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QUINS NARROWLY MISS OUT

Having left Carmarthen in turmoil weather wise, the Talbot Ground was comparatively calm by comparison.

The Quins faced a wizard side who had recently beaten Merthyr ,Pontypridd and Llandovery  in winning five out of their opening six matches, presenting a daunting task for the Quins. Seven changes from the Llanelli defeat, might indicate to some, that there was some indifference.

Nothing was further from the truth as this Quins side were unlucky not to come away with the spoils, as they matched the home sides set piece, and their line out trio was never mastered,  The match Programme tried to deny the referee and one linesman had any connection with Aberavon, but in a match where the Quins , except for the first half try conversion, did not have ONE kickable penalty award.

Many Quins supporters cannot remember this ever happening. Their set piece settled quickly and their line was soon on top, so the Quins play was confident and their handling safe, but it was both defenses that were in command for most of the half, giving neither sides supporters much to enthuse over.

Near the interval, a Quins period of pressure, took play into into Wizards 22, and slick passing by all the Quins backs gave Dylan Morgans the chanced he rarely misses  to crash over for the opening score. The conversion sailed narrowly wide.

With this lead and the elements in the second period, a shock was on the cards. Alas the whistle ruined  this. On the hour mark, the Quins had a player yellow carded.  A home penalty advantage continued until it was halted near the left touch line, and the referee took play back to a position 25 yards further up field than the original offence.The home side went for touch near the Quins line and from the ensuing line out, yet another  penalty to the home side, saw  a quick tap and Steff Andrews was able to scramble over for James Garland to convert and give the Wizards the lead.

The Quins response was immediate and but for a fumbled pass a score was missed. More suspect decisions kept play in the middle of the pitch and gave the Quins enthusiasm little chance of cashing in on their endeavors. Another home penalty was converted by Garland but the 5 point difference was never going to be enough to sit back on and the Quins kept plugging away up to whistle to gain a losing bonus point.

Using all their subs, it was accredit to these players that they were able to subdue any attacks the home side could muster and they could easily have snatched it at the end.

Next week RGC from North Wales are our quests at the Park with a 2.30 p.m Kick Off. so come along and support your Players

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QUINS COME UP SHORT

It was a bright sunny afternoon with a blustery wind coming in from the town end but the first derby of the afternoon was set, kicking off early due to the second derby at Parc y Scarlets between Scarlets and Ospreys at 3pm

With 6 changes to the starting line up after the victory against Bedwas last week, the squad looked set for an afternoon of running rugby.

Llanelli got the game underway, with the strong breeze at their backs. From the off the Quins looked to continue where they had finished last week, moving the ball across the backline with swift hands between centres Josh Batcup and Nick Reynolds setting Dylan Morgans up the touchline only for Llanelli to be penalised at the breakdown in the first 5 minutes. Jac Wilson’s first penalty opportunity was a successful one to get the Quins on the scoreboard.

The scoreboard remained unchanged in the first 20 minutes as both teams fought hard in both attack and defence. The Quins pack were dominant in the scrum and led to Scrum Half Gareth Rees looking sharp in attack from a quick tap penalty only to be turned over. The Quins lineout was not at its best and an overthrow set Llanelli on the attack in the 22ndminute. Keeping the ball and pressurising the Quins try line Llanelli blindside Flanker Joel James picked up from the base of a ruck to be driven over from close range to get the opening try of the match. The try was converted by Outside Half Jonny Lewis.

Quins were made to make an early substitution with Scrum Half Gareth Rees taking a knock to the head and was replaced by Liam Davies on 30 minutes. Quins kept working hard into the wind towards the end of the first half and were rewarded with their first try on 37 minutes when substitute Liam Davies spotted a gap on the blindside and went over in the corner. The conversion was unsuccessful from the touchline. Llanelli’s indiscipline at the breakdown eventually cost them with Joel James receiving a yellow card on the stroke of half time. Quins went in at half time with a 1 point lead 8-7.

