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In September 2020 the BBC released a documentary about how former England Cricketer Freddie Flintoff deals with Bulimia. The documentary is hard hitting and a tough watch for some, but it is great journalism.

What is good journalism?

Good journalism is about telling the truth and being engaging, using relevant facts. It’s also being able to engage with your audience, throughout the piece. In this case, it really informs viewers of what’s gone on and gives them everything they’re looking for.

Bulimia is something Flintoff has never opened up about before. It required being cautious and sensitive in how you approach this story, however it was done excellently. Bulimia is a severe eating disorder in which a lot of men struggle with. From the outside I would never have thought that Flintoff had gone through a struggle like this throughout most of his career. The documentary is informative and is a real eye opener into what is bulimia.

The most significant question asked in the documentary was why do men who suffer with bulimia not seek any professional help? Flintoff was honest throughout with his responses. It gave a really deep insight into how tough living with the disorder can be and how people are scared to talk about it. Also, other male sufferers of the disorder were similar to Flintoff and didn’t want to go to anyone for help. Flintoff stated that he kept the disorder away from any of his teammates and went through his whole career without mentioning it.

I was quite surprised at some of the access the production team got during making the documentary. The number of people who they spoke to that were in the same position of Flintoff and were willing to speak about it was surprising for me. The way the one family opened up to Flintoff about how their son died after suffering badly from bulimia was tough to watch. However, the family were honest in speaking to Flintoff and would’ve wanted to speak to him to raise awareness about the disorder. The interviewees were also willing to speak about their own struggles knowing that millions of people will be watching the documentary, this obviously takes a lot of courage to open up about something so big.

For me personally I don’t think there were any unanswered questions in the documentary.

Now I’ve started studying the second year of my Sport Journalism degree at the University of South Wales, I want to develop my own brand even further.

This year has been like no other, firstly not going into the Atrium building every day to attend lectures, no meeting any mates outside of your bubble and not seeing family for months on end. However, I won’t let these tough and unnatural times affect me and my pathway. I am passionate about Sport, I know I’ve got to work hard to achieve my dreams.

I want to be a successful Sports Journalist, in order to do this, I need to develop key skills even further. I will work on areas where I’m not as competent such as manging my time to be able to complete every bit of work effectively. I also want to develop my use of Social Media, especially Twitter. In the last year I have used my Social Media accounts to show my work and give my opinions on Sport. Twitter is used by nearly every Sports Journalist nowadays so this will be vital in my quest to succeed in the industry. I want people to look at me for their news and opinions on the sport that goes on around us.

One would thing that I want to develop even more is Podcasting. Last year I started a Podcast called the ‘Welsh Premiership Podcast’ with two course mates. We have over 900 followers on Twitter and were working hard to get more. This covers the top flight of Welsh domestic Rugby. After listening to Jon Doel of Wales Online at the start of the term, it made me realise how important podcasts are in Journalism now.  I want my podcast to be talked about throughout Welsh rugby in a positive light. I have to be confident in my own ability, I will talk to someone in order to get a story and I will keep asking questions until I know I’ve got what I need.

I will make the most of this year, taking any opportunities that come my way and work hard to achieve my goals.

A panel of Broadcasting names, Isa Guha, Jacqui Oatley, Matt Murray, Mark Cole and Barbara Slater shared their experiences on working in the TV Broadcasting industry. The panel also gave tips to aspiring Sports Journalists to break into the industry.

Oatley, who was the first female commentator on BBC Match of the Day, shared her experiences of working for free to gain experience to get into the industry. She mentioned her experiences of “sleeping on my friends’ floor” while trying to break through. The broadcaster who anchored ITV’s coverage of the Euros in 2016 also described how she had a lot of hate on twitter about commentating and working on football.

Ex Wolves Goalkeeper Matt Murray described how he broke into the industry in a different way. He worked on Wolves games while still under contract with the club in the middle of a bad injury which forced him to retire at the age of 29. Murray shared his experiences on how he would speak to players and coachers in the build up to games to get their thoughts on it. Murray also shared his views on how contacts are so crucial to help succeed in the industry.

Barbara Slater, ex British gymnast and the BBC’s first female director of sport encouraged aspiring journalists to “Don’t give up” and to keep putting yourself out there. Mark Cole also encouraged aspiring journalists to take opportunities and gain work experience wherever possible.

Former England Cricketer and now broadcaster Isa Guha anchored the discussion with the broadcasting experts.

BRIDGEND Ravens’ are now officially a member run club. The Indigo Group Welsh Premiership club held an open meeting in January, where members of Clwb Rygbi Penybont ar Ogwr voted in favour to purchase Bridgend Ravens Rugby Club.

