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The news section enables us to give you insight into all the playing opportunities that exist in the community game in Wales

From Junior cup competitions to Premiership rugby there’s a story to be told.

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WSC Final 2024

Carwyn Leggatt-Jones made it two wins from two appearances at Principality Stadium, bagged a second successive man of the match medal and took his tally of points at the home of Welsh rugby in two WSC U18 Rugby finals to 26 points.

His virtuoso performance in Llandovery College’s 72-19 win over Coleg Y Cymoedd marked him out as a star in the making.

The Wales U18 cap delivered a near faultless game as he made a try with an outrageous behind the back pass, converted five of the 10 tries scored by the reigning champions and dropped two goals. Wow . . . and he still has another year to go in this tournament!

Cymoedd came into the game as the only team who had beaten the unbeaten Conference A leaders Ysgol Glantaf in their epic semi-final and looking to once again upset the odds When they opened the scoring with a smart try from lively hooker Logan Lloyd which Ben Coomer converted off the touchline, the omens looked good.

But seeking to make it back-to-back titles Llandovery maintained their composure and hit back almost immediately with try from centre Owen Rickard. Leggat-Jones added the extras and then dropped two goals in quick successions, the first from 30 metres and the second from 45.

Driving line-put scores from flanker Brayan Kamanga and hooker Owen Griffiths, both converted by the immaculate Leggatt-Jones, stretched the lead to 20 points. The first of Griffiths’ brace came after Leggatt-Jones had kicked a penalty on the half-way line with pin-point accuracy into the corner to set up a five metre line-out.

Cymoedd had been in a similar position in the semi-final and refused to give up and left wing Jack Pionteck raced onto a kick ahead by Coomer and just squeezed in at the corner. Coomer’s conversion went sailing through the posts from the touchline, but he was forced to take it again after the referee was asked by the TMO to check the touchdown.

In the end, the try was given and, cool as a cucumber, Coomer stepped up again and bisected the posts with another super kick. That cut the gap to 13 points, but that was as good as it got for the five-time champions.

Llandovery’s forward power and superior teamwork saw them dominated after the break as they changed ends with a 34-14 lead after wing Thomas Williams had sped over in the corner for another try improved by Leggatt-Jones’ boot.

There had been four tries in the first half from the champions, with a fifth ruled out for a knock-on in the build-up, and six more flowed in a brilliant second half display on the biggest of all stages.

Griffiths and Williams both scored again, replacement wing Harrison Burke, No 8 Sam Gardner and lock Ollie Lewis all kept the scoreboard moving before the skipper, Watkins, intercepted a pass as Cymoedd bravely tried to run out of their 22 in the dying moments of the game to crown a first-class performance.

To their credit, Cymoedd battled to add a third try just the Watkins gimmeee when the end when they worked flanker Lincoln Hall over in the right corner, but as hard as they tried their young side were unable to match Llandovery on the night.

Kai Kinsey added two conversions after Leggatt-Jones had departed and the final tally of tries, points and the winning margin were all records for the prestigious final.

Scorers: Coleg Y Cymoedd: Tries: Logan Lloyd, Jack Pionteck, Lincoln Hall; Cons: Ben Coomer 2. Llandovery College:Tries: Owen Griffiths 2, Thomas Williams 2, Owen Rickard, Brayan Kamanga, Harrison Burke, Sam Gardner, Ollie Lewis, Gruff Watkins; Cons: Carwyn Leggatt-Jones 6, Kai Kinsey 2; DG: Carwyn Leggatt-Jones 2

Coleg Y Cymoedd: Rhys Wyatt; Cale Edwards, Ioan Leyshon, Logan Jones, Jack Piontecki; Ben Coomer, Joey Williams(captain); Dylan Barratt, Logan Lloyd, Evan Nicholls-Nyassue, Lucca Alexander-White, Caeron Davies, Lincoln Hall, Alfie John, Ioan Dacey
Reps: Brandon McCue, Wojciech Kudelka, Ethan Treharne-Ennis, Harvey Williams, Niall Evans, Taine Jones, Jack Cordy, Devon  Shorney

Llandovery College: Kai Kinsey; Thomas Williams, Owen Rickard, Gryff Watkins (captain), Noa Harris; Carwyn Leggatt-Jones, Louis Cooper; Llyr James, Owen Griffiths, Josh Wrigglesworth, Felix Godet, Ollie Lewis, Brayan Kamanga, Ross Rossi, Sam Gardner
Reps: Sam Cawsey, Hudson Nevin, Cameron Stewart, Gavin Bissell, Alfie Luger, Brychan Hopkins, Harrison Burke, Alex Asprou

 

WRU Staff on Liaison officer duty!

