Tag Archives: rugby

Business, Business News, News, Sport, Swansea

Howden announces sponsorship of local Swansea rugby club

Howden, the global insurance intermediary group, has announced its sponsorship of Swansea youth rugby club, Loughor RFC.  

 

Howden’s Swansea office will be sponsoring Loughor RFC’s youth teams, from the under 6s up to under 15s, and sponsored the Loughor v Fishguard and Goodwick match on 2 March, which ended with a 20-14 win for the home team. This local sponsorship ties in with Howden’s commitment to further strengthen its foothold in the South and West Wales region, providing risk advisory services to businesses. 

 

The firm launched a new Swansea office in January 2023, aiming to be the leading provider of commercial broking in South and West Wales. 

 

Founded in 1882, Loughor RFC is an independent sports club located in Loughor, Swansea, and welcomes players of all ages to play in League 2 West. The club hosts regular fixtures and events for the local community and will be boosted financially through the sponsorship. 

 

The sponsorship will contribute towards general running of the club, including travel expenses for the teams, which have risen substantially in recent years. The club is well used by the local community, including the use of the clubhouse as a dementia café, and is currently undergoing a £50k revamp of its toilet facilities.  

 

Gary Stevens, Regional Director, Howden said: “Following the launch of our Swansea base, we are delighted to be partnering with Loughor RFC and supporting a local community hub.  

 

“I have been lucky enough to see firsthand the positive impacts that the club has on its younger members with my son’s participation, making it an honour to be supporting their hard work and hopefully helping to offset some of the rising costs they have been facing.” 

 

Kevin Lewis, Hon Secretary, RFC added: “We are very grateful for the support of Howden this year. As a grassroots rugby club, the current financial climate has been tough on us, but it is thanks to sponsors such as Gary and the Howden team that we are able to keep our teams up and running and continue to be a much-needed hub for the local community.” 

 

About Howden  

Howden is a leading global insurance intermediary group with employee ownership at its heart.  Founded in 1994, it operates in 50 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, the USA, Australia and New Zealand, employing 16,000 people and handling $38bn of premium on behalf of clients. 

  

For more information, please visit www.howdengroupholdings.com 

 

Business, Charity Events, Charity News, Events, News from Wales, South Wales, Swansea

Howden official Swansea office opening flanked by rugby star

The official opening of a new Howden office in Swansea was flanked by Welsh rugby legend Tom Shanklin at an event last week, Thursday February 22. 

Howden, the international insurance intermediary group, began trading from the new office in Axis Court, Riverside Business Park, Swansea, last month, with this event marking the official opening of the new location. The office has already welcomed 14 skilled brokers since the beginning of the year, with plans to recruit more talent in the coming months.  

The official opening event saw Tom, who won 70 caps for Wales between 2001 – 2010, share his experiences with Welsh rugby and the British & Irish Lions—an association that aligns with Howden’s headline sponsorship for the upcoming Lion’s tour. 

Guests at the opening event also participated in a raffle in aid of Wales Air Ambulance Charity, with prizes including 4-ball at the Celtic Manor, a £250 Gaucho voucher, and a Fortnum and Mason hamper.  

The creation of an office in Swansea is part of Howden UK & Ireland’s commitment to further strengthen its foothold in the South and West Wales region, providing risk advisory services to businesses. 

On the event, Gary Stevens, Regional Managing Director, said: “Embracing the spirit of Welsh resilience and teamwork, the official opening of our Swansea office alongside rugby icon Tom Shanklin signifies not only our commitment to the region but also our shared values of excellence and community. Just as in rugby, where teamwork and strategy are paramount, at Howden, we are dedicated to working closely with our clients to navigate risks and achieve success together. 

“The swift momentum of our Swansea office speaks volumes, and we’re thrilled to have assembled such a skilled and seasoned team, with more to join in the coming months.” 

 

About Howden  

Howden is a leading global insurance intermediary group with employee ownership at its heart.  Founded in 1994, it operates in 50 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, the USA, Australia and New Zealand, employing 16,000 people and handling $38bn of premium on behalf of clients. 

