Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd’s latest triumph at Principality Stadium has finally allowed the current crop of players to lay to rest the ghosts of the past following their 34-15 WRU Division 2 Cup final win over Aberavon Quins.
It was the fourth time Clwb have played at the home of Welsh rugby, and the cup goes alongside promotion from Division 2 East Central to Division 1 next season for the first time in their history. The timing couldn’t be better given the club will celebrate their 60th anniversary in 2027
“It’s been an amazing day and we were kind of sick of hearing all about winning here before from our veteran players,” admitted Clwb skipper Harry Moyle, who was one of his side’s four try scorers.
“We were promoted last year, we’ve already been promoted again this season and to be here at the Principality Stadium as cup winners is unbelievable. We still got a title to play for but this is more than we could have hoped for at the start of the season.”
Clwb’s first visit to the biggest stage in the game in Wales came in 2003 when they won the Worthington Welsh Districts Cup by beat Glyncorwg 24-22. That team had TV presented Gethin Jones at scrum half.
They returned in 2006, only to lose out 28-15 to Bryncethin, but were victors’ again in 2014 when they took home the WRU National Bowl after beating Llantwit Major 16-10. This time they won at an even higher level.
“We knew what was coming and we knew they would be strong and powerful up front. It was really hard and we stuck to what we’ve been doing all year,” said Moyle.
“We knew the big hits would help us out and they eventually got tired and our subs came on and made a big impact. I’m delighted.
“We are a bit of a Barbarians team and most of the boys speak Welsh, although I don’t. Our kicker is Louis ‘Sais’, so he obviously doesn’t speak Welsh either.
“We get players from all over Wales joining us, many of who come to Cardiff for university or work. Not many leave because it is such a welcoming club.
“I joined three years ago from Barry when I moved to Pontcanna with my wife. I only planned on doing a year, but I’ve never left because it is a brilliant group of boys.”
North Walian Gethin Owen was named as the Go Compare Man of the Match for his masterful display at scrum half.
“It’s awesome. We left everything on the pitch and we stuck to our principles and played as we have done all season,” said Jones.
“We’ve been building for two or three years. We knew it was going to be a physical battle and we fronted up to them and scored some good tries before.
“I’d only ever been to Principality Stadium before to watch international matches. Playing out there was even better than people always say it is.”
Moyle’s side now have two games left to play in Division 2 East Central to try to make up a two point gap on league leaders Wattstown. They travel to Wattstown on Saturday for a winner takes all clash before ending their season with a home clash with Porth Quins.
Aberavon Quins, meanwhile, will also be chasing a league title before the season ends. Skipper Callum Beynon says his side will quickly switch focus after the disappointment of losing in the cup final.
“We didn’t start very well and failed to take a chance to score before half time. That cost us,” said Beynon.
“Even so, it has been a great day for the club, and I’d like to thank all out supporters for coming to Cardiff to back us so brilliantly. We’ve still got a league title to win.
“We are pretty strong minded, and we’ll put this disappointment to the back of our minds and kick on again.”
The Quins travel to Brynamman on Wednesday night knowing that a win will be enough to earn them the title. They currently sit two points clear of Neath Athletic, who have one game left to play.