Scotland international Sam Hidalgo-Clyne is looking forward to working with current Scarlets No1 scrum-half Gareth Davies in the coming Guinness Pro14 and European campaigns.

Hidalgo-Clyne gave his first press conference for the Scarlets at Parc y Scarlets today.

The former Edinburgh player was relaxed as he fielded a variety of questions, ranging from competition for the Scarlets No9 jersey to his future international career with Scotland.

Hidalgo-Clyne, 25, also had words of praise for former Scarlets favourite John Barclay.

Here are some brief highlights from the press conference –

How do you like Llanelli?

“It’s been great so far. I had about three weeks here before season started. I’ve been checking it all out and it’s great. Feels like I’ve been here a few months already.”

Why move from Edinburgh to the Scarlets?

“I think because of the way they (the Scarlets) play.

“They are a very ambitious group of players. The results they have had the last two seasons have been outstanding. I’m looking forward to being part of the culture.

“Things fell through at Edinburgh and I thought I would come down.

“John Barclay has been outstanding for the Scarlets and he spoke very highly of the club, the players and the whole set up on and off the field.

“I think it’s a good move for me and my family as well.”

International ambitions with Scotland . . .

“We have been playing heads up rugby and Scotland like to get the ball as fast as they can. I think the two will go hand in hand. I spoke to Gregor (Scotland coach Townsend) about it pre-tour and it’s not a problem for them (Scotland).

“I think sometimes players have to get out of Scotland to improve and better themselves.”

The competition with Gareth Davies for the No9 jersey . . .

“I think Gareth is a brilliant player. He has played some great rugby and the way he sees space is brilliant. I will learn a lot from him. I am trying to learn as much as possible. I am not the finished article.

“There’s a lot of experience in this squad and I will take as much as I can from Stephen Jones (attack coach), Gareth and the other players.

Respect for coach Stephen Jones . . .

“He’s fantastic He brings a lot to the training sessions.

“There’s a lot of positive feedback, constructive feedback. Stephen is high demand on everything. He wants everything to be perfect. He will help with my skill sets and it will help my game.”

Video from today’s press conference (full version now replaces earlier edited version)

Sam Hidalgo-Clyne

Scarlets player information:

Primarily a scrum-half, Sam possesses all the skills necessary for a great scrum half. With an accurate pass, sniping runs and an accurate boot, he will provide an intense level of competition to Gareth Davies for the starting spot.

His ability has been well documented in an Edinburgh Rugby side who have once again become a major force in the GUINNESS PRO14.

Having represented Scotland and both Under 20s and Senior level, he brings a level of experience with him that belies his age, which can only be a positive influence for younger scrum-halfs at the club.

Samuel Hidalgo-Clyne (born 4 August 1993) joined the Scarlets following the conclusion of the 2017/18 season.

His primary position is as a scrum-half, but he can also operate as a fly-half, winger and full-back.

Born in Jayena, Granada, Spain, he moved to Edinburgh at the age of three.

Hidalgo-Clyne specialised in international sevens for the 2011–12 season and joined Edinburgh’s elite development roster in the summer of 2012.

He was awarded a place on the 2013 Macphail Scholarship to New Zealand.

Hidalgo-Clyne made his full Scotland debut on Saturday 7 February 2015, coming off the replacements’ bench in a 15–8 defeat to France in the 2015 Six Nations Championship, and did so again in each of the remaining four matches.

Distinctive green bikes have been located around Carmarthenshire to mark the route of the Tour of Britain on September 2.

The bikes are part of a wider marketing campaign to get the whole county involved in celebrating the biggest professional cycling race in the UK which is starting in Carmarthenshire.

All bikes have been donated and sprayed green with Tour of Britain branding to raise awareness of the world famous event.

The Tour of Britain has made its way through other Welsh counties over recent years, but it’s the first time for it to visit Carmarthenshire.

World famous cyclists will gather at Pembrey on Sunday 2 September to begin the race, which will make its way through Kidwelly, Carmarthen, Nantgaredig, Llanarthne, Ffairfach, Bethlehem, Llangadog and Llandovery.

A detailed map of the route can be found on the council’s DiscoverCarmarthenshire.com website, along with the best viewing areas and parking spots for spectators. Please note that anybody attending Pembrey Country Park will have to be inside the park by 9.30am latest.

Carmarthenshire County Council wants to get everyone involved throughout the county to celebrate this prestigious event.

Cllr Peter Hughes Griffiths, executive board member for Culture, Sport and Tourism, said: “There are many ways to get involved with the Tour of Britain either with your local community or as an individual, this is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to get out and enjoy. We’d like to hear about all the promotional activities going on in the county so we can share them on our websites and social media feeds ahead of the event.”