Wales is a country known for its traditions, heritage and culture, its also known for its hospitality, as part of the requirements of hosting incoming international teams Welsh Rugby Union staff are required to becoming liaison officers for the teams shorts stays in the Capital.

The story below documents one of the officers while supporting the Fijian team.

On a daily basis, Dafydd Roberts earns his crust as a WRU Development Officer in North Wales but over the past week, he’s been looking after the Fijian national squad – which includes famous names such as Semi Radradra and Josua Tuisova – during their visit to Wales.

His varied duties have included arranging training sessions and sharing some of Cardiff and Wales’s cultural delights with the squad – all of  which has been captured in a special one-off documentary called ‘Y Fficsar: Cymru v Fiji’ which is currently available on S4C’s You Tube channel.

Dafydd Roberts said: “This is the first time that I’ve had the privilege of being a liaison officer with one of the touring international teams – and although it’s been really busy – I’ve loved every minute of it.

“My duties have included seven airport runs to Bristol, preparing training facilities for the squad and generally sharing some of Cardiff’s delights with them – as well as teaching them some useful Welsh phrases.

“The squad have tasted – and loved Welsh cakes and so we’ve bought quite a few of them this week!

“They’ve seen the Senedd and have asked a lot of questions about the history of Cardiff and Wales.

“The only complaint that I’ve heard from any of them – is the fact that it’s too cold here. Having said that, quite a few of the boys have said that it’s warmer in Cardiff than it was in Edinburgh the previous week.

“During the past week – I’ve been up around 6am every day and haven’t really been able to switch off until midnight, but I’m not complaining at all as it’s been a fantastic experience. The whole squad have given me a warm welcome and have presented me with a signed shirt which is something that I will always treasure.

Five try Ponty upset odds to win first Dewar Shield title in six years
Five try Ponty upset odds to win first Dewar Shield title in six years

Pontypridd Schools picked up their seventh Dewar Shield title, and their first at U16 level, as they withstood a late revival by Cardiff Central to triumph 34-28.

Although the scoreline looked close at the end, Pontypridd were the dominant force for the majority of the game after  they had overcome an early set-back when Cardiff No 8 Ali Al Jassem drive over for a try that outside half Finn Britton converted.

After a few early difficulties with their set-piece, Ponty settled into the game and lived off Cardiff errors in a first half that saw the unbeaten home town team conceded 13 penalties.

That meant there was no flow to the Cardiff game and allowed Ponty outside half Isaac Manning-Burke to kick beautifully into the corners. That’s when his well-drilled pack took over and plundered two of the five tries.

The first of those driving lineout efforts came from No 8 Will Watkins and Manning-Burke added the extras. Britton failed to hit the mark with an ambitious penalty from the 10 metre line and Ponty then came on strong to score three more tries before the break.

Pontypridd Schools Dewar Shield Winning Years
1983, 1985, 1991, 1992, 1996, 2018, 2024 (7)

Ponty celebrate their Dewar Shield triumph

Almost in the blink of an eye the scoreboard moved from 7-7 to 24-7 to P0nty, giving them a 17-point interval lead. Centre Harrison Richards dived over in the left corner, prop Brooklyn Baldwin converted another driving line-out and in the final move of the half flanker Ashton Gill crossed at the posts.

Manning-Burke stroked over the simple conversion and the underdogs were in complete control. Cardiff needed to start the second half more positively, but instead they conceded yet another breakdown penalty and lost a player to the sin-bin.

