructive.

“We felt that in a meeting we had with Dave Reddin that he genuinely listened to what we said and we hope that will be taken on board.”

Dragons are the first Welsh team in action when they travel to face Ulster in Belfast on Friday night.

The club have been the most vocal of the regions in criticising the plans to drop to two sides, stating “Welsh rugby deserves better and the WRU must rethink”.

Chair David Wright says the initial proposals “don’t add up” and that there was no way the Dragons could agree to them as they were.

Co-captain and Wales lock Ben Carter says it is a concern but has praised his squad on focusing on the rugby which he says is “the number one priority”.

His head coach Filo Tiatia agrees.

“What happens with the WRU, we’ll leave it with our chairman and CEO and they’ll fight the battle,” said the former All Black.

“What we can focus on is how we move forward with the current conditions and what we know.

“There’s talk of two teams, we can’t control that. We might as well not focus on the things because we’re burning energy.”

The most successful Welsh side since regional rugby was launched in 2003 with four league titles and an Anglo-Welsh Cup triumph.

Warren Gatland famously named 13 Ospreys in his first Wales team in 2008.

But that star-studded squad of ‘Galacticos’, with the likes of Shane Williams, Gavin Henson and Ryan Jones as well as All Blacks Justin Marshall, Marty Holah and Jerry Collins, should have achieved more.

The region has produced genuine superstars, such as Alun Wyn Jones, Shane Williams, Dan Biggar, Adam Jones and James Hook. This summer it provided one of only two British & Irish Lions players from Wales – Jac Morgan flying to Australia along with Gloucester’s Tomos Williams.

Ospreys also have population on their side in Wales’ second-biggest city and have opted to leave the often soulless Swansea.com Stadium and spend this 2025-26 season in Bridgend while they redevelop St Helen’s.

But Swansea council have safeguards if professional rugby in the city is impacted by the WRU decision.

The region, taken over by Y11 Sport & Media in 2020, came close to a merger with the Scarlets in 2019, while talk of a merger with Cardiff in 2023 was denied.

The WRU would be keen for those discussions to begin again.

Southern Brave finished fourth in The Hundred with a four-run win over bottom side Welsh Fire in Southampton.

Chasing 168, Tom Kohler-Cadmore scored 84 from 46 balls, the third-highest score in this season’s competition, but was dismissed on the 98th ball of the innings as Fire fell just short.

Jason Roy powered Brave’s innings, striking 70 from 39 deliveries as the home side closed on 167-7, before Craig Overton had Fire openers Stephen Eskinazi and Steve Smith caught inside the first five balls of the chase.

Kohler-Cadmore, who struck seven sixes and three fours, dragged his side back into contention, putting on an 81-run fifth-wicket partnership with Ben Kellaway.

He cleared the ropes off Jordan Thompson to put his side in the box seat needing seven from three balls, but was bowled from the following delivery.

The Brave all-rounder only conceded singles from his remaining deliveries to close out the match.

The result means both Welsh Fire sides finish bottom of their respective standings, after the women’s side lost to the same opponents earlier in the day.

In the group stage’s final match, Brave lost openers Toby Albert and James Vince in the space of four balls after being put into bat, and saw James Coles bowled by Kellaway for seven to leave them 34-3 shortly after the powerplay.

However, Roy, who twice hit back-to-back sixes in an innings full of powerful strokeplay, put on partnerships of 55 with Leus du Plooy and 38 with Laurie Evans to push Brave towards a strong total.

Roy and Evans fell along with Michael Bracewell for the cost of just two runs as Brave wobbled, but Jordan Thompson and Craig Overton added 38 from the last 18 balls of the innings, runs that would prove decisive.

Winning the Derby in 1971 was the crowning moment in one of the finest seasons ever seen in the saddle.

With Mill Reef he captured the Derby, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in Paris – victories that remain etched in the sport’s history.

