South Gower RFC has pulled out of a pre-season friendly scheduled for Saturday, just days after the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) issued a warning about extreme heat. The away fixture against St Clears RFC was called off by South Gower, who cited the current state of their own pitch and the need for caution around training.
Club cites pitch and safety concerns
In a statement posted on Instagram, South Gower said: "With the current state of our pitch and the need for caution around training, and following recent WRU guidance, we’ve made the decision to withdraw from this weekend’s fixture against St Clears RFC." The club added: "It’s not a decision we’ve taken lightly, but player welfare must always be our priority."
The club’s focus now shifts to a fixture against Penclawdd and Fall Bay on August 22, followed by a match against Tonmawr on August 29. South Gower still have two pre-season fixtures remaining.
WRU warning over hard pitches
The decision comes after the WRU issued a major welfare warning to clubs across Wales, advising them to carefully consider whether training and fixtures should be held amid drought and prolonged dry weather that have left playing surfaces unusually hard.
Geraint John, the WRU’s community rugby director, said: "This summer has seen exceptionally warm weather across the country, resulting in high temperatures and unusually hard playing surfaces in many areas." He added: "Whilst clubs are understandably keen to maximise training opportunities and prepare for the season ahead, these conditions present additional challenges and potential risks that must be carefully considered."
John also noted that guidance from the Grounds Management Association had been issued previously, and asked everyone involved in the game to "take care, take responsibility and exercise good judgement" when planning training sessions and pre-season matches.
Further cancellations
St Clears have also postponed a Scarlets summer rugby camp scheduled for Thursday due to the warm weather. The WRU’s warning applies to clubs, coaches, volunteers, match officials and players, who all have a role in creating a safe environment.