  

For more information, please visit www.howdengroupholdings.com 

News

Rugby star new champion and ambassador for all-Wales mental health service

RUGBY star Jonathan Davies is the new champion and ambassador for a leading mental health service.

The Wales, Scarlets and British Lions centre has joined forces with CALL Mental Health Helpline for Wales, a partner of the popular print and digital media platform, Sportin Wales.

Given the increasing need for mental health support and a rise in male suicide rates, as well as the many challenges facing people of all ages across the country – notably the cost-of-living crisis, mortgages, and energy costs – Jonathan encouraged anyone struggling with anxiety, stress, or depression to contact the organisation.

“Mental health is extremely important, and I know in my working life talking about the stresses I faced helped me cope when I needed it most,” he said.

“People need to know they’re not on their own, even if it might seem that way, and knowing you have support is everything.

“They should talk about it, or at least try, as I know myself from personal experience that other things as well as rugby can play on my mind – as a man, I get it.”

Jonathan added: “Talking about things is definitely something we can all work on so let’s kick that stereotype into touch.”

CALL Manager Luke Ogden thanked Jonathan for helping to remove stigmas around asking for help when you need it, especially among men.

Three times as many men as women die from suicide, according to reports by The Mental Health Foundation, but men are less likely to access psychological help – only 36% of referrals to the NHS for therapy and support are for men.

“Jonathan is right, we definitely need to break down stereotypes and encourage more young men and anyone facing mental health challenges to get in touch with CALL,” he said.

“Our operators are there 24/7 to listen, the helpline is free to use and as well as discussing any concerns they can also signpost users to services across the country.

“To have a role model like Jonathan as part of our team is fantastic, he is one of the best players Wales has ever produced but also someone who understands the pressures and issues faced by so many men in Wales today.

“We are so grateful to have him on board, I’m sure he will help us to spread a positive message far and wide over the coming year.”

Text the word ‘HELP’ 81066 or call freephone 0800 132 737 for more on CALL Mental Health Helpline for Wales. Alternatively, visit www.callhelpline.org.uk.

You can read the latest edition of Sportin Wales here: www.sportin.wales/Issues  

News

Rugby stars and CEO unite to launch new media platform for Welsh sports

AN EXCITING and informative new print and digital media platform for Welsh sports launches today (Monday).

Wales rugby union teammates Gareth Anscombe and Alex Cuthbert alongside Welsh CEO and entrepreneur Dean Jones have unveiled Sportin Wales.

Offering a positive outlook on the country’s successful sports scene, the first issue features an exclusive interview with rugby legends Shane Williams, James Hook, Lee Byrne and Mike Phillips, who share memories of the Six Nations and some interesting tales about their favourite and least favourite opponents from their time in the tournament.

Dean, Alex, and Gareth plan to align Welsh brands and organisations in the private sector with monthly news and information from sports clubs and personalities across the nation, reinforced by regular podcasts and social media.

“We are thrilled to launch Sportin Wales and see it as a fantastic print and digital platform delivering exclusive stories and interviews in tandem with advertising opportunities and contributions from leading names in football, rugby and boxing to martial arts, tennis, golf, cricket, disability sports and more,” said Dean.

“We will provide our audience with bilingual digital content and a print publication that entertains, engages, and informs, which we hope is evident from the articles and information already released.”

Alex echoed those words and feels the launch could not have been timed better.

“The Six Nations brings the whole of Wales together in support of the rugby, so to have an exclusive interview with four of the best players we’ve ever produced at the heart of this edition is a great way to start things off,” he said.

Gareth added: “We want to engage with sports fans, businesses, and communities across Wales by delivering an accessible, informative monthly platform showcasing the very best of Welsh sport.

“This country has so many amazing and talented people playing sports at all levels, achieving great things at home and on the international stage – we look forward to sharing their stories.”

Thousands of copies of the magazine will be distributed monthly to key sites across Wales, including homes, fitness facilities, sports and leisure clubs, transport hubs and hospitality venues.

The monthly magazine will be hosted on the Sportin Wales website, which as well as the latest sports news and interviews includes online content includes special offers and competitions, health and wellbeing tips, lifestyle features, travel guides and food and nutrition advice.