With Llanelli down to 14 men the Quins came out to start the second half with the wind behind them and looked to start where they had finished the first half. With only 3 minutes of the second half gone Quins secured their second try through great hands and finished off under the posts by Shaun Jones, Jac Wilson converting. Quins were now leading 15-7 and had the wind at their backs but basic handling errors and turnovers were stopping the Quins momentum. The lineout continued to malfunction in key areas and this was now a concern as the second half progressed.

Jac Wilson converted another penalty on 52 minutes to take Quins two scores ahead. With the continued handling errors and turnovers in the second half Llanelli kept the pressure on. Llanelli were back down to 14 men in the 58th minute as Centre Oliver Reyland was yellow carded for an offside offense. The arm wrestle was continuing and 8 minutes later, teams were even as Quins substitute Gethin Robinson received a yellow card.

With just over 10 minutes to go Llanelli kept the pressure on and from another misguided lineout Llanelli took advantage with Number 8 Nathan breaking through to go over in the corner. The conversion went astray and now Llanelli were back within one score.

Llanelli kept hold of the ball playing into the wind and kept the pressure on in both attack and defence. It was in the 75th minute they were able to find a gap in the Quins defence for young outside centre Joe Roberts to go over bringing the score to 18-17 to Quins. It was a pressure conversion for substitute Ashley Sutton which he converted to take Llanelli ahead again 19-18.

The Quins came back at Llanelli in the closing stages but again the handling errors and turnovers cost us the game.

Final Score Carmarthen Quins RFC 18-19 Llanelli RFC

So it is back to the training ground to rectify the wrongs in readiness for our next fixture away to Aberavon RFC on Saturday 13th October – Kick Off  2:30pm

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QUINS PLAYER PATHWAY

It was a very big day for two players recently when the Quins played Cardiff RFC in the park being on the Quins team sheet for the very first time. They are Jac Price and Osian Knott who are still youth players and only 18 years old. Both are products of our junior youth development system at the Quins.

As a Premiership club we have an obligation to develop young players for our region the Scarlets and we have acted as a final launching pad for many local West Walian youngsters many of whom have become not only Parc Y Scarlets performers but full Welsh caps.

There are obviously some disadvantages for the opportunities of youngsters coming through our own junior development system, as not everybody will reach the standard needed to play in our Premiership team and those places will be filled by promising youngsters from other clubs in the region who the Scarlets have placed in our squad.

However, it’s congratulations to Jac and Osian on their names appearing on the Carmarthen Quins 1st XV whilst still eligible for our youth.

Both boys played quite superbly with Osian showing his potential, threatening in attack and totally solid in defence throughout the 80 minutes with Jac playing in the “boiler house” as Bill Mclaren would say “that’s as lock for you youngsters”, with such confidence and courage against mature and hardened men. Both contributed a big part to the Quins’ superb win against Cardiff RFC.

Both have shown huge promise from early ages and both won West Wales District U11’s and U15’s caps.

They then went on to play huge parts in representing Bro Myrddin School and win the Welsh Schools Cup in Cardiff in the 2016-17 season against Llanishen School. What a game that was! Bro Myrddin also won the Welsh schools league in the same season.

Jac and Osian are now registered as Scarlets players and have played in the newly established Scarlets A team earlier this season against the Ospreys A team. Both played in the Scarlets U18’s last season, winning nine out of the ten games with Osian scoring 8 tries at No.12.

Another honour was that they both represented Sir Gar College in the Welsh College’s Cup Final in the 2017-18 season.

They deservedly were chosen to represent their country and were awarded Welsh Under 18 caps last season and represented Wales on 8 occasions and both played against the same teams, England (2), Ireland, Italy, France (2), Scotland and South Africa, with Osian scoring 5 tries, including one against the “old enemy” in a great victory down in South Africa.

