Andrew RT Davies on Brexit, Scotland and censorship in universities P24 >>
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Science: NASA’s new budget gives hope for future Mars missions P26 >> gair rhydd | freeword Cardiff ’s student weekly Issue 1097 Monday 27th March 2017 Cardiff prison to be valued for potential sell-off
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Credit: Cardiff University
Welsh Varsity trophy “destroyed” by Swansea University rugby team Toby Holloway & Maria Mellor
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he historic Welsh Varsity Trophy, awarded to the victor of the headline act of Varsity - the men’s rugby match - has been destroyed by the Swansea University rugby team. Whilst reportedly on tour in Budapest, Hungary, the trophy that was once held by Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones was dismantled and used, among other things, as a hat. To add what some would describe as ‘insult to injury’, the various pieces were then scattered around the Hungarian capital and lost forever, leaving the words to George Ezra’s hit ‘Budapest’ (For you, oooh, you, oooh, I lose it all) hanging ironically in the air. The trophy was won by Swansea University last year, with Cardiff retaining the shield. Now a new trophy
will have to be found as Welsh Varsity returns to Cardiff this year and Wales’ two leading universities go head-to-head once more. “We took it on tour, and it didn’t come home.” These are the words of one Swansea University rugby player, who, when asked if he knew anything about the incident, replied: “Hahahaha not lost, it was destroyed...it’s currently in pieces around Budapest.” When Gair Rhydd approached Swansea University Students’ Union for a comment, they first denied any knowledge of the rugby team’s tour of Budapest, then, in an updated quote sent after receiving photo evidence of the alleged incident, stated: “As an organisation we have a huge respect for Varsity and the players who make the day so special. We look forward to supporting our players in Cardiff.” Swansea SU failed to say whether or not the rugby team have been punished by their actions.
In response to the destruction of the Varsity trophy, Cardiff University Rugby Football Club spoke to Gair Rhydd, saying: “we have had a successful season and are hoping to avenge last year’s defeat. Swansea are a good team but we hope that we can bring home the cup this year and look after it.” This isn’t the only report of missing treasured trophies have surfaced this week. Cardiff University Water Polo Club were in hot water when a young member of the team lost memorabilia that have been part of the club for the past 23 years. A pair of two-foot long wooden spoons that act as a symbol of the club’s long history were misplaced on a night out by the first year charged with looking after them. It is a club tradition that every year a member of the junior team is chosen to have responsibility over the spoons, with his or her initials being engraved on the spoon at the end of the year.
Rudi Polster, the first year who lost the spoons said: “They were lost over a month ago on a social on Wednesday by me (foolishly). I was a little too drunk and I can’t remember how, could’ve been lost or someone could’ve taken them off me but I honestly can’t remember, but somewhere between the SU and Taly South.” Speaking to Gair Rhydd about the significance of the spoons, Rudi said: “The spoons represent our long standing traditions of TJ (team junior, not necessarily the youngest fresher), choosing one fresher every year who stands out from his peers and giving him the responsibility of being an example to all other fresher’s in the pool and in the pub. Our spoons represent the traditions of old members and the great things they’ve accomplished and TJ carries it to remind us of their great deeds in the hopes that we can live up to them.”
he UK Government are looking to sell Cardiff prison to a private company. Four new prisons have been announced, one of which will be built in Port Talbot. This plan is part of the process to improve the estate after concerns about overcrowding. Jo Stevens MP offered her reassurances. She said: “It is clear to me that the appointment of Savills as valuers is a precursor to selling the Cardiff Prison site. “I will be demanding specific assurances from the government that prison staff, prisoners and access for families to visit will be the top priorities in decisions about HMP Cardiff ’s future and, that if the site is to be sold, the full market rate will be achieved so the taxpayer, not private property investors, get the best deal.”
Board report soothes Welsh Brexit worries
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ardiff Council leader Phil Bale asked the Public Services board to compile a report on the impact of Brexit on the city of Cardiff. The report covered several topics including healthcare, tension in the community and housing. It found that Brexit was having a detrimental effect on healthcare and was increasing community tension. The report claims significant threats to the city’s universities in terms of attracting international students and projects. Last year, Bale claimed that Cardiff ’s £1.2bn city deal would be threatened by Brexit, but he has been proven wrong as the ten local authorities who form the deal have since held their first Joint Cabinet meeting and set a location for the Program Management centre office of the City Deal – Rhondda Cynon Taf. The deal has been formed in the hope that it will not just bring wealth to Cardiff, but to other areas who could benefit from some job creation.