The club is steeped in history, providing talents such as J.P.R Williams, Gareth Thomas and Rhys Webb to Wales and the British & Irish Lions. They already have big ambitions going into a new era with the majority of this season’s squad committed to staying on for next season. The club have had numerous young Ospreys players with them this season, such as Morgan Strong, Brad Roderick and Travis Huntley. They will continue to work with the region as part of the development pathway system.

Now the takeover is complete, the club are looking for more members to step forward and assist with the running of the club. More information regarding roles will be made public in due course.

After the takeover was completed, club Chairman Norman Spain said, “I am delighted that the agreements have been signed and that the destiny of our club now lies in the hands of Bridgend Ravens Club Members. We have been busy behind the scenes putting in place a strong foundation which starts with next season.”

Following this, Clwb Rygbi Penybont ar Ogwr Company Director Hopkin Joseph provided an update, ”At the Open Meeting held in January, Members agreed to proceed with the purchase of Bridgend Ravens Rugby Club Ltd, but I gave an undertaking that two additional Members would join as subscribing members before any legal commitment was made. I am extremely pleased to advise that in early March, John Dalton and Peter Wood agreed to serve in these roles.”

This is an exciting time for the club who will still compete in the top tier of Welsh semi-professional Rugby after the previous season was cancelled. They hope with the new takeover the club will grow and become a very community orientated club. The future is bright for the Ravens faithful.

I’m sure everyone would join me in wishing the Ravens all the very best in this endeavour. Given the current climate and the financial strains being felt by the sport it will be interesting to see if this model will be a template for the sustainable future of semi-professional rugby in Wales.

by Tobias Hunt

The sporting World has gone silent ever since the Coronavirus has spread across the globe. Sports people are helping spread messages in hope that people listen to the Government’s advice. Also donations are being made to help to the National Health Services in many countries.  

Welsh Rugby Union Captain Alun-Wyn Jones yesterday posted a message on his Instagram page. The Wales and Ospreys second row stated that “We can all make a difference by helping the NHS medical services and key workers by staying at home, staying healthy and don’t go out.” He then went on to nominate fellow Welsh Internationals Jonathan Davies and Ken Owens to post a similar message.

After the news that the community rugby season in Wales has been suspended, this message would’ve helped raise awareness on how serious the Cornoavirus is and how we can all do our bit to help. Young sports who look up to the Welsh Captain will hopefully follow his lead and listen to what he has said. This message can help the younger generation in slowing the spread of the virus by staying at home.

Another sports person who’s reacted to the Coronavirus is Swiss Tennis icon Roger Federer. The 20-time Grand Slam champion has donated 1m Swiss Francs (£857,000) to the “most vulnerable families in Switzerland”.  He posted this on various social media sites and called on others to “join in and support more families in need.” He also said that his and his wife’s “contribution is just a start.”

Switzerland is currently under lockdown, there are bans imposed on all public and private events until mid-April at the earliest.

Last week female Tennis star Simona Halep announced on Facebook that she would donate money in her home Country Romania to help pay for medical equipment.

Also, in Football, Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola also donated 1m Euros (£920,000) to fight the outbreak of Coronavirus in Spain.

A big debate in Welsh Rugby in recent weeks has been over the young Gloucester Winger Louis Rees-Zammit. A lot of people have been calling for Wayne Pivac to cap the youngster during the Six Nations, but does he deserve a cap?

Well he’s the joint top Try scorer in the English Gallagher Premiership this season with seven tries. The closest Welsh player too him is Saracens Centre Nick Tompkins with five. Liam Williams has been injured most of the season and has now moved back home to the Scarlets, while George North and Johnny McNicholl are both playing in the Pro14. McNicholl has scored two tries for the Scarlets this season while George North has only scored one for the Ospreys, having hardly played due to the World Cup.

I felt as if Pivac missed a chance in not playing Rees-Zammit in the opening game of the Six Nations against Italy. It was the so called ‘easier’ game of the tournament, but rather than giving the youngster an opportunity, he went with McNicholl who’s played for Pivac at the Scarlets. I felt like this was a missed opportunity for Pivac and Welsh rugby. With George North starting in the centre that game it would’ve been a great chance for the youngster to win his first cap.

Now with one game remaining of the Six Nations, will Pivac give Rees-Zammit his chance. I think George North should retain his place on the wing, having played his best game of the tournament against England. I feel as if Liam Williams might be left out of the starting team and be given a rest, having been thrown in at the deep end by Pivac against England, his first game in over three months. However, there has also been talk of Leigh Halfpenny suffering a nasty gash to his leg so might he be rested?  I don’t think McNicholl has been up to International standard so far and has struggled massively. Obviously, the injury to Josh Adams has ruled him out for the rest of the season, so I think now is the chance for young Rees-Zammit. There’s no Grand Slam or Championship on offer so Pivac should give the youngster a chance on this stage to see what he can do.