However, their biggest honour was in being selected for the first time to represent the Carmarthen Quins following both their fathers’ achievements a few years ago.

Well done boys and congratulations on your success which mirror each other so very closely. The club is proud of you and wish you all the very best for future successes which we will keenly follow.

Diolch bois a pob lwc.

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SIX NATIONS

CLUB MEMBERS PLEASE NOTE

WALES HOME INTERNATIONALS
6 NATIONS 2019

Next years 6 Nations Home Internationals are :-

Saturday 23rd February v England k.o. 4.45 p.m.
Saturday 16th March v Ireland  k.o. 2.45 p.m.

Next years 6 Nations Away Internationals are :-

Friday 1st February v France k.o. 9.00 p.m.

Saturday 9th February v Italy k.o. 5.45 p.m.

Saturday 9th March v Scotland k.o. 2.15 p.m.

Would any member requiring tickets for these Internationals please contact Dorian Taylor on 01267 231865 or 07789 051510 before 19th October 2018.

Please kindly note that once tickets are ordered they have to be paid for and taken.
Thank You.

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OBITUARY

It is with the greatest sadness that I have to mention the passing of two stalwarts of the Quins, namely Spencer Jones and Hugh Furlong.

Both gave such personal support to the club and they really appreciated what the Quins’ philosophy was to the game and the area. Both will be sorely missed and we send our sincerest condolences to both families

 

Spencer Jones M.Ed,

Spencer attended Whitland Grammar School and later Trinity College, now the University of Wales Trinity St David’s.

He became headmaster of Ysgol Gruffydd Jones, St Clears after heading Glasfryn and Penygroes Primary Schools.

In the 70’s he played wing and centre for the Quins being a big and strong runner.

He was also a superb athlete with Carmarthen Harriers, specializing in the triple jump, 100 and 200 metres. Spencer went on to compete in the Welsh Games and the British AAA Championships. He also competed against Daly Thompson in the British Decathlon Championships in 1974.

Spencer gave a huge amount of time to the Quins coaching the youth to five consecutive Llanelli and District Youth Cups and just losing to Pontypool 3-0 in a Welsh Youth semi-final.

He also coached the 1st XV for a number
of years and became team manager for many years.

Later he gave his free time to other local clubs; Nantgaredig, St Clears, Whiltand and Tenby, in helping with their fitness and skills abilities and also became team manager of District G’s U21’s squad.

In his hectic life Spencer also gave hours
of his free time to become Carmarthen Harriers’ senior coach and team manager
for all age groups.

His pinnacle was reached by being team manager for the Welsh National Junior team and also the Welsh Senior National Multi Events squad in the British games.

His other love was his dogs and taking them shooting out in the beautiful Welsh countryside.

As a sportsman and a teacher, Spencer has left a sporting heritage for hundreds (if not thousands) of young people who have benefitted from his free time and coaching expertise over the decades, many achieving international honours.

Our thoughts are with Beryl, his wife, Justin, Emma and Gavin and their families at this sad time. Thank you, Spencer, our dear friend, from all of us, for being so generous in passing on your skills with such unselfishness.

 

 

Hugh Furlong

Hugh Furlong was born in Llangynog and went to school in the village before going to the senior school in St Clears. He spent some time on a farm before going to the Army where he signed up for six years duty. He then went to work on the electricity pylons before spending over 25 years with
Ken Jones Bancyfelin, transporting cattle on the articulated lorry all over the country until he retired.

He represented the Army boxing team frequently reaching the finals of the services tournament which was a huge achievement in those days. I think that PC Ronw James and Graham “Gege” Walters should have been aware of this and not intimidated or provoked Hugh as they may have avoided being put to lie in a horizontal position and looking in an upwards direction.

He moved to Bancyfelin on marrying and brought up his two daughters Susan and Mandy who became his life.

His interests, outside his family, were the Quins and vintage machinery teaming up with Lloyd Davies also from Bancyfelin and another huge Quins supporter. They travelled the whole country visiting various vintage and steam fairs.