Manning-Burke knocked over a simple penalty and then from another Cardiff misdemeanor he sent the ball into the corner once more. This time Cardiff held the drive, but gave away a penalty that allowed them to work prop Samson Phillpot over from a tap penalty move.

Now the gap was 27 points and Cardiff were left chasing the game. They took full advantage of Ponty going down to 14 and then 13 me through two yellow cards, but even their three try salvo in the final quarter wasn’t enough to save them.

Skipper and second row Will Thomas bagged two of the tries and replacement Alex Mynett got the other. Britton converted all three, but it was too little, too late.

Scorers: Cardiff Central Schools: T: Will Thomas 2, Ali Al Jassem, Alec Mynett; C: Finn Britton 4. Pontypridd Schools: T: Will Watkins, Harrison Richards, Brooklin Baldwin, Ashton Gill, Samson Phillpot; C: Isaac Manning-Burke 3; P: Isaac Manning-Burke

Cardiff Central Schools: Rhodri Jones; Ashton Postgate, Hari Morris, Josh Greyling, Hari Paul; Finlay Britton, Lucas Driscoll; Jake Johnson, Owain Thomas, Cian Sterio, Will Thomas (captain), Sam Brookes, Efan Jenkins, Jack Mathieson, Ali Al Jassem
Reps: Gruff Dafydd, Dylan Hughes, Caiden Harrigan, Alex Mynett, Lloyd Davies, Max Wilson, Iwan Fenton, Ralf Sydenham, Alfie James

Pontypridd Schools: Iestyn Stephens; Macsen Berridge, Harrison Richards, Owen Lewis (captain), Josh Richards; Issac Manning-Burke, Cian McGee; Brooklin Baldwin, Adam Oaten, Samson Phillpot, Harri Lewis, Ashton Gill, Alex Ballinger, Will Watkins
Reps: Jac Hughes, Jac Davies, Gerwyn Bloxome, Mason Prosser, Regan Gibbons, Alfie Dyre, Jake Barkley, Lukas Williams

Road to Principality 2024/25

The ‘Road to Principality’ (RTP)  rugby festival has returned for the 2024/25 season, with Go.Compare continuing as lead sponsor.

The event brings together youth rugby and inclusive teams from across Wales to celebrate the sport’s vibrant community spirit, while providing a platform for future stars to shine.

Go.Compare, a leading provider of comparison services, is continuing to support the Welsh Rugby’s community rugby festival for the second consecutive year.

The central concept for RTP is for community sides to be able to follow in the footsteps of their heroes and experience playing on the hallowed turf of Principality Stadium as it hosts a range of finals and climactic clashes in a given season.

In the 2024/25 season, RTP will expand into regional club grounds as hosts for some matches.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with the RTP Community Rugby Festival,” said Lee Griffin, co-founder and CEO of Go.Compare. “As one of the biggest rugby festivals in Europe, it’s a great opportunity to support grassroots rugby and bring local clubs, young players, professional players and the fans together in one tournament.

“Rugby is deeply intertwined with the Welsh identity so, as a Welsh brand, we understand the importance of celebrating its heritage and making sure that we are directly supporting those links between grassroots clubs and professional rugby.”

The rugby extravaganza which engages over 2,000 players year-on-year will continue into December with four more matches. The Welsh Schools Senior Group ‘Champion of Champions’, Boys U18s Final and the covetable Dewar Shield U16’s, Boys Final all at Principality Stadium on the Tuesday 10th December, followed by the Girl’s Hubs U16s and U18s National Cup Finals on Saturday 14th December.

The festival features exciting matches between local clubs, schools, and youth teams, showcasing the talent that shapes Welsh rugby at the grassroots level.

More games will be played at alternative venues across Wales. These include regional rugby grounds and SRC clubs ensuring RTP’s reach extends beyond Cardiff to further support the growth of Welsh rugby.

“Rugby is a sport that brings people together” said, WRU Community Director Geraint John, “The success of our RTP rugby festival highlights the incredible talent at grassroots level.

“While Principality Stadium remains the focal point for the event, we are particularly excited to see games played at other venues this year as  well, ensuring the festival truly reaches communities from across the country.

“We understand there maybe some disappointment that not everyone will get to play at our National Stadium but we aim to make it a fantastic experience for people and players.

