09/09/2011 BBC Wales Today

Welcome to Wales Today. Tonight's headlines: for Wales to succeed now,

Plaid Cymru has to be in the government of Wales.

A defiant message from Plaid's outgoing leader as the party looks

to find direction after May's The Rugby World Cup begins and fans

in New Zealand are ready for Wales first game on Sunday.

Wales have named their side to face South Africa but it could be the

end of the tournament already for Ryan Jones. We will have the latest.

I am at the rugby club where Wales captain Sam Warburton began his

career. I will be talking to his proud father.

And ready to go back to the wild after becoming stranded, but

conflicting views over where hundreds of sea birds should be

Ieuan Wyn Jones in his last conference speech as Plaid Cymru

leader has told his party that it's their role and duty to lead Wales

in Government. He said that because Plaid had lost power in May's

Assembly elections, Wales had been held back. The conference has been

dominated by debates about the party's future. From Llandudno,

here's our Political Editor, Betsan Powys

An attempt to stop Welsh and Scottish MPs amending England-only

legislation in Westminster has Today was all about one man and one

farewell speech. In politics you need a thick skin

to stay at the top. This man has lasted longer than many. In the

past, Ieuan Wyn Jones has shied away from the limelight before a

big speech but not this morning. A man at ease with himself before his

swansong. I use that to be making your last conference speech? Not at

all. It is time to hang up the bridge now and has the

responsibility to a new leader. 11 years is long enough.

Please give a warm welcome to the leader of Plaid Cymru, Ieuan Wyn

Jones. Party members showed their

appreciation for a leader who took this party to power and, in

government, has delivered more power for Wales.

I have no hesitation in saying Wales had the best government since

1999. We did good things. I will tell you something, the mistake we

made in 2011 was not telling people what we did in government.

Plaid Cymru's disappointing Assembly election meant Wales had

fallen behind under Labour in contrast to what has happened in

Scotland. Scotland, powering ahead, a nation

on the march. The SNP government setting the pace. Wales, lagging

behind with no ambition, in reverse gear, going nowhere under a Labour

government. He said Plaid Cymru must strive to

lead Wales. Then came the personal touch.

My time as a leader is coming to an end. Candidates to become the next

leader are beginning to declare themselves. Any more today, I

wonder? It has been a great honour to have been president and party

leader for the past 11 years. It is the end of an Era in

Llandudno and when the new leader is elected in March, it will be the

start of a new chapter for Plaid Cymru. How are those eyeing up the

top job? Electability has got to be the key thing and the balance that

has got to be struck is between those people who see political

parties as activist of -- in areas of campaigning and those of us who

see politics as a duty to represent people and make a change in a

democratic way. Any party needs to look at itself, refresh its message,

refresh its activity, in order to generate greater support. Plaid

Cymru certainly needs to do that. But that challenge will not be his.

Ieuan Wyn Jones will soon have more time on his hands to get to grips

with other priorities. The challenge for his party is to

figure out where it goes next. We heard some of Ieuan Wyn Jones's

speech. What message did he have for a future leader? He had quite a

few messages but it boils down to this, he was saying that the number

one name has got to be to get Plaid Cymru back into government in

Cardiff Bay. To do that, don't retreat to your heartlands, broaden

the appeal, and keep remembering that you are a constitutional

political party and not, as he put it in his speech this afternoon, a

religious sect and. What he now knows, having delivered that

message, he has got to sit back and let go. Have a party delegates been

taking any decisions today? They have been avoiding some and taking

others. One decision they were asked, to support a motion over the

future of S4C, that they will agree to withhold their licence fees. We

heard that debate again. He said this was no place for a proper

party. But devotion was carried almost unanimously. -- the motion.

There are plenty of debates to come. If you want to hear some of them

live, join us tomorrow morning, BBC Wales, BBC Two Wales, at 11 am.

