Issue 1148 - Monday 3 February by Cardiff Student Media

rhifyn 1148 issue 1148

gair rhydd

3 chwefror 2020 3 feburary 2020

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Gair Rhydd Six Nations Preview - Pages 28+29

An evening with Sir Keir Starmer Sam Tilley Deputy Editor

abour leadership hopeful Sir Keir Starmer was in Cardiff last Thursday, as the second stage of the leadership race went into full throttle. Speaking at an event held for both members of Cardiff Labour Students and the wider Labour Party, Starmer made it clear that Labour had a “mountain to climb” before the next general election in 2024 and that there was “no good pretending any good” came out of December’s poll. The event took place at Albany Road Baptist Church and was hosted by Cardiff Labour Students. The President of Cardiff Labour Students, Leo Holmes, spoke to Gair Rhydd: “What’s clear from the event tonight is that he’s the person to unite the party. We’ve been infighting with each other for a long time and with the Tories being in government for ten years and with austerity being driven throughout this country, uniting behind Keir will fundamentally bring change to the party and bring a Labour government.” Starmer, also the Shadow Brexit Secretary, spoke on a variety of topics including Britain’s departure from the European Union, the climate crisis and Wales’ place in the United Kingdom. On Brexit, Starmer, the architect of Labour’s infamous ‘six tests’, said “the argument between leave and remain is over, it is instead time to look at our place on the world stage”. He also gave a stark warning on the state of political discourse in Britain, citing the fact that he was elected on the same day as Jo Cox; who was tragically assassinated during the 2016 referendum campaign. On the possibility of a more federal United Kingdom, Starmer posited a “new constitutional reset for the whole of the UK. Wales and Scotland would have more power and would be treated as equals. “Powers that were once in Brussels are coming back to the UK, these shouldn’t just be handed back to Whitehall…but I’m not wedded to any particular form of federalism”. Currently, Welsh Labour is the only branch of the Labour Party that is in a

national government and it’s something Starmer is keen to work with. “One of the things I’d like to see as the Leader of the Opposition is a closer relationship with Scottish and Welsh Labour. I’ve tried to come to Wales to have discussions with Welsh Labour on the decisions we took on Brexit and this is the process I’d want to continue as Leader of the Opposition”. The Shadow Brexit Secretary was introduced by Cardiff Central MP Jo Stevens who cited his promises to “unite the party” and to provide a “strong and effective leadership against current Prime Minister Boris Johnson”. Stevens, who nominated Starmer for the leadership, later spoke to Gair Rhydd on why she’s thrown her support behind the MP for Holborn and St Pancras. “I think we need a leader who can build unity in the party, can build trust and confidence across the country, and someone who’s got the ability, and the experience, and the character to eviscerate Boris Johnson every week at Prime Minister’s Questions, but also to represent our Labour values every day in the media and across the country and I think Keir brings all of those things. I like all of the candidates but I think he’s the stand-out one”. Another MP present at the event was Cardiff South and Penarth MP Stephen Doughty who is also backing Starmer. He told Gair Rhydd “I think Keir first and foremost tonight spoke about unity which I think is what is needed, to bring together all of the talent, all of the views, all of the different aspects of our members. Amongst our members, our trade unionists and across the United Kingdom, the ability to speak to all parts of the United Kingdom is something Keir spoke clearly about tonight. “It’s important to appeal to voters in Wales and Scotland, to the North of England and the south, to the South East and the South West and London. We’re only going to win a majority on a UK level if we do that. “It’s not just a case of winning back voters we lost at the last election, he made it very clear that we’ve lost four elections in a row and we cannot afford to have Labour out of power for what will be effectively 20 years.”

Major breakthrough: Cardiff University’s Professor Andrew Sewell (left), who has been leading the research, with Research Fellow Garry Dolton. Source: Cardiff University.

Cardiff University research leads to new cancer breakthrough

Holly Giles Science Editor

esearchers at Cardiff University have been the cause of a breakthrough in the scien-

Countdown to Spring elections begins in earnest Jonas Jamarik Contributor

ith the Spring semester now in full swing, the Students’ Union is heading towards its 2020 Spring Elections. This week, Gair Rhydd News provides a breakdown of what the elections are, when they are, and what students will be voting on. If you’re looking to find out more about the Sabbatical Officer team, what they do and which positions will be up for grabs, or if you simply want to know when the polls open, turn to page five for an entire run-down of the Spring Elections.To read more, turn to page 5. 5

tific community for their work on cancer. The team have discovered a new receptor located on cells of the immune system that are able to recognise and tell the difference between cancerous and non-cancerous cells.

This provides hope that one day there will be a one-size-fits-all cancer treatment for patients. Turn to page 22 to find out more about the work itself and what this could mean for cancer research. 22

Digwyddiadau i ddathlu Dydd Miwsig Cymru

What to do when the Six Nations comes to Cardiff

Llion Carbis

Pennaeth y Gymraeg

nwaith eto, mae Dydd Miwsig Cymru wedi dychwelyd. Ar y 7fed o Chwefror, bydd cerddoriaeth Cymraeg yn cael ei ddathlu ar draws y genedl. Mae’r dathliad erbyn hyn wedi mynd yn hynod boblogaidd, ac yn cael ei hyrwyddo gan amryw o lefydd fel Clwb Ifor Bach er enghraifft a llawer iawn mwy. Am y tro cyntaf, mae bandiau Cymraeg am fod yn chwarae draw yn Lloegr. Pennaeth y Gymraeg Llion Carbis sydd yn trafod y digwyddiadau sydd i ddod a beth i’w ddisgwyl ar dudalen 6. 6

Tirion Davies @Caerdydd Editor

he Six Nations are back and, as ever, Cardiff will be abuzz with visitors old and new as fans come to visit the Welsh capital to make new match-day memories. If you are thinking about going to watch the rugby with your friends or family, @Caerdydd have you covered with top tips and tricks for making the most of match-day at the home of Welsh rugby. Whether you’re heading to the stadium or watching from the comfort of your own home, we have all the recommendations on page 26. 26

EDITORIAL

Gair Rhydd 2019/20 Coordinator Elaine Morgan

Editor-in-Chief Tomos Evans

Deputy Editors

Charlotte King Sam Tilley George Willoughby

News

Charlotte King Olly Davies Anna Dutton Zoe Kramer

Features

Mustakim Hasnath Sam Tilley

For more content, head to gairrhydd.com

A note from the Editor Nodyn gan y Golygydd Y Gymraeg ar The wonderous garlam Welsh language

Taf-od

Llion Carbis Aled Biston Rhodri Davies Deio Jones

Politics

Lowri Pitcher Hallum Cowell Tom-Henry Jones Maisie Marston

Comment

Adam Clarke Harry Clarke-Ezzidio Kat Smith Tehreem Sultan

Column Road Indigo Jones

Advice

Molly Govus Rhiannon James

Satwik Speaks Satwik Shivoham

Science

Liv Davies Holly Giles

@Caerdydd

Tirion Davies Natalie Graham

Sport

Reece Chambers Olly Allen Ella Fenwick Luke Wakeling Tom Walker George Willoughby

Head of Digital Media Aliraza Manji

Social Media Manager Lottie Draycott

Digital Media Editors Sophia Grace Matt Hancock-Bruce Daniel O’Callaghan

Graphics Editor

Oli King

Copy Editors Boadicea Dowd Anurag Hegde Dewi Morris

Write to the editor editor@gairrhydd.com

At Gair Rhydd we take seriously our responsibility to maintain the highest possible standards. We may occasionally make mistakes, however if you believe we have fallen below the standards we seek to uphold, please email editor@gairrhydd.com. You can view our Ethical Policy Statement and Complaints Procedure at cardiffstudentmedia.co.uk/complaints. Opinions expressed in editorials and opinion pieces are not reflective of Cardiff Student Media, who act as the publisher of Gair Rhydd in legal terms, and should not be considered official communications or the organisation’s stance. Gair Rhydd is a Post Office registered newspaper.

Dafydd Iwan: Cyrraedd brig iTunes. Tarddiad: Llywelyn2000 (drwy Wikimedia Commons) Tomos Evans Prif Olygydd

ros yr wythnosau diwethaf, mae’r iaith Gymraeg wedi profi cyfnod cyffrous. Mae’r iaith Gymraeg yn perthyn i bawb ond, bellach, mae’r Gymraeg yn cael ei dysgu a’i defnyddio gan fwy o bobl hefyd. Yn ddiweddar, roedd un o gystadleuwyr y gyfres realaidd boblogaidd Love Island, yn siaradwr Cymraeg. Mynychodd Connagh Howard Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glan Taf yng Nghaerdydd. Gwnaeth Conagh ddysgu ychydig o Gymraeg i rai o’i gydgystadleuwyr yn ystod ei amser yn y fila. Defnyddiodd Iain Stirling hyd yn oed, llais Love Island, ychydig o’r Gymraeg hyd yn oed, gan gyfeirio at sgwrs ar y ‘bagiau ffa’. Wrth gwrs, mae hyn yn dilyn cynrychiolaeth o’r Gymraeg mewn pennod o’r gyfres Netflix boblogaidd, The Crown, a oedd yn sôn am arwisgiad Tywysog Cymru. Ar ddechrau’r mis, cafwyd cryn syndod pan gyrhaeddodd Yma o Hyd gan Dafydd Iwan, un o ganeuon enwocaf yr iaith Gymraeg, rif un yn siartiau iTunes. Daeth y llwyddiant ysgubol yn sgîl ymgyrch gan y grŵp Yes Cymru, sy’n ymgyrchu dros annibyniaeth i Gymru. Mae’r cyfleoedd sydd ar gael i ddysgu’r Gymraeg wedi cynyddu yn ystod y blynyddoedd diwethaf gyda

nifer o ddosbarthiadau nos ar gynnig i bawb sydd am ddysgu’r Gymraeg. Mae cymaint o bobl wedi mynd ati i ddysgu’r Gymraeg ar draws y byd, drwy ddefnyddio gwefannau megis Say Something in Welsh neu ap Duolingo sydd yn cynnig cwrs Cymraeg i’w ddefnyddwyr. Fis Medi diwethaf, nododd Duolingo fod ganddynt 38,600 defnyddiwr ar eu cwrs Cymraeg yn ystod y mis hwnnw. Dywedodd Say Something in Welsh fod ganddynt 60,000 defnyddiwr rheolaidd ar eu gwefan. Y llynedd, gwnaeth hanes Geordan Burress gipio cefnogaeth y genedl wrth iddi ymweld â Chymru am y tro cyntaf ers iddi ddysgu’r Gymraeg. Yn dilyn hyn, mae Geordan wedi mynd ati i greu flogiau trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg. Ar hyn o bryd, mae nifer o selebs Cymreig yn dysgu Cymraeg gan gynnwys Ruth Jones a Carol Vorderman. Bydd cyfres newydd ar S4C yn dilyn eu siwrnau wrth iddynt gwblhau tasgau trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg megis actio yn Pobol y Cwm a chyflwyno’r tywydd. O fewn y Brifysgol ei hun, mae dosbarthiadau Cymraeg i Bawb yn cael eu cynnig. Felly, mae digon o gyfleoedd ar gael i fyfyrwyr fynd ati i ddysgu’r Gymraeg. Gan ei bod hi’n ddegawd newydd, mae’n gyfle euraidd i fynd ati i ymgymryd â her newydd ac mae dysgu iaith yn un ohonyn nhw. Mae’r Gymraeg ar gerdded, ymunwch yn y daith.

Dafydd Iwan: Reaching iTunes number one. Source: Llywelyn2000 (via Wikimedia Commons) Tomos Evans Editor-in-Chief

he last few weeks have been an exciting period for the Welsh language. The Welsh language belongs to all, but now the language is learned and used by an increasing number too. Recently, one of the competitors on the popular reality series, Love Island, was a Welsh speaker. Connagh Howard attended the Welsh-language school Ysgol Glan Taf in Cardiff, and taught some Welsh to his fellow islanders during his time in the villa. Even Iain Stirling, the voice of Love Island, spoke some Welsh during the show. This follows Welsh language representation in an episode in the most recent series of the hit Netflix show The Crown, which explored the inauguration of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales. At the beginning of this month, Twitter was also taken by surprise when popular Welsh-language song Yma o Hyd by Dafydd Iwan, reached number one on the iTunes chart. The success came in light of a campaign by the group Yes Cymru, which supports Welsh independence. The opportunities to learn Welsh have also increased in recent years with many evening classes available for everyone who wishes to learn the language of the heavens.

Many people have gone on to learn Welsh right across the world through the use of sites such as Say Something in Welsh or the Duolingo app which also offers a Welsh language course to its users. Last September, Duolingo reported that they have 38,600 users of their Welsh course during the month. Say Something in Welsh have 60,000 regular users on their site. Last year, Geordan Burress’ story garnered the support of the nation as she came to Wales for the first time ever, after she’d taken the decision to learn Welsh. Following this, Burgess, from Ohio, has gone on to create Welsh-language vlogs. At the moment, several Welsh celebs are learning Welsh too including Ruth Jones and Carol Vorderman. A new series on S4C will follow their journey as they complete tasks through the medium of Welsh such as appear in an episode of Welsh-language soap Pobol y Cwm and present the weather in Welsh. Within the University itself, Welsh for All classes are available as well. So, there are plenty of opportunities on offer to those who want to learn Welsh. As it’s a new decade, it’s a golden opportunity to take on a new challenge and learning a language is one of them. If you’re looking for something new to do, why don’t you take the plunge and learn Welsh? The Welsh language belongs to all of us; embrace it and reap the rewards.

Jonas Jamarik Contributor

nce again, the academic year is heading closer and closer towards the Students’ Union’s Spring Elections. On Monday 2 March, the polls open and students will be able to vote in the 2020 elections. But, what positions will students be voting for? 17 positions will be up for grabs across the Students’ Union with nominations staying open until 11am on February 4. Sabbatical Officers

Campaign Officers

This election... There are

17 positions. Polls open

March 2 at

9 A.M... ....and close

March 6 at

5 P.M. You can vote on the

SU Website

Pro-choice debate dominates Student Senate Three out of five motions passed in Students’ Union’s most recent Senate meeting

Charlotte King Sam Tilley Deputy Editors

he Students’ Union’s Student Senate met last week to discuss a variety of matters submitted by members of Cardiff University’s student body on the Union’s website. There were five matters up for discussion, including motions on pregnancy advice, the protection of religious freedoms and whether or not societies should be allowed to charge new members more than existing members. The first motion submitted to the Senate demanded the Students’ Union lobby for the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) Pension Fund to divest. The USS is one of the largest principal private pension schemes for universities and currently has investments across a range of sectors, including in the fossil fuel industry. This motion was proposed by VP Postgraduate Nick Fox and passed with 12 votes in favour, eight abstentions and one vote against, and gives legitimacy to the Union’s Sabbatical Officers to lobby the University to push for the divesting of the scheme. The second motion of the night was put forward by Christopher Dunne and demanded changes to

society membership fees, calling for it to be impossible for societies and sports clubs to charge different membership amounts for different students. Dunne specifically cited the activities of both the Law and Optometry societies, accusing them of charging returning members half the amount of new members or charging students different prices depending on their year of study. Dunne argued that it was unfair for societies to continue with this practice and “it needs to be justified”. This motion was also passed by the Senate with 17 votes in favour, one abstention and one vote against. The third motion was proposed by Luke Doherty and attempted to commit both the Students’ Union and Cardiff University to enshrine a commitment to freedom of speech. The motion promised to end the system of “no-platforming”, to end the censoring of certain newspapers in the Union, and to eradicate a “culture of intolerance” present on campus. Speaking for the motion, Doherty argued that university should be a place where students “acquire new knowledge, challenge their existing opinions and beliefs, and engage in healthy and constructive debate”, however he believes Cardiff University campuses are currently plagued by intolerance towards cer-

tain opinions, referencing the two university lecturers who called Conservative voters “vermin” and “without social conscience” following last year’s General Election. Doherty’s motion called for the Students’ Union to “make a bold commitment to freedom of speech” by taking a “default stance of neutrality”. Opposing the motion, one Senator argued that it was a “thinlyveiled” attempt to set aside the Union’s pro-choice stance and could see campus becoming a platform for hatred. However, another Senator supporting the motion argued that the past six months have been particularly “tumultuous” for Cardiff University and this is an opportunity for the Union to “set the record straight” and ensure students are protected. Following a long discussion, some Senators insinuated that Doherty’s motion was attempting to strip the Annual General Meeting’s (AGM) power to set policy but this was proven unconstitutional. Following a long discussion, the vote was ultimately cancelled after a procedural motion was carried out by one of the Senators. The fourth motion was also proposed by Doherty and dealt with the pregnancy support offered to women on campus and called for pro-life organisations to be featured on the

SU’s website alongside links to NHS services to “eradicate stigma against pregnancy” on campus. The motion was condemned by a number of Senators who argued that there was enough research already available on the SU website, and some also argued against the motion on the grounds that it directly contravened the outcome of the pro-choice motion at the AGM. However, after an amendment to remove the term “pro-life” from the demand, leading to the motion calling for “links to organisations” who offer counselling and support to women be made available alongside NHS support, it passed with 12 votes in favour, four votes against, and five abstentions. The fifth and final motion was the third proposed by Luke Doherty and called for the protection of religious freedoms on campus, again linking to a perceived “culture of intolerance”. Discussion regarding the motion focussed primarily on the Catholic Society who withdrew from the Guild of Societies following last year’s AGM, but an opposing Senator argued that the Union allows for religious societies and again, the motion is coming from an “anti-choice agenda”. Ultimately, this motion was also subjected to a procedural motion which cancelled the motion.

To contact our news desk, drop us an email at news@gairrhydd.com

Students will also have the opportunity to vote on new Campaign Officers who are responsible for representing and campaigning for issues relevant to the student groups they represent. Again, in no particular order, students will be able to vote for a new Black and Ethnic Minorities Officer who represents the in-

terests of and campaigns for black and minority ethnic (BME) students, an Ethical and Environmental Officer to represent students’ ethical and environmental interests, and an International Students Officer to represent international students. Additionally, new LGBT+ (Open) and LGBT+ (Trans) Officers who represent lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students’ interests, a Mature Students Officer who represents the interests of mature students, and a Mental Health Officer will also be elected. Last but not least, students will also have the opportunity to vote for a Students with Disabilities Officer who represents and campaigns for students with disabilities, a Welsh Language Officer who will represent the interests of Welsh-speaking students within the University and the Union. Also, a Women’s Officer who represents the interests of students who define as women throughout the University and Union will be voted upon. Nominations for these positions will be closing at 11am on Tuesday 4 February. After this, candidates will spend time producing manifestos to inform students on their policy proposals and the polls will open at 9am on Monday 2 March. Students are able to nominate themselves, access manifestos and vote via the Students’ Union website.

NEWS

Firstly, students will be electing new Sabbatical Officers who form the team of Vice Presidents within the Student Union. Within the Sabbatical team, there are various officers. In no particular order, students will have the opportunity to elect a new Vice President (VP) Education who represents Cardiff University students’ academic interests when communicating with the University and oversees the Student Academic Representative system. A new VP Heath Park Campus will represent the academic interests and welfare of students studying at the Heath Park Campus when communicating with the University, and VP Postgraduate Students is also up for grabs, giving students the opportunity to elect somebody to represent

the interests and welfare of postgraduates at Cardiff University. Students will also be voting for VP Societies and Volunteering who is responsible for organising societies and Students’ Union events and supporting volunteers within the Union. A new VP Sports and Athletic Union who develops student-led sports throughout the community and University, and VP Welfare and Campaigns who represents all of Cardiff University’s students when dealing with decision making bodies in the University and the local community on student-related welfare issues whilst also supporting campaign officers will also be elected. Finally, students will also vote for a new Students’ Union President who leads both the Sabbatical Officer team and the Students’ Union as a whole. The Vice President represents students when dealing with the University and acts as the key link between the University and the students.

NEWYDDION

Polls open on Monday, 2 March for students to elect new Sabbatical and Campaign Officers for the Students’ Union

For more content, head to gairrhydd.com/news

Your guide to the SU’s Spring Election

Your news desk Charlotte King Olly Davies Anna Dutton Zoe Kramer

4 NEWS

The Great Escape: Cathays hamster reunited with owner Sophia Grace Contributor

n January 26, Cardiff University student Jack Chapman posted on the popular Facebook page ‘Overhead at Cardiff University’ with a photo of a white hamster who was reportedly found outside of Cardiff University’s Students’ Union. Chapman, who discovered the hamster, proceeded to knock on the door of the closest house and the students living there took the pet in. Chapman’s initial post received nearly 300 likes from students across Cardiff and got the ball rolling for a very popular story. After finding the hamster, Chapman reported that the pet was “[a] good bloke all around... friendly enough and wouldn’t get off my shoe.” Later that day, a second student, who had taken the hamster in from Chapman, posted on ‘Overheard’ joking that after a seemingly wild night at Juice, the Student Union’s Saturday club night, the hamster had been treated to some water and carrots. Comments began to pour in from people offering the hamster food, bedding, and some people were even offering it a new home. Photos of the hamster in the arms of its new foster parents then appeared on Facebook, and the story was quickly becoming famous amongst Cardiff University students; someone even suggested it become the University’s mascot. Amongst all of the offers for a new home and lots of food, one of the good samaritans, Rachel, a secondyear student studying Occupational Therapy, went over to collect the hamster with a spare cage and take it home, naming the hamster Mayo and giving it a safe place to stay. Shortly after, the hamster’s original owner got in contact with the students who had taken the pet in and informed them that the hamster was, in fact, a girl named Ivy Ivy reportedly lives in the attic of her owner’s house and it is believed that she escaped from a hole in the wall, travelled all the way down the side of the house, made it outside, across the road and well on her way to Juice, presumably. Ivy’s owner then saw the posts on the ‘Overheard at Cardiff University’ page and began commenting in the hope that they would soon be reunited with their beloved pet. It is now believed that the owners came to collect Ivy and the two have officially been reunited. Thanks to the power of social media and some determined hamster lovers, Ivy was successfully brought home. This hamster has certainly had quite the adventure but it looks like her exploring days are over for the moment and lots of rest and warmth is in order for the foreseeable future.

Pro-life protesters return to campus

Students express concern about CBR UK’s use of traumatic images as protests against the SU’s pro-choice stance continue Charlotte King Head of News

n Monday 27 January, as the majority of students returned to Cardiff University for the start of Spring semester, pro-life protest group Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform UK (CBR UK) returned to Cathays Park Campus. They continued their ongoing protest against both Cardiff University and Cardiff University Students’ Union following the Union adopting a prochoice stance in 2019’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). Following last year’s AGM in November, CBR UK carried out pro-life protests outside of Cardiff University’s Main Building on multiple occasions. Speaking to Gair Rhydd on January 27, the group expressed that they have returned to campus on the first day of the new term because they are running an “ongoing campaign”. They want to “[make] a statement”, spread the message to students that they “have not gone away”, and continue trying to encourage the University and Students’ Union to alter their pro-choice stance. A CBR UK member clarified that they are not necessarily demanding the Union adopts a pro-life stance but rather returns to a “neutral” position.

[The SU] Support freedom of expression [...] but then they come out and cover our signs.

CBR UK Protestor

The group also told Gair Rhydd that they have invited both the University and the Students Union to debate with them and will maintain “pressure” through regular protests until this debate occurs. The group has expressed particular anger towards the Students Union last term for allegedly stifling their freedom of speech when UCU Strike action protestors blocked CBR UK’s display during the eight days of strike action last year. Jackie Yip, Students’ Union President, said in response: “I have not received any communication from CBR UK regarding a proposed debate and I’m not accountable to them to make this happen. “The Students’ Union has made clear in previous statements that everyone should respect others’ right to freedom of speech - there has been no direction on the contrary given to lecturers or other students. “I disagree with the deliberately harmful tactics being used by CBR UK...I’m actively trying to stop this from continuing.” Yip also added that any students in need of support following CBR UK’s displays should contact student advice, and encouraged those who see future “distressing activity” to report it to 101. Speaking to Gair Rhydd, a Cardiff University spokesperson also said: “At the time of writing, the University has not received a formal request from CBR UK.” CBR UK’s return on campus was met with negative responses from some students once again. Onlookers told Gair Rhydd that they felt CBR UK’s action was futile because they did not see how it would change the minds of passersby. Many also expressed that they felt the group’s action was “insensitive” and could be triggering to those who have

had abortions or lost children. When asked about the graphic nature of their display, a CBR UK member stated, “We put a warning [sign] but it is the truth.” Gair Rhydd then enquired how onlookers can be sure that CBR UK’s posters are scientifically accurate, to which the group said that their images are sourced on their official website.