•    Spotted a bike? If it’s safe to do so, send pictures of your family with a green bikes to Carmarthenshire County Council’s Twitter and Facebook pages using #CycleCarms
•    If you know of a visible and safe location along the route where a green bike could be located get in touch with the Marketing and Media team at Carmarthenshire County Council, marketing@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

Scarlets have this week officially welcomed Sara Davies as the region’s new team manager.

Davies brings with her a wealth of experience after nearly 10 years working in administrative roles in Welsh Rugby.

A keen rugby player herself, Davies won four British University championships with UWIC while a student between 2005-2009.

She also claimed a Wales U19 cap and was an active member of Whitland RFC before hanging up her boots at the end of last season.

She has previously held posts at the WRU as a Rugby Administrator and Team Manager for the Wales Women U20 (2009-11).

She was also Wales Women’s team manager for 2011-12.

She then spent five years with Newport Gwent Dragons, firstly as a team administrator before taking over as team manager in 2014 before rejoining the WRU in 2016 as team manager for Wales U20 and Wales Sevens.

Jon Daniels, Scarlets General Manager of Rugby, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Sara to the Scarlets family. She has a proven track record and knows and understands the job inside out having held similar roles for the best part of a decade. Sara is a welcome addition to the management team here at the Scarlets.”

Sara Davies, Scarlets Team Manager added; “As a born and bred West Walian, having represented Scarlets on the field myself, it’s an honour to join the management team at the region. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with Wales 7s and the Under 20s side over the last few seasons but I’m looking forward to the new challenges and season ahead. Wayne, the coaching and backroom staff have all been very welcoming.”

Scarlets and Wales forward Ryan Elias has been reflecting on playing against one of the best hookers in the world, the Argentinian captain Agustin Creevy.

He’s also been talking about being ‘apprentice’ to Wales and British Lions hooker Ken Owens and how he smashed his nose in the summer tour match against South Africa.

Carmarthen-born Elias, 23, was in the hot seat at today’s Scarlets press conference at Parc y Scarlets.

He covered a wide range of topics . . .

The Wales summer tour (taking in victorious matches against South Africa and Argentina) . . .

“It was a really good experience to go out to Argentina – and play South Africa as well. Two tough sides there.

“It was a good learning experience for me. It’s good to test yourself again the best – I was up again (Agustin) Creevy in Argentina. That felt good. It’s all positives. Good tour.”

The high point of the tour?

“Scoring that try against South Africa to win.”

About smashing his nose . . .

“It was quite funny really.

“I went for a counter-ruck against South Africa and it was like running into a brick wall. I ended up folding up like a cardboard box and my knee came through and hit me right on the nose.

“It wasn’t good. It’s good to have it (the nose) back straight now. The doctors did a good job, to be fair.”

About playing against Agustin Creevy . . .

“Obviously, he’s a big man and he’s renowned for his scrummaging.

“In the last Test, we both started. First half, it was like a game of chess and I was trying to figure out what he was doing. I thought in the second half we got some dominance and that was a real positive as well.

“(He’s a) Brilliant player.

“Line-out, scrum, he’s technically one of the best

“It was really good to go up against him and touch yourself against the best.”

Working alongside Wales and British Lions hooker Ken Owens . . .

“It’s a plus.

“He’s one of the best hookers in the world.

“Obviously, he’s a British Lions so I am learning from the best.

“He’s a good leader. We are both from Carmarthen, same school and same rugby club.

“He calls me his apprentice.

“It’s good to learn from him. He’s got a lot of time for me and I’ve got a lot of time for him. There’ a respect there between us.

“Hopefully, it’s a case of changing of the guard – and when he wants to retire I’ll take his place.”

Looking to the future . . .

“I have a game by game mentality. Hopefully, come the end of the year, I’ll get picked for the World Cup (for Wales). It’s no easy task. It’s very competitive. But its something I want to achieve and I’m going to try and get there.”

Video of today’s press conference (Full version has now replaced earlier edited version).

Ryan Elias Scarlets player information:

Date of Birth:

7 – 1 – 1995

Place Of Birth:

Carmarthen

Position:

Hooker

Having been thrown in the deep end when both Ken Owens and Emyr Phillips suffered mid-season injuries, Ryan Elias has gone from strength to strength since his debut in 2014.

From making his Wales debut in their Summer Tour of 2017, to becoming a key part during of the Scarlets’ squad during the international windows, he plays with an experience that belies his age.

From crash balls from the base of the ruck to accurate darts thrown in the line-out, Ryan has an exceptionally exciting future ahead of him, both at a club and international level.