You can read the February edition of Sportin Wales here: www.sportin.wales/Issues  

Businesses wanting to advertise with Sportin Wales or find out more about sponsorship and ‘influencer’ packages can contact the team via email: sales@sportin.wales.

News

Talented trio tackle A Levels while playing out a successful season on the rugby pitch

A TRIO of talented students is tackling A Levels while playing out a successful season on the rugby pitch.

Coleg Cambria learners Lugh Doyle, Mathew Pryce and Louis Williams have been training and playing as members of Rygbi Gogledd Cymru (RGC) Under-18s squad.

The squad are currently in the middle of the WRU Regional Age Grade competition, playing a series of eight matches against the other Regional Academies of Wales (Dragons RFC, Cardiff Rugby, Ospreys, and Scarlets).

RGC – the North Wales Rugby Development Region – works with academic institutions across North and Mid-Wales to ensure young players have a prosperous academic, vocational, and sporting future.

The three – who also play for Mold RFC – are balancing their studies at the college’s Deeside site with training and competing at Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay, and enjoying every second.

Prop forward Lugh, 17, from Flint, a former pupil at the town’s high school, will complete A Levels in Maths, Further Maths and Physics this summer.

He said: “It is a challenge trying to fit everything in, but we are all passionate about rugby and hope to continue playing while at university.

“The coaches and lecturers are a big support so hopefully we go on to good things on and off the field.”

Those words were echoed by Mathew, who is preparing to take exams in English Language, PE, and Maths this summer.

He hopes to continue his studies at Bangor University, whilst training and playing as a member of its rugby performance programme, which operates in partnership with RGC.

Meanwhile, Louis is studying Geography, Psychology, and PE at Cambria.

“We’ve been a part of the RGC Pathway since under-15s and have come through the age grades together, so to still be training and playing at this level in the same squad is fantastic,” said Louis, who represented Wales at Under-18s on a tour of Scotland last summer, plays centre and is a former pupil at Argoed High School, Mynydd Isa.

Ex-Mold Alun pupil Mathew, 17, who plays tighthead prop, added: “We have had a good start to the season and are hoping that continues as we head into a busy time with exams, playing regularly for both Mold RFC and RGC, and with our exams this summer – it’s going to be non-stop but will be worth it.”

Pathway Head Coach Saul Nelson – celebrating 12 months at the helm of the Under-18s side, said: “All three are very passionate, talented and an important part of RGC, now and in the future.

“They will no doubt have a significant impact on our season and RGC moving forward.”

For more on RGC, visit the website: www.northwalesrugby.wales.

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria.

News

Bridge Health & Wellbeing extends sponsorship at Christchurch Rugby Club for third successive season

Bridge Health & Wellbeing in Christchurch, Dorset, is delighted to have renewed its sponsorship of Christchurch Rugby Club for a third consecutive year. Situated by the East Christchurch Sports & Social Club on Grange Road, the club re-launched in 2019 and welcomes rugby players of all abilities.

Opening its doors in 2019, Bridge Health & Wellbeing began providing physiotherapy services for club players, including injury support and rehabilitation. When the 2020/2021 season began, Bridge Health & Wellbeing increased its involvement with the club by becoming a key sponsor. As the club enters the 2022/2023 season, the clinic has extended its sponsorship into a third year.

Paul O’Connell, physiotherapist and co-founder of Bridge Health & Wellbeing said: “It has been great to see the rugby club develop over the past three years. Alongside the men, we now regularly see several women’s players coming in for physiotherapy and sports massage. As a family-run clinic, being part of our local community and working with the town’s rugby club is really important. We look forward to supporting them through the 2022/23 season.”

Christchurch Saxons men’s team finished last season in an impressive second place, only losing one home game. During the year, they welcomed ten new players to the club. This expansion promises an exciting lineup for the 2022/2023 season, in which the men’s team will compete in the Hampshire Merit Leagues.

Club Chair Don Lynaghan commented: “We are really proud of how the club has progressed over the past three years. The men’s team has played some excellent rugby, and the women’s side has formed, grown and flourished. It has been a great side to watch and be around, and I know there are exciting things to come from them this season. Partners like Bridge Health & Wellbeing are vital to helping players perform at their best on the pitch, and we are very grateful for their continued support.”