I personally feel unsettled as what they stand for is a direct attack on my and my peers’ basic human rights

Isadora Sinha President of the Pro-Choice society

Isadora Sinha, President of the newly-formed Pro-Choice Society, reacted to CBR UK’s ongoing protest. Speaking to Gair Rhydd, Sinha said: “I personally feel unsettled as what they stand for is a direct attack on my and my peers’ basic human rights”, but people must remember that the majority of the UK is pro-choice and society is “taking steps forward” to ensure equality every day. Sinha continued saying that CBR UK are attempting to make out that those supporting a pro-choice stance are “devils.” She believes pro-choice supporters are critical, egalitarian thinkers standing up for student democracy and that CBR UK are simply angering students and encouraging them to become even more pro-choice rather than

persuading them to become pro-life. She feels that the majority of Cardiff University students will focus on their degrees rather than CBR UK’s pro-life protests. The Pro-Choice Society was established at the beginning of 2020, with the President telling Gair Rhydd that it was born out of demand from peers and many students following the backlash against CBR UK’s presence on campus. In response to the society’s formation, CBR UK said that they welcome the society as they support freedom of expression, but are “concerned” that these people “stifle, censor and cover” the freedom of expression of ‘pro-lifers’, referring to the pro-choice counterprotest to CBR UK’s presence last term. One student even took to Overheard at Cardiff University on Facebook to share a letter they sent to the Students’ Union and the University demanding they take action against CBR UK, stating that the group’s presence is causing students to feel unsafe on campus. A Cardiff University spokesperson told Gair Rhydd: “Whilst the University actively encourages freedom of speech and robust academic debate it does not take a public position on such matters... We respect the right to peaceful and lawful protest. However, when protestors encroach onto University property, without permission, we reserve the right to ask them to move.” They added, “If there is evidence of protestors breaking the law the University would of course refer the matter to the police for investigation. The University will continue to monitor the situation.” Jackie Yip has since announced that the Students’ Union is speaking to the local Council, the University and the police to “build a case that these actions are causing undue distress and trauma” to students.

SU to create Lennon wall in the coming weeks The wall will allow students to express their political views

Zoe Kramer News Editor

ardiff University’s Student Union has recently confirmed plans to create a Lennon wall in the SU building. A Lennon wall is a wall designated for public free speech, from graffiti to sticky notes to art. The original Lennon wall is located in Mala Strana, Prague, and paid homage to John Lennon’s message of peace after his death in 1980. Featuring Beatles lyrics among other assorted graffiti, the original wall conveyed a message of peace and resistance towards Czechoslovakia’s communist regime. It was a celebration of popular music with a message of freedom, music which had been banned for many years. However, more recently, the Prague wall has been put under surveillance in order to curtail vandalism and obscene artworks, often at the hands of tourists. The wall is now considered an open-air gallery and much of the earlier graffiti has

been replaced by commissioned artworks in the spirit of the original peace-centric wall. Since 2014, many Lennon walls have also sprung up in Hong Kong, often consisting of hundreds of sticky notes. These sticky notes contain messages of support towards the protests as well as some messages in opposition to the protests. They serve as ways for the public to communicate and have their voices heard. Last term, after an idea was submitted on the Union’s ‘Ideas Hub’, the Student Senate voted to implement a Lennon wall within the Union itself, and it is intended to replicate these ideals of free speech. SU President Jackie Yip commented that the SU is still in the process of working out the logistics of the wall: “Student Senate has passed a motion seeking the Union to provide a suitable location and permission for a Lennon Wall. This will be set up and installed in the coming weeks.” Regarding the content of the wall,

she said, “We expect that the wall will be used for students to show solidarity with individuals and groups around the world who they feel are facing oppression. There will be guidance provided at the wall highlighting expectations on use and the wall will be regularly monitored to ensure that any offensive content is removed. We are still considering a number of locations that provide good access for

students to engage with the wall. “We sincerely hope that students will use the wall as intended and the Union will reserve the right to remove content or remove access to the wall if it becomes a focal point for aggression or offensive content. Such actions may cause the Union to consider whether additional action may be taken to seek a harmonious campus or to pursue disciplinary action with individuals.”

The original Lennon wall in Prague: The colourful wall has layers of messages from passers-by. Source: Roman Boed (via Flickr)

NEWYDDION 5

UK Government minister calls for universities to adopt new anti-Semitism definition Will Cardiff University be adopting it?

Olly Davies News Editor

arlier this week the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Robert Jenrick, spoke of the importance for universities and local councils to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism, something which campaigners perceive to be vital for rooting out anti-Jewish racism within the higher education system, and allegedly threatened to withhold funding from universities who refuse to adopt the definition. The Communities Secretary said: “The Government is committed to legislating to ban so-called Boycotts, Divestments and Sanctions (BDS) by public bodies...[because] its obsession with Israel is disturbing as anti-Zionism is merely the latest form of anti-Semitism.” In a recent article for the Huffington Post, Jenrick wrote: “Over 115 councils” have already adopted the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism, however, overall there are 343 councils in England which means less than half have decided to adopt the definition. Subsequently, it has been reported by the Times that Jenrick will name those bodies who explicitly refused to accept the IHRA definition in the coming weeks. As well as publicising local authorities and universities who do not conform, the Minister has alleg-

edly said: “Organisations like these should not expect to receive public money if they cannot demonstrate that they are fighting antisemitism.” However, he has also written “organisations should not accept public money, but decline the IHRA definition.” Thus, it is not quite clear how public funding will be withheld from these organisations. This announcement comes as Jenrick unveiled that the Government plans to increase funding to help “educate university students and academics in the horrors of the Holocaust”. Apparently, a £500,000 fund will pay for 150 student leaders to travel to Auschwitz-Birkenau to hear from survivors and through seminars, the students will share their experiences of the trip. It is hoped that around 24,000 students will, therefore, gain a deeper understanding of anti-Semitism, both past and present. The programme will be delivered by the Holocaust Educational Trust (HET) in partnership with the Union of Jewish Students (UJS) and is an expansion of a former scheme which identified 30 UK universities with reports of high levels of antiSemitism or racism. This issue has affected both Warwick and Bristol University. The Vice-Chancellor of Warwick University, Professor Stuart, has declined to adopt the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism because believes it does not give “any added value” to understanding the issue. In a statement to the President

of the Warwick’s Jewish Society, Stuart declared that the University will not “formally adopt individual definitions of specific forms of discriminatory behaviour” because “to adopt one would inevitably lead to the adoption of a whole series of such definitions.” This is a decision which has left those concerned “deeply disappointed” and they hope for an immediate reversal by the University. At Bristol University, the 100 member Student Senate also removed specific examples of “Jew hate” from the IHRA definition. The issue seemed to focus on the rejection of “how attacks on Israel can cross into Jew-hate”. The amended definition was passed to the University’s Board of Trustees for adoption but left many students feeling ignored by the University. Bristol University’s Jsoc therefore protested the

Senate meeting and even involved Daniel Kosky, a Union of Jewish Students Campaigns Officer. After mounting pressure and backlash, the University has subsequently accepted the full terms of the IHRA definition. Will Cardiff University be adopting the definition? A spokesperson for the University has told Gair Rhydd: “Over the last 12 months the University has undergone consultation of the Religion and Belief Policy and this includes a discussion on the definition raised. The document is still under review through our governance structures. The University has not been informed that funding for the Higher Education sector is being reviewed based on adoption of the IHRA definition. We will continue to work with our regulating body, HEFCW, to ensure we meet their requirements.”

On an unrelated note...

Joe Lycett holds unexpected rave at CPS Homes’ Woodville Road branch

ast week, celebrity comedian Joe Lycett held an impromptu rave outside of letting agency CPS Homes on Woodville Road. Donning a shirt with the quote “The onus is on the landlord”, it was presumably part of his TV Show which sees the comedian “defend the consumer rights” of the public. Many students attended the rave.

‘The onus is on the landlord’. Source: Hannah Powell

Evacuation of Britons from Wuhan delayed as virus spreads

T Stand up to racism: The Government plans to enforce the IHRA defintion of anti-Semitism. Source: Alisdare Hickson (via Wikimedia)

he evacuation of British nationals from Wuhan province in China has been delayed because the Chinese authorites have not given permission for flights to leave, at the time of writing. It is believed those returning from the region, upon landing in the UK, will be quarantined for two weeks. The virus has now spread to the UK and is being classed as a global emergency.

Is the nature of university publishing about to change? A London-based startup is offering Netflix-style textbook subscriptions to students

Bethany Handley Contributor

young, London-based startup company called Perlego is aiming to make academia and academic texts more accessible to students by reducing the cost of obtaining textbooks. Perlego is a start-up subscription service which

I believe an online subscription service for textbooks would help me study better, as I would have easier access to course material. Iris, JOMEC student

provides academic textbooks from an array of publishers, and some are speculating whether the nature of university publishing is beginning to change and beginning to catch up with the modern age. For a monthly fee of £12, Perlego grants students access to academic textbooks from various publishers, branding themselves as offering ‘unlimited reading for less than the price of a single book. Moreover, rather than providing scanned textbooks, Perlego provides subscribers with interactive texts that can be annotated and highlighted. Some believe that this service offers exciting benefits to students. Firstly, it arguably aims to democratise academia by making 200,000 titles available to every subscriber. It also saves students the agonising price of core textbooks when library copies are limited, whilst allowing students to easily read texts from multiple genres and academic disciplines. However, the reaction from students is mixed. Journalism, Media and Culture (JOMEC) student Iris said, “I believe an online subscription service for textbooks would help me

study better, as I would have easier access to all the course material and wouldn’t have to use money to buy all the books separately when the library only has a few copies.

It would discourage extended reading where you pay for access to niche subjects.

Ellena French and Spanish Translation

“The standard price for Netflix is £8 a month,”’ she added, “giving us almost unlimited access to films and series. Doesn’t sound too bad if we could do the same for books!” On the other hand, French and Spanish Translation student, Ellena, acknowledged that whilst Perlego would reduce the money she is forced to spend on textbooks which the li-

brary does not stock in great quantities, she believes that a textbook subscription service could discourage niche reading and the pursuit of creative sources. “The subscription fee would encourage loyalty to the site for your reading and therefore discourages extended reading where you pay for access to niche subjects in addition to the core textbooks.” Whilst Perlego seems to have revolutionary potential for students, the benefits for published academics can also be questioned. Perlego’s business model mirrors that of Spotify’s, with subscriptions allowing the consumer direct access to the contributor’s work without the middle party. However, this may pose challenges to the academics whose work is being accessed, with some questioning whether academics will be reimbursed fairly. Furthermore, various academic publishers already offer their own academic subscription services, such as EBSCO and Oxford Academic. It will be interesting to see if Perlego takes off and affects the way students use academic sources.

Coronavirus. Source: NIAID (via Flickr)

Universities lock in more and more prospective students with unconditional offers

igures show that one in four students recieved an unconditional offer last summer. The practice guarantees students a place at universities if it is their first choice, regardless of grades. Gavin Williamson, the Education Secretary, believes this is causing a drop in A-Level results and hopes to abolish the practice.

Cardiff University. Source: Stan Zurek (via Wikimedia)

taf od

Barn y Bobol

Yn ôl Eluned Morgan, Gweinidog y Gymraeg a Chysylltiadau Rhyngwladol, nid oes angen Cymraeg pur ar siaradwyr ein hiaith. Ydy myfyrwyr Caerdydd yn cytuno?

Shôn Alun Thomas Myfyriwr trydedd flwyddyn, Meddygaeth

Yn bendant, dw i’n cytuno gyda Eluned Morgan! Dylen ni fod mor falch o’n cyfeillion sy’n siarad Cymraeg amherffaith neu’n ceisio dysgu Cymraeg o’r newydd. Yn y maes iechyd, mae gallu dweud “Bore da” neu “Hwyl fawr” wrth blentyn, person hŷn neu unrhyw glaf, yn gallu gwneud gymaint o wahaniaeth i’w profiad ac yn gallu creu awyrgylch gartrefol. Mae mor bwysig i ni annog a bod ag agwedd cadarnhaol tuag at ddysgu Cymraeg. Ein rôl ni yw i addysgu, nid i feirniadu.

Heledd Ainsworth Myfyrwarig ail flwyddyn, Cymraeg a’r Gyfraith

Mae obsesiwn gyda chywirdeb yn llesteirio llif brawddeg ac yn lleihau hyder y siaradwr i ddefnyddio iaith. Clywyd digon o ddysgwyr y Gymraeg yn datgan iddynt roi’r gorau i geisio dysgu oherwydd iddynt gael eu gwawdio neu eu cystwyo am beidio defnyddio iaith gywir. Mae hi mor bwysig i adeiladu ar hyder dysgwyr y Gymraeg gan anwybyddu camgymeriadau nad sydd yn llyffethio’r neges. Dylid cymeradwyo pob ymgais i ddefnyddio’r Gymraeg gan anwybyddu llithriadau gramadegol, yn enwedig ar lafar. Mae pawb yn gwneud camgymeriadau yn ein hiaith gyntaf yn aml, beth bynnag!

Rhiannon Jones

Myfyrwaig ail flwyddyn, Newyddiaduraeth a Chymraeg Yn bendant, mae diffyg hyder mewn siaradwyr Cymraeg yn broblem a dylem annog siaradwyr da i ystyried eu hun yn rhugl, hyd yn oed os ydyn nhw’n poeni am eu gramadeg. Nid yn unig er mwyn cyrraedd y targed o filiwn o siaradwyr ond er mwyn gwneud iddynt deimlo’n rhan o’r gymuned Gymreig. Os nad ydynt yn teimlo’n ddigon hyderus i ystyried eu hun yn siaradwyr, maent yn llai tebygol o ddefnyddio’r iaith ac mae hynny‘n drueni allem helpu ei osgoi.

Yr unig gyhoeddiad myfyrwyr wythnosol trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg. Sefydlwyd: 2003 Am fwy o gynnwys, ewch i gairrhydd.com/tafod

Eich hadran taf-od Llion Carbis Aled Biston Rhodri Davies Deio Jones tafod@gairrhydd.com

GWLEIDYDDIAETH

Gwleidyddiaeth Cymru ar drothwy diddorol Darlun o wleidyddiaeth Cymru yn dilyn yr Etholiad Cyffredinol

Aled Biston Golygydd Taf-od

n dilyn yr Etholiad Cyffredinol a ddigwyddodd ar Ragfyr 12, mae tirlun gwleidyddol Cymru wedi newid yn sylweddol. Gwelwyd nifer o ardaloedd y Gogledd yn newid o goch i las wrth i’r Ceidwadwyr yn ennill nifer o seddi. Yn y De, roedd Llafur wedi cadw nifer o’u seddi, fe wnaeth Plaid Cymru hefyd gadw eu seddi yn y Gogledd a’r Gorllewin. Ond, gyda Brexit nawr wedi digwydd, ac yr Etholiad Seneddol yn 2021, beth yw sefyllfa wleidyddol Cymru a beth allwn ni ddisgwyl yn y dyfodol agos? Ar y cyfan, enillodd y Ceidwadwyr saith sedd yng Nghymru, cynnydd sylweddol iawn iddynt yn eu hymgais i gyflawni Brexit. Yn nodedig yn y cynnydd yma, cipiwyd y Ceidwadwyr ardal Sir Fôn, ardal lle roedd Plaid Cymru yn obeithiol o’i hennill. Ond, o ganlyniad i gynnydd yn nifer o seddi’r Ceidwadwyr, mae’r Blaid Lafur wedi colli chwe sedd. Yn y cyd-destun Prydeinig, roedd canlyniad yr etholiad yn ddychrynllyd i Lafur wrth iddynt golli llawer o seddi dros Brydain gyfan. Ond pa rôl wnaeth Brexit chwarae yn yr etholiad? Ni ellir dadlau yn erbyn rôl hollbwysig Brexit yn yr etholiad hwn,

gyda’r neges ‘Let’s get Brexit done’ yn ganolog i ymgyrch y Ceidwadwyr. Fe wnaeth Plaid Cymru, Y Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol a’r Blaid Werdd greu cytundeb atal Brexit yn yr etholiad, wrth geisio cynyddu’r nifer o ASau gwrthBrexit. Nid oedd y Blaid Lafur wedi cytuno i’r cytundeb. O ganlyniad i hyn a’r ffaith bod Cymru fel gwlad wedi dewis gadael yr Undeb Ewropeaidd (UE) yn 2016, roedd y Ceidwadwyr wedi ennill llawer mwy o seddi wrth i’r blaid Lafur a phleidiau gwrth-Brexit golli’n fawr. Mae hyn yn gadael Cymru mewn sefyllfa wleidyddol ddiddorol cyn yr Etholiad Seneddol sydd yn digwydd flwyddyn nesaf. Erbyn hynny, bydd blwyddyn wedi mynd heibio ers Brexit, a bydd rhai o effeithiau gadael yr UE yn amlwg. Mae Plaid Cymru wedi ceisio creu cynllun er mwyn delio ag effeithiau Brexit, ac efallai bydd hyn yn gynllun a fydd yn llwyddo denu nifer o bleidleiswyr yn etholiad 2021. Bydd y Ceidwadwyr yn edrych i geisio ennill mwyafrif am y tro cyntaf yn hanes y Senedd. Nid ydynt erioed wedi cael mwyafrif yn y Senedd, gyda Llafur yn cymryd y mwyafrif ers dechreuad y sefydliad yn 1997. Bydd ôl-effeithiau Brexit yn chwarae rôl ar pwy fydd pobl yn pleidleisio drostynt, ac mae angen i’r Ceidwadwyr symud eu ffocws yn ôl at wleidyddiaeth Cymru, yn dilyn

Canolbwynt gwleidyddiaeth Gymru: Y Senedd ym Mae CaerdyddTarddiad: National Assembly for Wales (drwy Flickr) eu safiad cadarn ar Brexit dros y bedair blynedd diwethaf, a nawr wedi cyflawni’r nod o gynnal hynny. Mae hi’n gyfnod diddorol yng ngwleidyddiaeth Cymru ar hyn o bryd, mae canlyniad Etholiad Cyffredinol llynedd wedi synnu llawer o bobl. Ni ellir rhagfynegi beth fydd sefyllfa Cymru a’i gwleidyddiaeth yn y dyfodol agos.

Yn sicr, cawn ddarlun llawer mwy eglur yn dilyn yr etholiad. Ond y cwestiwn mawr yw, pwy a ŵyr beth fydd canlyniadau Etholiad Seneddol 2021 yn dilyn ôl-effeithiau Brexit?

DIWYLLIANT

Cymreictod a Cherddoriaeth: Dydd Miwsig Cymru 2020 Paratowch am ddiwrnod arall o ddathlu cerddoriaeth Cymraeg

Llion Carbis Pennaeth y Gymraeg

ir yw pob aros, ond mae Dydd Miwsig Cymru ar fîn dychwelyd. Ar ddydd Gwener, Chwefror 7, bydd Dydd Miwsig Cymru yn dathlu ei pumed ben-blwydd. Fel mae’r enw yn awgrymu, diwrnod o ddathlu a mwynhau cerddoriaeth Cymraeg yw’r digwyddiad blynyddol ac mae digon o gerddoriaeth i fwynhau eleni wedi blwyddyn lwyddiannus tu hwnt i gerddoriaeth Cymraeg. O lwyddiannau’r hen ffefrynnau, fel Dafydd Iwan yn cyrraedd brig rhestr ganeuon iTunes yn y Deyrnas Unedig fis diwethaf, i lwyddiant bandiau megis Alffa yn torri tir newydd gyda dros dri miliwn o bobol wedi ffrydio’r gân Gwenwyn ar Spotify; mae’r sîn cerddoriaeth Cymraeg mewn cyflwr iachus iawn. Mae’r paratoadau ar gyfer dathliadau eleni wedi hen ddechrau ac yma yng Nghaerdydd bydd Clwb Ifor Bach yn cynnal gig i ddathlu Dydd Miwsig Cymru, gyda bandiau megis Papur Wal, Los Blancos ac Ynys ar y rhestr i ddiddanu’r

torfeydd. Bydd y gig am ddim ac yn dechrau am 4:30 yr hwyr ac yn agor i bobl 16 a hŷn. Nid yw’r dathliadau yn gyfyngedig i’r brifddinas yn unig, mae gwefan Llywodraeth Cymru yn annog pobl yng Nghymru i gynnal gigs i ddathlu’r achlysur. Eleni bydd y band Adwaith o Sir Gaerfyrddin yn teithio i Lerpwl ar gyfer ei dathliadau Dydd Miwsig Cymru. Ar Chwefror 7, bydd y triawd yn perfformio mewn cyngerdd am ddim tu fas i adeilad Cunard yn Lerpwl sy’n dangos poblogrwydd cynyddol y diwrnod. Yn annisgwyl i’r ddinas a greoedd y Beatles, mae Lerpwl wedi’i enwi ar rwydwaith ‘Dinas Gerdd’ UNESCO, sef mudiad y Cenhedloedd Unedig sy’n gyfrifol am addysg, gwyddoniaeth a diwylliant. Dywedodd Kevin McManus, pennaeth y rhwydwaith ‘Dinas Gerdd’ wrth Golwg 360: “Mae’n newyddion cyffrous iawn y bydd Lerpwl yn ymuno yn nathliadau Dydd Miwsig Cymru gyda gig ar y Pier Head gan yr anhygoel Adwaith. Mae perthynas agos a chryf wedi bod rhwng Lerpwl a Chymru erioed, ac mae’r gig yma’n gadarnhad gwych o’r cysylltiadau hanesyddol yma.”

Jarman yn Jamio: Geraint Jarman sef un o artistiaid fwyaf adnabyddus Cymru. Tarddiad: Deio Jones Yn ogystal â’r gigs a fydd yn cael eu cynnal ledled Cymru (a thu hwnt), mae ymdrechion clir i farchnata’r digwyddiad i blant a phobl ifanc. Mae BBC Radio Cymru wedi creu cwis Dydd Miwsig Cymru yn arbennig i ddisgyblion ysgolion uwchradd yng Nghymru. Hefyd, ar dudalen Dydd Miwsig Cymru ar wefan Llywodraeth Cymru, mae rhestrau chwarae arbennig wedi’u creu sy’n galluogi pobl i wrando ar ystod helaeth o gerddoriaeth Cymraeg. Mae rhestrau chwarae ar gael sy’n ddelfrydol i blant,

gwrandawyr cerddoriaeth eiddgar, yn ogystal â pherchnogion caffi neu far. Mewn cyfweliad ar BBC Breakfast yn 2018, soniodd Huw Stephens, llysgennad a sylfaenydd Dydd Miwsig Cymru, mai bwriad y diwrnod a’r dathliadau yw ymfalchïo yn yr iaith Gymraeg ynghyd â chodi ymwybyddiaeth am yr amrywiaeth o gerddoriaeth sydd ar gael trwy’r Gymraeg. Felly, sicrhewch y byddwch yn gwrando ar lu o gerddoriaeth Cymraeg ar Ddydd Miwsig Cymru!

TAF-OD 7 Sut i ymdopi â’r ail dymor?

Ennillwyr Newyddiaduraeth Gymraeg Orau - Gwobrau SPA Cymru 2019

Pryd o Daf-od

Ellis Lloyd Jones sydd yn trafod buddugoliaeth Treorci wrth i’r dref ennill y wobr am y stryd fawr orau yn y DU.

r Ionawr 23 fe enillodd Treorci’r wobr am y Stryd Fawr orau yn y DU. Mae tref brysur Treorci wedi cael ei chanmol am ei chymuned ffyniannus. Gwelodd yr hen dref lofaol yng Nghwm

Trafod gyda’r

taf-od

Rhondda gystadleuaeth gref am wobr stryd mawr gorau y DU, gan gynnwys dau wrthwynebydd o Gymru. Curodd Treorci Arberth yn Sir Benfro ac Abertawe am y teitl, ar ôl cael ei enwebu gan berchennog y dafarn ‘The Lion’, Adrian Emmett. Curodd Treorci 39 o strydoedd ar y rhestr fer, ledled y DU am yr acolâd, gyda beirniaid yn talu teyrnged i’r ffordd yr oedd y siopau a busnesau annibynnol ar Stryd Bute a’r Stryd Fawr wedi gweithio gyda’i gilydd. Fe’i trodd y tref yng Nghwm Rhondda, a chafodd ei daro’n wael gan gwymp y diwydiant mwyngloddio glo, mewn i gyrchfan siopa. Roedd y beirniaid hefyd wedi edmygu’r modd y mae Treorci wedi trefnu digwyddiadau yn amrywio o barêd Nadolig i wyliau celfyddydau a’r digwyddiad ‘Pride’ cyntaf erioed yng Nghwm Rhondda. Rydw i’n dod o Dreorci yn wreiddiol ac yn credu fod Treorci wedi haeddu’r wobr hon. Wrth dyfu lan yn y dref fach hon yng nghanol y cwm gwelais y dref datblygu i fod y dref lwyddiannus y sydd heddiw. Llwyddai’r stryd fawr yn Nhreorci oherwydd ei fusnesau bach, annibynnol. Mae rhai busnesau wedi bod ar agor am fwy na 30 mlynedd

Yn Trafod gyda’r Taf-od wythnos yma mae...