He also claimed the Oaks, the Coronation Cup, the Ascot Gold Cup and the Lockinge, making him virtually unbeatable that year.

Although his family moved to London when he was a boy, Lewis’ roots in Wales were never forgotten.

His journey into racing began at the Waldorf Hotel, where he worked as a page boy before jump jockey Tim Molony spotted his build and suggested he try racing.

Apprenticed to Ron Smyth at Epsom, he quickly rose through the ranks, riding his first winner in 1953.

By 1957 he was first jockey at Kingsclere, enjoying big-race victories for Sir Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth II.

But it was Mill Reef who defined him, the little colt who carried a Welshman to racing immortality.

Lewis went on to partner 1,880 winners in Britain, twice finishing runner-up in the jockeys’ championship and winning five Classics.

After retiring as a jockey, Lewis turned his hand to training and found success once more.

Based in Epsom, his stable included champion sprinter Lake Coniston, who stormed to glory in the 1995 July Cup.

In November 2024, Lewis’ lifelong contribution to Welsh sport was celebrated when he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Welsh Horse Racing Awards in Cardiff.

Too ill to attend in person, his daughter Mary and grandchildren Luci and Alex collected the award on his behalf.

The award was a fitting reminder of his place in Welsh sporting history.

Northern Superchargers thrashed London Spirit by eight wickets, moving above their opponents into second in The Hundred table.

Spirit put in a dismal performance with the bat, struggling to 90-8 at Lord’s.

The Australian pair of Phoebe Litchfield, who hit an unbeaten 55, and Annabel Sutherland, who made 29 not out, put on an unbroken partnership of 76 to seal victory for the Superchargers with 34 balls to spare.

The home side floundered after choosing to bat, slipping to 9-2 in the powerplay with top-order batters Kira Chathli and Cordelia Griffith dismissed for a duck and one respectively.

Spirit can usually rely on the big-hitting Grace Harris to drag them out of trouble, but Nicola Carey had her caught at long-on for just seven, then saw Dani Gibson taken at point from her following delivery.

They continued to steadily lose wickets until Issy Wong and captain Charlie Dean offered a degree of stability, putting on a partnership of 31 for the seventh wicket, but it came from 33 deliveries, with the pair unable to significantly up the tempo.

Sutherland dismissed Dean caught behind in the final set of five deliveries, and had Glenn caught in the covers from the next ball, as Spirit limped to a sub-par total.

Superchargers’ top-order also wobbled, with Alice Davidson-Richards and Davina Perrin both dismissed by Bex Tyson for a golden duck and four respectively.

However, those early wickets brought star batters Phoebe Litchfield and Sutherland to the crease, and the Australian pair made light work of reaching their target.

Litchfield took more of the strike, hitting her second half-century in three matches, and it was the 22-year-old who hit Eva Gray for four to bring the match to an early conclusion.

The result sees Spirit slip to fourth in the standings, behind Superchargers and Manchester Originals on net run-rate.

Southern Brave beat Welsh Fire after Katie George drops Georgia Adams on the penultimate ball, allowing the visitors to run two and snatch victory with a ball to spare, denying the hosts their first win of this year’s Hundred.

MATCH REPORT: Fire eliminated as Brave edge low-scoring thriller

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New director of rugby Dave Reddin, chief executive Abi Tierney and chair Richard Collier-Keywood have been involved in the plan.

It remains unclear whether the two future sides being proposed will be new entities or existing teams.

The WRU has, though, proposed that there will be two organisations which will each have a men’s and women’s team.

There could be 50 players in each men’s squad with a budget of £7.8m each, while the women’s squads will have 40 players apiece.

The WRU says there will be significantly elevated funding for each men’s squad, which would facilitate a radically different profile of talent and support.

The Union says the two squads would feature predominantly Welsh-qualified players, while there would be a rethink on non-Welsh qualified players.

The WRU would fund the two men’s and two women’s teams, all of which would be operated under licences, with the governing body giving any owners or investors responsibility for all commercial operations.