Bridge Health & Wellbeing provides physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, sports massage, rehabilitation services, Pilates and yoga classes from their state-of-the-art fitness space on Bridge Street in Christchurch, Dorset. Their team of experts can help you get better, build strength and feel happy and healthy in your mind and body.

News

Transformative North Wales community projects benefit from significant funding

TRANSFORMATIVE projects benefited from significant funding that will have a positive impact on two Denbighshire communities.   

Rhyl and District Rugby Football Club (RFC) and the Ruthin Dendrochronology project were among 14 initiatives to secure financial support from Community Innovation Denbighshire via the UK Community Renewal Fund, matched by Clocaenog Forest Windfarm Fund and led by Cadwyn Clwyd.

The Ruthin scheme will focus on tourism and is a £24,999 project to commission a dendrochronology expert to date the timbers of ancient homes, and for drawings of a selection of buildings and interiors.

Archaeologist Fiona Gale, former conservation architect Carol Smith and historian Gareth Evans joined forces to organise the study – which identifies dates via tree rings – with the view to producing a route for visitors and residents to enjoy.

Carol said: “Ruthin has such an impressive range of old buildings, and this project will allow us to see how medieval and later craftsmen built them and how well they have survived the test of time.”

Gareth added: “This is a ground-breaking project for the area combining conservation technology and interpretation for tourists.

“The work will be developed into visitor literature, possibly as heritage trails and for digital promotion to help market the town – we are thankful to Community Innovation Denbighshire for their support in helping us bring this to reality.”

Meanwhile, at Rhyl and District RFC, their £20,000 scheme enabled board members to commission a feasibility study for an 800 square metre indoor ‘training barn’ with added shower and changing rooms, and subsequent architect’s drawings.

Director Dai Roberts thanked Denbighshire County Council, Cadwyn Clwyd and partner organisations for helping them to realise their vision.

“It’s a big project that will have a huge impact on the club and allow us to train in all weathers,” said Dai.

“We have more than 400 players – including 350 children – but also a lot of charities and third sector partners who use the facilities here so it will be of benefit to them as well.

“We have been on Tynewydd Road now for almost four years and desperately need to extend our footprint as we are having to turn people away and are creaking at the seams.

“This proposal is the perfect answer and allows us to increase our capacity, which will enable us to do even more for our customers and our local community long-term.”

Fellow director David Jones added: “We can now put together a plan, apply for further funding and seek planning permission for the building.

“There are no other facilities like these in the town so it will make a huge difference to our community for many years to come.”

For more information, email admin@cadwynclwyd.co.uk or visit the Cadwyn Clwyd website: www.cadwynclwyd.co.uk. Alternatively, call 01490 340500.

News

Top rugby team and media pioneer announce union ahead of key fixture

ROUTE MEDIA continued its growth across Wales by forging a new partnership with a leading rugby team.

The Cardiff-based company and the Scarlets will launch their partnership this Saturday, as the team take on Cardiff Rugby.

Route Media sales director Dean Jones believes key relationships such as this one will reinforce ambitious expansion plans over the coming years.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Scarlets, they are a fantastic club at the heart of the local and business community,” said Dean.

“Alongside the staff, coaches, and players we are proud to have them on our growing network of digital screens across the region and beyond.”

He added: “Our network of media assets in this area continues to expand as we work with leading organisations in the private and public sectors.

“Route Media is also experiencing growth right across Wales from an asset perspective as well as seeing our digital signage sales arm boom – it’s a very exciting time for us.”

Trudy Waters, Head of Marketing and Technology at the Scarlets welcomed the union, and said: “The Scarlets are very pleased to partner with Route Media to provide roadside advertising in key strategic locations throughout our local catchment area for the duration of the season.”

Route Media made the news earlier this year after unveiling screens at locations across Wales, including Wrexham, Swansea, Port Talbot, Bangor, Rhyl and Llandudno.

They have secured contracts and delivered outdoor media relations for some of the premier venues and destinations in Wales, namely Cardiff Airport, Cricket Wales North, Llandudno Pier, Venue Cymru, the councils of Conwy, Swansea and Cardiff, and Swansea Arena.