“We’re thankful to our regional professional clubs and Super Rygbi Cymru venues for their support and we look forward to sharing the full schedule and venues for the 2025 season climax in New Year.”

Promotion of RTP is part of a longstanding partnership with S4C, which will cover the Schools and Colleges matches, Academy U18s and Finals Days via its Clwb Rygbi programme.  The Women’s Finals Day will also be broadcast on S4C with English commentary available.

Carys Owens, Managing Director, Whisper Cymru, which produces Clwb Rygbi for S4C, said, “This collaboration is a vital part of Whisper Cymru’s commitment to sharing grassroots rugby stories and showcasing emerging talent to fans around the world.

“We are incredibly passionate about providing a platform to highlight the Welsh rugby pathway within Wales and the bright new talent that’s shaping the future of the sport.

“As the Clwb Rygbi brand continues to evolve, Whisper Cymru is thrilled to announce that this production will play a key role in the continuation of the Whisper Academy training pathway.  The initiative will focus on developing the next generation of sports production talent, helping to secure the future of high-quality sports broadcasting.”

WRU National Finals 2025 at Principality Stadium
(3 days 7 finals)

Sunday 30 March
Adult Women: Bowl Final (1:00pm) – Taffs Well v Senghenydd
Adult Women: Plate Final (15:15pm) -Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd v Seven Sisters
Adult Women: Cup Final (17:35pm) – Bonymaen v Burry Port

Friday 4 April
Boys U18: Youth Cup Final (7:15pm) – Llandeilo v Pontypool United

Saturday 5 April
Adult Men: Division 1 Cup Final (1:00pm) – Bridgend Athletic v Caernarfon
Adult Men: Championship Cup Final (3:15pm) – Llanelli Wanderers v Tondu
Adult Men: Premiership Cup Final (5:35pm) – Pontypridd and Cross Keys

WRU National Finals 2025 at Rodney Parade
(7 days 15 finals)

Monday 5 May
Boys U18: Youth Shield Final (11:00am) – Abercynon v Llantrisant
Boys U18: Youth Bowl Final (1:15pm) – Llanishen v Cardiff Quins
Boys U18: Youth Plate Final (3:30pm) – Gorseinon v Barry

Tuesday 6 May
Girls Schools: U12 Cup Final (1:00pm)
Girls Schools: U14 Cup Final (3:00pm)
Girls Schools: U16 Cup Final (5:00pm)

Saturday 10 May
Men’s Division 5 Cup Final (1:00pm)
Men’s Division 4 Cup Final (3:30pm)

Sunday 11 May
Men’s Division 3 Cup Final (1:00pm)
Men’s Division 2 Cup Final (3:30pm)

Wednesday 21 May
WSRU Junior Group: U11 DC Thomas Bowl Final (11:30am)
WSRU Junior Group: U11 DC Thomas Plate Final (1:00pm)
WSRU Junior Group: U11 DC Thomas Cup Final (2:30pm)

*Men’s Inter-District Cup Final (7:15pm)

Thursday 22 May
Ethnically Diverse Schools Engagement (12:00-3:00pm)
Fit, Fed, Fun Provision (4:00-5:30pm)
IGR Match (6:00-7:30pm)
Mixed Ability Match (8:00pm)

Ponty get back to cup final winning ways

Pontypridd ended their 11-year wait to taste glory again at the Principality Stadium after defeating Cross Keys to lift the WRU Premiership Cup with a comprehensive 43-12 triumph at #RTP25.

After a tight first half, which Ponty edged 10-5, they cut loose in the second half. Wing Joe Davies touched down in each half, while centre Stuart Floyd-Ells, hooker Rob Jones, player-coach Kristian Parker and replacement scrum-half Lucas Welsh also scored after the break.

Ioan Evans added four conversions and a penalty, while replacement kicker Jaydan Pugh also added a conversion. Captain Corey Nicholls scored before the break for Keys, who were then awarded a penalty try in the second half but by then it was mere consolation for the Gwent men.

This was the Valley Commandos’ seventh cup triumph and their first since beating Keys in 2014. It was also the third final showdown between these two proud clubs, with Keys winning the first in 2012.