Phase one would involve the move of the two sides, men’s and women’s, operating on two sites.

There will also be a transition to contracting of players and staff within central national academies.

Phase two would involve the clubs moving to training at one site which will be known as a national campus.

This will be home to 400 people, including men’s and women’s national staff, professional and clubs staff and national academies. The men’s and women’s academies will be centralised.

The proposals include improving the standard of the Super Rygbi Cymru competition, which is the current level below the men’s fully professional game.

There is also a pledge to establish a senior women’s domestic competition, with an acceptance there is a current lack of high-quality club rugby below the Celtic Challenge, where Gwalia Lightning and Brython Thunder compete.

This scenic railway journey through the Cambrian Mountains has been named in the top ten percent of attractions worldwide in the 2025 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards

A breathtaking railway journey in Wales has been hailed as one of the world’s top tourist attractions. The Vale of Rheidol Railway in Ceredigion has earned global acclaim, landing a spot in the top ten percent of attractions worldwide in the 2025 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, which are entirely based on visitor reviews and ratings over a 12-month period.

The scenic trip begins at Aberystwyth and takes passengers deep into the heart of the Cambrian Mountains, ending at the iconic Devil’s Bridge. This Welsh gem is actually three bridges built atop each other, towering over the Mynach and Rheidol streams.

The railway itself boasts a rich history, having been in operation for over 120 years since its opening in 1902. Initially built to serve local communities and transport goods like lead and timber, it now enjoys a reputation as one of the most picturesque railway journeys for all ages, reports Wales Online. Meanwhile, a warning has been issued to Brit tourists planning all-inclusive holidays to Spain.

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The line spans a modest 12 miles and it takes about an hour to reach Devil’s Bridge. Once there, you can enjoy a snack or a hearty meal and a pint at the Hafod Hotel, which offers stunning views of the valley below from its seating area.

Visitors can then embark on two different walks: a brief stroll beneath the bridges offering the chance to witness the cascading water up close, and a lengthier, more challenging trek deep into the Rheidol gorge where spectacular views of the 300ft Mynach waterfalls await.

The Travellers’ Choice Awards rely on authentic feedback, with only a limited number of attractions earning this prestigious recognition annually. “Being recognised by the people who travel with us is what means the most,” said Llyr ap Iolo, general manager of the Vale of Rheidol Railway.

“Whether it’s their first visit or their fiftieth, we aim to make the experience special every time. This award reflects the hard work and passion of our staff and volunteers, and we are proud to share it with them.”

The Vale of Rheidol Railway boasts an exceptionally impressive TripAdvisor rating of 4.6 out of five stars, based on nearly 1,400 reviews. One traveller declared he was “absolutely amazed at how good it is”, whilst another described it as a “lovely experience with incredible views”.

A recent visitor penned: “Absolutely wonderful experience on this railway. We paid a little extra to travel first class and it was well worth it. Travelling in a 1920s cabin was so nostalgic and humbling. The station was immaculate in every way. Even the WCs were immensely clean. The pride the staff took in every aspect of the train itself was clear to see – even the chimney on the engine was gleaming.”

Another visitor gushed: “A brilliant afternoon spent on this quaint steam train. From start to finish, spectacular views. Devil’ls Bridge was excellent along with the Devil’s Punch bowl. The museum entry which comes with the train tickets was very good. A must do activity if you’re in Aberystwyth.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has led tributes to Welsh Labour politician Hefin David, who has died suddenly, aged 47.

Mr David had been Member of the Senedd (MS) for Caerphilly since 2016.

Labour leader Sir Keir called him a “powerful voice for the people of Wales” who “dedicated his life to making sure every person and community in Wales had the opportunities and support they deserve”.

Gwent Police said a 47-year-old man was found unresponsive at a property in Nelson, Caerphilly county, on Tuesday evening, and the death was not being treated as suspicious.