George North won his first Welsh cap at the age of 18, I agree with the saying if you’re good enough you’re old enough. Rees-Zammit has been tearing defences apart all season for Gloucester and even won the Premiership Player of the month award in December. The youngster has been training with the squad throughout the tournament, so he’s been there long enough to gain experience from the older players. Now is his chance to kick start a bright International future in the red jersey.

by Tobias Hunt

The Six Nations is set to begin in just over a weeks’ time. All squads have been named and all training camps are underway. I have looked in to how I think all teams will do in this year’s edition.

Wales:

Even though Wales have three home matches this year, traditionally even years are the most difficult campaigns as they have to travel to England and Ireland. Wales will begin the defence of their Grand Slam at home to Italy in the opening game of the tournament. Wayne Pivac has instantly put his stamp on this Welsh squad by including the majority of the World Cup squad, mixed with some eagerly anticipated uncapped players who play over the border.

Wales have injuries going in to this tournament. They’re already without centre Jonathan Davies and prop Tomas Francis for the whole campaign. Full back Liam Williams and centre Owen Watkin are also ruled out of the opening weekend. To overcome this, there has been talk of George North moving in to the centre, having played a few games for the Ospreys there in the past few weeks.  Saracens centre Nick Tompkins could be another option in the centre. The return to fitness of Taulupe Faletau will be greeted with joy by the Welsh fans. The Welsh back-row options will be healthy with any of Aaron Wainwright, Justin Tipuric, Josh Navidi, Ross Moriarty and Faletau worthy of a starting place in this side.

One to watch: Louis Rees – Zammit. The 18-year-old Gloucester wing has ripped defences up in the Gallagher Premiership this season with his blistering pace. He’s tipped to make his Wales debut next weekend against Italy.

Predicted finish: 3^rd

England:

England will begin their campaign with a tough challenge against a new look France in Paris. I think if England come through this match with a victory and without any injury concerns, they will go on to win the title this year.

Eddie Jones will look to build on his sides World Cup Final defeat against South Africa last year. With an eye on the future he has included eight uncapped players in his squad. There is also no recognised number 8 in the squad with Billy Vunipola ruled out with a broken arm. Fans are baffled that young Alex Dombrandt hasn’t been included following his recent club performances.  It looks as if uncapped openside Ben Earl and blindside flanker Lewis Ludlam will battle it out for the number 8 shirt to line up alongside Tom Curry and Sam Underhill in the back row. George Furbank could become a surprise name at full back come next Sunday after impressing for Northampton this season. I think the tournament has come at a good time for the eight Saracens players in the squad after the news of their relegation came out last week. Led by Owen Farrell and Maro Itoje I fully expect England to win the Six Nations title this year.

One to watch: Tom Curry. The England blindside came into the setup at last year’s Six Nations and impressed in the World Cup also. Curry will be an influential figure in this England side looking to build on a World Cup heartbreak.

Predicted finish: 1^st

Ireland:

Ireland will also begin a new era this February under Andy Farrell. He hasn’t wasted any time making his mark on the squad with the omission of stalwart Rob Kearney alongside the likes of Jordi Murphy and Sean Cronin.

Injury means they could be without new Captain Jonny Sexton for the opener against Scotland. This means there may be a chance for one of either young Ross Byrne or uncapped Billy Burns to start against Scotland. Ulster scrum half John Cooney’s form this season will surely give Farrell a headache whether to pick him over veteran Connor Murray. Cooney is the top scorer in the Pro 14 this season having scored 94 points for his province including 4 tries. I think Ireland could struggle this year without the likes of Rory Best who’s retired and the injured Tadhg Beirne and John Ryan up front.

One to watch: Jacob Stockdale. The Ulster winger has already scored 16 tries in 25 appearances for his country. He finished as the tournament’s top try scorer in 2018 scoring seven tries but scored just two last year. Class is permanent so I fully expect him to be back at the top of his game and scoring tries again.

Predicted finish: 4^th

Scotland:

Scotland will come into this tournament wanting to make amends for their disappointing World Cup campaign. They are the only other team along with England to retain the same Head Coach after the World Cup. Gregor Townsend will look to start building squad depth, with one eye on RWC 2023 in France. Stuart Hogg has been named as the new Captain in a squad which contains six uncapped players.

There are number of surprise omissions from the squad, including forwards Ryan Wilson and Richie Gray, and backs Duncan Taylor, Nick Grigg and Peter Horne.  Scotland fans will be delighted that the form of centre Huw Jones has earned him a recall alongside Matt Scott and Cornell Du Preez. Scotland will travel to Dublin on the opening weekend where a loss will be a big blow to this side’s confidence. I don’t see enough quality in this Scottish team, especially now playmaker Finn Russell is not in contention to play the opening game. He could miss the whole campaign after “a breach of team protocol” Scottish Rugby have confirmed. Scotland host England in the Calcutta Cup match on the second weekend, where there will surely be no repeat of last year’s heroic comeback in the 38 – 38 draw between the two sides. Scotland will be in a battle for the Wooden Spoon this year.