Gethin Trefor

1. Pwy wyt ti a beth wyt ti’n astudio?

Dim ots gen i - mae’n blasu’r un fath.

Gethin ‘dw i a ‘dw i’n astudio Cyfrifeg a Chyllid.

9. Beth oedd y diwrnod gorau iti ei gael erioed?

2. Beth yw’r digwyddiad sy’n codi’r mwyaf o embaras arnat?

Curo’r ‘Welsh Cup’ hefo’r ysgol.

Unrhyw noson allan. 3. Beth oedd dy air cyntaf?

10. Beth yw dy gas beth? Pobl sydd yn ffraeo dros gwleidyddiaeth.

“Boobies”.

11. Beth fyddet ti’n gwneud yn ystod dy noson ddelfrydol?

4. Pe fyddet ti ar yr X-Factor, pa gân byddet ti’n ei chanu a pham?

Mynd o gwmpas tafarnau’r Bae, ac wedyn mynd i Clwb Ifor gyda’r nos.

‘We Are Young’ - dw i’n gwybod o air am air.

12. Pe taset gallu bod yn unrhyw anifail am ddiwrnod, pa un fyddet ti’n dewis, a pham?

5. Beth fyddet ti’n ei archebu o’r bwyty Indiaidd lleol? Fyddai’n cymryd rhywbeth gwahanol bob tro i gael trio bob dim. 6. Pwy oeddet ti’n ffansio pan oeddet ti’n iau?

ac mae digon o fusnesau newydd yn ffynnu. Mae yna amrywiaeth o siopau unigryw yn Nhreorci, ac mae pawb yn gyfeillgar. Mae yna awyrgylch braf ym mhob siop, caffi, tafarn ar hyd y stryd. Mae gan Dreorci llawer i gynnig, dyma restr o fusnesau/ siopau sydd ar gael yn Nhreorci: Wyth caffi. Chwe tafarn, gan gynnwys y clwb hoyw o’r enw ‘Fflamingo’. Tair siop blodau, un golchdy, un cigydd, pum siop ddillad , dwy siop pysgod a sglodion, un trefnydd angladdau, un deintydd, tair siop esgidiau, un Parlwr ci ymbincio, dau barlwr harddwch, dau fanc, tair archfarchnad a pum siop trin gwallt / barbwr. Mae gan Dreorci ambell fusnes Cymraeg e.e.. Lili Wen (siop blodau), Cwm farm shop (bwyty), Emily Kate (siop dillad), High Street Media (siop hysbysebu), The Lion a The Bistro (tafarndai). Hefyd mae Treorci yn gartref i’r grŵp Aelwyd Cwm Rhondda sy’n ymarfer yng Nghapel Hermon, un o ddwy gapel sydd ar y stryd fawr. Mae Treorci yn falch o’i ddiwylliant Cymreig yn enwedig yr iaith Gymraeg. Mae’r siopau a rhestrais uchod yn cynnig gwasanaethau Cymraeg ac yn cefnogi’r iaith. Gan ennill y wobr am y Stryd Fawr

Galacticos y GymGym: Gethin a’r garfan diweddaraf. Tarddiad: Gethin Trefor

Llygoden, i roi’r pla i bobl dw i’m yn hoffi. 13. Disgrifia dy hun mewn 3 gair. Gethin Trefor Jones.

Megan Fox.

14. Pwy fydd yn trafod ‘da’r Taf-od wythnos nesaf?

7. Pwy yw dy hoff fand/artist?

Cai Edwards.

Bwncath. 8. Prosecco neu champagne? Pam?

Gethin a’r geni: Y gwr doeth ei hun. Tarddiad: Gethin Trefor.

Pennaeth y Gymraeg

D orau yn y DU, mae Treorci wedi cael ei rhoi ar y map i bawb i’w weld. Mae’n sicr y bydd Treorci yn cael ei ymweld gan lawer o bobol y tu allan o Gwm Rhondda. Felly, ewch ar drip i Dreorci, rydw i’n argymell eich bod chi’n profi’r dref i chi’ch hun.

Pencampwyr Stryd Fawr: Treorci yn ei chyfanrwydd. Tarddiad - Ellis Lloyd Jones

yma ni. Ar ddechrau degawd newydd mae nifer ohonom yn dechrau ein tymor olaf fel myfyrwyr israddedig ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd. Gyda’r pwysau i ddarganfod swyddi yn dwysau, a gydag awydd cryf i raddio â’r canlyniadau gorau posib; mae tipyn o bwysigrwydd yn cael ei roi ar y tymor yma. Serch hynny, nid yw’n bwysig yn unig i fyfyrwyr yn y flwyddyn olaf a ni ddylai’r tymor presennol fod yn destun pryder i fyfyrwyr. Yn adlewyrchol o’r agwedd bositif sy’n gysylltiedig â chroesawu blwyddyn newydd, mae tymor academaidd newydd yn gyfnod i ail-ddechrau, mireinio neu gynnal eich perfformiad academaidd o’r tymor diwethaf. Yn naturiol, mae pob un ohonom yn wahanol, ac yn anochel, mae ein cyraeddiadau academaidd yn amrywio. Fodd bynnag, mae’r seiliau sy’n galluogi myfyrwyr i gyflawni eu targedau academaidd yn gyffredin iawn. Un o’r sgiliau amlycaf sy’n cynorthwyo myfyrwyr yw’r gallu i fod yn drefnus. Mae rhaid i mi gyfaddef, dw i’n bell o fod y person fwyaf trefnus, ond mae creu cynllun gweithio – yn enwedig o amgylch asesiadau – yn fuddiol. Dw i’n gwerthfawrogi bod creu cynllun a gweithredu ar gynllun yn gallu bod yn heriol ymysg prysurdeb bywyd a’r brifysgol, ond mae cynllun gweithio yn dueddol o arwain at reolwaith sy’n helpu myfyrwyr i ymdopi a dwyster gwaith. Yn yr un modd, mae dewis lleoliad ac awyrgylch gweithio personol yn hanfodol i weithio’n effeithiol. I fenthyg dywediad o’r Saesneg, quality not quantity sy’n bwysig. Mae ond awr o waith mewn awyrgylch gweithio delfrydol yn fwy cynhyrchiol na tair awr mewn awyrgylch anffafriol. Boed hynny yn gweithio yn eich stafell wely, eich adeilad Prifysgol, eich llyfrgell leol neu mewn siop goffi. Os nad ydych wedi yn barod, darganfyddwch eich awyrgylch gweithio delfrydol – mi fydd yn gwneud byd o wahaniaeth. Cofiwch hefyd i beidio cymharu eich hun yn ormod gyda’ch cyd-fyfyrwyr. Mae ein lleoliadau a ffyrdd delfrydol o weithio yn unigryw i bob un ohonom; gwnewch yr hyn sydd orau i chi. Yn olaf, ac o bosib ei bod hi’n bwynt sylfaenol, ond gwerthfawrogwch bwysigrwydd gorffwys. Nid yw hyn yn esgusodi diogi diangen. Fodd bynnag, hollbwysig ydyw i adnabod yr adegau rydych wedi cwblhau digon o waith – mae gorweithio’r un mor anfanteisiol â diffyg gweithio. Mae hyn yn arbennig o berthnasol i fyfyrwyr sy’n gweithio ar y cyd a’u hastudiaethau ac i bobl sy’n dueddol o fecso am weithio. Er gwaethaf amryw o argymhellion ar lein, nad wyf yn credu bod cyfanswm o oriau gweithio unffurf sy’n uchafu cynhyrchedd myfyrwyr; mae rhaid i chi ddarganfod yr hyn sy’n addas i chi. Yn y bôn, dyna’r cyngor gorau posib - pob lwc gyda’ch astudiaethau.

taf od

Ellis Lloyd Jones

Llion Carbis

Llwyth o lyfrau: Mae cydbwysedd wrth weithio yn hollbwysig. Tarddiad: Jessica Ruscello

TAF-OD

Y Cymro Brett Johns yn dychwelyd i’r Octagon ar ôl seibiant o 18 mis

CHWARAEON

Cyfnod o newid ar droed i’r tîm cenedlaethol

Taf-od yn edrych ymlaen at Chwe Gwlad gyntaf Wayne Pivac fel hyfforddwr Cymru

Aled Biston Golygydd Taf-od

r y pumed ar hugain o Ionawr, fe wnaeth Brett ‘The Pikey’ Johns i’r octagon am y tro cyntaf mewn 18 mis. Cymerodd Brett Johns saib yn y chwaraeon yn dilyn dwy golled yn olynol. Enillodd Johns yn ei ddychweliad i’r byd UFC, gyda’r gobaith o ennill mwy yn y misoedd i ddod. Wrth gymharu Brett Johns a Tony Gravely, gallwn weld bod gan Johns fantais o ddwy fodfedd dros Gravely, gyda’r ddau yn pwyso’r un peth. Mae Tony Gravely wedi ymladd 25 gwaith yn ei yrfa UFC gan ennill 19, a Brett Johns wedi ymladd 16 gwaith ac ennill 14; 50% ohonynt a 38% trwy ymostyngiad. Anodd oedd penodi enillydd clir cyn i’r ddau ymgymryd i’r octagon. Ond, Brett Johns oedd yn fuddugol ar y noson, gan ennill trwy ymostyngiad (rear naked choke) yn y trydedd rownd. Yn bellach, roedd yr ymladdiad yma wedi ennill Fight of the night, ac yn cwbl haeddiannol o hynny. Gwelwyd nifer o takedowns, Brett Johns yn agos at gael TKO ac ymostyngiad yn y ddwy rownd gyntaf. Tuag at ddiwedd y rownd gyntaf, Brett Johns a bia’r momentwm trwy fynd a’r fight i’r cynfas ac yn dominyddu ar y llawr. Glaniodd Johns cwpwl o ergydion arwyddocaol hefyd, ac felly roedd Graveley gallu ymladd fel yr oedd ef eisiau. Enillodd Brett Johns y rownd yma ar bwyntiau, o ddeg pwynt i wyth. Ond newidiodd y donfedd yn yr ail rownd, collodd Brett Johns ar bwyntiau 10-9 ar ôl i Tony Gravely cymryd momentwm nol gyda takedown anhygoel, wrth daflu Johns ar ei gefn. Wrth fynd mewn i’r rownd olaf roedd angen i Johns ymladd fel yr oedd yn y rowndiau cynt er mwyn sicrhau’r fuddugoliaeth. Fe wnaeth Johns dominyddu ar y cynfas yn y rowndiau hwyr, ac yn glanio ergydion ar ôl ergydion cyn iddo ymostyngu Graveley o tu ôl, yn gorfodi ei wrthwynebwr i tapio allan. Ar ôl yr ymladdiad, dywedodd Johns ei fod yn gallu cymryd unrhyw un ymlaen yn y byd UFC. Mae Johns, ymysg nifer o ymladdwyr o Gymru, yn ceisio gwthio am ddigwyddiad UFC yng Nghymru. Byddai gweld digwyddiad o’r fath yn dod a chwaraeon newydd i Gymru am y tro cyntaf, ac efallai yn cynyddu diddordeb yn UFC.

Wyth wal o walltgofrwydd: Buddugoliaeth arall i Johns. Tarddiad: amison Hiner drw flickr.

Cyffro’r Cymry: Mae’r cyffro yn cynyddu wedi dechreuad y Chwe Gwlad. Tarddiad: Tomos Evans

Owain ap Myrddin Cyfrannydd

oedd 2019 yn flwyddyn a hanner i dîm rygbi Cymru. Y Gamp Lawn i ddechrau arni ac yna berfformiadau gwych yng Nghwpan Rygbi’r Byd yn Japan i gyrraedd y rowndiau cynderfynol gan golli o drwch blewyn i’r pencampwyr, De Affrica. Gwych hefyd oedd gweld perfformiadau addawol gan chwaraewyr ifanc megis Tomos Williams, Josh Adams, Rhys Carre ac Owen Watkin a fydd

gobeithio yn serennu i Gymru yn y blynyddoedd nesaf. Roedd 2019 yn ddiweddglo teilwng i gyfnod Gatland wrth y llyw ac er nad oes fawr ddim o chwaraewyr Cymru wedi ymddeol bydd newidiadau mawr i’w gweld yn y tîm yn 2020. Mae cyfnod o newid ar droed yn rygbi Cymru felly ac mae twrnament y Chwe Gwlad yn mynd i roi cip olwg o gynlluniau Wayne Pivac wrth baratoi at Gwpan Rygbi’r Byd yn Ffrainc yn 2023. Roedd galw mawr trwy gydol teyrnasiaeth Gatland am rygbi mwy deniadol gan y tîm cened-

laethol yn enwedig wrth weld timau rhanbarthol Cymru megis y Gleision a’r Scarlets yn chwarae brand agored o rygbi. Wayne Pivac oedd wrth y llyw wrth i’r Scarlets ddisgleirio ac felly bydd nifer o gefnogwyr yn disgwyl i Gymru hefyd addasu a datblygu i chwarae rygbi deniadol fel hyn. Er hyn, credaf na fydd newid yn digwydd yn syth gan fod y chwaraewyr a’r tîm hyfforddi angen amser i ddysgu sut i gydweithio a sut weithredu gweledigaeth Pivac am sut ddylient chwarae. Er hyn gobeithiaf y bydd mwy o antur yn chwarae Cymru ond mae’n bwysig datblygu hyn yn raddol. Mae angen i’r cefnogwyr gadw eu hamynedd hyd yn oed os nad yw canlyniadau gemau yn mynd ffordd Cymru pob tro ac mae’n bwysig cofio mai adeiladu at Ffrainc yn 2023 yw’r prif darged. Mae twrnament Cymru yn dechrau gyda gêm adref yn erbyn yr Eidalwyr, a gobeithiaf byddwch yn darllen hyn wedi dylai buddugoliaeth gyfforddus i dîm Pivac. Mae tîm Iwerddon wedi heneiddio dipyn dros y blynyddoedd diwethaf ac yn ôl eu carfan at y twrnament parhau gyda’r tîm hwnnw fydd yr hyfforddwr newydd. Er hynny mae eu carfan yn un gryf iawn a bydd

teithio i Ddulyn yn rownd dau yn sialens fawr i Gymru. Bydd y gêm adref yn erbyn Ffrainc yn galed gan fod nifer fawr o chwaraewyr ifanc a chyffrous yn eu carfan nhw ac mi fydd hi’n anodd gwybod beth i’w ddisgwyl ganddynt. Lloegr yw’r tîm i’w guro yn y twrnament gan mai nhw yw’r ffefrynnau a gan iddynt gyrraedd ffeinal Cwpan y Byd ychydig fisoedd yn nôl. Mae’r gêm hon eto oddi cartref a bydd cael buddugoliaeth yn gamp anferthol i Gymru. Gorffen y twrnament gyda gêm adref yn erbyn yr Alban. Eto mi ddylai Cymru guro’r gêm hon ond mae’r Alban wedi datblygu lot ac mae chwaraewyr megis Hogg, Gray a Watson yn beryglus iawn. Yn fy marn i felly twrnament gweddol fydd Cymru yn ei gael ar y cyfan. Credaf y byddent yn llwyddo i ennill eu gemau cartref yn erbyn Yr Eidal, Ffrainc a’r Alban ond yn colli yn y tripiau caled oddi cartref yn erbyn Iwerddon a Lloegr. Er hyn cyfnod o ail-adeiladu yw hwn i Gymru wrth i’r wawr dorri ar deyrnasiaeth Wayne Pivac wrth lyw’r tîm cenedlaethol. Diddorol bydd gweld os gall Cymru ennill y Gamp Lawn ym mhencampwriaeth gyntaf Pivac.

Dwy fis cyntaf Harris: ardderchog neu amheus?

Mae amryw o feirniadaethau am arweiniad Harris o garfan Caerdydd

Deio Jones Golygydd Taf-od

ae llawer wedi cwestiynnu pa mor hir wneith Neil Harris gymryd i roi ei ‘stamp’ ar dîm pêl-droed Caerdydd. Hyd yn hyn, nid yw’n rhy eglur os yw hynny wedi digwydd neu beidio. “Nid oes bron dim byd arwyddocaol wedi digwydd ers ei apwyntiad ac felly mae’n anodd ateb y cwestiwn os yw Harris yn mynd yn y cyfeiriad cywir neu beidio”, yn ôl Nathan Blake, arbenigwr Wales Online ar CPD Caerdydd. Mae Blake yn cyfeirio at arweiniad Harris hyd yn hyn fel “un cam ymlaen a phedwar cam yn ôl”. Un o’r pethau mwyaf arwyddocaol mae Harris wedi cyfrannu i’r clwb hyd yn hyn yw’r newid yn adran sgowtio’r clwb ers diwedd cyfnod Neil Warnock yn y clwb ym mis Tachwedd. “A couple of clubs have signed a couple so far. It is a bit different for us with me not being here that long, with a new recruitment department being set up, it does not make it as smooth or as easy to do business. We are in that period at the moment” meddai Harris. Dywed hefyd fod y clwb yn gweithio ‘bob awr’ er mwyn cryfhau’r garfan, ond nid yw’r clwb yn mynd i ‘or-dalu’ am chwaraewyr. Mae’r clwb wedi arafu eu gorchwyl o chwaraewr Wigan Athletic, Kieffer Moore, ar ôl i’r clwb wrthod cynnig o £2.3 milliwn. Dywed Harris, ‘We will not sign players on deals we don’t want to do’. Brad Smith yw’r chwaraewr cyntaf i ymuno gyda’r clwb o dan arweiniad Harris, ar gytundeb benthyciad tan diwedd y tymor o Bournemouth.

Herio Harris: Cawn weld sut ganlyniad bydd diwedd tymor Caerdydd gyda Harris wrth y llyw. Tarddiad: Reece Chambers Mae Smith yn chwaraewr profiadol sydd yn rhan o garfan Tîm Rhyngwladol Awstralia. Mae Harris yn hapus iawn gyda’r arwyddiad, wrth ddweud “Bournemouth signed him from Liverpool a few seasons ago because that is his pedigree and the level he is at and can be at...We’ve been looking for a left back to compete with Joe Bennett, somebody that is attack minded, has real pace and energy

and can go up and down the pitch. Brad ticks the boxes.” Mae cytundeb Smith gyda Sheffield Wednesday yn dod i ben ar ddiwedd y tymor ac felly os yw Smith’n plesio’r rheolwr, fe allai Caerdydd ei arwyddo am ddim ar ôl i’w gytundeb benthyciad ddod i ben. Ychydig o enwau sydd wedi codi yn ôl Wales Online yn yr erlid i ddarganfod ergydiwr newydd yw Connor

Wickham o Crystal Palace, Jonson Clarke-Harris o Bristol Rovers a Jordan Rhodes o Sheffield Wednesday. Mae angen i Caerdydd arwyddo ergydiwr newydd cyn i’r farchnad Ionawr gau, gan bod y tîm wedi mynd ynddibynol ar Lee Tomlin i sgorio, yn ôl Chris Gallagher ar wefan FootballLeagueWorld. Ai hyn fydd cyfle Harris i roi ei stamp ar y garfan, a creu’r newidiadau sydd eu hangen?

POLITICS

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GWLEIDYDDIAETH

How four years changed politics

A look back at one of the most extraordinary times in British politics Sam Tilley Deputy Editor

eventeen thousand, one hundred and ninety six days after the United Kingdom entered the European Economic Community, the UK’s European adventure finally came to an end as Brexit finally ‘got done’. As the Union flag was lowered from outside the European Parliament, politicians of all sides reflected on the near-forty year British participation in the European project with a mixture of sadness and relief that the three year long Brexit rollercoaster finally ground to a halt.

In the beginning If we cast our minds back to June 23 2016, there was a palpable sense of disbelief as the country voted 52% to 48% to leave the European Union. Nigel Farage, who famously conceded defeat shortly after the polls initially closed, declared it “a victory for ordinary people, for decent people”, referencing the stuttering claims of leading remain politicians that the referendum result reflected a fightback against the establishment rather than a targeted vote against further European integration. For politicians and journalists, who had grown used to the relative calm of coalition and then majority Conservative government, the ramifications came thick and fast. The first casualty was the Prime Minister himself. David Cameron made the emotionally long trek to the podium outside the famous black door of Number 10 to announce that he was not the “captain to steer our country” after the credibility-shattering loss he had suffered the night before. He was replaced almost immediately by Theresa May, who came to power in the leadership-electionthat-never-was after her opponent Andrea Leadsom withdrew from the contest only four days into the race. Following Cameron out of the door was longtime ally George Osbourne and longtime ally-turned opponent Michael Gove as May hurriedly put together her first cabinet. Invited into Cabinet for the first time was Boris Johnson, alongside other prominent Brexit supporting politicians including David Davies and onetime opponent Leadsom. Such was the hurry of this new Government, the Business

Secretary was accidentally sworn in as President of the Board of Trade; a fact that no one appeared to notice for four days. This type of blunder came to epitomise the May premiership, although perhaps rather uniquely it was one that did not involve Brexit. The ramifications of the vote were not merely confined to the Conservative Party. Only two short days after the referendum, over two dozen members of Jeremy Corbyn’s shadow cabinet expressed no confidence in him as Labour Party leader and resigned. What followed was a rather one sided leadership contest that saw Corbyn defeat Welsh MP Owen Smith by a margin of 24 percentage points and the solidification of the Corbyn project.

Negotiations

The UK finally triggered Article 50, the legal mechanism announcing the intent to leave the EU, on March 29 2017, almost a year after the initial vote. In May’s infamous Lancaster House speech, she promised to leave the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice, end the commitment to freedom of movement whilst also definitively rejecting British membership of the single market. The speech was much vaunted by both senior Brexiteers including Farage and ardent Remainers like then-Conservative MP Anna Soubry. The harmony was certainly not about to last. One fateful day in Snowdonia, Theresa May made a decision that would change the shape of British politics. Whilst on a walking holiday in the picturesque Welsh mountains, May decided to do what she had promised never to call a snap general election. After a turbulent campaign, May lost the majority David Cameron had won in 2015 and was consigned to two years of minority government, propped up by the Northern Irish DUP. Once the safety buffer of a majority had been taken away, what followed were two of the most sensational years in modern political history. After another year of extended negotiations, the Cabinet met at the Prime Minister’s summer residence of Chequers to collectively agree on the official British negotiating position. Draconian measures were enforced, phones and Apple watches were confiscated and allegedly ministerial cars were told to stay away; any dissent-

Your politics desk Lowri Pitcher Hallum Cowell Tom-Henry Jones Maisie Marston

Duality: The question of Brexit has been one of the most divisive political topics of our time. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

ing voices faced the prospect of an embarrassing hike up the Chequer’s lawn to hail a taxi. Eventually, the Cabinet unanimously ‘agreed’ on the 120-page negotiating framework - the use of inverted commas is apt seeing as only the following day, the Brexit Secretary David Davies and the Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson reneged on this and promptly resigned. They were joined by three junior members of the Government then and there along with a further three in the week that followed. But still Theresa May ploughed on.

A deal is struck?

The next big Brexit milestone occurred in November 2019 when a draft Brexit deal was agreed between the EU and the UK. An extraordinary Cabinet meeting was held during which May attempted to lock down the support of her ministers, a venture which failed spectacularly. Another two cabinet ministers decided to resign, Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey and yet another Brexit Secretary in Dominic Raab - the latter essentially rejecting the deal he himself had negotiated. Five junior ministers followed them out the door and such was the anger amongst her own MPs, the hard Brexiteer European Research Group (ERG) began to not-so-secretly organise an attempted coup. Whilst they failed at the first attempt, the delay in putting the draft Withdrawal Agreement to the House of Commons tipped the scales and the first Conservative vote-of-noconfidence in a sitting Prime Minister was called. Whilst May hung on fairly comfortably, the scale of the challenge ahead was not to be underestimated. It’s probably safe to say that the Withdrawal Agreement was toxic to many Brexit-swaying MPs. Estimates in the build up to the first ‘meaningful vote’ had the government losing by approximately a hundred votes or so. What actually transpired was the biggest government defeat in modern political history; a loss by 230 votes was seen as the death knell for May’s government, however she carried on. Only the second parliamentary vote of no confidence in 40 years resulted in a rare victory for May but the losses began to mount up. A further loss of 149 (the fifth biggest government defeat in modern history) in the second meaningful vote meant that Brexit was to be delayed. No longer was the deadline of March 29 going to be known as ‘Brexit Day’; an extension to Article 50 meant that Brexit would be delayed until April 12 if May could get her Withdrawal Agreement passed. If she couldn’t, Brexit would be delayed until June 30 - meaning Britain would be forced to participate in the 2019 European elections. A third attempt at passing the Withdrawal Agreement was also rejected by MPs, this time by a margin of 58; despite May promising to resign as Prime Minister if her deal got through. It is during these months that the real parliamentary shenanigans took place. Two rounds of ‘indicative votes’, which are votes intending to work out what MPs would actually vote for, resulted in every single attempt being voted down by the House

of Commons. After this abject failure, another attempt by MPs to seize control of parliamentary business led to Brexit being postponed again until October 31. Following a drubbing in both the local elections and the European elections, the Conservative Party was once again planning to try oust May, who in one final throw of the dice prepared to try and get her deal through the House of Commons with provisions for either a Customs Union or a second referendum. This was the final straw for many Conservatives and, preempted by one final resignation from Andrea Leadsom; taking the final total of resignations under Theresa May to a nice, round fifty, resulted in the end for the May premiership.

