THE Welsh Sports Association has criticised the Welsh Government's roadmap for easing restrictions.

On April 26 outdoor hospitality can resume, including at cafes, pubs and restaurants but sport will stay banned until May 3.

Even then the Welsh Government has confirmed a cap of 30 people for outdoor sport.

It means clubhouses will be able to welcome the public for outdoor drinking but the same customers would be banned from watching any sport which may be taking place at the facility at the same time.

Welsh Sports Association’s chief executive, Victoria Ward said: “We are hugely disappointed at the news about Wales’ path out of lockdown, we really wanted to see Welsh Government emphasise the importance of physical activity as we unlock society.

"Whilst a timetable for the reopening of sport and leisure allows us to put in place firm plans, the announced dates are later than we and our colleagues had hoped and anticipated.

"Our sector has consistently proved our ability to adapt and respond to the pandemic and put in place the measures required to operate safely and this doesn’t seem to have been reflected in the news.

"We are perplexed at the decision made by the Welsh Government and we would urge them to reconsider the timetable.

"We can't pretend not to be puzzled by the timetable.

"The First Minister and Health Minister have repeatedly warned about the link between alcohol consumption and increased transmission of the virus. Given this we do not understand the return date for outdoor activity for adults, including organised sport, coming behind a limited reopening of outdoor hospitality.

"This leaves us in the extraordinary position that any sports club with an outdoor bar area will be able host members and guests for drinks before it will be able to host a socially distant game of cricket or bowls. Sport and exercise are key for a healthy recovery from the pandemic and we can’t understand the logic of this decision.

"Sport and leisure will continue to work constructively with the Welsh Government as we

begin to emerge from lockdown. The accelerated timetable for test events gives us some

hope of a return to larger grass roots competitions and spectator events in our stadiums this

year and this is very welcome news.

"We are also hopeful that a slower initial pace might allow us to proceed more quickly as we

move through summer, just as we have seen with vaccine rollout. We look forward to

welcoming the public back for a summer of sport."