Detectives investigating the death of a Wales football fan outside

Wembley stadium say there's no evidence suggesting the attack only

involved Welsh supporters. Mike Dye from Cardiff died on Tuesday night.

against six people, four from North Wales, two originally from South

Wales, arrested earlier this week. More tributes have been left at

Cardiff City Stadium today. The Bluebirds and Doncaster Rovers will

be wearing black arm-bands at tomorrow's game and before kick-off

a minute's silence will be held with Wales manager, Gary Speed,

joining both managers pitch-side. Two brides and two grooms charged

with conspiracy to arrange sham marriages at Wrexham Register

Office have been remanded in custody. It's alleged the couples

could only communicate with each other through interpreters. Jasbir

SinghM an Indian national, and Oskana Alexsandraviciute,

originally from Lithuania, were arrested along with five other

people after a raid by immigration officials.

The Rugby World Cup is underway in New Zealand. Welsh fans here will

be watching Wales take on South Africa on Sunday morning. Claire is

at Rhiwbina Rugby Club for us tonight?

Good evening. Every rugby star has to start somewhere and this is club

that can boast developing the skills of Wales captain Sam

Warburton. A former youth player here at Rhiwbina, we'll be finding

out more about his time with the Squirrels in just a moment. First,

the Rugby World Cup got underway in a blaze of glory this morning, but

Wales are fully focused on Sunday's match with South Africa. Today,

Warren Gatland explained his reasoning for playing James Hook at

full-back. A little earlier, we caught up with Gareth Lewis in

Wellington. Wales and South Africa both named

their side today but they have both have two days until the match gets

under way. New Zealand has waited 24 years to host this tournament

again and they are making up for lost time. The party well under way

behind us in Wellington and it kicked off in spectacular fashion

earlier in Auckland. This was New Zealand's moment to ask in the

spotlight. New Zealand legend Jonah Lomu took centre stage at the

opening ceremony. Collective fingers were crossed that the

fireworks would be a taste of things to come. They were, at least

initially, in the opening match as New Zealand started like a rocket.

But they failed to sparkle in the second half. Tonga with a strong

finish. Wales play Samoa and Fiji in their pool. In Wellington, the

talking is almost over. And not for the first time, that talk has

revolved around James Hook. He starts at full-back with Rhys

Priestland at outside-half. We have been really impressed with Rhys

Priestland and we felt that combination with James at 15, the

confidence of his attacking play, it gives us that opportunity. James

will continue to kick as well. Upfront, Luke Charteris is the

notable inclusion at second row. Toby Faletau has been preferred to

Andy Powell. Sam Warburton leads the side, not only being the

youngest of Wales's World Cup captain, but also dealing with his

at posing opposite number. It is going to be an interesting one. I

have not played against him yet a. It is a battle I am looking forward

to it. He is probably one of the better players in the world at the

break down. For a former captain, the World Cup may be over before it

has begun. Ryan Jones is at least two weeks away from shaking off a

calf injury. Wales will decide whether to fly at a replacement

after the weekend. South Africa, the defending champions, are a near

full strength. This man needs one more try to become the highest

South African try scorer of all time. Fichte Matfield devise a

hamstring problem to start. South Africa are formidable in size. But

they are not underestimating Wales. The lovely part of international

rugby, you don't find weaknesses very easy enough to hear one

countries. We would be stupid if we try and do that. What we tend to do,

and I think we were very successful over the four years in doing so, is

to concentrate on what we want to do and try to do it as good as we

can., it will be a really tough task but most of the locals behind

us have assured us they will be cheering for Wales on Sunday. A win

for Wales and it will throw not only their chances but the whole

World Cup wide open. As I mentioned, this is where Wales

captain Sam Warburton began his career. I am joined by his dad,

Jeremy Warburton, and a man who refereed him, Dave Bodilly. Was he

always good? You could see from an early age that he could turn into

something very special. His attitude and ability on the pitch

was excellent. He really was a footballer because rugby is not

huge in your family. I was a big football fan and Sam was the same

along with his brother Ben. They put had trials for Cardiff City

when they were 14. They had to choose and they both chose rugby,

thankfully for Wales. And it was his headmaster who got involved?

told him he was special at 12 years old. He persuaded me to make some

turn up and the rest is history. Looking forward to the World Cup,

will he relish this opportunity of leading Wales? I think he will. His

attitude is a first class and I think it is made for him. He is

going to go from strength to strength. I think you will do the

whole nation proud. He is a world- class player. I know what is your

birthday today. Thank you for coming. 37! I know you have spoken

to Sam today. How much is he relishing getting on that pitch?

