21/04/2026
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
Llangennech RFC U14s wish to publicly address the recent decision concerning our Carmarthenshire GMG Cup Semi Final fixture.
Following the victory over Carmarthen Athletic, a complaint was raised regarding the appointment of the match referee, alleging a connection to our club. In response, we fully cooperated with the Carmarthenshire GMG committee and provided clear evidence demonstrating that the referee’s only association with Llangennech RFC is a limited administrative link to the senior team for the sole purpose of obtaining a DBS.
The referee is a Level 3 WRU-qualified official - the highest possible level, and is neither a parent nor a coach affiliated with either club. We were therefore satisfied that the appointment complied fully with the applicable regulations.
For context, the rule allegedly breached states:
“All games must be officiated by neutral referees (no coach/parent affiliated to that club) for cup, plate and bowl fixtures.”
For the avoidance of doubt, the referee in question does not fall within any category typically associated with a lack of neutrality. He has no coaching role, no parental connection, and no direct involvement with this team or our club. We believe the interpretation applied in this case goes beyond both the wording and intent of the rule.
Importantly, the GMG stated in their decision that “Carmarthen Ath in their complaint did not question the standard or the impartiality of the refereeing on the day.” Despite this, the GMG demanded a replay of the fixture. We are extremely disappointed with this outcome. The match was won fairly, properly officiated, and in line with the rules as written.
We also formally raised serious concerns regarding player welfare in relation to this decision. These are 14 year old players who won a competitive cup semi-final match fairly and celebrated that achievement, to then be told it must be replayed — not due to anything that occurred on the pitch, nor any issue with officiating, but due to an administrative technicality for which responsibility rests with the competition organisers and is outside the control of either team.
A replay presented clear and avoidable welfare risks:
* Heightened tension – The situation had already created a charged environment between clubs and placed 14 year old players into an environment where emotions of players, coaches and spectators are already elevated.
* Conduct risks – Increased likelihood of breaches of expected standards from adults and spectators. There is a duty of care to avoid creating conditions where this is likely to occur
* Player wellbeing – Confusion, stress, and a sense of injustice for children asked to replay a fairly won match, sending a damaging message that results can be overturned for reasons unrelated to the game itself
* Undermining values of age grade rugby – It conflicts with the core principles of respect, fair play, and acceptance of match outcomes. This decision undermines those principles.
Given the GMG board's own findings were that the refereeing performance and impartiality were not in question, making the welfare risk associated with a replay entirely unnecessary.
In light of this, Llangennech RFC U14s remain firmly of the view that the result should have stood which has now resulted in us being made to give up the result and let Carmarthen through to the final.
We fully support our players, coaches and families, and stand by the integrity with which the match was played, and the professional action taken afterwards by our committee to support us.
Llangennech RFC U14s