Hugh was a faithful member of the Q150 club since its commencement and hardly ever missed a game, home or away.

We don’t believe he actually played a game for the Quins but ironically played against them in the Park on behalf of the army. We are still trying to find out the result.

It is so very sad because Hugh, being so devoted to his family, would have been so proud to see his grand-nephew Jac Price who has been picked to play his first game for his beloved Quins today and in the Park.

We will miss you so much Hugh as a “gentle giant” of a man who never created fuss, would watch the game, enjoy a quiet chat with the boys and have a little drink or two before returning to the Fox and Hounds Bancyfelin for another little drink or two before finally retiring to 4a Bancyfelin. Thank you Hugh for being who you were, the perfect and genuine person that we all respected so much.

Our thoughts go out to you as a family
and we share the loss of this lovely person with you.

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QUINS SEAL ANOTHER WIN

Quins  19  Cardiff 13

The City Slickers hit the Town after a good victory over Newport last Saturday, expecting to continue their run. The Quins had other ideas. In wet and windy conditions, the Park was once again in immaculate playing condition.

The Quins made six changes from the Bargoed match and introduced two of their Junior Internationals in Osian Knott and Jac Price to the Premiership. The playing conditions did little to prevent both sides from moving the ball. Despite giving away height and weight, the Quins pack were able to match and better the Cardiff eight throughout the game.

The visitors took a tenth minute lead with a Steff Jones penalty, only to see the hosts level matters minutes later with an Aled Thomas penalty. A  few minutes later a Cardiff attack took play up to the Quins line. An obvious Cardiff knock on was missed and a neat chip over the home defence gave Will Rees-Hole to catch and touch down. Steff Jones took the visitors into double figures with the conversion. The Quins line out was in commanding form, winning their own throw in and often disrupting the Cardiff throw in. Despite being on the wrong end of the whistle, the Quins won a penalty for Aled Thomas to convert and minutes later he slotted over his third to take his side to within a point at the turn around.

The half time talk certainly had its desired effect and the Quins upped the ante. Cardiff tried to use the wind advantage, only to be met with the safe Aled Thomas and Jac Wilson, who used their backs to counter attack with relish, causing the visitors defence all sorts of problems. More strange decisions from the officials added on the frustration of the Quins players, but their patience held and prevented any dangers.

After gaining the upper hand Aled Thomas put over his forth penalty from 40 meters to give the Quins a deserved lead. The Quins tackling was of the highest standard and they drove the Capitals side back time after time. A communication hic- up  led to a brief delay but this did not deter the Quins concentration and after winning a line out 20 meters out, their control and power drove play up to and over the Visitors line for Nick Reynolds to be credited with the score, Aled Thomas converted from the touch line, giving the Quins a two score lead.

The visitors found themselves in a catch-up situation and were met with crunching tackles, and swift counter attacks by the Quins.  They elected to take a pot at Goal in added time in an attempt to get a losing bonus point.

The game was allowed to continue for fully 15 minutes of added time, before the Referee called a halt to signal a well-deserved Quins victory which moves them up into 6th place. All the replacements were used, giving game time to the squad and that vital experience need to improve.

This was a performance that truly shows a fifteen man approach and team spirit that will win them many more matches.

Next week they travel to Bedwas for what promises to be an exciting encounter.