First Minister and Welsh Labour leader Eluned Morgan called Mr David an “outstanding politician” who would be “greatly missed”.

His partner was Cynon Valley MS Vikki Howells, the minister for further and higher education in the Welsh Labour government.

Sir Keir said: “The entire Labour movement will join me in grieving the loss of Hefin David.

“He was a powerful voice for the people of Wales and a committed public servant, who dedicated his life to making sure every person and community in Wales had the opportunities and support they deserve.

“As Member of the Senedd for Caerphilly, where he was born and lived, he was incredibly proud of his community.

“Our hearts are with his family and those who knew and loved him at this painful time. May he rest in peace.”

The first minister said: “We are extremely saddened by the sudden death of Hefin. Our thoughts are with his family at this terrible time.

“Hefin was a much-loved member of the Labour family. He served Caerphilly as a councillor and a Member of the Senedd with pride and passion.

“He was an outstanding politician, warm and enthusiastic and a great communicator – especially on behalf of his constituents.

“He will be greatly missed.”

Gwent Police Chief Constable Mark Hobrough said his “thoughts and heartfelt condolences” are with Mr David’s family, friends and colleagues.

“After I joined Gwent Police as the chief superintendent for the area covering Caerphilly, I worked closely with Hefin on many occasions and I found him to be an engaging and thoughtful individual,” he said.

“A dedicated public servant to Caerphilly, his commitment to our communities will be a significant loss.”

Elected to Cardiff Bay in 2016, Mr David was one of the more prominent Labour backbench members and was never afraid to go against the party line.

Popular with politicians from across the political divide and journalists in Cardiff Bay, he made regular, lively contributions to Senedd debates, and was once reprimanded for calling Plaid Cymru councillors in his constituency as “mad as a box of frogs”.

He was also one of five Senedd commissioners, responsible for the day-to-day running of the institution.

The Welsh Parliament’s presiding officer, or speaker, Elin Jones, said the whole Senedd was “devastated by the tragic news of Hefin’s death”.

“Our thoughts go immediately to his partner, our colleague and friend, Vikki Howells MS and to his cherished children and family,” she said.

“Hefin was so full of life and enthusiasm for his constituents and their causes.

“He was a passionate politician, loyal to his party, his country, and constituents.”

Darren Millar, leader of the Welsh Conservative group in Cardiff Bay, said he was “very sad to hear the shocking news of Hefin David’s death”.

“My deepest condolences go to Hefin’s family and friends, and I would also like to extend my condolences to the Welsh Labour Party,” he said.

“He was a man who always stood up for his constituents and was respected on all sides of the Senedd.”

Zak Crawley’s unbeaten 67 runs off 38 balls, including four sixes, helps Northern Superchargers to an eight wicket victory over Welsh Fire in their opening match of the Men’s Hundred 2025 at Headingley.

MATCH REPORT: Men’s Hundred 2025: Northern Superchargers v Welsh Fire

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Smith adds stardust and the hope is that he can give his new teammates, now including Glamorgan’s Ben Kellaway, a little bit extra while also piling on the runs.

“He’s going to bring a huge amount to the team,” said captain and Somerset batter Tom Abell.

“His record speaks for itself, he’s a great guy and a world-class player who has done it in all formats at the very top level.

“His influence on the team will be huge. He has been the best player in the world for a good number of years and that will hopefully give everyone an extra little bit of confidence.

“Anyone wants Steve Smith in their team, don’t they? Luckily he will be playing for us.”

The Australian has passed 10,000 runs in Tests, 5,000 in ODIs and 1,000 in international T20s.

“Even Jonny Bairstow, who has played 100 Test matches, is asking what Steve Smith is like to play with,” said coach Mike Hussey.

“He will bring a lot to the team, and hopefully a lot of runs, experience and star power.”

Fire men missed out on the eliminator on net run rate in 2023 and won just two of six fixtures that beat the weather last year.

