Dai Sport

Wales have named Angharad James as captain on a permanent basis ahead of their Women’s Euro 2025 play-off tie with Slovakia. Seattle Reign midfielder James succeeds Chelsea’s Sophie Ingle, who stepped down in April after nine years in the job. The 122-times capped James has previously taken the armband three times in Euro 2025 qualifying as head coach Rhian Wilkinson rotated the role.

Matthew Maynard has spoken of his pride and emotion after receiving the Professional Cricketers’ Association Outstanding Contribution Award at the cinch PCA Awards. The former England and Glamorgan player accepted the prestigious prize following a standing ovation of appreciation from everyone in attendance at the Troxy in East London.

Aaron Wainwright is the rugby coach who has no interest in being “a rugby coach.” That is to say, the Wales back rower and newly crowned Welsh Rugby Writers’ Player of the Year for 2024, is not coaching with a view to a fresh career when his playing days are over.

Brennan Johnson was given another vote of confidence by Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou after the Wales striker maintained his rich scoring streak. Johnson scored the crucial second goal for Spurs as they beat Hungarians Ferencvaros 2-1, in the Europa League at the Groupama Arena.

Wales can climb one place in the world rankings if they beat Italy on Friday night, but this will be a battle of two first round strugglers at the WXV2 tournament in South Africa. Ioan Cunningham’s team can move from 10th to ninth – and swap places with their opponents – if they can win in Cape Town.

Craig Harrison was proud of his players after The New Saints put up impressive resistance before falling to a 2-0 defeat against Fiorentina on a historic night in Italy. TNS are the first Welsh League club to progress past the qualifying rounds of a Uefa competition, and their first Conference League group match threw up a daunting trip to Florence.

Danny Redmond only has to recall his career in Scotland to know The New Saints are capable of surprising Fiorentina in their apparent UEFA Conference League mismatch. TNS have become the first domestic Welsh side to reach the group stage of European competition and start the six-game Uefa Conference League phase at Fiorentina – beaten finalists in the last two seasons

Craig Bellamy may have tempted one Wales legend out of retirement, but he believes another is in the wings when he gets back to fitness. Joe Allen’s return to national duties at the age of 34 had been flagged up for some time after Swansea City revealed Wales manager Bellamy had been in touch.

Luke Williams admitted his Swansea City side had blown too many chances to win at Sheffield United, where they were beaten 1-0. The Swans dropped to 12th in the Championship table after seeing their three-game unbeaten run come to an end following some crucial errors.

Joe Allen has come out of international retirement and will be involved in Wales’ upcoming Nations League double-header with Iceland and Montenegro. Allen quit international football in February 2023 saying “time and injuries” had taken their toll, but the 34-year-old has been persuaded to rejoin the Dragons’ fold by new manager and former team-mate Craig Bellamy.