Himself and the whole Wales team can't wait for Sunday evening. They

are desperate to get out there and do as well as they can. What will

you say to him before the game? Just to do what he always does,

tried his hardest. Hopefully he will do well again and the rest of

the team as well. Is it hard to watch him? It is hard because my

wife worries about him getting injured. It is a tough game but it

is fantastic to watch. How far can Wales go? It all depends on Sunday.

If we can beat South Africa, which Let me just bring you some good

news about Paralympic cyclist Simon Richardson. After more than three

weeks in hospital, he's been able to go home this afternoon. Here's a

picture of him just before he left the ward. You'll remember the

double gold medallist was knocked off his bike near Bridgend and

suffered multiple injuries. Well doctors say he has responded really

well to treatment. I'll be back with more on the rest

of the day's sport a little later including, a final game for the

Crusaders fans as they bow out of the Super League. See you a little

More now on the dramatic rescue of seabirds in Pembrokeshire this week.

The Manx Shearwaters had been blown off course as they started their

winter migration. The RSPCA are looking after some of them in

Somerset, but there are strong feelings in Pembrokeshire the birds

should be returned to Wales to be released. Within the last hour

we've been sent pictures of how some of the stranded birds have

started their migration from a This afternoon's crossing from fish

Kent. Enthusiasts had been caring for some Manx Shearwater. The birds

were being released from a ferry because people thought that would

give them a better opportunity to emigrate towards Argentina. The

gusty weather affecting West Wales will delay but it should not hamper

the birds too much. They had been sitting in the burrow on their own

as young birds. They practise flying and they lose weight. They

generally lose weight and exercise and practice. In this case, they

came out and were blown up into the air and have lost their way before

they could get out to sea. Usually, birds are the Prix introduced to

the wild in small batches. But now a question has arisen about where

best to go. While admiring the fast response of the RSPCA, there are

concerns. If we can get them off the coast over to the Irish side

where there are large flocks feeding, we could get them joined

up with them and they would be in calmer conditions. They would be

ready to migrate them. I do not see the English side of the Bristol

Channel as a good place to release them. The RSPCA intend to release

some of the birds tonight in a north Devon and insist without it

scare the birds would have died. knew we had to do something. We put

them in cages and fed and cleaned them. With waterproof them. They

are now ready to be released. of the Manx Shearwater will be

released into the wild this evening. 60 other birds were released by

Pembrokeshire volunteers today. Over the past four years, we've

brought you the story of one group's fight to stop a high school

being built on their local park. The campaigners have finally had

the good news they've been waiting for as Cardiff Council have shelved

plans to develop Rumney Recreation ground. Don Taylor and Mel Plenty's

hard work has finally paid off. Along with a group of supporters,

they've waged a hard fought campaign against Cardiff Council's

plans to build a secondary school here on Rumney Rec. It has been

very difficult for my wife and myself. Mounds of paperwork in the

House. Calls at any time of the day or night. It has been hard but it

has been worth it. It's been four years of highs and lows. At a local

referendum two years ago, 94% of voters were in favour of keeping

the park. But a year later, a public inquiry ruled against their

bid to get the ground Village Green Status which would have protected

the site from further development. Now, unexpectedly, the authority

say a cut in Welsh Government funding for other school projects

in the city means they've had to re-examine their plans, which has

already cost them half a million pounds. We are having to think

again about many of our plans now. We will be considering this on a

phased basis. That will give us an opportunity in a to look for a

better site that will be better welcomed by the community. That

site will be here at Rumney High. The Welsh Government say it is

disappointed the plans are being reconsidered especially as its

funding was never agreed with the authority. But the fight for the

rec isn't quite over yet, the group now say they want to reapply for

village green status to prevent any future development and long-running

campaigns. Let's return to Claire now at

Rhiwbina Rugby Club for the rest of the day's sports news.