It took until the fifth fixture to get a success and Hussey does not want to be playing catch-up this August.

“All the teams are pretty strong so we are going to have to hit the ground running,” said the Australian.

“Hopefully we can play some really good cricket, get some confidence going early and then see how we go.

“I don’t know how far we can go, we are hoping to go all the way but obviously you need a lot to go your way.”

Jemma Louise Gough

Jemma Louise Gough

Reasons why a host can cancel

Former Wales and Lions three-quarter Dafydd James says the lack of a Welshman in the line-up “says exactly where Welsh rugby is and it’s worrying”.

James, a Lions Test cap against Australia in 2001, said: “I didn’t think he’d [Morgan] get in, unfortunately, because unless he was going to start, I didn’t think they were going to put him on a bench, which is a travesty.

“But just purely on the basis of there’s so many back-row options there, it didn’t look from the first couple of games that Jac was figuring as his [Farrell’s] main seven, which is bitterly disappointing.

“It’s sobering and a sad indictment of the way the game has gone in Wales. Only two players being selected is hard, and you’d have to say on the back of 18 losses we were always going to be up against it trying to get many more players.

“I thought there might have been four going on the tour, and we’d be in with a chance [of players in the Test XV].

“And I thought with Williams, who started his campaign on the Lions tour, he was looking sharp.

“He was probably my tip for starting nine, but unfortunately he pulled a hamstring and then Jac stood up. He didn’t really figure that much in the Argentina game, but that could be just a little bit rusty, not knowing the team members around you.

“And then he had an exceptional game where he had a man of the match performance and put himself back in contention.

“I would have picked him personally, but I’m just reading between the lines he [Farrell] seems to favour Curry, [Josh] Van der Flier and obviously [Henry] Pollock.”

Welsh has twice been loaned out by Celtic, most recently to Mechelen in the first part of 2025. All in all, he has made 107 competitive appearances.

First-team regular Luke McCowan and 18-year-old defender Colby Donovan scored in Celtic’s 2-1 win at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

“He’s very competitive and I like him,” Rodgers said of Donovan. “He’s very aggressive, he passes forward.

“He’ll become a bit less rash as his career moves forward but I like his personality and I like his dominance and he can play football, which you have to be able to do when you play for Celtic.”

Meanwhile, Sweden defender Gustaf Lagerbielke, 25, has left Celtic to join Braga in Portugal.

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.”

In their own distinct ways, Bellamy and Martin are flagbearers for the progressive trends of modern football; possession-based styles of play and building from the back.

Most young coaches want to follow that path, as you can see when watching this year’s crop of FAW Pro Licence candidates working on and off the field.

But there is still room for the old school on this course.

On the final day, former Stoke manager Tony Pulis is invited to host a masterclass on set-pieces. It is a wet and windy Tuesday. This is meant to be.

Before his practical session on the pitch at a rain-lashed Dragon Park, he gives the Pro Licence group a presentation on his career – and it is pure gold.

Pulis is in his element as he reels off stories about his humble beginnings as a player and coach, before getting on to his various managerial tenures, complementing each piece of advice with at least a couple of entertaining anecdotes that could earn him a second career on the after dinner speaking circuit.

The 67-year-old Welshman has the room howling with laughter, and on a couple of occasions a giggling Dante asks for a little translation help from those next to him as he tries to decipher Pulis’ broad Newport accent and industrial language.

Among the jokes are a number of useful lessons, as Pulis answers questions on various topics, from the help he got from his peers (Sir Alex Ferguson and Carlo Ancelotti get a mention) to balancing family life with the exhaustive travelling that comes with management.

Then he steps out on to the field to take the practical session with a group of young players, freezing in the rain as Pulis barks orders at them as if he was preparing them for a long-throw from Rory Delap.

“It’s always nice to come back to Wales and Newport. It’s a special place, this is my town,” Pulis says.