Theresa’s turmoil: The former Prime Minister failed to get her deal through. Source: The White House(via Flickr.)

Endgame

After an emotional resignation speech, the Conservatives held a leadership contest and, for the first time in the party’s history, they directly elected the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. Johnson’s early days were hallmarked by the expulsion of 21 Conservative MPs who voted against the Government in order to prevent a no-deal Brexit. Further resignations followed, including Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd and his own brother Jo. An illegal prorogation threatened to drag the Queen into politics and once again, Brexit was delayed - this time until January 31, 2020. What followed threatened to drag politics into farce. Johnson began to push for a snap general election, yet, the Labour Party refused to give him one, not trusting Johnson to hold the election before Brexit. After multiple attempts to force an election to break the parliamentary gridlock, Johnson, supported by his own MPs, the Liberal Democrats and the SNP bounced Labour into supporting an election in early December. The third general election in four years produced a Conservative majority of 80. This resulted in the resignation of Jeremy Corbyn and confirmation that the UK will leave the EU in January 2020. Politics in 2020 is a very different beast than in 2016. Three Prime Ministers, record government losses, unprecedented parliamentary behaviour and even new political parties; the past half of the decade has seen it all. Yet, whatever comes to pass in the year ahead, Brexit will continue to dominate the discussion for a while to come.

GWLEIDYDDIAETH 11 Bercow faces further What does the future hold for the Erasmus scheme, research bullying funding and UK univerisities? claims from Lowri Pitcher Lord Lisvane Head of Politics

How will Brexit affect students?

n Friday, January 31, the United Kingdom left the European Union. After months of uncertainty regarding the terms of the UK’s departure; following the General Election on December 12, Boris Johnson’s majority government passed an official Withdrawal Agreement in order to ensure a transition with as little disruption and uncertainty as possible. Naturally, many people are questioning how the UK’s departure from the EU will impact students. From freedom of movement and the future of the Erasmus Scheme, to research and education funding which has been given to UK institutions from the EU., we take a look at what Brexit means for some of the topics which matter to students. Erasmus In 2017 over 16,000 UK students participated in the Erasmus Scheme and over 30,000 EU nationals came to

the UK under the programme. The Department of Education has said that: “The Government is committed to continuing the academic relationship between the UK and the EU, including through the next Erasmus programme if it is in our interests to do so...As we enter negotiations with the EU, we want to ensure that UK and European students can continue to benefit from each other’s worldleading education systems.” Given that the UK is currently in a ‘transition period’ with the EU until December 31, much of the UK-EU relationship will remain the same; this includes the UK’s membership of Erasmus. A funding round for the scheme will close in February of this year and any funding agreed will be honoured, even if the placements take place after the transition period ends. It is also worth noting that countries such as Turkey, Iceland and Norway are all members of Erasmus despite not being full members of the EU. When asked for her thoughts on the future of the Erasmus scheme;

Cardiff Central MP, Jo Stevens said: “Labour, as the official Opposition voted to amend the Withdrawal Agreement Bill to ensure the Government guaranteed the future of the scheme beyond Brexit, but Conservative MPs voted it down (along with other amendments to protect rights at work and family reunion rights for child refugees). The Government have been very quiet about the future of the scheme, despite repeated questions from me and other Labour MPs. “Erasmus+ provides students with phenomenal opportunities to live and study abroad, and for our universities to attract talent from around Europe. All of the evidence shows that students who have studied or worked abroad secure better paid employment. To not continue in this scheme beyond 2021 is regressive, meanspirited and damaging.”

nancial settlement. It is hard to work out a precise figure for this settlement as some money has been paid using the UK’s usual budget contributions, but The BBC’s Reality Check has put the figure at around £30bn. The BBC also reported that the Office for Budget Responsibility believes this sum will be paid off by 2022, but the UK would still be making ‘relatively small payments’ to the EU until the 2060s. The money will be used to pay for outstanding financial commitments (like spending programmes which were agreed to whilst the UK was still a member state), and pre-Brexit financing liabilities (like the UK’s share of pensions). The Withdrawal Agreement Bill also deals with the issue of the Irish border. Whilst at 11pm on January 31, Northern Ireland left the EU alongside the other parts of the United Kingdom, the UK and EU have agreed there should not be border checks or controls on goods between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. To avoid this scenario, Northern Ireland still abides by and enforces EU agriculture and manufactured goods rules. Therefore, a customs and regulatory border has been established between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Details on these checks will become clear as negotiations continue, but this arrangement has attracted criticism as Johnson specifically stated during his election campaign that there would be “no forms, no checks, no barriers of any kind” to trade across the Irish Sea. Other clauses of the Bill include a guarantee that the three million EU citizens living in the UK, and one million UK citizens living in the EU still have their rights protected,

replacing those which were previously assured by the EU. In addition, EU citizens living in the UK have been granted permanent residence rights. A clause also allows ministers, in certain policy areas, including Northern Ireland, the power to alter the law through secondary legislation without MPs voting. Attention has also been paid to what is not in this Bill. For example, there is no longer a clause which enables ministers to ask for an extension of the transition period, workers’ rights are no longer included (the government says they will now become a separate bill), and additional opportunities for MPs to hold the government to account through checks and balances have been removed. In addition, leading up to the Bill being passed by Parliament, five amendments were rejected by MPs in order to ensure they would still meet the planned date of January 31. These included an amendment

Research funding Jo Stevens also stated that: ““The EU provides our universities with around £1bn in research funding every year. In addition to this, many of

our university staff are EU nationals. The EU currently also provides UK universities with substantial funding every year – Cardiff University recently secured £3.6 million in EU funds for a new scientific research facility. “Post Brexit, our universities are likely to struggle to attract the best talent and equivalent levels of funding from Europe. That will actively harm our universities and everyone who studies and works in them.” According to the Withrawal Agreement, the UK will continue to benefit from programmes funded by Horizon 2020 until the framework’s closure. The upcoming Brexit negotiations will determine whether and on what terms the UK may continue to participate in the next Horizon project, ‘Project Europe’ which is due to start in 2021. If the UK decides not to participate in Horizon Europe, it is claimed that the Government may establish a similar scheme in order to ensure a continuation in the UK’s research exellence.

The Withdrawal Agreement explained

Maisie Marston Politics Editor

ith just a week before the January 31 deadline, Prime Minister Boris Johnson signed the EU Withdrawal Agreement which will take the UK out of the EU. Initially the Bill was introduced in November 2018 and endured a rocky life in Parliament. However, after a redraft in October 2019 and the Conservative election landslide in December 2019, the Bill finally cleared Parliament without amendments or new clauses on January 23, 2020. It gained royal assent the following day. Over nearly 600 pages, the document details a number of important issues, but will by no means signify the end of the Brexit discussion. Firstly, this Bill repealed The European Communities Act, a piece of legislation which was first adopted in 1972, allowing the UK to join the EU. However, it was restated immediately afterwards and will be in effect until the transition period ends on December 31. This is because although the UK now has formally ceased to be an EU member, it will now undergo the ‘transition period’ in which all parts of the UK will continue to follow EU rules and also contribute to the budget. Important decisions in areas such as security and trade are still yet to be made. This will mean if no trade deal is agreed by the end of the transition period (December 31), a no-deal scenario will still be a possibility. One of the enduring conditions of the Withdrawal Agreement which remained unchanged after Johnson’s negotiations is the so-called ‘divorce bill’. This means that even after the UK has left the EU, it will continue to make a series of payments as a fi-

proposed by the Labour peer Lord Dubs which would enable child refugees to be reunited with their relatives in the UK, a commitment honoured in Theresa May’s original withdrawal agreement. In the meantime, British citizens are still able to live, work and study in the EU, and EU citizens can do the same in the UK. Negotiations will begin after February 25, led by David Frost, the UK’s Chief Europe advisor. Whilst the Government released commemorative tea towels and 50 pence pieces, in reality, January 1, 2021 - an entire 4 years, 6 months and 9 days after the referendum (1653 days) - is when we will start to see significant changes.

‘Brexit means Brexit’: The UK left on January 31. Source: Petr Kratochvil (via Public Domain Pictures).

Tom-Henry Jones Politics Editor

ohn Bercow, former Speaker of the House of Commons, has come under more pressure since further bullying claims have come to light. Bercow, Speaker from 2009 to 2019, was first accused of bullying his staff early last year. Lord Lisvane, who served as Clerk of the House, one of Bercow’s most senior staff, submitted a formal complaint last week. In a statement, Bercow ‘categorically’ denies the claims, that have mounted since he stepped down as Speaker in November last year. Lisvane worked under the Speaker for three years before retiring in 2014. The complaints accuse Bercow of bullying and humiliating staff, claims which he said had ‘no substance’. An inquiry into the allegations was proposed but was blocked by MPs last year. Bercow also made history as being the first former Speaker not to be offered a Peerage and a seat in the House of Lords. Boris Johnson defied tradition by not nominating the former Speaker for a peerage. The Labour Leader, Jeremy Corbyn stepped in to nominate Bercow, despite the bullying allegations against him. Bercow was often amid the controversy in his time as Speaker due to his actions in the Chair. Bercow regularly took criticism from Conservative MPs last year for allegedly thwarting Brexit legalisation. Boris Johnson and Theresa May both had Brexit votes ruled out by the Speaker, prompting criticism that Bercow was acting unconventionally as an impartial member of the House. Lindsay Hoyle, the newly elected Speaker has since pledged he would introduce greater ‘transparency’ to the way he makes decisions. The statement was seen by many as a ‘veiled attack’ on Bercow who was often at the centre of controversial rulings during the Brexit crisis last year. Hoyle, Labour MP for Chorley since 1997, was elected as the new speaker overwhelmingly in November 2019. To win this role, he beat his opponent, fellow Labour Party MP, Chris Bryant by winning 325 of the 540 total votes cast. He is seen as a widely respected member of the House of Commons with supporters from both sides of the House. Since taking up his role as Speaker, Hoyle has claimed that he thought bullying had taken place in Westminster and that the parliamentary estate had been an unhappy place. Ha claimed that “The bullying is over. We are not going to tolerate it.” Bercow’s place at the centre of the controversy is not set to end since more allegations have come to light and a formal complaint against his behaviour has been submitted.

POLITICS

Wales set to introduce ‘smacking ban’ Fiza Jain Contributor

he Welsh Government has approved plans to ban the physical punishment of children by their parents. This means that Wales will become the second nation in the UK, alongside Scotland, to effectively ban the smacking of children. The Bill entitled the “Children (Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment)(Wales) Bill’ was led by Julie Morgan, Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, who said that “It is not acceptable to physically punish an adult – it should not be acceptable to do that to a child. There is no such thing as a loving smack. This Bill is about protecting children from all forms of physical punishment and helping to support their rights.” According to The Guardian, Welsh First Minister, Mark Drakeford, said “I’m proud Wales has taken this step and once again put children’s rights at the heart of what we do here. “Times have changed and there is no place in a modern society for the physical punishment of children. Wales joins Scotland in being one of the first parts of the UK to see through a positive change to this key piece of legislation.” Assembly Members voted 36 to 14 on January 28 in favour of the Welsh Government Bill. Wales will join a host of other 58 nations in conjunction with Scotland for ending the physical punishment of children by their parents. Additionally, Sarah Crawley, Director at Barnardo’s Cymru said: “We are confident that, over time, this legislation will drive forward the cultural change in parenting that research shows us is already well underway. It is an important opportunity for the wellbeing of children and family relationships to improve as well as being an investment in the wellbeing of the next generation of parents and carers.” However, critics of the legislation claim that it will simply add more pressure on the already strained social services and local authorities. Dr Ashley Frawley, a sociologist at Swansea University told The Telegraph: “It will result in highly negative intervention in good families, increased pressure on beleaguered social services departments and will do nothing to help children who are genuinely at risk of abuse.” Some also argue that despite the fact that there might be children who misbehave, taking away the rights of parents to punish them for such activities would lead to havoc and the beginning of a so-called “nanny state” in Wales. Ministers expect the Bill to be enforced in 2022 after gaining royal assent and a £2 million awareness campaign has been rolled out.

A look at 2020 so far

Take a look at some of the biggest events to have hit the headlines so far this year...

tion of concern policy. Therefore, in the draft deal, commitments have been made to reform and reduce the use of the policy.

Lowri Pitcher Head of Politics

espite only being a month into the new year, 2020 has proven to be a busy year thus far. From Donald Trump’s impeachment trial, the outbreak of the Coronavirus, the assassination of Iran’s Qasem Soleimani to the wide-spread devastation caused by bushfires in Australia; Gair Rhydd politics is breaking down some of the biggest stories to have hit the headlines over the last month.

Iran On January 3, Qasem Soleimani, an Iranian major general in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was assassinated by a US drone strike near Baghdad International Airport. Soleimani, often considered to be the second most powerful person in Iran, behind Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was “directly and indirectly responsible for the death of millions of people,” according to US President, Donald Trump. On January 4, President Trump announced that the US had targeted “52 Iranian sites (representing the 52 American hostages taken by Iran many years ago)” and would retaliate if Iran strikes any Americans or American assets. In a retaliatory measure, on January 8, Iran launched 22 ballistic missiles at two military bases hosting US and

Australia

1,000,000,000: Over 1 billion animals are estimated to have been

killed in this season’s bushfires. Source: TerryAnneAllen (via Pixabay).

allied troops in Iraq but no casualties were reported. This came shortly after Iran announced that it would no longer abide by the commitments set out in the 2015 Nuclear Deal. Dominic Raab, the UK Foreign Secretary backed the US airstrike but warned against an escalation in tensions from both Iran and the US.

United Kingdom

The Northern Ireland Assembly officially reconvened on Saturday, January 11, 2020 for the first time since January 2017 (except a one-day session in late 2019 to discuss abortion legislation, which ended abruptly). Leader of the Democratic Union-

ist Party (which formed a confidence and supply agreement with the Conservative party in Westminster from 2017-2019), Arlene Foster, was elected first minister. Upon her election, she claimed that the past three years had “focused too much on derision and division” and it was now “time for Northern Ireland to get moving forward again.” Part of the deal which led to the reconvening of Stormont included a plan to create two new “language commissioners” in order to put Irish on a legal par with English while protecting Ulster British culture. In addition to the language issue, politicians in Stormont were in disagreement over the institution’s peti-

In the country’s worst fire season on record, over 27 million acres of land has been burnt in Australia. The fires, which started last year, escalated greatly in the New Year and have since been reported in each of Australia’s six states. It is estimated that over 1.2 billion animals have been killed, in addition to 29 deaths and 2,500 destroyed homes. Prime Minister Scott Morrison came under heavy criticism due to his response to the fires. Morrison was criticised for spending time in Hawaii while the fires were growing. He was also criticised for not doing enough to reduce the country’s emission levels. Currently, Australia is the world’s second largest coal exporter and numerous citizens are seeking more ambitious climate change targets than the nation’s current commitment to reducing its 2005 emissions levels by 26% before 2030. In response to further criticism that he had not acted quickly enough in his immediate response to the outbreak, Morrison stated that he wanted to create a “legal framework that would allow the Commonwealth to declare a national state of emergency” before the next summer bushfire season.

What to expect in politics in 2020

With Brexit, the Labour Party leadership contest, the US presidential elections and the largest Conservative Party majority in decades, what can we expect from the year ahead? Dewi Morris Contributor

Brexit

ne of the defining moments of 2020 was of course, Brexit. Britain left the European Union on January 31 and the UK has now entered the transition period. This period is intended to last 11 months and so Brexit negotiations will continue to shape politics throughout the year. During this period the UK will remain in the EU’s single market and customs union and must abide by EU rules. However, the UK will lose its seats in the EU Parliament and its right to vote. This is why the UK Government is keen to exit the transition period before the end of this year. However, this will restrict the timetable for UK negotiations with the EU. At the moment, it is unclear what outcome Brexit will have by the end of the year. There are three likely results, these are: the UK will negotiate a

trade deal with the EU which will be implemented, the UK will exit the transition period with no deal, or the transition period will be extended.

Labour & Lib Dem Leadership Labour’s defeat in the 2019 General Election was its worst since 1935; it was no surprise therefore when Jeremy Corbyn announced shortly after the results, that he would stand down. Leadership candidates have been scrutinised over the past month and are now narrowed down to four hopefuls: Sir Keir Starmer, who is currently by far the betting odds’ favourite; Rebecca Long-Bailey; Lisa Nandy and Emily Thornberry. Labour’s next leader will be chosen by the party’s members and affiliates, who all have one vote each. The ballot opens on February 21 and the new leader will be announced on April 4. The challenge facing the new Labour leader will be enormous. If Labour is to regain seats in the next general election, due in 2024, it will

be necessary for the leader to rebuild public trust and credibility in the Labour Party. A new Labour deputy leader will also be chosen in a separate contest this year. A Liberal Democrat leadership contest will too take place in 2020 after Jo Swinson lost her seat in the General Election on December 12, 2019. Nominations will open on May 11 and a new leader will be announced

US Presidential Election after the ballot closes on July 15. Outside of the UK, the world will be watching the US presidential election this year. Not only will the election’s result have global influence, but this election will be of particular relevance to the UK considering future trade relationships with the US after Brexit. In the next months, Democrats will decide who will challenge Donald Trump. Out of the 28 Democrat candidates, Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren

Ballot Box: 2020 will see multiple leadership elections, including the US presidential elections. Source: Clker-Free-Vector-Images (via Needpix.) and Bernie Sanders are most likely to be chosen according to recent polls. The election will take place on November 3 and the new president, or returning incumbent, will start their term following inauguration on January 20, 2021. At a glance, 2020 will not be far from quiet in terms of politics andthis will no doubt be a year noted in the history books.

GWLEIDYDDIAETH 13 impeachment In other news...

U.S. Senate begins Trump trial US President Donald Trump is currently undergoing an impeachment trial in the United States under the direction of Congress

Hallum Cowell Politics Editor

mpeachment is an act that some governments can take where the legislative body of government, Congress in the United States (the House of Commons in the United Kingdom), place a government figure on trial for a crime related to their office. President Trump is accused of attempting to pressure the Ukrainian government to conduct investigations into Hunter Biden, son of one of Trump’s political rivals, Joe Biden. Trump is accused of using bribery and threats to pressure the Ukrainian government, such as withholding $400m of US military aid to the country. The President is also accused of refusing to co-operate with Congress during their congressional inquiry. These claims were levelled after a call log of Trump’s conversation with the Ukrainian leader was leaked by a whistle-blower. This action, if proven true, would be seen as bribery and an attempt to meddle in the elections of the United States. Donald Trump has been quick to retaliate calling the trial a “witch hunt” by Democrats and the mainstream media. He also argues that it was appropriate for him to ask Ukraine to investigate what he believed to be corruption. Impeachment trials in the United States are as much political as they are legal affairs. The trial takes place

in Congress with the Democrats acting as the prosecution while Trump’s political party, the Republicans, act as the defence. Once the trial is over and both sides have made their cases a vote will be held in the Senate. If two-thirds or more of senators vote that Trump is guilty of the charges he will be removed from office and the Vice-President will take over. However, if the Democrats fail to garner sufficient support for the threshold to be reached, Trump will remain in office at least until the next Presidential election, due to take place later this year. If Trump was removed from office in this manner, he would go on to face criminal charges. The Republicans’ defence of the President follows three main points; Ukraine’s leader said he didn’t feel that he was threatened or under pressure, the Ukrainian government was not aware of any aid being held back by the Americans and the US military aid money did eventually go to the Ukrainians. Before the trial could even begin there were fierce arguments in Congress over the role of witnesses and whether any will be questioned at all. Both sides have witnesses they wish to call which they believe will help their case for or against the President. Democrats have been keen to call witnesses such as John Bolton, the former National Security Advisor. However, the Republicans have been keen to point out that they too would

Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, was indicted with charges of corruption in court on January 28. Charges against him include bribery, breach of trust and fraud. Previously, Netanyahu had requested parliamentary immunity from prosecution but later withdrew this request. The timeline of proceedings is unknown.

Voting in Congress: One of many votes that have been occuring in Congress as each detail is scrutinised by the House. Source: Wikimedia Commons be able to call witnesses, such as Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, which could prove unhelpful for the Democrats. At the moment, witnesses are being withheld but that could change in the coming weeks. Historically, only three other presidents have had impeachment trials laid against them. In recent times, Richard Nixon faced impeachment after the Watergate scandal, but resigned from office before the trial got underway. Bill Clinton was also im-

peached but was not removed from office as neither counts of impeachment received the necessary two-thirds majority vote of the senators. The trial could last from only a matter of weeks or months and until a final vote is taken, it is unknown if Trump will remain in office. However, based on the current arithmetic, it would take a significant number of Republicans to vote against their party in order to remove the President.

The international community responds to coronavirus outbreak The World Health Organisation declares global health emergency as governments around the world enforce quarantines in response to the epidemic

Alex Payne Contributor

ast Friday, two cases of Coronavirus in the UK were confirmed. The chief medical officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty, said: “We have been preparing for UK cases of novel coronavirus and we have robust infection control measures in place to respond immediately”. Since the emergence of the virus in Wuhan at the end of last year, multi-

lateral government action has increasingly become a priority. On Thursday last week, Coronavirus was declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Temporarily dubbed “2019-nCoV” by the WHO, this latest strain has proven to be both deadly and highly contagious. On Sunday, January 26, the Geneva-based UN agency admitted that it had “incorrectly” stated that the global risk was “moderate” on reports from the previous week. At the time

Coronavirus: The virus has been a concern since the start of the year and nations are taking action. Source: Wikimedia Commons

of writing, the death toll has reached over 200 deaths and nearly 10,000 cases, mainly concentrated within mainland China. The Communist Party of China, the ruling party, has spearheaded approaches to countering the outbreak, as according to WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus, “This is an emergency in China”. Not only does Coronavirus pose an existential threat for the Chinese population, but potentially for the state as we know it, with mild speculation emerging that the virus could destabilise the regime. This assessment is rooted in the fact that, despite Coronavirus’s lethal capability, the Chinese government has concentrated its initial efforts to attempt to hide the outbreak, rather than respond to it. Sophie Richardson, China director at Human Rights Watch, told the Daily Telegraph that the authorities have been harassing citizens for discussing the virus, and have detained the Chinese health experts who would have been “best equipped to sound the alarm about the coronavirus early.” Globally, there has been a range of responses, with 98 confirmed cases in 18 countries outside of China. Taiwan and Hong Kong have raised

travel warnings to China, urging citizens to avoid going unless absolutely necessary. US presidential hopeful Elizabeth Warren has announced her own infectious-disease plan. Similarly, academic publisher Wiley has compiled and released 54 articles related to the coronavirus in an attempt to aid urgent research. During the 2014 West African Ebola virus outbreak, practical measures mainly revolved around the widespread distribution of medical supplies, such as antibiotics, but countries are currently deploying airport screening technology as the first line of defence against the Coronavirus. This includes Japan, the US and Nigeria, all of which have implored citizens returning from Wuhan to undertake screening for the virus. While the bulk of relief efforts during the Ebola virus epidemic came from international organisations such as the United Nations, World Bank Group, ECOWAS and eventually UNMEER, assessments must first be completed before a similar response can be seen during this epidemic. The rapid development of the coronavirus may seem scary, but nations have measures established to protect their populations.

The US Agency for International Development and the UN’s International Organization for Migration launched a scheme to make available $4 million to help thousands of Venezuelan migrants stay in Brazil on a long-term basis. The Brazilian Governement estimates that since 2018, 900,000 Venezuelans have crossed into Brazil.

The Catalonian President has called for new elections as relationships between the Together for Catalonia (TFC) Party and the Catalonian Republican Left (CRL) have deteriorated. Tensions exist between the two pro-indpendence parties over how the region should gain independence from Spain. The CRL advocates pressuring the central government while the TFC is seeking a more diplomatic approach.

Greece has continued its standoff with Turkey with the new addition of proGreek French warships entering the eastern Mediterranean. The tension between the two nations stems from a dispute over energy reserves. Turkey has demanded that Greece demilitarises 16 of the Aegean Islands, a demand which Greece has continued to deny.

The highest cleric in France, Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, who was found guilty of covering up a sexual assault case by a priest has had the case overturned on appeal. The case dates back to abuse claims made in the 1980s and 1990s, Barbarin was made aware of the abuse in 2014, but denies he was involved in a cover up of the assault.