Thanks Lucy. Welcome back. Let's turn to football now and after the

international break, it's back to club football this weekend. Swansea

City return to London for the first time since their play-off victory

in May. They're up against Arsenal It has been a respectable start for

Swansea City in the premier league. The only thing that is missing so

far he is a goal. They hope that the change tomorrow. It is likely

to be one of their toughest matches of the season. Arsenal were

humiliated in their last match against Manchester United. Brendan

Rodgers is worried his team may face a backlash. They have new

players who will want to make a good start. The task will be very

difficult for us. In the championship, Cardiff City are at

home to Doncaster. Robert Earnshaw's miss against England

this week grab the headlines. was disappointment. Those are the

types of people who end up successful. He has been through

periods where he has missed chances, but he has confidence in his own

ability. Wrexham are playing away tomorrow while Newport County

travel to Mansfield. It's a big day for Crusaders fans

who are heading to Wigan for their club's final Super League game. The

club should find out next week if they'll be allowed to play in the

Co-operative Conference. A group of supporters and team sponsors have

submitted their business plan to the Rugby Football League. They

have said to us that we need to provide evidence that we will have

fans in the ground next year. We have opened up season tickets for -

- to be made available. We have had a few hundred people coming forward

already. That is a phenomenal response.

Cricket. Mark Wallace has been appointed captain of Glamorgan. The

wicketkeeper, who's just signed a new three year contract, will

replace Alviro Petersen, who's returning to South Africa at the

end of the season. On the field, their County Championship match

with Middlesex finally got underway Many bars and rugby clubs up and

down the country are turning into breakfast clubs for the next few

weeks, as fans swap beer for orange juice and come together to watch

Wales' pool games. Kick offs are all early. Next week, it's 4.30 in

the morning. This weekend we'll be with supporters in Cowbridge. Here,

they are getting ready. They'll be getting up for bacon and eggs, and

watching the action. If your club is planning to do the same over the

next few weeks, let us know. We could be coming to join your

breakfast club and cheering on Wales.

It's the start of spring in New Zealand at the moment. Derek, any

idea what the weather's like in Wellington this Sunday night for

The weather down there is not much better than ours. Low pressure over

the country with damp and breezy conditions in Wellington for the

match on Sunday. But the Welsh team will be well used to that! Back

home, there's more rain on the way over the weekend. Blustery showers.

Strong to gale force winds but with a little sunshine as well. There

was some thunder in places this afternoon. Llanelli, Swansea and

Burry Port. Tonight, cloudy and damp with some patchy rain and

drizzle. The wind freshening and muggy. Temperatures holding-up 16

or 17 Celsius. Tomorrow's chart shows low pressure to the west of

Ireland. Lots of isobars and that means strong winds. So tomorrow

morning a cloudy start. Some rain, drizzle and hill fog. The rain

heavy in the southeast. As we head into Powys and the north, the rain

should be lighter. And feeling muggy with a southerly breeze.

During the day the rain will clear. It will dry and brighten-up. A

little sunshine but with a few scattered showers. A breezy and

windy day, feeling fresher. The BBC Proms in the Park is taking place

in Caerphilly Castle tomorrow. It will be breezy with a risk of

showers and some dry weather. Sunday windy with a mixture of

sunny intervals and blustery showers. Feeling cooler with fresh

to strong winds. Now on Sunday night and Monday we've got the

remains of Hurricane Katia to deal with. She will move northeast in

from the Atlantic towards the UK. There is some uncertainty on the

exact track she will take but the Met Office has issued a Yellow

alert for strong to severe gale force winds. Gusts 60 to 70 mph

possible. Perhaps 80 mph on a few exposed coasts and hills. Strong