One to watch: Hamish Watson. The Flanker has been in impressive form for Edinburgh this season. He’s helped his side reach the Quarter Finals of the European Challenge Cup. Watson is a very physical player who is good at the break down and an aggressive ball carrier, he will be a bright spark in this Scottish team.

Predicted finish: 5^th

France:

Fabien Galthie has been named as the new Head Coach of France. He has named a 42-man squad for the tournament, including 19 uncapped players. Galthie has included a number of players who were part of the France Under 20’s side that have won each of the last two World titles, this includes fly-half Louis Carbonel who played in both of those.

He has also brought in 2019 Grand Slam winning coach Shaun Edwards to add some defensive steel and structure to the team.  They welcome England to the Stade de France on the opening weekend, and it will be interesting to see what France side show up. It will either be the France side who’ve played quality Rugby in the past or the side who have been so wasteful in recent years. France could be in with an outside chance of the title this year with so many impressive youngsters alongside the few that impressed at RWC.

One to watch: Romain Ntamack. The talented youngster may not be starting with the 10 jersey on come next week, but he will surely be in the matchday squad. After making his debut in last year’s tournament the playmaker went on to win World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year for 2019. He will surely become a leader in this French side fuelled with youngsters.

Predicted finish: 2^nd

Italy:

The Italians have appointed Franco Smith as their new Head Coach to replace Connor O’Shea. He’s named just three uncapped players in his 35-man squad. Smith has said that he’s trying to mix youth with experience in his first tournament in charge.

Legend Sergio Parisse has not been named in the squad but is set to return for at least one of the home games to bid his farewell to the Italian fans. This has come after what would’ve been his final match against New Zealand was cancelled at RWC because of Typhoon Hagibis. Benetton hooker Luca Bigi will lead Italy into the new decade. They will be targeting their home match against Scotland as their only real chance of a win in the tournament. The last time they beat the Scottish was in 2015 at Murrayfield.

One to watch: Matteo Minozzi. The 23-year-old full back scored four tries in the 2018 tournament and earned himself a move to Wasps to play in the Gallagher Premiership. He struggled with injuries last season, but now he’s back fit I expect him to be the standout player for the Italians.

Predicted finish: 6^th

By Tobias Hunt

Bridgend Ravens fell to a 14 – 35 defeat at home to Llandovery, their third consecutive loss of 2020.

Llandovery had the chance to open the scoring in the fourth minute, Outside-Half Jack Maynard put the penalty wide. Minutes later Llandovery upped the tempo and grabbed their first try of the game. After gaining a penalty and kicking to the corner, the Llandovery pack got over the line through Hooker Ricky Guest.

Five minutes later, Llandovery scored their second try when Full-Back Tomi Lewis broke through the Ravens defence and offloaded to Scrum-Half Dafydd Land. He dived over the try line untouched, with Maynard adding the extras again.

Bridgend started playing positively in attack after this, Winger Andrew Evans secured a turnover for the Ravens inside the Llandovery 22. After several phases, good hands from Brad Roderick sent Dewi Cross over in the corner. With the Ravens lining up the conversion, the linesman intervened. After a conversation with the referee the try was disallowed. Travis Huntley was adjudged to have made a tip tackle while clearing out in a ruck.

Five minutes before Half-Time Llandovery scored their third try of the afternoon. Winger Aaron Warren ran a great angle to take the ball off Land and grab the try. The first half finished with the score 0-21 in favour to the visitors.

The visitors started the second half the same way they finished the first. Quick hands from Alun Rees allowing Tomi Lewis to score out wide for their bonus point score.

Bridgend worked hard going in to the final 20 minutes, their hard work and discipline was recognised when Llandovery replacement Kristian Jones was yellow carded after conceding numerous penalties.

The Ravens didn’t take long in making the most of their man advantage. A flat pass from replacement Outside-Half Jacob Chilcott sent Brad Roderick under the posts, with Chilcott adding the extras.

Two minutes later, after good work from Caine Woolerton to keep the ball in play, the Ravens put the ball through the hands resulting in Roderick getting his and Bridgend’s second try. Chilcott added the extra points from out wide.

In the last 10 minutes the Ravens piled the pressure on Llandovery, but the strong visitors defence held out. With the Ravens chasing a losing bonus point, Chilcott’s kick was charged down by Llandovery forward Lewis Ellis-Jones who gathered and scored under the posts.

Bridgend will travel to Sardis Road next Saturday to take on Pontypridd in the League, while Llandovery travel to Aberavon in the Quarter-Final of the Cup.