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Meghan and the Media

Has the negative coverage surrounding Meghan been racially charged? Katie May Huxtable

Contributor

ollowing the wedding of Meghan Markle to Prince Harry back in May 2018, a new definition could be associated with what it means to be British. The introduction of a Duchess within the Royal Family from a background of African-American heritage demonstrated that being bi-racial and being British could no longer be held as incompatible identities. However, the celebrations of societal progression soon became overshadowed by condemning press content rooted in problematic ideologies surrounding both gender and race. The recent narratives of scrutinization through demonising content on Meghan have been deemed problematic - especially in regard to her ethnic background. However, this isn’t just a recent phenomenon. Even before their marriage, coverage of Harry’s ‘newest flame’ became so intrusive to the point that Harry was forced to release a statement in her defence. The real root of the problem, however, goes beyond the demonization of character and manifests in the difference between coverage of the actions of Meghan compared to those of other Royals. Media content surrounding Kate Middleton in particular raises a

cause for concern. Publications demonstrate obvious inconsistencies when reporting the actions of Meghan in contrast to the identical actions of Kate. An example of this was coverage in the Daily Mail surrounding each Duchess as they began to navigate motherhood. Kate was depicted as maternal from the get-go, pictured ‘tenderly cradling’ her bump during public appearances. Meghan’s decision to cradle her bump, in comparison, was depicted as an act of ‘pride’ and ‘vanity’.

The narrative of othering demonstrated in the British media has depicted Meghan as an outsider to the British public from the very start. The differing coverage goes beyond their public actions, often touching upon their dress sense or choice of food – all of which feature Kate with preferential treatment. Although these depictions may not be overtly racist, arguments that suggest that media coverage surrounding Markle doesn’t have racial implications creates a sense of ignorance to the fact that racism doesn’t stem from purely explicit

Racially motivated?: Many are unhappy with the negative press Meghan Markle has received. Source: Northern Ireland Office (via Wikimedia Commons)

statements. Racist undertones often manifest in the more subtle suggestions, and although British coverage surrounding Meghan isn’t necessarily outwardly racist it still holds the power to influence our social opinions. Last month, Harry and Meghan announced that they were to step back from their roles to live a more private life – with press coverage inevitably playing a part in their decision. Yet, The Huffington Post noted that this decision was met with an outpour of racist tweets in response. The narrative of othering

demonstrated in the British media has depicted Meghan as an outsider to the British public from the very start. The racist undertones in the media are inevitably a bi-product of the fact that Meghan is a woman in her own right. A woman with her own opinions, a drive for a career and a previous romantic history to her name. She is a young woman trying to navigate a new marriage and motherhood in the public eye and does not deserve condemnation to this scale.

Media-induced Brexit blues?

Brexit leaves us asking many questions about ourselves, and our media Zoe Pace

Contributor

une 2016 was both the culmination and catalyst surrounding the lengthy debate around the future of the United Kingdom, and its relationship with the EU. The Brexit public debate came to dominate the news-media discourse for four years and the majority of my undergraduate study. This is because the outcome of Britain’s second referendum on its membership with the European Union (EU) signified Britain’s position as anti-immigration, anti-establishment and Eurosceptic. Despite popular media rhetoric, the UK wanting to leave the EU was not surprising. Firstly, there has been an air of consistent Euroscepticism ever since Britain joined the EU in 1973. Secondly, many political actors in Britain’s governing Conservative Party were fiercely opposed to the ideological and economic structures of the EU. Consequently, Eurosceptic messages have featured in the mainstream media. Thirdly, though banal, referendums on European integration are generally unpredictable. Namely, voters have often rejected proposals put forth by the government regarding European integration, despite the widespread consensus among mainstream political parties. Lastly, in a time of political uncertainty, populist methods of campaigning have historically thrived. As citizens are

fuelled by worries about immigration, lack of economic opportunities and divisions amongst social classes. To contend that Brexit is purely a product of conservative propaganda would be reactionary. Comparatively, Brexit represents the rational result of an uncertain and unstable political environment. My concern with Brexit, however, is not the implications it will cause for the EU. More precisely, I am concerned with what Brexit means for truth and journalistic impartiality. False claims like the UK would take back £350 million a week to the NHS once it had left the EU. Or that, two-thirds of British jobs in manufacturing are dependent on demand from Europe, fuelled the very foundations of the Leave campaign. A study from Kings College London found that the public has varying understandings of the ‘truth’ and what constituted as real facts during the campaign. What concerns me about Brexit is what generally worries me about the post-modern era. That is, how citizens and politicians conceptualise ‘truth.’ The democratic crisis in Europe cannot solely be attributed to the failure of a democratic system but conversely, how the media enacts within that system. I remain a fervent believer that this is a key and distinctive feature of our contemporary society. To contend this, one must only look to Donald Trump’s battle with “fake news”, big

I am concerned with what Brexit means for truth and journalistic impartiality. tech’s credibility crisis and denials of genocide. The problem with Brexit is not Brexit itself; it is how Brexit happened. I do not have the academic or political agency to deliver solutions to the world’s post-truth crisis.

However, I can say that if we want to transform the way we comprehend democracy, then we must seek legislative change. Legislative and regulatory change which protects the public from misinformation. Though there are regulations in place, they are not working. Thus, my reflection on Brexit, beyond its multiple implications, is that we should look towards building a sustainable, healthy and ethical media system which promotes only the highest professional standards of editorial integrity. Had the values of truth and objectivity been sustained throughout the campaign, would we even be Brexiting?

Leaving: As we leave the EU, many questions remain over the role the media played in the referendum. Source: Marco Verch (via Flickr)

Can the public trust the BBC?

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The national broadcaster has attracted criticism due to its coverage of the 2019 General Election Jack Robert Stacey

Contributor

he BBC is facing increasing public backlash following its coverage of the 2019 General Election, culminating in growing opposition towards its licence fee with public trust at an all-time low. Founded in 1922 under the guidance of Lord Reith, its first DirectorGeneral, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) remains to be a public-service broadcaster that is funded solely through an annual licence fee, collected from UK television owners. Although the BBC has a strong sense of its public service obligations and deep-rooted historical significance, it has struggled to adapt to changes within the ever-shifting broadcasting industry, prevented perhaps by its public-service obligations. The industry dominance of heavily commercialised, subscription-based platforms has been detrimental to the public perception of the BBC as, due to increased industry competition and the BBC’s lack of development, it has been merely regarded by the public as an unnecessary form of taxation. However, I see it as arbitrary to place blame solely on other institutions when the BBC itself suffers from internalised issues like gender-pay discrimination and the prevention of opinion on social matters due to im-

partiality (Naga Munchetty). Moreover, the BBC’s coverage of the 2019 General Election faced widespread outrage as the broadcasting was suggested to treat Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party in a more favourable manner than other political groups. Many Conservative supporters voiced their concerns on this, however, this harkens back to the BBC’s obligation for political impartiality, leaving it to focus on awarding political figures equal treatment merely through giving parties equal time to voice their opinions. While featuring candidates in this manner appears to be equal on the surface, this coverage ignores the significance of the discourse used and, thus, places Jeremy Corbyn’s exclamatory style of speech in a favourable position due to its mass-appeal. Although the BBC, at the current time, has done little to counteract this significant shift in the broadcasting industry and inequality in its political coverage, what could be done to reaffirm the BBC’s status as a national broadcaster? Overall, the BBC needs to more strongly uphold its existing vow of political impartiality in its broadcasting, holding election and political coverage that is not only equal in the time allotted to parties but also equal in the nature of the depicted content. This may prove difficult yet this would

Comment Editor

t would be safe to say that, the past few years have been quite turbulent in both a social and political context. But, as we staggered into the new decade, many would’ve been hoping (definitely not expecting) for a new decade to bring a renewed sense of hope and optimism concerning the state of the world. However, news of the horrific fires in Australia and the assassination of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and the resulting existential dread of World War III soon put paid to that; and we were back to ‘normal’. How did millenials respond to the dismal circumstances around them? We posted memes on Twitter about how we’re all going to die, of course. It’s become quite a common response to recent events, but these mostly harmless memes seem to be getting under some people’s skin with it being seen as ‘disrespectful’. Believe me, I never paint everyone within a group with the same brush; but a lot of the… ‘older generation’ (you know the word I’m trying not to say) seem to find it ‘offensive’ that lots of the younger generation are making jokes about the state of the world. This is just another example (on the very, very long list) of the generational divide between the older and younger generations. So, why do us younger people joke about extremely serious

Adam Clarke

(Im)partial?: The BBC has been accused of bias in its coverage of last year’s general election. Source: Deskana (via Wikipedia)

offset the current political movement towards controversy and declarative language that subsequently classifies ‘all press as good press’, a movement that wreaked havoc in the 2016 American Election, with Trump appearing consistently across all major publications. Additionally, in response to mass-programming, the BBC should ‘double-down’ on its public service intentions by tailoring its programming to many under-represented and, otherwise, niche groups within the UK. Adopting a similar strategy that propelled Channel 4 to success in its early years. This would, as I argue, act

in opposition to the ‘vast sea’ of mass produced reality content propagated as the norm by its competitors which, over time, would award the BBC with a modern significance and immediately raise public perception of it. This would make content more impactful for groups that are less prominently featured. With the advent of a new DirectorGeneral being appointed within the next few months, the pressure on the BBC to respond to its declining public image and industry competition must be addressed before the institution becomes meaningless.

The looming threat of World War Three leads to an influx of memes issues? Well, because it’s cathartic – it’s something of a coping mechanism. Of course, we are terrified about the prospect of WW3 and the realisation that our skills on Call of Duty will have no real-world correlation to how well we’d do on an actual battlefield. But in all practicality, what else can we do? It is often said that laughter is the best medicine, and that’s exactly what we’re using to deal with the world around us. It doesn’t mean we’re not adequately concerned about war, or increased tensions across society – it’s just that ‘memeing ‘about it helps compartmentalise things, and briefly allows us to not get too lost in existential dread about the circumstances we live in. Because, let’s face it, we’ve not exactly been dealt an easy hand, especially in comparison to the circumstances those who criticise us grew up in. In my view, joking about both the most mundane and serious things in life is better than sticking to the old mantra of having a stiff upper lip, stifling and silencing our emotions - which doesn’t help anybody. This isn’t war-time, we don’t need to ‘Keep calm and carry on’. But don’t take my average-Joe opinion as gospel – Psychotherapist Chris Payne, speaking to inews, said that humour is a “priceless asset” and that “It deflates situations and cuts them down to size in a way that is entertaining as well as useful. We can appreciate that it’s a cornerstone of sanity”. It’s true, whilst we often do sit in despair

The future of Erasmus under threat? Comment Editor

Catharsis through memes

Harry Clarke-Ezzidio

about our fractured socio-political climate, joking about it once in a while with our agemates can be extremely cathartic. Also, as result of not taking ourselves too seriously, and the gradual de-stigmatisation of actually being human and talking about our feelings, memes have allowed people to be open about their mental health in a lighter, humorous context. We’re not idiots. We’re not naïve to the fact that memes won’t solve all our problems,or that it’ll catalyse world-peace, but if it helps us deal with and opens up discussions on certain issues, then what’s the harm? An interesting way of putting it comes from an article by Diedre Olsen (aptly titled ‘Why millennials are making memes about wanting

to die’), who draws parallels to the Dadaist movement in light of WWI which created “anti-art with no clear purpose that mirrored the senselessness of war”. In a time of both political and social volatility, and a generation feeling ever-increasingly marginalised and disillusioned, our sometimes dark and nihilistic coping mechanism shouldn’t really come as a surprise. All-in-all, memes are just a relatively harmless way of letting off steam, and follows in the footsteps of oldfashioned British humour, where we don’t take ourselves too seriously – this is just an extension of that. When planning this article, I asked my mate for his thoughts and he summed it up quite succinctly: “Everything’s sh*t, and if you don’t laugh you’ll cry”. Welcome to 2020 folks.

Coping: More and more of younger generation are turning to memes to make light of certain siutations. Source: Canva Studios (via Pexels)

ur imminent exit from the European Union will have a massive impact on Britain, as I’m sure you’re all aware, and whether you were a ‘brexiteer’ or a ‘remainer’ is pretty much irrelevant now: it’s happening, like it or not. However, there is still some confusion surrounding whether access to certain schemes and opportunities funded by the EU will remain open to students from a post-Brexit Britain. One such scheme is Erasmus+, which I have personally benefited from over my time at university. As part of my degree I worked as a teaching assistant in France for a year, giving me the opportunity to live in another country and experience all that it can offer. Without the help of Erasmus+ in finding my placement as well as providing funding, my year abroad would have been a lot more difficult, if not impossible. As a result of my experiences, I am concerned that the loss of the financial support provided by Erasmus+ may mean that some British students will not be able to access the same opportunities that they could have if Britain remained a part of the EU. On Wednesday 8 January, MPs voted by 344 to 254 against a clause that would have required the Government to negotiate continuing full membership of the Erasmus programme after Brexit. The fact we would no longer be in the European Union would not matter when it comes to being a member of the Erasmus programme as Turkey, Iceland, Norway and Serbia participate in it and yet are not a part of the EU. A Department for Education official told BBC News: “The Government is committed to continuing the academic relationship between the UK and the EU, including through the next Erasmus [...] programme if it is in our interests to do so.”. Yet, the vote on January 8 means that there is no obligation for the government to maintain membership of Erasmus+. A House of Lords report states that if Britain was to try and implement a scheme like Erasmus on a national scale, it would be “very difficult” and leaving Erasmus would “disproportionately affect people from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with medical needs or disabilities.” In my opinion, anything that may restrict opportunities for students based on their financial or medical situation is abhorrent and as such the government seriously needs to consider the impact that not renewing membership of Erasmus+ may have. As things stand, students will still be able to access the Erasmus+ programme until at least 2021, when it would need to be renegotiated since Britain will have officially left the EU by then as the transition period will have ended. I sincerely hope that the government attempts to negotiate continued membership of the Erasmus+ programme so that future students in the UK can benefit from the life-changing experience of a year abroad without the financial worries or stress that would render it nearly impossible without the scheme. MPs owe it to future generations not to let Brexit shut us off from the rest of the world; continuing our membership of the Erasmus+ programme would be a step in the right direction.

COLUMN 18

Indigo Jones

COLUMN ROAD

Struggles of the independent scene I

Cool Cymru: Over the last 14 years, Cardiff has gone from being a cultural music hub to losing some of it’s popular venues like Gwdihw. Source: Indigo Jones

n 2006, The Independent described Cardiff ’s music scene as being “more vibrant and alive than ever”. 14 years later we see the disappointing decline in independent Welsh music venues following the closure of Gwdihw on Guildford Crescent. Recently, lovers of Cardiff ’s music scene were disappointed to hear that two other venues would be closing, these being Undertone and 10 Feet Tall. The result of Cardiff ’s dwindling music scene begs the question, do we still need independent music venues? The obvious answer would be yes. Independent music venues enable up and coming artists to showcase their talents, thus bringing opportunities that artists perhaps wouldn’t have had otherwise. Before the closure of Gwdihw, the venue hosted Catfish and the Bottlemen and the local band Boy Azooga. Cardiff has brought us bands such as the Stereophonics, Catatonia, Super Furry Animals and of course the Manic Street Preachers. The BBC announced that 1999 was the “Year of Cool Cymru”, which marked the beginning of a predominantly Welsh cultural movement which focused on the aforementioned music groups. These bands set the tone for Welsh music in the 90s Brit-pop scene and emphasised the need for independent Welsh music venues to showcase local talent. Cardiff has always had a musical

reputation, being home to the world’s oldest record shop, Spillers Records, which originally opened in 1894 in The Hayes but is now located in the Morgan Arcade. With this historical presence in the capital, surely we should also focus on keeping our independent music venues? Wales as a country is known for its musical influence - whether that be North or South Wales - so why don’t we take more pride in the musical elements that remain local to us?

Why don’t we take more pride in the musical elements that remain local? Venues such as Clwb Ifor Bach and The Moon, for example, encourage both Welsh language and English language bands and artists to perform locally. They often hold after-party gigs for Welsh language festivals like Sŵn festival or Dydd Miwsig Cymru (Welsh Language Music Day), which then continue to publicise the Welsh music scene as well as offering local bands the opportunity to gain a bigger fanbase. Dydd Miwsig Cymru (Welsh Language Music Day) is a music event which encourages people to learn the

Welsh language, listen to Welsh language music and publicises the need for a thriving Welsh music scene across Wales. This year it will be held on the February 7th (this Friday) and different venues across the country are conducting gigs to celebrate the day. Local to Cardiff, Clwb Ifor Bach will be holding an event with several Welsh bands from across Wales. This year the Welsh language band Alffa is performing in Liverpool, which demonstrates how Welsh music can transcend the language barrier between England and Wales in order to celebrate the culture Wales has to offer. The Dydd Miwsig Cymru website states that it “celebrates all forms of Welsh Language music. Whether you’re into indie, rock, punk, funk, folk, electronica, hip hop or anything else, there’s incredible music being made in the Welsh language for you to discover”. This demonstrates that the Welsh music scene has something for everyone, whether you are Welsh speaking or not, or whether you like rock music from the likes of Mellt or hip hop bands like 3 Hwr Doeth. Even though the Welsh music scene is varied it doesn’t mean that these venues who showcase a variety of music are protected. This is evident as Gwdihw enabled more rock and indie bands to perform, whereas Undertone allowed drum and bass and house DJs to entertain their audiences. This conveys

that even though there is a demand for different genres of music by local talents in Cardiff, no venues are ever truly safe from closure even though they perhaps offer something different to other venues. Where other countries thrive off of music within their own languages, we could only really do this within Wales through independent music venues that allow Welsh language artists to perform their music - thus supporting the Welsh language.

Source: Gareth CR (via Wikimedia Commons) Independent music scenes offer more than just an opportunity for local bands; it also offers audiences a space to listen to new music, to meet new people in a space full of culture. The atmosphere in these venues cannot be described easily, as they don’t compare to larger music venues like the Motorpoint Arena here in Cardiff. They allow audiences to get up close

to artists and really enjoy themselves, whilst dancing to bands they perhaps haven’t heard before. This enables opportunities that you definitely wouldn’t be able to experience in larger venues. In order to keep Welsh identity alive within today’s society, and to compete with big names from other countries, we must encourage the growth of independent venues such as 10 Feet Tall. As a city we need to work together to support local talents to ensure a future for Cardiff-based acts. Personally, I believe there is still very much a need for independent music venues to encourage future Welsh talent. But saying that, we must also consider the fact that these venues are costly to run, and it often results in big business’ buying, them. This is the case with previous venues in Cardiff. If we allow these companies to take over popular independent music venues, then we’ll have to pay more to see Welsh bands, that is if they give them the opportunity to perform in the first place. Within the Welsh music calendar this year there are several festivals including Tafwyl and Sŵn festival, which I highly recommend attending as they allow you to experience a variety of Welsh acts in a short space of time. Therefore, to ensure a future for local Welsh bands we must not take what we have currently have for granted, which is the opportunity to see bands in independent venues while we still have the chance.

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Breaking bad habits

Honouring new year’s resolutions throughout the year Lois Brooks Contributor

very year we put pressure on ourselves to not only have new year’s resolutions but also stick to them and honour them throughout the year. No matter if they are big or small resolutions, self-motivation is needed when trying to stick to something new. When setting goals to break habits or to keep to resolutions for the new year, make sure you are in a good place to start them. There is no need to rush or stick to January 1 as a deadline; take your time to establish the goal and see if it is feasible for you at that moment. If it means that February 1 is the start of your resolutions, then that’s perfectly fine. Being realistic from the beginning will help avoid any feelings of failure and defeat. Resolutions often include breaking bad habits or forming healthy ones, pursuing goals or learning a new hobby; none of these options will be easy. But as they say, nothing that comes easy is worth doing. In my opinion this is important to remember at all times. Studies have shown that it takes 66 days to break a habit so when times are getting tough, maybe use the 66 days as a benchmark, a goal to reach. Although 66 days can seem like a mountain, you could break this figure down and think of it as 10 weeks instead, or if easier, take every day

as it comes. Every day you stick to your resolution is a day closer to the 66 day benchmark. Then hopefully, after the 66 days your goal could be achieved. Whether this is a myth or not, it is a good way to focus on staying motivated and having an end goal. Being able to cross off the days as they pass will feel like achievements. Incentives are a perfect motivator; remind yourself constantly why you have set these goals. A positive mental attitude is a helping hand when trying to combat new challenges. Set a reward for when you complete the goals. No matter how big or small it’s something positive to aim for and a nice friendly congratulations also. Another way to try and ensure you break bad habits is by having monthly goals, for example if it was wanting to run a certain distance in a certain time. Then you could give yourself monthly targets to reach, for example by the end of February you could aim to run 5km and build the distance up month by month. By having smaller goals within the big picture, it can make it feel more achievable, as well as a bit more self -rewarding as you can tick the to-do list and congratulate yourself frequently. Setting a deadline can be a good target for yourself, however, it really isn’t catastrophic if you miss a deadline and it is essential to remember that - you don’t want to fall at the first hurdle. Therefore,

Happy New Year: Make the most of the new decade, form new goals and strive to be your best self. Source: Jamie Street (via Unsplash) although being strict with yourself is important, your mental health is too; a goal and deadline is to be aimed for but not to be upset over. If you were to fall back to old patterns, for example if you know when you get nervous you become a nail biter and exam season is just around the corner, take the time to try and focus yourself on something else. Sometimes when I feel that I might revert to a habit, I will get up and get

Behind the screens: Love Island How to enjoy Love Island for what it is: entertainment

Sarah Harris Contributor

Your advice desk Molly Govus Rhiannon James Columnist Satwik Shivoham

a drink or move rooms. Actively removing yourself from the situation should help cause a distraction. Once again, everyone has weaker moments during the month so if you find yourself going backwards then try to bring it back to a neutral state and start again. There is no harm in trying. Trying and failing is better than not trying at all. Be patient and kind to yourself, you’re doing great.

hree weeks ago, the nation gathered around their televisions for the return of Love Island and all it’s gripping entertainment. Now, I will admit, before watching the show I was very sceptical. What’s so interesting about watching a bunch of attractive influencers and models flirt with one another? Once I decided to give it a go though, there was no turning back. However, since I began following the programme, I’ve observed how the media and society react to it and the toxicity surrounding the show. I began to think about recently departed islander Connor and how he will feel when he has left the Love Island bubble. He will be faced with the fact that he has been portrayed as possesive and controlling. Additionally, how will Leanne feel learning the nation has branded her cold hearted or Nas being classed as too short? How would you feel if you were being followed around by a camera 24/7 and being judged by people who don’t know you at all. It’s important to remember that they are human beings, not characters. If the deaths of former contestants, Mike Thalassitis and Sophie

Postivie consumption: Enjoy the programme without putting yourmental health in jeopardy. Source: Mandy von Stahl (via Unsplash) Gradon, have taught us anything, it’s that words hurt even the most successful of people. The show isn’t all bad, Love Island provides an opportunity for the audience to have an insight into the minds of people you’ve never met and learn about social interaction. When I asked a friend about the matter, he replied, “it’s helped me see why relationships fail because of bad communication, what females actually yearn for, and how men often fail to provide it”. Relationship

do’s and don’ts aren’t the only thing the reality show has taught us. It’s taught us about the power of friendship, confidence and composure. However, it’s not only the Islanders who are mentally affected by the programme. Every night, we as normal civilians gather around the telly to see some of the nations most attractive individuals pursure one another. It is difficult not to compare yourself to the people we see on our screens. Almost 1 in 4 people aged 18 to 24 say reality TV makes them

worry about their body image, this is according the statistics from the Mental Health Foundation in 2019. Even Sianesse was envious of Jess’s body, so inevitably we are too and it’s hard not to compare yourself to the likes of the toned and tanned personalities on our screen. Despite this, it’s important to remember that we are all beautiful in our own way and the only validation you need about your own appearance is from yourself. Ultimately, Love Island is just a way for the nation to come together and have a laugh, in the same way we do over Big Brother or EastEnders. Don’t waste your time comparing yourself to the contestants and aimlessly scrolling through their Instagram account wishing you were them. Focus on your success and your beauty. Instead of letting influencers clog up your feeds, follow accounts that will boost your selfesteem and encourage you to be the best version of yourself. Essentially, the only difference between them and us is the looks and status. They want to achieve their goals and so do we. So don’t let reality TV consume your mental health, try and enjoy the show for the quality entertainment it provides rather than letting it get you down.