“I loved playing football for my local club, or just on the streets. It’s always nice to come and to be involved in football, helping people starting out in their careers.

“Set-plays have always been an important part of football and I think they’ve been undervalued. Mikel [Arteta] doing it with Arsenal, such a big club not just in England but on the world stage, has brought it to the fore again.

“I’ve had such a tremendous career and the world’s changed, the game’s changed. My first training session at Gillingham, we had to take the goals off the main pitch and take them on a tractor to a park and train there with people and their dogs walking past. Then you look at this and the facilities we’ve got today… it’s the greatest sport in the world and it’s our sport.”

Listening as intently to Pulis as the fledgling coaches – and laughing just as hard at the jokes – at the back of the room is the man who oversees the course, Dave Adams.

As the FAW’s chief football officer, Adams is responsible for the men’s and women’s game at all levels in Wales.

He appointed both senior national team head coaches last year and, on top of his work in developing Welsh football, he leads the Pro Licence course.

“I’m standing on the work of other people in some respects. Osian Roberts [former FAW technical director] did a great job in creating a programme which was world-class,” says Adams.

“What I tried to do with it when I started in 2019 was to go into the market and speak to head coaches because, fundamentally, you want a course that reflects the needs of head coaches, which are really complex and multi-faceted. It’s very much reality-based learning. We don’t want things to be abstract because coaching is a vocational skill.

“We get close to 400 applicants for 20 [Pro Licence] places every two years. It’s highly competitive. We’ve got to try and support our Welsh coaches like Chris Gunter and people who are working for our national association. But equally, we recognise that by having people like Nuri Sahin and Mikel Arteta, Chris Wilder, Roberto Martinez, Steve Cooper before that – the names are extensive – they bring a different lens and, as much as we help them, they actually help us as well.

“They’ve coached and worked at the highest level. There’s a recognition on our side that when we bring people like that, it’s also about taking from them, and that helps us grows an association. We learn new things, which we can apply to our programmes or our national teams, and that helps us grow as well.”

At the heart of the FAW’s work is the concept of the Welsh Way, an ethos underpinning everything from the elite level to grassroots; a vision for football in Wales, how to develop the game and foster its sense of national pride.

“It’s our mantra, Together Stronger. In any department, being small, being agile, being dynamic and everyone feeling a part of something is really important,” Adams adds.

“In any high-performance coaching environment, that sense of togetherness is really important. Whether you’re the head coach or the masseur or the chef, you’ve all got a vital part to play and got to buy into the vision of the head coach.

“It’s important we have that mantra and it drives everything we do. Why should we dream small? Dream big. We’re a small country but we’ve got incredible talent. We’re interested in the small margins and that’s what gives us a competitive advantage at the highest level.”

Ospreys and Scarlets have accused the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) of making a U-turn after the governing body announced it will move away from a model of four evenly funded professional sides.

WRU bosses say they now intend to implement a new two-tier funding system a decision which Ospreys say has “created more destabilising and debilitating uncertainty in our game”.

Ospreys and Scarlets did not sign up to Welsh rugby’s new Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA) by the deadline of 8 May.

The agreement was signed by Dragons and Cardiff, who were last month taken over by the WRU having served formal notification that they intended to enter administration.

Last week Ospreys and Scarlets said they had asked the WRU for assurances that the takeover “will not disproportionally benefit Cardiff and disadvantage the independent clubs”.

After Ospreys and Scarlets had not signed, WRU have served a two-year notice on the current agreement that underpins the Welsh professional game.

That current PRA runs out in 2027 although it was due to be superseded by the new five-year deal.

On Sunday, the WRU released a statement saying that with those clubs not signing by the deadline set, it had therefore taken the “difficult but necessary decision to issue the formal two-year notice to terminate the current PRA agreement in order, in particular, to proceed with its debt refinancing.”

The governing body made the announcement amid reports it intends to cut a team from its professional tier.

The WRU has neither confirmed nor denied if cutting a team is part of its plans.