For more information on Route Media, email sales@routemedia.co.uk or visit the website: www.routemedia.co.uk. Use the hashtag #RightRoute on social media.

Visit www.scarlets.wales for the latest news and information from Scarlets rugby.

Charity & CSR, Midlands News, News

Kings Norton Rhinos start season in style thanks to Bellway’s sponsorship

A junior rugby team is now playing in brand-new kit thanks to local housebuilder Bellway.

Kings Norton Rhinos Under 13s received a donation of £1,400 from the housebuilder – which is building new homes at The Oaks in Kings Norton – and the money funded new kit for the team to start the season.

The U13 Rhinos are part of Kings Norton RFC, which was founded almost 100 years ago and now has members aged from six upwards. The club is based at Hopwood Park, off Ash Lane, Hopwood.

Bellway West Midlands is building a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes at The Oaks, located off Parsons Hill, approximately four miles from the club’s ground.

Jake Morris, lead coach for the U13 Rhinos, said: “All the boys on the team are 12 years old from Kings Norton and surrounding areas, from different schools and backgrounds.

“I reached out to Bellway as I know they were building in the local area, and I felt it important that all the boys had a matching unified kit. We wanted to enable everyone to look the same, play as one and enjoy themselves, no matter their background.

“The boys were really excited when they got the kit and were inspired to come back and play rugby again after a turbulent year of cancelled training due to Covid restrictions.

“We are really pleased that Bellway was able to support us. It’s great to see a large housebuilder support the local community in which they build.”

The team is run by four coaches, including Jake, all of whom are volunteers and also have sons playing in the team.

There are 24 members of the U13 Rhinos and around 230 players in the Kings Norton RFC junior section. Each team is run entirely by volunteers.

Marie Richards, Sales Director of Bellway West Midlands, said: “We are pleased the team were happy with their new kits and excited to start the new season.

“It has been a rocky year for lots of young people involved in clubs such as this one, being unable to be involved in group activities due to Covid-19 restrictions. So we are happy these kits will enable them to come together and play as one again.

“Clubs like this one rely on funding and donations and are run entirely by volunteers, so we are glad to be able to show our support.”

Bellway is selling the final nine homes at The Oaks, where prices currently start at £257,500 for a two-bedroom house, with other three and four-bedroom properties also on the market.

For more information about the properties available at The Oaks, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/west-midlands/the-oaks or call the sales office on 0121 756 2091.

Captions:

  • The Kings Norton Rhinos showing off their new kit, featuring Bellway West Midlands sponsorship
News, Property

Buyers take advantage of stamp duty savings on new homes in Rugby

Homebuyers in Rugby can save on the cost of moving thanks to stamp duty relief which is currently in place.

Bellway is building a range of new properties at Houlton Meadows and has seen increasing demand from home-hunters looking to move before 31 March this year.

Buyers can capitalise on stamp duty relief at Houlton Meadows with the four-bedroom detached Walnut house, which is priced at £378,000, meaning savings of £8,900.

The Walnut is a 4-bedroom home that features an open-plan kitchen, dining and family area, a separate living room, an en suite to bedroom 1 and a contemporary family bathroom.

Elaine Brown, Head of Sales for Bellway South Midlands, said: “There is something for everyone at Houlton Meadows, with homes for sale in varying sizes, for people with a range of budgets.

“This is a great time to buy a new home in Rugby with the opportunity for big savings on stamp duty for those able to complete by 31 March.

Buyers can also get a feel for the development by visiting the Bellway website where we have videos of the Aspen and the Worcester house types available.

Bellway is delivering 380 new homes at Houlton Meadows, with current releases including three- and four-bedroom homes starting from £276,000.

Construction at the site, located off Crick Road, started in 2019.

Elaine said: “Houlton Meadows is an exciting new development of homes in Rugby that is creating a vibrant residential community with a village-feel.

“The development is appealing to a wide variety of buyers, from families to first-time-buyers and professionals looking for extra space, and the current stamp duty savings make purchasing a new Bellway home even more affordable.”

For more information about Houlton Meadows, visit bellway.co.uk or call the sales team on 01788 851452.