Sports

Wales’ sports minister meets with Welsh Rugby Union after fans fears

Published

6 minutes ago

August 19, 2026

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Fychan went into further detail on meeting with the WRU on the latest edition of BBC Wales’ podcast Walescast.

She said it was a good conversation, with WRU chief executive Abi Tierney present.

“I don’t think it’d be any surprise that I’ve received a lot of correspondence from both Scarlets and Ospreys fans,” said Fychan.

“It was an opportunity for me to again reiterate the importance of the WRU properly engaging with communities.

Fychan stated the Welsh Government did not have an opinion on whether a reduction to three sides was the way forward because the WRU is a private company but added: “I was very clear in terms of this new culture and sports strategy for Wales that the future of rugby as a community game is really important as well as that professional side and that I wanted to see, as part of the proposals that they have, how are they addressing those historic concerns?”

Fychan said the WRU gave her some “positive news in terms of what’s been happening with women’s rugby here in Wales”.

“That was positive to hear that especially because of what happened a few years ago and the concerns around that,” said Fychan.

“But clearly people in Wales, and especially those Scarlets and Ospreys fans, currently feel they’re not being listened to.

“There’s that disconnect which is I think a huge concern between the WRU and the communities that they seek to work with.

“So, it was an opportunity to say ‘please work with them’ because people are concerned about the economic impact of the closure of either club as well.”

Sports

Is Haaland worth the £15.5m price tag on FPL?

Published

13 minutes ago

August 19, 2026

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FPL expert Gianni Buttice weighs up whether Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is worth his £15.5m price tag on the game.

Sports

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho told Vinicius Jr it was not worth leaving Spanish club

Published

20 minutes ago

August 19, 2026

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Jose Mourinho told Vinicius Jr it was “not worth” leaving Real Madrid as he successfully persuaded the Brazilian to remain at the club.

The 26-year-old had entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Bernabeu, meaning he would have been able to leave Real for free next summer.

Premier League champions Arsenal were alerted to the possibility of landing one of the world’s top wingers as contract talks wore on but Vinicius Jr eventually committed his future to Real earlier this month by signing a six-year contract.

And Mourinho, 63, whose return to Real for a second stint in charge was confirmed in June, spoke of his part in keeping the Brazil international in the Spanish capital.

Mourinho said on Spanish TV show El Chiringuito: “Vinicius has fallen in love with Real Madrid.

“The only thing I told him was: ‘Vini, where do you want to go? You’ve only been in Brazil and you only know Real Madrid. You only understand Real Madrid when you leave. When you leave that’s when you realise what Real Madrid is. Don’t leave. It’s not worth it.’

“I think what he has felt in terms of the group’s growth, the way we’ve been working and developing, has given him a very important feeling.”

Mourinho came up against Real three times in the Champions League last season, when he was manager of Benfica.

During their second meeting – the first leg of their knockout phase play-off – Real players alleged that Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni racially abused Vinicius, resulting in the match stopping for around eight minutes.

Prestianni denied the claims and Mourinho defended his player.

Uefa later banned Prestianni for three matches, with a further three suspended, for homophobic conduct.

Mourinho addressed the incident and said Vinicius can “rely on me to be on his side”.

“Prestianni was my player. That’s it. There’s no debate. If Prestianni is my player, 20 players can come at me and I’m still with Prestianni. End of story,” he said.

“I think Vini now knows what side I am now on and knows he can look me in the eye and rely on me to be on his side.”