Imposter Syndrome: the facts

CYNGOR

Getting over the feeling of inadequacy that you can’t quite shake

Darcy Servais Contributor

t’s a cruel, cruel world, all you little boys and girls / And some mean, nasty people want to have you for their supper! – Fegan Floop, Spy Kids (2001). As comical as this may sound, this message is ingrained within us at a very young age, and stays with us throughout our adult life. We are often made to feel inadequate by others, but our worst enemy is indeed, ourselves. Naturally, many of us are filled with self-doubt and depreciation when it comes to our successes. Things that should be celebrated soon become grievances we ponder over to the point of self-doubt. This is better known as Imposter Syndrome. Many of us feel this way on a regular basis. Personally, I have felt belittled and inadequate when it comes to my university studies. I often feel that I am not ‘smart enough’ to be studying at university, and feel like I am pretending to be something I am not, despite the fact that I received the right grades and earned my place just like everyone else. This feeling can factor in many other things, such as where you come from, your gender, your race or even your sexuality. Often people struggle to feel valid because their situation differs from others and they feel like they are

viewed as a minority. Luckily, we as a community have grown to accept others, and in fact it is our self-esteem and self-worth that lets us down. Improving your depiction of yourself is the key to self-growth and ultimately feeling worthy of your place in the world. Statistics show that in the UK, 85% of working adults felt inadequate or

incompetent at work, yet only 25% of respondents were aware of impostor syndrome. This is not an uncommon feeling. Working on yourself and learning the process of self-love is one of the most difficult yet one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself and for your mental wellbeing. This process, of course,

Have confidence: It’s okay to remind yourself that you are supposed to be here. Source: @isai21 (via Unsplash)

is easier said than done and cannot be accomplished overnight. Others people’s opinions do not and should never validate you, and there comes a point in life where this will eventually become more than just a process, but a routine. These characteristics will eventually become ingrained within us. and hopefully this will flourish into a natural part of your life, instead of something that may feel artificial or forced. Remember, though, these things take time as all the most important aspects of life do. Self-love has and always will be the key to success and loving yourself will change the way that both you and others see you. I am definitely not someone that neither loves nor values myself as much as I should, but I am learning. I recommend a book called ‘Good Vibes, Good Life’ by Vex King. This book not only taught me how to self-love, but the importance of selfvalue and the positives that come with it. From toxic friendships to negativity, to manifesting your goals and changing beliefs about yourself, Vex King writes about the importance of recognising your own greatness. You are not an imposter. You deserve anything that you have worked hard for, and once you begin to value yourself, the world around you will, inevitably, change for the better.

The art of creative writing

Megan Newberry Contributor

Why there is more truth behind putting pen to paper

’ve been writing every day since I was twelve. I immersed myself within the world of fan-fiction writers and stories that could possibly never happen. It was due to the same terrible tales written by teenagers barely older than I was that encouraged me to begin writing. Looking back at my novels and how they’ve transformed over the years, I can criticise my writing style and see how it has progressed into early adulthood. Writing, even terrible writing, allows your mind to explore aspects of life creatively and question the reality you live in. Over the years, my writing turned from childish dreams to gritty nihilism that ponders ethical dilemmas. It is more about people and society. It offers an insight into my own philosophical understanding and makes me ask questions I never would have before. It’s a complete transformation from my old taste and all it took was to be consistent with my writing. Every day I find myself dedicated to my laptop, writing and rewriting. I edit old novels and new novels, and I imagine what the front cover

Write your own story: writing can be more fun than essays and academic papers. Source: @noemiphotography (via Unsplash) may look like one day. This is a form of ambition I never would have had if it weren’t for the terrible drafts and messy plots in my first years of writing. Most significantly, I found that through writing I could explore my own life. I wrote about things that had happened and people that I had met and events that changed me forever. Seeing it presented in a way that could be analysed was

like keeping a diary that saw my life through another eye. I could explain the wickedness and the beauty of the world in ways that everybody else could understand. Students studying any degree will understand the strain and stress of an essay: struggling to reach the word-count and then rubbing your tired eyes when you’re suddenly four hundred words over. You haven’t referenced yet and you’ve spiralled

off topic. You’ve merged two points together, so you’re left clueless as to what you’re going to fit in your gazillionth paragraph. Once it’s all finished, you’re left staring at your black and white screen hoping that some of it made sense. The last thing you want to do is flash to an empty document and start a page from scratch, but writing a story you can delve yourself into offers the exact escape young people need. There are many parts of our world we’d like to experience. Perhaps you’d like to explore a dystopia where every life is designed in a lab and conditioned to be obedient under an all-powerful state (Brave New World, Aldous Huxley). Maybe you’d prefer to indulge yourself in a murder-mystery and point the finger at the culprit (Murder on the Orient Express, Agatha Christie). It may not always be about the theatrics and the drama. It could be about jumping into somebody else’s life and travelling down their road and their journey. If there isn’t a story that plunges you into a world you’d like to explore, then it makes sense to be the one who writes it into existence.

How to ace your university presentation Rhiannon James Advice Editor

resentations carry a sense of dread as they are many student’s worst nightmare. They can be daunting and nerve-racking, especially if you haven’t done one before. Here are few tips I have accumulated throughout my time at university on how to feel confident going into a presentation. Preparation is key when it comes to public speaking. Being prepared is the simplest form of combating nerves because if you have put the time and effort in then there is less reason to feel stressed. Feeling content with the work you have completed towards this presentation and the feeling of knowing you couldn’t have done any more will release the pressure you put on yourself. If you are feeling unsure then this will shine through in your presentation, but if you have thoroughly prepared this too will be obvious to the examiner. Secondly, practice, practice, practice! There is no such thing as being overly prepared for a presentation, the better you know the content and script the more natural it’ll feel to present. As they say, “practice makes perfect”, therefore if you have rehearsed thoroughly you’re likely to feel comfortable and confident. A few slides can enhance a presentation as they appear professional and display that you have put time and effort into the visual aspect. In order for the slides to compliment your presentation; be sure not to rely on the slides as a script, the slides should be for the audience to look at not the presenter. Flash cards can be a great comfort during a presentation as they offer support too. For flash cards to be effective, only write the key points of what you want to say. Do not write full sentences as this could lead to reading off the cards and prevent engaging with the audience. Nerves are inevitable to most students prior to a presentation, it is common to lose control of your breathing when nerves kick-in. To avoid this, take deep breaths and measured pauses in order to maintain a rhythm. Another option could be to adopt the “fake it, ‘til you make it” mantra. If you appear and act confident, then the audience will assume you are. In my experience, the more I outwardly project confidence, which is typically the opposite of what I’m feeling on the inside, the more I begin to feel genuine confidence. Before the presentation, take a moment to gain perspective and if the presentation doesn’t go as well as you planned it isn’t the end of the world. This mindset can release the pressure of the presentation. The feedback you receive can be used to better yourself. Don’t over think the presentation; if you’re prepared and rehearsed then you have already put yourself in a positive position. Good luck!

COLUMN

SATWIK Speaks

Satwik Shivoham

The Importance of Post-Assessment Reflection

The Importance of Post-Assessment Reflection. Header: Jon Candy (via Flickr), Left: Free-Photos (via Pixabay), Right: Science and Engineering - University of Hull (via Flickr)

elcome to the final semester of your respective years. I’m sure everyone is already struggling with getting over the Christmas break, but it’s probably best to realign ourselves soon enough. While this isn’t exactly what you’d want to hear right now (after a stressful assessment period), it is absolutely essential that you take some time to reflect on your performance in the previous semester- good or bad. This column is for all fellow students, no matter what years in their degrees they are in. I’ve observed time and again, that a lot of us have a habit of scanning through their grades and feedback casually, paying no real heed to what it is trying to say. Most of us choose to react rather than act upon our tutors’ advice. In my first year, I used to be anxious about my grades but not eager to know what my professors actually thought about my work. I’d give it a brief read, sigh over my grade and move on, if I didn’t perform as well as I anticipated. If I did excel, I wouldn’t even bother going through the feedback most of the times. I’d be out celebrating, not realizing that no matter what mark I achieved, the “feedback” remarks are the only windows into the minds of my professors, into understanding what

their idea of exemplary writing is, and what one must continue to do. In academic writing, especially, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. In my degree, for example, since there is no right or wrong answer, only an argument, it always falls prey to subjective interpretation. Almost three years of being in a research-intensive course has only taught me this, and I’m sure you’d agree. You too worked really hard for certain assessments, yet, didn’t receive the expected outcome of your efforts, and were left wondering “what even went wrong? What’d I miss?”. Despite adhering to guidelines and handbooks, you couldn’t quite imagine and implement what your lecturer wants to read in your work, and that is entirely because of lack of engagement and reflection. What you thought and believed was a brilliant idea, wasn’t, to your professor (perhaps because you couldn’t instil that same belief and vision in them through your work.) It’s worse off when this cluelessness becomes a repetitive cycle, where you work harder semester after semester, but somehow end up missing the bullseye anyway. We all blame subjectivity, lecturers’ temperaments even, anything but ourselves, it’s quite natural. Try to break this down logically and understand why you can’t seem to

improve. Say you didn’t perform too well in your first semester, it’s quite understandable- maybe you haven’t been taught by the same lecturer before or maybe you haven’t explored the subject before. Anything could contribute to a low mark. But, if your grade declines further, or doesn’t improve assessment after assessment, it means there is a major lack of reflection. Testing the waters, the first time around can lead to a failure, which is fine, but as they say, repeated failure is a mistake and very much a choice that we ourselves make.

Repeated failure is a mistake- a choice that we ourselves make. It is absolutely fine that you just couldn’t ace it in the first semester, but if you conveniently move past it, there’s still every chance that this might continue in the second semester (especially if you have a module with the same tutors). It’ll ultimately affect your final degree. Personally, by the time I got in my second year, I realized that I can’t always be blaming lecturers or circum-

stances or subjectivity. It was a lapse in my efforts. I didn’t just have to critically evaluate the question, I also had to critically evaluate my answer, after I received my grades. I needed to devote time to absorb what my lecturer tried to convey. This has to be a sustained effort, something that doesn’t end with you hitting “Submit”. Now, perhaps the only thing that helps me maintain good grades (or improve bad ones) is careful reflection of my assessments through my feedbacktaking my time to understand what went well, and also what didn’t. I tell myself to look forward to the feedback more than the grade in themselves, because it shows me what I missed out on despite my best efforts. I get to understand how my lecturer thinks, and in a way, “crack the code” to achieving a great mark. However, this isn’t the only way to know what they want. This is another thing we hear enough of, but I realized its value quite late, when I’m just five months away from graduation: Attend all lectures/seminars. You don’t always have to fail or “test the waters” before figuring out things. Work towards it every day by engaging with your degree. It is extremely important to know your tutors, both inside and outside the classroom. The very minimum one

must do is show up when they brief you about assessments. You’ll make a lot of revelations which aren’t in your module handbooks. Chances are, you might even get a clear-cut definition from them saying “I want THIS from you in your assessment”. Moreover, engage with them beyond the lectures, deliberate on your ideas together if you truly want to understand your tutors, and excel at their tasks. The insight you gain will continue to help you throughout life, really.

“Crack the code”- discover what your lecturer wants from you. First-year students would soon step into their second years (wherein, their grades begin to count towards the degree), and final year students are about to enter their very last leg at university. Both of these are crucial tipping points, which could make or break the chances of getting a first-class degree. So, remember to go the extra mile. After all, the stress and effort we put in during assessments should count towards something bigger than an unsatisfactory grade.

04/02/2020 Pride Movie Screening 6pm, The Lounge 18/02/2020 LGBT+ Showcase 6pm, Y Plas

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Cardiff University research behind new cancer breakthrough

Global excitement as discovery of new receptor on T-cells offers hope of a future one-size-fits-all cancer therapy Holly Giles Science Editor

ardiff ’s research has been the focus of international news this month due to a breakthrough in cancer research. Professor Andrew Sewell has been leading the research at Cardiff University’s School of Medicine where they may have found a new treatment suitable for all cancers; he explained the work “raises the prospect of a one-size-fits-all cancer treatment”. A widely used therapy known as CAR-T has been built upon in this research. The method uses the body’s own T cells, which are part of the immune system, and builds upon existing therapies. Currently it involves blood being taken from a cancer patient, the T-cells being separated from the blood and modified. Here they add genes for a cancer receptor known as CAR. These cells are then grown and inserted back into the patient so that they can detect cancer cells and destroy them. So far this theory has proved better on paper than in practice as it is only able to work on a few types of cancers and cannot work on solid tumours which make up most cancers. However, this limitation could be changed by the new research. The finding by Cardiff University, is a new type of T cell which has a different T-cell receptor that is able to recognise and kill most human cancers whilst ignoring healthy cells. This receptor, called MR1, is able to scan cells and recognise if they are cancerous due to a molecule present on the cell’s surface called human leukocyte antigen (HLA). Many different types of cancers have all shown to have this same HLA and it does not vary from person to person. This means not only could the new T cells be used on all types of cancer in a patient but also for other patients as it may not need to be patient specific. This has previously been a limitation of HLAs as they vary so much from person to person but MR1 has been seen to be the same across the population so it overcomes this hurdle. This new T-cell was reportedly found by accident as researchers were analysing blood from a bank in Wales looking for immune cells that could fight bacteria, when they found the new cell. Andrew Sewell explained the work in his statement; “We hope this new

Professor Andrew Sewell: The man leading the team behind this research is the Research Director of the Institute of Infection and Immunity at Cardiff University School of Medicine. Source: Cardiff University T-cell receptor (TCR) may provide the use of mice with induced huThe research is definitely not over us with a different route to target man cancers and an immune sys- for the team as they now hope to unand destroy a wide range of cancers tem similar to humans. The T-cells derstand the mechanism by which in all individuals. Current TCR- have been injected and the results the new TCR selects cancerous cells. based therapies can only be used in have been observed; the researchers They are hypothesised this could be a minority of patients with a minor- described an “encouraging rate of through sensing changes in the meity of cancers. Cancer-targeting via cancer clearing” that is higher than tabolism of the cell, resulting in difMR1-restricted T-cells is an exciting the current rates with T-cell therapy. ferent compounds being present on new frontier - it raises the prospect Professor Awen Gallimor of Car- the surface but it’s currently only a of a one-size-fits-all cancer treat- diff University’s division of infection theory. They hope to solve this quesment; a single type of T-cell that and immunity said; “If this trans- tion and then look into its possibilcould be capable of destroying many formative new finding holds up, it ity of working on humans will the different types of cancers across will lay the foundation for a universal goal of human trials starting before the population. Previously nobody T-cell medicine, mitigating against the end of 2020. Professor Sewell believed this could be possible.” the tremendous costs associated with explained; “There are plenty of hurSo far, when T cells were given the identification, generation and dles to overcome however if this the new receptor they have been manufacture of personalised T-cells. testing is successful, then I would able to kill lung, skin, blood, co- This is a truly exciting and potential- hope this new treatment could be in lon, breast, bone, prostate, ovar- ly a great step forward for the acces- use in patients in a few years’ time.” ian, kidney and cervical cancer sibility of cancer immunotherapy.” cells while ignoring healthy cells. It’s still early stages for the research It raises the They have also used human tis- and as Daniel Davis from the Universue from melanoma patients and sity of Manchester explained; “At the prospect of a oneshown that the receptor can kill moment, this is very basic research size-fits-all cancer cancerous cells of the patient and and not close to actual medicines for other patients’ cancer cells, suggest- patients. There is no question that treatment... ing as theorised that this new treat- it’s a very exciting discovery, both Previously nobody ment may not need to be individual. for advancing our basic knowledge This has currently only been about the immune system and for the belived this could be done in a laboratory setting with possibility of future new medicines.” possible isolated organs but researchers are However, these medicines may now moving on to animal models. not be too far off with human triProfessor Andrew Sewell, The team have also tested this als expected to start by the end Cardiff University ability in living subjects through of the year according to the team.

Word of the week: Cancer Cancer is defined as a disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body. This is when the growth cycle of a cell becomes overruled. This means cells cannot stop themselves dividing and multiplying so go straight from one cell cycle into another.

Your science desk

This leads to the development of an abnormal cell mass, also known as a tumour.

Liv Davies Hollly Giles

The most common cancers are lung and breast cancer and as a whole cancers are responsible for an estimated 9.6 million deaths per year.

GWYDDONIAETH 25 First cookThe Science Behind the ies cooked in Wuhan Coronavirus space, changCoranovirus is growing all the time with new estimation of over ing the face 100,000 cases of deadly virus found in 14 countires of long-term Christina Fowler space travel Contributor

ear and speculation have been on the rise about the Wuhan Coronavirus ever since death tolls and infection rates began to rise. At the time of writing, 81 people have died of the infection whilst over 2,500 people are infected across 14 countries. However, as with any news hype, there are always incorrect rumours and fears but it’s only by reviewing the science of the virus that the truth can be seen. With all it’s publicity, it’s unlikely you haven’t heard about the deadly outbreak occurring in eastern China caused by a novel coronavirus. A coronavirus is a type of virus that is round and looks a lot like a Christmas wreath without the festivity. It is part of the same family of viruses that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome (MERS), however, at present is showing a lower fatality rate. The Wuhan coronavirus (or 2019nCoV) is causing pneumonia, however, current antivirals are not effective against the virus. The biggest task for scientists at present is developing

a vaccine against the virus to protect large populations if it spreads further. Coronavirus outbreaks have previously been due to zoonoses, a term meaning they have transferred from an animal to a human. Initially it was believed that the virus originated in a fish species due to the prevalence of infected people at a market in Wuhan, however, investigations into patient zero (the first patient with the infection) suggests that this is not true. Research is currently underway as to what this animal was as this will aid in treatment development. The most likely candidate at present is the bat, the same animal that is thought to have started the SARS outbreak. Human to human transmission has just been confirmed by the Chinese national health commission, although how easily this occurs is still unknown but is a key point of research. One of the major fears of this infection is evidence suggesting that transmission can occur up to a week before symptoms present, meaning that infected people are more likely to spread the disease as they are not aware they have it. The biggest concern has been that the virus has appeared around the biggest holiday in China, the lunar new

Jack Robert Stacey Contributor

Coronavirus Particulates: Yellow virus particles attach and dominate the blue infected cell. Source: NIAID (via Flickr) year. This means that large amounts of people are moving around the country and travelling from the city to their families in remote places and fears that this will spread the disease further are high. Never-before-seen control measures have been put in place in mainland China to try and stop the spread of the disease resulting in a

lockdown on cities so people cannot travel. The biggest worry is the underestimate of the people infected according to the Chinese government; predictions of 100,000 cases are being reported by Imperial College London. Here in the UK, only two cases have been confirmed, however people are urged to be cautious and vigilant.

Security worries over iPhone’s Face ID Apple claims 1 in a million chance someone else can unlock your Face ID but that isn’t enough for many worrying over security scares Alex Payne Contributor

ace ID, a proprietary facial recognition system designed by Apple, was unveiled alongside the iPhone X during September 2017. Boasting increased security and 30% quicker

Face ID: It allows you to unlock your phone without even the clickof-a-button, but is it secure? Source: Jenifer Chen (via Flickr)

unlock speed than it’s biometric predecessor, Touch ID, the technology is now on it’s third generation. Phil Schiller, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Apple, described the technology as “simple, natural and effortless”, during his presentation that took an indepth look at the technology. Once the user’s face has been registered on the iPhone, it can be used to unlock the device in all conditions, including total darkness, thanks to a complex web of advanced technologies. Using the TrueDepth camera, face data is created by analysing over 30,000 infrared dots, which then is encrypted and sent to a section of the CPU named the “Secure Enclave”. While that may sound a little intimidating, it’s essentially a tiny Xbox Kinect installed in the notch in the newer iPhones and iPads. Facial data is then collected mathematically, and is passed through systems that imitate the human brain called neural networks. This data isn’t accessible to Apple in its raw form, which was a security concern for some when it was announced. While Apple doesn’t directly store users’ faces, third party developers

might. Thousands of app developers, including Snapchat, have access to the technology if granted camera permissions, and can use it to pin a threedimensional filter to their face among other uses. For example, game avatars could soon be able to mirror users’ facial expressions virtually. Possibilities may seem endless, but Apple has explicitly banned developers from using the data for advertising or marketing purposes, or selling it to analytics companies. So while some more dystopian applications of Face ID may never be explored, there is still a wide range of uses. When announced, many users expressed concerns that Face ID could be fooled more easily than the existing Touch ID, or traditional pins and passcodes. Reassuringly, Apple claims that the odds of somebody that isn’t you accessing your phone is one in a million, which makes it twenty times as secure as Touch ID, which was one in 50,000. Pundits armed with photographs and Hollywood grade masks have taken stabs at attempting to breach Face ID, and all but one of those efforts failed. Viatnamese security firm Bkav announced that they had created

a mask that successfully unlocked the first generation of the security system, but WIRED noted that their technique was more proof of concept than genuine concern, as the mask required a digital scan of the iPhone owners face. WIRED have now spent over half a million dollars trying to hack Face ID and are yet to find a way but they urge this does not mean it’s impossible. After advising WIRED on the work, hacker Mark Rogers said he’s “still 90% sure [hackers] can’t fool this” so we can sleep safe with Face ID, for now.

Face ID provides intuitive and secure authentication enabled by the stateof-the-art TrueDepth camera system with advanced technologies to accurately map the geometry of your face.

Apple Privacy Statement

pace, the final frontier. A massive expanse containing unimaginable quantities of stars, uncharted planets, contained within a vacuum that makes it almost uninhabitable. However, an experiment conducted by astronauts at the International Space Station may have foregrounded our future habitation in an unfamiliar environment. Utilising a specially designed oven that was launched from Virginia in November, five cookies were baked at varying lengths of time by astronauts Luca Parmitano and Christina Koch. The experiment aims to test the capacity for long-term space travel; seeking what cooked meals would be viable for astronauts on voyage. It was initially found that although it takes 22 minutes to bake cookies with similar ingredients on Earth, it takes a considerably longer amount of time to replicate this in space. The oven itself was an updated iteration of Zero G Kitchen’s developmental prototype called ‘Luigi Lab’. Zero G Kitchen’s is a company that has been developing the world’s first zero gravity oven. The cookies were composed of the correct ingredients for the zero gravity environment, are cooked in a similar manner to a toaster as they are heated between cylindrical electric heating elements. The experiment was announced with a post by Christina Koch on Twitter which states: “We made space cookies and milk for Santa this year. Happy holidays from the @ Space_Station.” On the 7th of January, three of the cookies were delivered back to Earth via the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and are currently undergoing expensive scientific testing, evaluating if they are safe for consumption. The dough supplier for the experiment, Double Tree, suggested that additional testing be conducted “to determine the final results of the experiment”. Although no conclusive evidence on the experiment’s results have been officially released yet, this development proves to be very promising. Regardless of this, our future expansion and exploration out into the vast recesses of space may have been greatly aided… by a handful of cookies.

We made space cookies and milk for Santa this year. Happy holidays from the @Space_Station Christina Koch, Twitter

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A guide to match days in Cardiff Tips and tricks to make the most of the Six Nations

Tirion Davies @Caerdydd Editor

ardiff can be hectic during match-days. Yet, due to Cardiff ’s great love of rugby, match days can quickly become one of your favourite parts of the year. Rugby is the Welsh national sport, and between the impressive 73,931 rugby capacity in the Principality, and the buzz of the capital during a match, it’s no surprise that many rush to Cardiff when Wales plays. Rugby is so beloved in the Welsh capital that during the 2015 Rugby World Cup, a giant rugby ball was placed on the side of Cardiff Castle, making it look as though a fly-half goal kicker had wedged the ball into the side of the landmark. Many crowded to see the stunt, and numerous residents noted their disappointment when it was time for the faux ball to be taken down. This year, there's no doubt that there will be much buzz surrounding match-days in Cardiff. Following the incredible Welsh success during last year’s Six Nations (Wales won both the Grand Slam and the Triple Crown) and following the recent Rugby World Cup, this year’s Six Nations is sure to draw many fans to Cardiff. This year is sure to be busy, but that only means the atmosphere will be astonishing. When you’re a fresher, it seems intimidating and it can be hard to know during your first year where to go during a match-day, and it’s inevitable you’ll make some match-day mistakes. Gair Rhydd’s here to help, with all the information you need to make the most of the Six Nations as a fan in Cardiff.

A rugby ball embedded in the side of Cardiff Castle: The stunt took place during the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Source: penjelly (via Flickr)

Where do I go? Pub v club

Your @Caerdydd desk Tirion Davies Natalie Graham

This question entirely depends on the person and what kind of atmosphere you're looking for. I’d say for the most part, there’s absolutely no need for you to fork out on a ticket to watch the match live at the Principality. Of course, just about everyone would like to go at some point,

Match day means national pride: A group of Welsh supporters enjoy a pint in their jerseys and kilts during the 2008 Ireland vs Wales game. Source: infomatique (via Wikimedia Commons)

but as a student, it’s not necessary to be sat in the stands; it can be expensive and it's definitely not necessary in order to make the most of match days. You can find the same atmosphere just about anywhere in Cardiff. If you’ve got the money – go for it. But don’t worry that you’re missing out if you’re watching it on telly, rather than being there in person; you definitely won’t be. When it comes to choosing whether to watch the match at the pub or in a club, it’s entirely dependent on the person.