Elias touched down for Wales against South Africa in the 22-20 summer tour win at the RFK Stadium in Washington.

Renovation work to transform a former office block in Aberaeron into a brand new Integrated Care Centre with health and social care services has begun after Welsh Government officials gave it the green light.

At a special ceremony, the Chair of Hywel Dda University Health Board, Mrs Bernadine OBE, handed over the keys for the Minaeron building to Jeff Lewis, Director of building contractors Lewis Construction, in the company of local dignitaries from across healthcare and the local authority.

Hywel Dda University Health Board acquired Minaeron – a former office block dating back to the 1970s – with the help of Welsh Government funding  after it was concluded that Aberaeron Hospital is no longer fit for purpose in delivering modern day healthcare provision.

While the hospital has played an important part in providing services to the population of Aberaeron and the surrounding area, Minaeron offers significant improvements both in terms of physical access and service provision, with the planned inclusion of Tanyfron GP Practice leading to a truly integrated centre with significant improvements in patient pathways.

Mrs Rees said: “I’m delighted to be able to formally mark the start of the renovation works at Minaeron following a successful business case application to Welsh Government and excellent partnership working with our colleagues in the local authority, the CHC and Tanyfron surgery.

“This is a really exciting time for us all as we continue to develop integrated health and social care facilities for our communities.  This will allow us to provide a broad, multi-disciplinary service for local people as close to their homes as possible.”

The development of the Aberaeron Integrated Care Centre will home as a minimum:

• Clinical Services and support staff from Aberaeron Hospital;

• District Nursing teams

• GP Practice

• Office staff currently based at Felinfach property;

• Existing staff currently based at Minaeron –Ceredigion county management team;

• Public Health staff from Tregaron (subject to consultation);

• Local Authority Social Services and Mental Health staff;

• Additional staff from Bronglais or other HB facilities who were relocated when the Aberaron Hospital upper floor was vacated.

Peter Skitt, Hywel Dda’s County Director and Commissioner for Ceredigion, added: “The Minaeron development represents another hugely significant step in our journey to provide care as close to home as possible.  By integrating health and social care we can provide a range of different services in the community so that we’re not just treating our patients’ medical conditions – we’re also looking after their long term welfare in a way that has been spoken about for a long time but hasn’t really been fully delivered.

“I’d like to pay tribute to everyone who has helped to bring this project to fruition and commend them for their hard work as we look forward to the next phase of this important development.”

Photos: Representatives from healthcare and the local authority at a Handing Over of Keys ceremony in Minaeron.

Pembrey County Park will host the OVO Energy Tour of Britain Grand Depart on Sunday, 2nd September where riders will start Stage One before travelling north through Carmarthenshire en-route to the stage finish in Newport.

Thousands of people are expected to line the route, which travels through Pembrey to Kidwelly and Carmarthen, then on towards Llandeilo and Llandovery.

We want to make sure that you enjoy the day and we will keep this page updated with essential information on viewing the race safely.

Estimated arrival times

The world’s best cyclists will be racing past you – show your support and make some noise with your free fan clapper which you can pick up on the day!

Pembrey Country Park – 11:00

Kidwelly – 11:18

Carmarthen – 11:43

Llandovery – 12:40

The Tour of Britain website has the full timetable for Stage One, with estimated arrival times shown at three different race speeds. You need to arrive at least an hour and a half before these times.

We anticipate the roads will be busy, try and arrive at your preferred location as early as possible.

Road closures

A rolling road closure will be enforced. This means roads on and around the race route will be closed for a short period in which it takes the race to pass by – usually about 10 to 15 minutes around the estimated time of arrival and indicated by police escort vehicles. There are specific road closures for Pembrey Country Park and Llandovery there is further information below.

No Parking!

The route is marked with yellow advanced warning signs in the run up to The Tour. Don’t park on the route on the day. Vehicles will be towed away.

Listen!

There will be an advance vehicle 15 minutes ahead of the race, keeping you up-to-date with what is happening in The Tour.

Caution!

Please keep children back from the edge of the road and animals on a lead, away from the roadside. Riders pass by very fast, and while we encourage support, Keep bags, objects and photography equipment out of the road. Remember, taking selfies is fun, but turning your back on the race is never a good idea. Face the oncoming riders and race convoy at all times.

Police!

The Tour is escorted along the route by trained police officers and escort motorcyclists. If you are asked to stop by an officer, please listen carefully and obey their instructions.

The Route

Show your support

Don’t forget, this is a major international race and Britain’s largest free sporting event. So show your support for the British heroes and the international stars who will be taking part and leave them with positive memories of the race as it passes through our county.

Respect the riders!