“Ponty has got a vast history in the cup; the others have written their history in the books, and it was about time a new group did that and fortunately we did it today. The boys turned up, I can’t fault the effort they put in,” said Parker.

“I think we could have scored a few more tries in that first half but, fair play to Keys, they threw everything at us for that sort of middle 20 and got back in with their try.

“But we said at half time we had to come out second half and make sure we scored the first points.  To bring silverware back to Ponty for the first time in over 10 years is a huge achievement and this is also for our supporters because it means a lot to them as well, not just us as players and coaches.”

Ponty scored first with less than three minutes on the clock when Davies sprinted in for the opening try. It was converted by Evans – who sent over a penalty to extend the lead just before the half-hour mark after Keys were pinged for a deliberate knock-on.

Keys responded with a try through Nicholls although Rhys Jones missed with the conversion attempt. With the game well poised heading into the second half, four tries in a 13-minute spell from the 51st minute.

That burst swung the final firmly Ponty’s way, with Keys also left to rue their own indiscipline with centre Duan Thomas sin-binned for a high tackle on wing Louis Rochefort-Shugar. Parker powered his way over on 73 minutes before a late penalty try for Keys.

Ponty’s try scoring wing Louis Rochefort-Shugar picked up the Go Compare Star of the Match award picked up

The victory meant it was third time lucky in a Principality Stadium final for full-back Dale Stuckey, who was part of the Ponty teams who lost cup finals in 2017 against RGC and 2015 at the hands of Bridgend.

“I know what it feels like to be on the other side having been here twice and lost. So, I’m over the moon for a new group of boys to come here and put in a performance like that,” said Stuckey, who is in his benefit season at the club along with scrum half Joel Raikes.

“It’s massive for us. Previous teams I’ve played in have been in amongst it, but we hadn’t been there for about 10 years, so it’s great to be back on that pedestal now.”

Keys director of rugby Morgan Stoddart, a winner with Pontypridd in the 2006 cup final, admitted his men were well beaten on the day.

“We’re obviously disappointed. When it comes to a final you’ve got to play your best to ultimately win,” said Stoddart.

“Ponty were excellent, they were clinical and just a bit too good for us throughout the 80 minutes and deserved it.

“We’ve got a good group of boys who train hard and play hard together, so we were never going to give up whatever the score was. They kept going until the end – but it just wasn’t our day.”

SCORERS

Pontypridd: Tries: J Davies (2), S Floyd-Ellis, R Jones, K Parker, L Welsh; Cons: I Evans (4), J Pugh; Pen: I Evans. Cross Keys: C Nicholls, Penalty try.

 TEAMS

Pontypridd: Dale Stuckey; Louis Rocheford-Shugar, Stuart Floyd-Ellis, Garyn Smith, Joe Davies; Ioan Evans, Joel Raikes; Ben Stephens, Rob Jones, Morgan Bosanko, Mitch Barnard, Kristian Parker, Lloyd Riley, Cally James (captain), Joe Miles
Reps: Jeff Young, Ben Drew, Garyn Daniel, Oliver Lewis, Aled Evans, Lucas Welch, Jaden Pugh, Sam Talbot

Cross Keys: Ben Roberts; Ralph Miller, Tom Sullivan, Duan Thomas, Laurence Donnelly; Rhys Jones, Dan Babos; Jake Wisniewski, Connah Hughes, Richard Cornock, Harvey Reader, Jon Verrier, Sam Lewellyn, Louis Pullen, Corey Nicholls (captain)
Reps: Nathan Huish, Rhys Hunt, Tom Burnham, Callum Hague, Will Morgan, Ben Murphy, Tom Bridge, Adam Tetley

Llanelli Wanderers stun Tondu with remarkable fightback
Llanelli Wanderers celebrate after winning the Championship Cup Final
Llanelli Wanderers celebrate after winning the Championship Cup Final

Llanelli Wanderers staged a stunning fightback against Tondu to edge a thrilling Championship Cup Final with a last minute try securing a dramatic 35-32 victory.