Pub:

Generally speaking, those who travel from the Valleys and other parts of Wales, who tend to be of the older generation, go to pubs to watch the rugby. Watching the rugby in a pub on a match day is great. You can sit the entire time, drink your pint and have a laugh. The atmosphere in a pub is brilliant. Undoubtedly, you’ll end up drunk, singing Max Boyce’s classics with a group from Aberdare who are well into their 50s. It’s uncommon to find people in South Wales who aren’t friendly – especially on match days. In the pub, you'll speak to countless people - think about nights out in Wetherspoons when you're talking to a Welsh stranger at the bar, but heightened, and with more Welsh strangers. Regardless of whether you’re in a pub or a club, you’re bound to end up with a new Welsh best mate; the rugby brings people together. But in a pub, it feels casual and you can get drunk, but you are more likely to be surrounded by the older generation. Not a problem – it can be lots of fun – but if you’re looking to sing your heart out to Delilah and Hymns and Arias with people your age, maybe try a club.

Club:

Be sure to check the social media and websites of clubs in Cardiff over the coming weeks to see who’s hosting Six Nations

matches on big screens. Some clubs which commonly show the matches are places like Clwb Ifor Bach, Soda, Retros and Walkabout. Clubs can be a really fun way of enjoying match days – the atmosphere can be loud, but everyone’s excited. Clubs also make sure there’s enough music to keep people in high spirits – after Welsh victories, clubs tend to play fan favourite songs to keep spirits high. Clubs are usually filled with students, who’d rather go to a club than a pub on match day, but it doesn’t mean clubs are exclusive to students. Joe Calzaghe was reportedly spotted in a Cardiff club during Wales v France last year. Clubs are also dark, so if your team loses no one needs to see you cry. You do need to stay standing up if you want to be able to see the screens in a club, but there’s nothing like the sheer joy you feel in a club when your team is victorious. Regardless of victory or commiserations, club atmospheres can usually raise your mood (the alcohol helps). Again, it's entirely dependent on the person when it comes to choosing a pub or a club to watch the match, but in Cardiff it hardly matters - you have fun either way. If you're planning on supporting your home team while you're here in Cardiff but you're worried nowhere will show the match, look around. There are plenty of pubs around Cardiff who will be showing games other than just the ones Wales are playing.

When do I get there?

Here’s the problem with match days: if you want to go to a club or a pub to watch the match, you need to get there early. It seems ridiculous to be in a queue at 10am if the match kicks off at 1, but clubs and pubs are aware that many people will go

to watch the match and only have a certain capacity. It’s always better to get to wherever you’re watching the game slightly earlier than you’d think, as you won’t want to be squeezing yourself through extreme crowds just to find the best place to stand. Additionally, always make sure to get to your destination early because if you don’t get in, it’s undoubtedly going to be harder to get in to somewhere else. Say Walkabout has reached capacity at 12:30 and you’re still in the queue – it’s unlikely you’ll find time to get into another club before the match starts. Finding somewhere to watch the match during Six Nations is a little like the airport rule for over-anxious passengers – leave earlier than you think you should in case something goes wrong.

Any tips and tricks?

Pre-drinking is usually a good idea if your aim on match days is to get drunk. But remember – don’t drink too much or it’s likely you won’t be allowed into the venue. Drinks on match days are more expensive, as pubs and clubs know they’re bound to get a crowd. Remember to stay responsible with your drinking habits but know that a little alcohol before you arrive to the venue of your choice may save you some money on drinks (but make sure not to go overboard). Six Nations match days are busy. If anyone saw the streets during the Wales v England game last year, you’ll know how busy things can get. Stick with people you know on a match day – there’s enough people around that crowds can become intimidating quickly. Stick with friends and make sure to be careful. Be friendly. Welsh people are nosy (trust me) and are always up to make some friends. One of the best parts about match days is the people you’ll meet and the photos you’ll find later in your camera roll you forgot you took. Everyone’s out for a good time on rugby match days. Welsh people get very emotional and friendly - especially after a Welsh victory (emotions are also very high if commiserations are in order).

Whether you’ve decided to support Wales during the Six Nations or you’re sticking to supporting your home nation, remember that mock-rivalry is always a bit of fun. As a Cardiff student, you’re bound to have a great time during the Six Nations. Embrace your city. You may get a bit of stick for wearing your jersey from home (especially from England) but just know it’s all in good fun, and it’s rare anyone means anything serious by it. Biggest tip we have? Have fun! Match days are meant to be enjoyed.

@CAERDYDD

Sober Sesh

'Imagine a Castle' takes Is it possible to enjoy an alcohol-free night out in Cardiff? place in Cardiff Tirion Davies @Caerdydd Editor

s we head into February, and January (the month which feels like it may never end) finally comes to a close, it’s interesting to see what the rest of the year has in store. For many, January was a time to take part in dry-January – where many attempted to remain alcoholfree for the month. Some may even be continuing this alcohol ban well into the rest of the year. The younger generation is drinking significantly less these days, and many are choosing to forgo alcohol in order to monitor what they put in their bodies. For some, sober nights out are commonplace. With over an estimated 213 pubs in Cardiff, and as a city who has notably appeared on the news when it comes to discussing wild nights out, is there really a way of having a sober night out in Cardiff? The answer is yes. Although Cardiff is known for its nightlife and numerous clubs, there’s still plenty to do in the Welsh capital when you either can’t or don’t want to drink alcohol. Cardiff is a city which has a vast culture. There are plenty of theatres across the capital to keep people entertained. Between the New Theatre and St. David’s Hall, to the Sherman Theatre, Chapter Arts and Tramshed, and most notably The Millennium Centre, there’s plenty of live theatre to peak your fancy. Additionally, it’s always worth checking out Cardiff Bay’s Glee Club if you’re looking for some live comedy – you could even get up yourself and perform some stand-up. Obviously, Cardiff is known for its music and sometimes it can be nice to visit gigs and actually remember the night. Gigs are commonplace around Cardiff, as music is at the heart of the city - there are plenty of ven-

Events - February 2020 SIX NATIONS

Various Loactions February 1st- February 22nd

Wales Millennium Centre: Open Rehearsals for Lunatic Wednesday February 5th & 12th Smut Slam Tuesday February 11th Welsh National Opera: The Marriage of Figaro February 16th, 21st, 23rd & 28th Welsh National Opera: Carmen February 27th & 29th

Sober nights: Is it possible to enjoy a night out in Cardiff without alcohol? Are clubs nights really the same? Source: tucaiuly (via Pixabay) ues who offer live music events throughout the year. But gigs can definitely be enjoyed sober. Somewhere like Café Jazz is a great place to enjoy food, jazz and blues music for a chilled night out where alcohol doesn’t need to be involved. Porter’s Cardiff is a coffee shop by day and a hub of entertainment by night. Whether you drink alcohol or not, Porter’s has plenty to offer throughout the week. The venue is busy each night, with one night dedicated to a quiz night, another night an open mic, another night a comedy den and many more events taking place across the week. Porter’s is the kind of venue where there’s no need for alcohol to enjoy yourself. But what about those who want to go clubbing sober? Is there room for a non-alcoholic night out in Cardiff clubs? Of course. Many find the best thing about nights out is the atmosphere. In

Vale Sports Arena: 90's Rave (2020 UK Tour) Tuesday 21st February

New Theatre Cardiff: Ghost Stories Tuesday 25th- Saturday 29th February Matinee and evening performance available Round the Horne Tuesday 18th-Wednesday 19th February 7:30pm FFR

which case, there's not always the need for alchohol to keep spirits high.

Alcohol-free: Millennials and Gen-Z are drinking less than their parents. Source: mrganso (via Pixabay) A non-alcoholic pub was opened in Dublin last year, where the owner

had noted that many of the guests at the opening night felt tipsy on the atmosphere alone. It seems as long as you're surrounded by friends and you're having a good time, you can get drunk on the atmosphere without consuming any drink. It’s possible to go for a night out in Cardiff without getting drunk and still have fun. You can still dance and sing your heart out, you’re just not doing it with alcohol in your bloodstream. Clubs don’t exclusively sell alcohol. It isn’t as though you’ll walk in to Pryzm and they’ll refuse to sell you a glass of lemonade. Club nights out can be fun sober – the music is the same and there’s no hangover keeping you bed-ridden the next day. There’s still the chance to have fun with your friends on a Friday night, but it means the weekend’s not a complete write-off and you can still get some work done. The downside to a sober night out? The people. Many students who don’t drink on nights out find they don’t get tend to get annoyed by their friends who are drinking when they remain respectful of their decision not to drink. Although, many who remain sober on nights out do agree things become annoying when their drunk friends change from being fun and bubbly to thinking the sober one in the group is their babysitter. There is still this belief to an extent that the sober one must look after their drunk friends, but many argue that as a students at university, students should take responsibility of themselves on nights where they've been drinking. More and more bars are offering a variety of mocktails, and it's becoming far more common to enjoy a night out without alcohol.

To learn more about Porter's Cardiff: http://www.porterscardiff.com/aboutporters/ To learn more about Cafe Jazz: http://www.cafejazzcardiff.com/history.html

The Moon:

Depot:

Developing your live show & music networking Wednesday 5th February 6:00-9:00 pm

Six Nations: Ireland V Wales 8th February

SmashFest- Cardiff Punk and Alternative music festival 26th February- 1st March

Clwb Ifor Bach: TJ Roberts Friday 14th February Queen Night Friday 14th February Girl Ray Sunday 23rd February

Bingo Lingo- Valentines Day special Friday 14th February Sausage and Cider Festival Saturday 15th February 12-11 pm

Natalie Graham @Caerdydd Editor

n 2017 Venetian painter Bernando Bellotto’s ‘The Fortress of Konigstein from the North’, one of the most original and impressive examples of 18th century landscape painting was acquired. To celebrate the acquisition, and convey the National Gallery’s commitment to ensuring art is shared throughout the UK, Bellotto’s painting, accompanied by five other National Gallery paintings featuring castles and fortresses will be shown in exhibitions in various venues around Britain (2020-2021). ‘The Fortress of Konigstein from the North’ will make its debut at National Museum Cardiff from January 28th- May 10th 2020. Bernando Bellotto's paintings are characterised by his use of impasto, particularly in the sky, where broad brushstrokes denote clouds and changing light on the horizon. Bellotto is best known for his views of northern European cities, which are considered his greatest achievements. These works are characterised by panoramic compositions, strongly contrasted use of light and shadow, and meticulous attention to architectural detail. Wales is repeatedly referred to as the ‘land of castles’, a well earnt title seeing as it is home to over 600 of them, holding an important symbolic role in the nations history and contested identity. Many renowned artists have used the motif of the castle as a distinguishable way of representing Wales’ vast and romantic landscape. ‘Imagine a castle’ will complement and highlight the diverse representation of castles in the collections of the National Museum, aiming to encourage the formation of new and imaginative perspectives. David Anderson, Director General National Museum Wales, stated: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the National Gallery in celebrating the acquisition of one of the most significant European view paintings. Wales is often called the land of castles, so it is fitting that we display this fine acquisition here for the first time in Wales". “Together with other paintings from the National Gallery, it will compliment National Museum Wales’ displays of European Old Masters as well as the museum’s collection of pictures of Welsh Castles. The exhibition along with a varied programme of public events, will allow us to draw on the sense of identity and history that many communities in Wales associate with their local castle.”

Bingo Lingo Friday 21st February Six Nations: Wales V France 22nd February Bernando Bellotto's The Fortress of Konigstein: Bellotto's debut at National Museum Wales. Source: © Amgueddfa Cymru.

28 SPORT

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Webb faces an altogether different and interesting return to the Welsh squad, having to come in cold after the malheur of his exit from an entirely uninspiring time at Toulon.

Wales

t’s hard to gauge what success will look like for Wales this year. Expectations will be managed, but the successes of Gatland put an end to the excuses of a history of inconsistency. There is still a quiet confidence and a mild expectation, but also a nervous uncertainty. It’s exciting, heightening the buzz caused by the return of the Six Nations. The first playing squad properly announced by Wayne Pivac – causing more of a murmur than a stir – saw the core of last year’s Six Nations and World Cup playing groups returning. Most surprising were the call-ups for Nick Tompkins, Will Rowlands, and WillGriff John, all of whom have proven themselves consistently in the English Premiership but are relatively unknown in Wales. Only WillGriff John had come up through the Welsh regions, a former Cardiff Blues player, whereas Nick Tompkins and Will Rowlands both

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Fixtures by Sion Ford qualified through family. The quality of all, though, is beyond contention. Tompkins has shone whenever he’s played for Saracens, Rowlands is a rugged operator who has been steadying the Wasps pack for years, and John has proven himself a capable scrummager with Sale. Adding these players into the international squad is, if nothing else, a shrewd move by Pivac. They will bring with them the intensity that sets the Premiership apart as the domestic club league in Europe. Cory Hill returns to the squad following his absence in the World Cup, now offering an option as back-row cover, while Owen Watkin, Johnny McNicholl and Jarrod Evans continue their international development. The headline selections saw the inclusion of rising star Louis Rees-Zammit, and returning favourites Rhys Webb and Taulupe Faletau. For Faletau, this will hopefully be the return from injury that sees him make

‘‘

England ‘‘ A England shall look to play attractive rugby and in my book look favourites to win a grand slam with Wales and Ireland under new management.

‘‘

Italy have only ever won two matches away from home in the Six Nations and the fixture list has not been kind to Italy this year.

fter World Cup Finalists and only getting better. England have the world at their feet and Eddie Jones needs to maintain momentum. Jones wants England to play even better rugby after that semifinal performance. The problem has been consistency, Jones needs to find a way to win whilst playing outstanding rugby. Despite Jones struggling with a few injured players, he consistently refuses to use this as an excuse with strength in depth. Looking at the squad selection the key has been continuity. This has allowed for the core players to retain their places whilst providing renewal in weaker positions. Most disappointment to fans will come in the positions of number 8 and Scrum-Half. Ben Youngs is a class player, yet Eng-

Italy

taly are the traditional whipping boys of the Six Nations tournament, their participation only necessary to ensure three fixtures per game-week. However, since their inauguration in the tournament in 2000, Italian rugby has advanced leaps and bounds. With Connor O’shea having departed after the World Cup, Franco Smith has taken the mantle of head coach and Luca Bigi has replaced the legendary Sergio Parisse as captain. Could this mark the beginning of a new age of Italian rugby? Out of the 19 tournaments that Italy have competed in, they have picked up the ‘wooden spoon’ in 14 of them, and have finished last every year since 2016, losing 22 games in a row. Despite this, there has been sig-

the number 8 jersey his again. The same goes for Owen Williams, who has only recently made a return from injury but will be keener than most to take the opportunity he’s been given. Competing against Gareth Davies and Tomos Williams, both of whom cemented their importance to Wales last year, will be the biggest challenge of Webb’s international career. Wales’ campaign starts at home against Italy on February 1, a game that screams experimental teams and neverending knock-ons. By the same token it could be an explosive start to the competition, the first opportunity for new squads under new coaches to go and rip into each other. Pivac’s men will need to get their game moving quickly, and you sense with the pack chosen – large, but mobile and adaptable – they will use the game against Italy to build confidence in the pace of their attack. After that, it’s a trip to Dublin, with the Irish also undergoing a change of

hands. Facing down Johnny Sexton and his team-mates will be an early test of this Welsh side’s ability to win the Championship. They will have to be at their best to overwhelm the Irish on their home turf; it will be a test of character, of concentration, and of their will to win in tough conditions. Then it’s a return to Cardiff to face the French. They will be a largely unknown quantity, though the Welsh players can expect a physical war. Shaun Edwards will have set a fire in the French defence that may well take its toll on the Welsh contingent. If Wales are still in title contention by this time, then it is surely the game against the English on March 7 that will prove the most extreme test, before the final fixture against Scotland. Winning at Twickenham is never anything less than a gruelling uphill battle that demands everything from you, and it could be a make or break moment for this new regime.

Italy

Cardiff February 1st

Ireland

Dublin February 8th

France

Cardiff February 22th

England Twickenham March 7th

Scotland Cardiff March 14th

Fixtures France

by Jack Vavasour

land cannot rely on him forever and Willi Heinz is even older and only has a handful of caps under his belt. It seems crazy that young players such as Jack Maunder and Harry Randall have been overlooked and whilst Alex Mitchell is included as an apprentice player, he doesn’t offer the same form that the former two do. The situation at number 8 is far more drastic as there are no specialist 8s named in the squad. Ben Earl has the most top class experience at 8 with Lewis Ludlam also having featured there a few times. Jones apparently likes the idea of Tom Curry at 8, yet all these options seem far too lightweight to follow on from Billy Vunipola. In 2018 Jones was so desperate for a big unit at the back of the scrum that he recalled Ben Morgan, so it seems difficult to see why Alex Dombrandt has

been overlooked. I can name 5 or 6 players who are big units on form in the premiership and whilst size isn’t everything, having a bruising number 8 not only intimidates your opposition but always puts you on the front foot. Jones has even criticised Sam Simmonds in the past for not being big enough to play 8 internationally, hence his bulking, so it is certainly interesting to see the lack of a unit at the back. Full-back is the position that looks set to change the most with Jones reportedly wanting to move Elliot Daly back to the wing, which would leave George Furbank as the likely name to take the 15 shirt. Furbank, and Northampton, have been in phenomenal form and this has been reflected in the sheer number of Saints players selected. If England can establish an out and out full-back the difference will be

amazing. Daly has done a good job, yet at International level you need more solidity at the back, Furbank is exciting and can offer something different than Daly. Daly has a big problem in the sense that he can play too many positions. He is a born and bred centre, yet he has spent the majority of his international career on the wing and at full-back. He is too talented to leave out of a side yet with the quality of this England side he has often found himself being the paper over cracks. Regardless, England shall look to play attractive rugby and in my book look favourites to win a grand slam with Wales and Ireland under new management and Scotland without Finn Russell, their talisman. France are a scary prospect, yet Jones will have his plan down to a tee.

Paris February 2nd

Scotland Edinburgh February 8th

Ireland

Twickenham February 23th

Wales

Twickenham March 7th

Italy

Rome March 14th

Fixtures Wales

by Ben Lovell-Smith nificant progress within the Italian domestic game, with Benetton Treviso and Zebre. Last season Benetton finished third in Conference B of the Pro 14 behind Leinster and Ulster. This season they have performed impressively in their debut season in the Champions Cup, notably beating Lyon who are flying in the French Top 14. There has been a slow increase of Italian internationals playing their domestic rugby within Italy. Previously key players would be found in Britain, France or Ireland. The success of Benetton Treviso, and vast improvement of Zebre in the Pro14 has a significant pull to retain key players such as Tommaso Allan, Tommaso Benvenuti and Braam Steyn. This should provide greater unity within the international squad

going forward. Italy have only ever won two matches away from home in the Six Nations and the fixture list has not been kind to Italy this year. They begin the tournament away to Wales and France and have just two home games this year for the Azzurri, one against England. Round three looks like a wooden spoon decider against Scotland in Rome. Scotland had a rough start to their campaign with the Finn Russell saga, and Italy will be hoping this has a detrimental effect on their tournament. France find themselves at the beginning of a rebuilding phase and face England in the first round. It is conceivable that a poor performance by the French could give Italy a chance in Paris. You just don’t know with the French.

There is also reason to be excited about Italy. The team looks pretty dynamic. The back row is stacked with heavy carriers in Jake Polledri, Steyn and Sebastian Negri. Sergio Parisse is also available for home matches, and alongside the omnipresent Alessandro Zanni, there should be a nice blend of experience within the pack. The back line has taken on an exciting look in recent years, Tommaso Allan has established himself as the starting fly half, whilst Matteo Minozzi has become one of the most vibrant full backs in Europe. Unleashing this talent is only really possible if the front five can step up and provide front foot ball. This is Italy’s weakest area, particularly compared to the other nations, they may come unstuck here. The influence of some South African grit could do the trick.

Cardiff February 1st

France

Paris February 9th

Scotland

Rome February 22nd

Ireland Dublin March 7th

England Rome March 14th

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CHWARAEON

ToTo contact contact our our sport sport desk, desk, drop drop usus anan email email atat sport@gairrhydd.com sport@gairrhydd.c

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As Galthie bleeds in the youngsters, his challenge will be whether he can combine flamboyant French flair with a trademark Edwards defence.

France

rance are serious contenders in this years Six Nations. New Head Coach Fabien Galthié has named an exciting new look squad, featuring 19 uncapped players, the most uncapped players selected out of the other 5 teams. After coming off the back of a relatively average World Cup in Japan, expectations are low for Galthie’s young side, which has an average age of just 24. Yohan Huget, Maxime Medard, Camille Lopez and Maxime Machenaud have all made way for the young blood. Only one player over the age of 30 features in the French squad, a move which symbolises an intent to form an established squad in 4 years’ time for Frances home World Cup in 2023. France’s World Cup campaign would have most probably seen them through to a Semi-Final if it wasn’t for Sébastien Vahaamahina’s reckless elbow against

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With Irish rugby stalwarts Rory Best and Rob Kearney gone from the set up, Farrell will need a number of players to step up as leaders.

reland had a disastrous Rugby World Cup. Crashing out in the quarters and losing to Japan in the pool was far from the tournament that was expected from a team that had won the Grand Slam and beaten the All Blacks twice within the previous two years. There is still potential for Ireland going forward, the bulk of that successful squad still remains. Andy Farrell has stepped up to replace Joe Schmidt as head coach. It is a big space to fill, but alongside assistant coach Mike Catt and forwards coach Simon Easterby there is a very young and enthusiastic set up for the players to embrace. Modern rugby is all about positivity, motivation and energy and these bring it in abundance. With Irish rugby stalwarts Rory Best and Rob Kearney gone from the set up, Farrell will need a number of players to step up as leaders. Tadhg Furlong, Cian

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Back to the present, and this hope may very well have turned to despair for many fans.

by Tom-Henry Jones ment might just be a step too far for this inexperienced side. Ultimately it is not just the inclusion of 19 uncapped players that has captured the media’s attention towards the French side. It is the introduction of Shaun Edwards as defence coach which has caught many headlines. A move away from Wales is a brave call for the experienced coach, but he might just be what France have been lacking. France, as shown on far too many occasions, have fallen short because of either weak defence and unforced errors, an area Edwards will surely rectify in quick time. Edwards has a fierce reputation as a demanding coach, a trait that has brought great success down the years. Wales effectively won the Grand Slam last year off the back of Edwards’ unforgiving defence. Edwards therefore rightly brings huge expectations for this

French side, but it is in doubt whether the man from Wigan can supply results overnight. Eddie Jones, in the lead up to the France England game said that “his team were going to find out how France’s young team can handle the pressure”. Although clearly Eddie was just playing mind games, the English coach does have a point. France have won the last two Under 20 World Cups, a feat not achieved since a Kiwi side which featured Beauden Barrett and Brodie Retallick. As Galthie bleeds in the youngsters, his challenge will be whether he can combine flamboyant French flair with a trademark Edwards defence. This years tournament might be a bit early for the young French side to compete, but if somehow they can combine flair and control, they’ll be contenders for many years to come.

England

Paris February 2nd

Italy

Paris February 9th

Wales

Cardiff February 22nd

Scotland Edinburgh March 8th

Ireland

Paris March 14th

Fixtures by Ben Lovell-Smith

Healy, Peter O’Mahony, Connor Murray, and of course new captain Johnny Sexton will lead Ireland into the immediate future. Murray particularly needs to prove he is worthy of his place, he had a very poor World Cup by his high standards. Ulsterman John Cooney has been on red hot form all season for his province and offers more of an attacking threat. Despite this, he was unable to break the Murray-Sexton partnership for the first fixture, only finding a place on the bench. Ireland now have fantastic depth in this position and this competition could be the spur that Murray needs. However, should he continue to falter, expect to see Cooney take the reigns. Farrell may have opted for continuity in some positions, however he hasn’t been afraid to take risks in others. Against Scotland, the vastly experienced British Lions captain O’Mahony

Scotland hough it may seem a lifetime ago, it’s only been 10 months since Scotland produced one of the most remarkable second half displays in Six Nations history. 31-0 down to England at half-time in the final match of the tournament, staring a fourth consecutive defeat in the face, Gregor Townsend’s team looked down and out. Nobody could have predicted that 40 minutes later, the Scots would be retaining the Calcutta Cup after scoring six unanswered tries and coming within minutes of winning, only for George Ford to make it 38-38 at the death. In a second half implosion, England were very poor. But Scotland were very, very good. The speed, the precision and the desire that had been missing all tournament was now there in abundance, with their finishing also of the highest calibre. Though it was brief, and ultimately not enough, such a sensational

Fixtures

Wales. Yet it is their indiscipline, inconsistency and poor selection choices that has blighted this French side for the last few seasons. You would have to go all the way back to 2010 to see when France last won the Six Nations, a long time overdue, in a nation which should be competing for the title so much more. France’s route to a title this year rests solely on a strong start against the favourites England in Paris. Most pundits have even tipped the winner of this game to go on and win the whole tournament. Yet even if they overcome such a hurdle, away trips to Cardiff and Edinburgh await in rounds three and four. France will fancy themselves against these sides, both of which are going through turbulent transitions. However, by judging from the makeup of this new look French side, their one goal lies four years ahead in 2023, this years tourna-

Ireland

was dropped to the bench in favour of 21 year old Caelan Doris. Doris is in great form at the moment, having scored 3 tries in 13 games for Leinster this season. He is also a former Ireland U20s Captain and thought of very highly within Ireland. This is exactly the type of selection that Farrell needs to make in order to shake this Ireland team back into life. Jordan Larmour has finally been handed the 15 jersey after a fantastic apprenticeship underneath Rob Kearney. With Gary Ringrose, James Ryan and Jacob Stockdale all still in their early twenties, there is a fantastic blend of youth and experience developing within this Ireland set up. The Ireland lineout completely fell apart in Japan, a part of their game that they had once banked on. Devin Toner has been included in the squad once again, after being dropped for the

World Cup and should be pivotal if Ireland are going to sharpen up this area. Simon Easterby has a massive task here, if he can fix the lineout then Ireland will be very competitive. The fixtures this year are fairly favourable to Ireland, they have three home fixtures. However, they face both England and France away, which will be tough games. England dispatched Ireland 57-15 at Twickenham in the world cup warm up just six months ago, and will be favourites heading into this game. Should the first two fixtures against Scotland and Wales be a success, Ireland against England could easily be a Grand Slam decider. Farrell is no fool, he will make sure Ireland will take it game by game, Rome wasn’t built in a day. They are only at the beginning of the next cycle of Irish rugby.