We encourage everyone to get behind the riders, but please remember this is their race. Don’t block their route, run alongside them or impede their progress.

If you’d like more information to help plan your visit, take a look on the Discover Carmarthenshire website where you can find out about some of the exciting events that will be happening, where to stay and much more.

Don’t forget to share your photos and experiences using #beiciosirgâr #cyclecarms. Follow the Tour of Britain in Carmarthenshire on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Pembrey Country Park

We recommend you get to the park as early as possible. We will be open from 6am with parking reduced to £2 before 9am and £5 from 9 – 9.30am. Entry will be refused after 9.30am. If you want to guarantee you don’t miss a thing, make a weekend of it and camp at the park.

There will be loads of activities at Pembrey Country Park over the whole weekend. Have a look on Discover Carmarthenshire to see what’s on.

Getting here

The Grand Depart of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain is from Pembrey Country Park located 1.5 miles from the A484 in the south of Carmarthenshire.

By road: If  you are travelling from the east or north, leave the M4 at junction 48 and join the A4138 to Llanelli. Continue straight for approx 4 miles, crossing 3 roundabouts and 1 set of traffic lights. At the Trostre roundabout follow the signs for A484 to Pembrey.

If you’re travelling from the west, follow the A40 to Carmarthen, then the A484 to Llanelli and follow the brown signs.

By rail: There is a direct connection on the Cardiff-Fishguard line to Burry Port Train station.

By bike/foot: Use postcode SA16 0EJ to reach Pembrey.

Parking

Pembrey Country Park has over 1,200 car park spaces there will be no parking on factory road or the surrounding parkland. Get there early and park for £2 before 9am. Remember there will be no access after 9:30am to allow the race to depart safely and on time. If you arrive late at the park and are turned away, you will not be able to park on the A484.

Free parking is available at Festival Fields in Llanelli and in Burry Port.  Both areas provide access to the traffic free Millennium Coastal Path where you can walk or cycle into Pembrey County park.

Road closures

Factory Road which links the main entrance to Pembrey Country Park and the junction with the A484 will be closed from 9:30am until 12 noon on 2nd September.

Traffic management will be in place but it is advised to arrive early due to expected attendance levels. We anticipate traffic disruption from 7am – 4pm on the 2nd September.

Carmarthen Town

Carmarthen Park which is adjacent to the race route at Morfa Lane is a safe and elevated place to watch the tour race by.

Carmarthen Town Council have a range of activities planned to celebrate the day. Get your free Tour of Britain fan clapper and make as much noise as you can as the riders pass by.

Getting here

Rail: There is a direct connection on the Cardiff-Fishguard line to Carmarthen Train station.

Bus: The main bus operator is First Group.

Bike / foot: Use postcode SA31 1JP.

Parking

All Carmarthenshire County Council managed car parks in Carmarthen Town are free on 2ndSeptember.

Park & Ride

A free park and ride service is being offered by Carmarthenshire County Council for this event from 9am till 15.50pm.

It will run from Nant y ci to Blue Street next to the bus station every 20 mins (on the hour, 20 past and 20 to) and from Blue Street (10 past the hour, half past and 10 to the hour).

The bus will not operate from 11:00am – 12:00pm to allow the race to pass and buses will not be able to access the town centre during this time.

Service will recommence from Nant y ci at 12:00 noon

Last service to depart from Blue Street is at 15:50pm

Nantgaredig

Clwb Rygbi Nantgaredig RFC is a picturesque setting to view the race as it goes through the Tywi Valley a few miles north of Carmarthen Town.

The Nantgaredig RFC Clubhouse is a brand new facility with disabled access and toilet facilities. It will be open before, during and after the tour passes for light drink and food refreshments. Visit their website for further information.

Getting here

Bike / foot: Use postcode SA32 7LQ

Parking

The club is providing stewarded free parking for 100 vehicles in their hard standing area with additional parking for more in the adjoining land.

Llandovery Town

The historic market town of Llandovery is the last town before the tour leaves Carmarthenshire for Powys and is a fantastic flat location to watch the tour especially as one of the sprint races is here. Activities will include live music and kid’s entertainment.

Getting here

Bike / foot: Use postcode SA20 0AP

Parking

The Carmarthenshire County Council managed car park next to the Castle in Llandovery Town is free to use on 2nd September.

Road closure

A road closure will be in place on Market Street throughout the day.

Other viewing areas

If you intend to view the race along any other area of the tour route in Carmarthenshire, please arrive at these points at least one hour and a half before the race is due to go through. Do not park on the highway and we’d recommend you car share with others on the day.

Useful links:

Tour of Britain

Discover Carmarthenshire

Pembrey Country Park

Welsh Cycling

Road closures

Car parks