The victors found themselves trailing by 25 points at one stage but a remarkable turnaround saw them snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Jamie Murphy succeeded with his opening effort as the former Germany midfielder confidently split the posts from 40 meters to give Tondu the lead after 11 minutes.

Rhodri Owens opened the Wanderers try account when he burrowed over for Nick Gale to add the extras. But then Tondu turned the match on its head with three first half tries.

After 21 minutes, Murphy’s long pass gave Caine Woolerton the opportunity to run strongly to claim his club’s first try of the afternoon and 10 minutes later, hooker Jake Lewis landed jubilantly for Tondu’s second.

Stu Young, on his 100th appearance for the club, crossed for Tondu’s third try of the afternoon six minutes from the break to give his side a commanding lead.

Before the winger landed – Lloyd Pike committed an offense trying to tackle Harri Morgan – and so Tondu were ahead by 11 points and they had a man advantage when the game restarted.

Tondu strengthened their grip on the contest when center Sam Matthews crossed for his team’s fourth try. Josh Tatchell converted –  but there was even better to come from Tondu’s point of view.

After 53 minutes, experienced No.8 Steff Lewis had read the play brilliantly – and following his interception he galloped for 60 meters before scoring.

But the Wanderers refused to throw in the towel and they hit back scoring two tries within five minutes. The first was a penalty try as Murphy stopped the score when offside – and then substitute Elgan Morgan crossed for his team’s third try which made Gale’s job of cutting the gap down to just nine points quite simple.

In the semi-final against Beddau, Llanelli Wanderers were behind by 26 points at one stage – and they closed the gap to just four points in the final after Josh Weeds’ try and another conversion from Gale.

With a minute left on the clock, Gwwr y West had a scrum five in the shadow of Tondu’s posts – and after they kept possession effectively, Elgan Morgan crossed for the second time to snatch victory under the noses of a deflated Tondu side. After Gale’s conversion the Llanelli Wanderers had scored 28 points without response to secure a famous victory at the home of welsh rugby.

Devine intervention crushes Bridgend Athletic hopes
Thomas Devine of Caernarfon races in to score try
Thomas Devine of Caernarfon races in to score try

Caernarfon celebrated the biggest day in their history with a titanic 30-29 victory against Bridgend Athletic in the WRU Division 1 Cup Final in the sunshine of Principality Stadium.

The Cofis took the lead after six minutes when full-back Aled Jones split the posts with a penalty, and he quickly added another to settle early nerves.

Athletic hit back when Jonathan Phillips’ scored his 18th try of the season before the Cofis opened their try account for the afternoon when winger Iwan Roberts showed his strength to reach the try line. Jones’ accurate kicking continued which meant two scores separated the two teams.

Williams edged his side back into the contest with a straight-forward penalty before Athletic hit the front for the first time.

Caernarfon were put on the back foot after a searing break from Jonathan Phillips. Winger Dan O’Sullivan then found a gap to run clear for a converted try.

Midfielder Thomas Devine then put the Cofis back in front to give his side a narrow 20-15 lead at the break.

Against the run of play and down a man due to a yellow card, Athletic stuck first in the second spell when
Phillips collected his own kick to gallop over for his second of the day.

Following Rhys Williams’ successful conversion, the Bridgend club were ahead for the second time.

As Dan O’Sullivan saw his captain score two tries – the winger decided to emulate Phillips’ feat – and following another successful kick from Williams, the ‘Ath’ had scored 14 points with 14 players.

Before Merriman had the opportunity to return to the field, Jones’ left foot managed to pull his team within one score once again and an extremely physical and nervous final quarter was underway.

With just over a quarter of an hour left, Oliver Olds, the Athletic’s fly-half, was penalized for an offense while making a tackle – and so for the second time during the contest the northerners had a man advantage.

Following wave after wave of pressure from Caernarfon, Devine crossed for his second and crucial try of the final and as he landed under the posts – Cameron Thomas used his knee to tackle him – and so the ‘Ath’ were short of a man for the rest of the game.

Jones showed ice-cool composure to add the conversion to put his side back in front and the north Walians gallantly held out for the remaining moments to secured a stunning comeback victory of the ages.