Scotland Dublin February 1st

Wales

Dublin February 8th

England

London February 23rd

Italy

Dublin March 7th

France

Paris March 14th

Fixtures by John Jones

performance would have given even the most dour Scot a small glimmer of hope for the year ahead. Back to the present, and this hope may very well have turned to despair for many fans. Finn Russell, the principal architect of last March’s spectacular revival, is gone – leaving the squad after allegedly breaching ‘team protocol’ during a drinking session. Whether the fly-half’s absence will exceed Scotland’s opening weekend clash against Ireland remains to be seen, but he will undoubtedly be sorely missed in Dublin. Russell has been in fine form for Racing 92 this season, and is nothing short of talismanic for the national side. Often the creative heartbeat for club and country, his exit was the last thing Scotland needed after a disappointing World Cup showing. Gregor Townsend’s side were woeful in their opening game in Japan as they were humbled by a slick Ireland team

in a game permeated by Scottish handling errors and a lack of ideas going forward. Though they recorded thrashings against Group A whipping boys Samoa and Russia, the Scots failed to qualify for the knockout stages after being defeated by the hosts in a gripping encounter. This, combined with the test retirements of mainstays Greg Laidlaw, John Barclay and Tommy Seymour, weakened Scotland’s Six Nations hopes even before Russell’s departure made them all the more bleak. There are a few potential bright sparks, however. Russell’s exclusion, for all its negatives, has opened the door for fellow fly-half Adam Hastings to shine. Hastings – the son of Scotland legend Gavin – has been in great form for Glasgow Warriors at club level, but has not yet been given many opportunities on the international stage.

There is no doubting the 23-year old’s game management and attacking prowess, but it will be very interesting to see if he can keep his composure after being thrust into the starting lineup. Marcus Bradbury was another who shone in last year’s comeback at Twickenham, and will likely form a part of the Scottish backrow, while George Horne will be hoping his impressive form since bagging a hattrick against Russia in the World Cup will be enough to grant him the number nine shirt. These young guns will have to be at their best, however, as the Scots face an upward battle from the start, taking on Ireland away and England at Murrayfield in the first two weeks of fixtures. Townsend will be desperate to begin the campaign with victory in Dublin, but his side haven’t won there for a decade, and have lost three on the bounce to the men in green, including the trouncing in Yokohama in September.

Ireland

Dublin February 1st

England Edinburgh February 8th

Italy

Rome February 22nd

France Edinburgh March 8th

Wales

Cardiff March 14th

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30 SPORT

Women’s Six Nations Preview Jack Robert Stacey

Contributor

air Rhydd Sport takes a look at what you can expect from the teams over the next few weeks in the women’s championships. Victors in the 2019 tournament, England are expected to have another electric performance that would not be uncharacteristic of their previous dominance in the tournament. Last year, they secured their position at the top of the table with a massive 233 point difference and a total of 45 tries across their five games. Their 2020 squad features the 2019 World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year Emily Scarratt as their lead centre and/or fullback. Sarah Hunter will act as captain for the squad over the upcoming weeks and is “absolutely relishing” their opening match against France who placed third in the 2019 competition. Italy are driven to succeed in 2020 with new training techniques and coaching strategies being cited as changes that have, according to Giada Franco (Italy’s captain), made the team “really more confident”. Italy showed a substantial improvement between the 2017 and 2019 Women’s Six Nations Championship, moving from last place to become the runner-up in only two years. Similarly, France believes that “the public will be behind us” and are expected to rival England’s dominant position, with their consistently aggressive strategies earning them a respectable 24 tries last year. France have a larger choice of players as many are on part-time contracts, enabling captain Gaëlle Hermet to have the most adaptable strategies and compositions of the six competing teams. Scotland remain the underdogs of the 2020 Women’s Six Nations as they have consistently placed at the bottom of the leaderboard, finishing fourth place or lower every year since 2005. In spite of this, Scotland’s captain Rachel Malcom says the team are “the most gelled that we have ever been” and that they have “put in really good performances” in the build-up. Hopes are high for a potential top-three finish due to their defensive prowess. Of all the teams, Wales remain the most secretive, with the use of new training strategies and facilities significantly improving the team’s already formidable defence. They have achieved positions of fourth and fifth in the last two campaigns, but Welsh captain Siwan Lillicrap “couldn’t have asked for a better autumn campaign” and has hopes that “the Welsh nation get behind us”. In contrast, Ireland have chosen to adopt a more assertive and dominant offensive strategy for their training, attempting to use this in the 2020 Women’s Six Nations to increase their number of tries. In last year’s competition, Ireland scored the third largest amount of tries with 13, but came fifth in the overall competition. This year, they are intending to, in the words of the Irish captain Ciara Griffin, “improve on last year’s performance” and “get up that table”.

Wales’ 2020 Sporting Calendar 12 months of action and drama awaits...

Olly Allen Sport Editor

he sporting calendar for 2020 is already shaping up nicely with plenty to look forward to over the next 12 months. Gair Rhydd Sport has picked out five events to keep an eye out for from a Welsh perspective…

Six Nations

2019 was a hugely impressive year for the Welsh rugby team as they won the Grand Slam at the Six Nations before reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup. But, they start the new decade with new leadership, as Wayne Pivac begins his first campaign in charge after the departure of Warren Gatland. Gatland left the squad in a healthy state with a nice blend of youth and experience, but his shoes remain big ones to fill for former Scarlets coach Pivac, who won his first game in charge 43-33 against the Barbarians in November. Despite their success last year, Wales are only third favourites for the Six Nations crown this time around – behind England and Ireland, both of whom they face away from home. The Dragons start and end the tournament in Cardiff though, as they aim to make it a total of 40 titles overall.

Euro 2020

There was a time when Welsh football fans could only dream of major tournaments, but 2020 will see the national team compete in a second successive European Championships. After the magical heroics of 2016, there will be hope for another summer of love

for Bale and co and the Red Wall. After securing automatic qualification in November, Ryan Giggs’s side will now face Switzerland, Turkey and Italy in the tournament’s group stage. Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey will of course be the star men, but this squad is full of youthful vibrancy too with players such as Dan James, Ethan Ampadu and David Brooks to name but a few. Get ready for plenty of ‘Wales. Golf. Madrid’ and ‘Please don’t take me home’ chants in the streets of Baku, Rome and wherever else this adventure takes them.

Tokyo Olympics

The eyes of the world will be on Japan in the summer as the Olympics heads to Asia for the first time since 2008. 33 different sports will be on show across a two-week period, including surfing, skateboarding and climbing for the first time. Wales are set to be well-represented in Team GB again after Welsh athletes achieved their highest ever medal haul four years ago. Hannah Mills (sailing), Owain Douall (cycling) and Elinor Barker (cycling) all won gold in Rio and will be aiming to do so again. As will Jade Jones, who is aiming to make taekwondo history by earning a third successive title. Meanwhile, there are high hopes for boxer Lauren Price who has claimed gold at the Commonwealth Games and the World Championships in the last two years.

The Hundred

With the England and Wales Cricket

Don’t Take Me Home: How far can Wales go at Euro 2020? Source: FAW Board looking to reinvigorate the sport and attract a new generation of fans, The Hundred is set to begin in July. As the name suggests, this is a new 100ball format which will see eight citybased franchise teams compete in a round-robin league format followed by play-offs. On paper, the men’s Welsh Fire team, who will play their home fixtures at Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens, looks incredibly strong. Johnny Bairstow had already been secured as the side’s Centrally Contracted player before October’s draft saw the likes of Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc and Liam Plunkett join up. Australia’s Meg Lanning is the star name in the women’s side alongside young English talents Bryony Smith and Katie George.

Pro14 final

The Cardiff City Stadium will host this year’s Pro14 final in June, the first time that the Welsh capital has staged the event since the competition took finals around the grounds in the 20092010 season. The Principality Stadium has previously hosted the Celtic League final in 2003.T his year, reigning champions Leinster look in excellent form as they sit first in Conference A with ten wins from ten games, while it’s much closer at the top of Conference B – just four points currently separate Edinburgh, Scarlets and Munster. Cardiff Blues have work to do in Conference B, where they currently sit fifth. With the Pro14 final achieving record attendances in the last four years, it is hoped that the Cardiff City Stadium will be a sell-out this summer.

Ben Stokes shines again in win over South Africa Captain Joe Root led his team to an impressive 3-1 series win over the Proteas

Anurag Hegde

Contributor

ngland bounced back to win the series 3-1 having lost the first test at Centurion. A wounded South African side drew first blood in the series through some fiery bowling performances from Kagiso Rabada and co. But they failed to keep the momentum as England came back hard to win the next three games. One of England’s standout performers was Ben Stokes. Great performances and Ben Stokes have become synonymous of late. It was no different on this tour either. Stokes was not only England’s second-highest run-scorer with 310 runs in the series but also England’s third-highest wicket-taker with 10 dismissals. Stokes produced an outstanding spell late on day five of the second test to win England the game when just a handful of overs remained in the day’s play. After a day of defiant batting, the Protean lower order had no answer

to Stokes’s magic. In the very next game, Stokes notched up a glorious century and shared a 203-run stand with Ollie Pope which pushed England’s total to a match-winning 499. His performances with bat and ball have made him an indispensable asset for English cricket.

The two young English opening batsmen made the most of their opportunities. The opening combination of Dom Sibley and Zak Crawley paid dividends for England. The two young English opening batsmen made the most of their opportunities. Sibley ended the series with an impressive 324 runs at an average of 54 against his name. Ollie Pope was another definite plus for England. He scored some valuable runs in the middle order and gave England’s batting great solidity. He registered his maiden test hundred at Port Elizabeth scor-

ing a match-winning 135 and ended the series with an impressive tally of 266 runs at an average of 88.66. For South Africa, it was a disappointing series. More so for their captain Faf du Plessis. Questions are being raised over du Plessis’ leadership with South Africa’s winless drought in international cricket continuing. Du Plessis’ own performances with the bat have not been great either. Prior to the final innings in the last test match, he had gone 10 innings without a single score in excess of 30. He ended the series with just 151 runs at an average of 18.87 – not something you’d expect from South Africa’s captain and leading batsman. His inability to lead from the front and his reluctance to step down from captaincy has not bode well among many fans and experts alike. Prior to the series commencing, Vernon Philander, one of South Africa’s premier bowlers announced that the final game of the series at the Wanderers would be his last. The South African camp would have been eager to give Philander a wor-

thy farewell. But it was a sour ending for Philander as he pulled up short of the bowling crease and walked off the field having bowled only 1.3 overs in his final innings. South Africa’s defeat would have only added to his disappointments. He walked off the field for the final time as a South African Test player after being dismissed for 10 in the second innings. England showed great promise in the series. They produced an allround performance, and everyone had their moment in the limelight. By winning in South Africa, they have proven that they can dynamically adapt to conditions and play accordingly. Lots of plusses moving forward as the build-up to the Ashes 2020-21 begins. For South Africa, it is definitely back to the drawing board. They seemed deflated and lacked that winning spirit. But no matter what happens, the expectations on South African cricket remains high and they are due to provide their longing fans something to cheer for.

BUCS Highlights

CHWARAEON 31

A round-up of Cardiff University’s sporting action from the latest BUCS Wednesday

Cardiff 5-1 Exeter

Cardiff 1s 3-2 Swansea 2s Men’s football

Ryan Dabbs Contributor

nother must win game in a title chasing season for Cardiff saw rivals Swansea visit Llanrumney. Cardiff dictated proceedings for the first 25 minutes with plenty of possession and chances created. It was a strong first half performance, with Jack Harvey opening the scoring early on for Cardiff, slipping past a couple of Swansea defenders and finishing ruthlessly into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. It was a well deserved lead after an imposing start for Cardiff, who did well to capitalise on their dominance. Swansea struggled to threaten with Cardiff ’s possession based style of football nullifying any Swansea threat, until a cleverly weighted ball over the top broke through the Cardiff back line which was finished smartly to level the scores. Eager to find a way back into the game, Cardiff ’s lively Munashe Mandaza won a free kick in a menacing position just outside of the Swansea box. Up stepped Harry Woodnutt to whip the ball up and over the Swansea wall, which flew in off the crossbar. It was a fantastic free kick at a pivotal moment in the match, a display of both power and finesse which restored Cardiff ’s lead to 2-1 at 35 minutes. Capitalising on this break through, Cardiff pressed for another before the half time whistle, knowing a one goal lead would not be

enough against this Swansea side. Some scintillating football down the right hand side saw Jack Harvey embarrass a few defenders, to lay it off for Alex Levy on the penalty spot, who spun and finished expertly into the roof of the net. This left Cardiff comfortably in the lead for half time with a two goal lead at 3-1. The second half brought plenty more chances for Cardiff, but all were missed as they failed to kill the game off. Some guilt edge opportunities were spurned which gave Swansea a life line. It seemed that Cardiff would regret those earlier missed opportunities. Swansea began to grow in confidence and really tested Cardiff for the last 30 minutes, stretching the back line which was cut through for Swansea to get back in the game with a smart finish to leave the scores at 3-2. Swansea’s comeback seemed increasingly likely; they looked like a different team in the second half. They came the closest to equalising when missing a sitter from seven yards out, thanks to a masterful block on the line from Callum Nippers. Goalkeeper Will Betts did well to save Cardiff from another Swansea chance, tipping over the crossbar from close range and keeping Cardiff in the lead. Ultimately Cardiff stayed strong and defended well to see out the game 3-2, under heavy Swansea pressure. Another huge three points in the league from a potential banana skin fixture against Cardiff ’s rivals.

Ladies’ Tennis

Rebecca Astill Contributor

ast week, the Cardiff University Ladies Tennis first team took on Exeter’s second team who currently sit at the top of the Western 1A table. Cardiff came away with a resounding 5-1 win, a big improvement on the 3-3 draw in the away leg. Imogen Sinclair and Alice Warren scraped the first doubles in a close 6-4, 4-6, 10-5 match tiebreak win. Second pair, Alex Boardman and Gaby Webb followed suit with a 6-2, 6-3 victory. After a 2-0 head start, the pressure was on the singles match-

es to seal the victory. Sinclair proved her talent at first seed with an easy 6-2, 6-4 victory. Alice Warren won a convincing 6-1, 6-1 match at number two, beating her previous score against the same opponent. With this win, the overall victory was sealed as Cardiff stood at 4-0. Singles specialist Megha Roy clenched a close 7-5, 6-2 win at third position. Alex Boardman lost the final singles 6-1, 6-1, but this was no matter. The girls were ecstatic with the win over table leaders, and are feeling confident going into another big match against Bournemouth next week.

Cardiff 1s 4 - 2 Swansea 2s Golf

Iestyn Harries Contributor

ardiff University Golf Team began the second half of the season with a convincing 4-2 win against Swansea at Radyr Golf Club. Having drawn against University of West England (UEW) in the last outing the team got back to winning ways in their quest for promotion carries on. The captain introduced debutant Felicity Deany, having impressed in preparation leading up to the match. Iestyn Harries, Alex Donoghue and Peter Edwards also brought points back for Cardiff University.

It was Alex’s first win in red this year whilst Iestyn Harries and Peter Edwards carry on their good form for the season. Unfortunately, Tom Beckenham couldn’t maintain his good run losing 2&1 to a solid Swansea player. This was the perfect start to the season for Cardiff. A victory to begin the new term would’ve been exactly what captain Harries wanted. Cardiff travel to Bath next Wednesday who are the league leaders so a win in Somerset would be a great result. The match will be played at Kingsdown Golf Club. Keep an eye out for the result in the next issue of Gair Rhydd.

Cardiff 15-2 Plymouth Men’s Ultimate Frisbee

Joe Penning Contributor

ardiff Ultimate Frisbee Club started the new semester with a first team home game against Plymouth. Going into the match undefeated, Cardiff were looking to maintain their win streak for the season with the goal of claiming the league title. The weather conditions were favourable for the home side with a strong crosswind and muddy turf aiding Cardiff in their short-range handling skills. The game started in Plymouth’s possession and a downwind advantage which was quickly shut down on their second pass due to a fast hand block from the Cardiff captain. Wasting no time, Cardiff gained possession and a simple pass

scored the first point of the game. The change of sides caused Plymouth to be on the upwind attack for the next point. Their lack of numbers and newer players caused trouble for them as Cardiff set out to tightly man mark, preventing any Plymouth players from getting free. Cardiff yet again stole the disc and swiftly scored for a fast 2-0 lead. Throughout the subsequent points, Cardiff aimed to tighten their offensive structure to allow for quick territory gain and retention of possession, allowing them to slip away early on. The idea to change tactics to a zone-defence worked against the home side towards the half, allowing Plymouth to utilise their more experienced players to work hard for their first point. Half-time arrived at 8-1 to the

Spirit of the game: Cardiff and Plymouth after their match. Source: Joe Penning home side, with Cardiff discuss- take the game from Plymouth before ing ways to trivialise their of- they had a chance to ever compete. fense to allow for an early victory. The game finished early and the The home side began on offense, score capped, 15-2 to the home stronger than ever, with a well side, with Cardiff remaining undrilled structure allowing them to defeated for the 19/20 season.

Getting to know: John Farrelly Ella Fenwick Sport Editor

n this semester’s first Getting to Know, Sports Editor Ella Fenwick talked to John Farrelly from the Cardiff University Basketball Club. Farrelly is in his third year at the club and first heard about the team at the Freshers’ Sports Fair in his first year. Encouraged by his previous experience, Farrelly thought he would attend the trials and give it a go, “I hadn’t played in a long time and wanted to get back into it. I attended the trials and despite it being intense...but it was worth it to be part of the club.” Farrelly first played basketball in Year 8 at school. “We only played it once but it came really naturally to me and all my shots dropped that day. I told my Dad about it that day and he decided to sign me up to a local basketball club.” As well as competing on the team, Farrelly works as the club’s social secretary, “my role is basically to just organise both alcoholic and non alcoholic socials for the team.” Working alongside the other committee members Farrelly works on boosting the morale of the team stating, “I think people generally play better with other people they’re familiar with and socials are a great opportunity for teammates to get to know one another.” Farrelly went on further to say, “my personal highlight from being part of the club is meeting a lot of like minded people that I get along really well with.” In third year, Farrelly found the workload has increased but said: “Finding the right balance between University sports and University work can be kind of tricky because training can take up a lot time and sometimes leave you too tired to revise afterwards. I’d say proper scheduling is the key to finding the right balance.” Farrelly added, “I think sport has been a major part of my time at University, it’s a really good way to stay active and make new friends or just to try something new.” “The energy at Varsity is always electric and really brings the University together as a whole” said Farrelly but competing weekly in the BUCS league he went on to say “It would be amazing to win BUCS league because it would be the ultimate way to prove all the hard work that goes into the club.” With a range of sports at the University Farrelly said “If I wasn’t playing basketball at Cardiff I think I’d probably go to the athletics club or give ultimate frisbee a try because I’m a big fan of high energy sports.” Farrelly regrets overindulging over the past three years on the social aspect of University, “If I could give any advice to my Fresher self it would probably be to slow down on the SU nights out.”

CHWARAEON

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Getting to know: John Farrelly Ella Fenwick Sport Editor

n this week’s Getting to Know column, Sports Editor Ella Fenwick speaks to John Farrelly of Cardiff University Men’s Basketball team. The basketball team’s Social Secretary has been part of the side since joining the team two years ago and has plenty of fond memories from representing the University. He discusses everything from how he found out about the team, to deciding whether Varsity or BUCS is more important. Farrelly also gives advice to his Fresher-self. 31

Six Nations: team-by-team preview Gair Rhydd Sport Team

Winning feeling: Cobras Running Back Drew Gilbs in action. Source: Jason Brown Photography.

‘No team is more committed’ Cardiff Cobras President Jack Pitt

George Willoughby

Deputy Head of Sport

eputy Head of Sport George Willoughby has been speaking to the President of the Cardiff Cobras Jack Pitt. At the time of writing, the Cobras have started the season unbeaten, and their victory over Worcester before Christmas saw them begin the new term with four wins from four games. Cardiff is amongst Leeds, Derby, Portsmouth and Brunel for the only sides in Division One yet to be defeated. There was a good feeling in the Cardiff camp going into the 2019-20 campaign, and the undefeated start is evidence of that. Speaking about pre-season expectations, club President Jack Pitt already felt they “had a strong side”. “We had very few leavers last year, meaning that the amount of experience that the team had collectively made us one of the more veteran based teams in the league, and the wider division.

“During preseason, as a team, we set a goal for a number of the aspects of our sport, including turnovers, points difference and of course overall win record.” Cardiff have won four games in a row so they are very much on track to finish the season near the top of the table.

Coming into the 19/20 season, we felt that we had a strong team.

Jack Pitt

Being able to maintain this excellent form will be the focus ahead of another challenging set of fixtures. A multiple number of factors have to come together, and this involves performances on and off the pitch. Pitt was quick to point out that a “winning team is a happy place to be”. “Training is productive, and everyone is 100% invested in the club’s success,

putting in hours off the training field as well as on it in terms of gym programmes and classroom sessions.” The Cobras have been developing as a squad each year. Maintaining their core group of players, aided by a strong mindset of wanting to improve, are two aspects that are attributable to their recent success. Pitt also praised excellent coaching staff: “Their commitment to us as a team is what enables us to train as much as we do, which in turn helps us to become better players. Their service to us is a big part of what makes us great. “Secondly, the attitude of the club has changed in the time that I have been here. Whilst training is crucial to success in our sport, the commitment to the team off the field is what really makes a team stand out, which has vastly improved. “People take small groups out to the local parks to practise, and positional leaders hold film analysis sessions in their living rooms in order to teach less

experienced players. “Even if a team is a match for us quality wise, no team is more committed or prepared.” The Cobras have been performing at a very high standard in the league. They will need to be even better if they are to surpass rivals Swansea at this year’s Varsity. Although the derby match is still a few months away, Varsity is “never far from our thoughts” according to Pitt. “With Swansea being in the Premiership they’re a great quality side that we respect hugely and relish the opportunity to play against. “Swansea [have been] so dominant in years gone by, [although] last year’s game in which we were winning at half time really made us realise that they are definitely beatable. “We’re confident in being able to challenge them this year, riding on the back of a successful regular season and ending the year on a high.” The Cobras will next be in action against Exeter on February 9.

his year’s Six Nations seems to have come around pretty quickly, given that the Rugby World Cup only ended in November last year. But if last year’s prestigious tournament is anything to go by, we’re in for a cracking Six Nations 2020 campaign. Wales and England advanced the furthest in Japan and the latter just stumbled at the final hurdle against South Africa. That in mind, Eddie Jones’ side are deservedly favourites for the Six Nations. Their strength in depth is unrivalled by any other side and the tournament’s biggest nations will be hoping to show their full potential. As for Wales, they come into the tournament as an unknown for the first time this decade. Wayne Pivac has an almighty task ahead of him with a squad that is without key men such as Jonathan Davies and Josh Navidi. However, Wales often conjure up big results in this tournament and can never be ruled out. Their main competition, Ireland and France, have the chance to cause unrest against both England and Wales. The latter could be a force to be reckoned with this year but that promise is often followed by disappointment. For Italy and Scotland, it could be a case of trying to avoid the infamous Wooden Spoon with relatively weak squads. One thing is for sure, though, the Six Nations has an uncanny knack of caus28-29 ing an upset.