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QUINS GRIND OUT AWAY WIN

Bargoed RFC 14-19 Carmarthen Quins
The Quins made two changes from the Cross Keys match, but the curse of recent seasons continues as they once again could only score three tries, when more were there for the taking. It is more important than ever that we cash in on bonus point opportunities.
Both sides gave early indications that moving the ball was the order of the day, giving both defences plenty of action. With the Quins line out trio of Haydn Pugh, Shaun Jones  and Lee Taylor in commanding form, it was the Quins backs who looked the more dangerous and several of their attacks were thwarted  by desperate Bargoed defending and it took 27 minutes before, after several players had handled, that Nick Reynolds was able to weave his magic and beat several defenders to cross wide out. Aled Thomas converted from the touch line.
Scrum Half Gareth Rees, playing his first match for the Quins, was causing all sorts of problems and was able to feed his backs, keeping the home defence at full stretch, and with the interval looming, and play in the home 22, a midfield break and an inch perfect pass gave Dylan Morgans the chance he never misses to go over wide out. Aled Thomas doubled the  Quins score with a touch line conversion.
The second period began with the Quins on the attack, and more accurate  passing put Torin Myhill clear to score a well taken try, the kick sailed wide. The home side changed their front row and they were able to win more ball which led to Jason Howells darting over  for Josh Howells to convert.
With the chance of a bonus point on offer, the Quins pilled on the pressure, but when patience was needed, their enthusiasm was misdirected and chances were missed. The home backs were never able to match the Quins so it was left to their pack to gain ground. After many exciting patches of play, and ten minutes of added time A Herbert was able to touch down and Prosser to clinch a losing bonus point with the last kick of the game.
This was the second week running that the Quins had leaked a losing bonus and can only hope that it does not come back to haunt them later this season.
Next week we play  to hosts to Cardiff RFC at the Park with a 2.30 kick off 
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QUINS ROMP TO VICTORY

Quins  41    Cross Keys  26

Making two changes from last weeks debacle, the Quins well and truly buried that performance with a 6 try feast. From the kick off into a strong wind, Elis Lloyd was able to gather and take play up to the Keys line. His pack were soon behind him and Ed Siggery was able to power over for an opening minute try, Aled Thomas converted.

From the restart the Quins were able to control their possession and again take play deep in the visitors  22 for Elis Lloyd to crash over, Aled Thomas was on hand with the conversion. The Keys were able to use the strong wind to get out of trouble, but this played into the Quins game plan and from a brilliant counter attack, a move that took them the length  of the field, Dale Ford went over in the Vicarage corner. Aled Thomas put the kick over from the touch line  to complete 3 tries in 13 minutes.

The visitors had no answer to this Quins approach, and their line out dominance and solid scrummaging, gave the Keys very little opportunity to mount any threat. From this they were able counter attack and keep play in the visitors  half despite the strong wind. On the half hour, Keys managed to take play into the Quins half and a clever kick ahead gave G. Ellis the chance to touch down under the posts. Jason Tovey converted.

The Quins were able to use the control they were winning and from yet another counter attack, Liam Davies was on the end of a six  man handling move to go over for the bonus point score and Aled Thomas again did the honours with the conversion, all before the interval. With the elements at their back, a cricket score was envisaged, and as early as the second minute, Aled Thomas slotted over a 35 meter penalty, to restore a four score lead.

A powerful surge upfield led to a scrum under the posts. From this possession the Keys defence  were mesmerised and slick passing to the left gave wing Dylan Morgans plenty of space to cross wide out, for an unconverted try. The Quins were left a little disrupted due substitutions and this gave the Keys pack the chance to use their renewed scrummaging advantage to gain a penalty try. This seemed to give new life to the visitors and the Quins took their foot of the gas, and this enabled Leon Andrews   to steal over for his sides third try.

With the chance of a bonus point try on offer, and playing catch up rugby, the Quins lost concentration to let sub Taylor Hansen through for this added bonus to flatter the Keys score. Tovey took their score to 26 which seemed unlikely for most of the match.

This opening League victory restores the confidence to the squad and they look forward to next weeks match at Bargoed. This performance was down mainly to a team effort and it is hoped they will improve even more in the weeks ahead.

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QUINS GO DOWN IN OPENING GAME

The same as last season, a shaky start as in Llanelli but thank goodness they recovered.

The Quins side included only two players who had not played in the Park, with Haydn Pugh at the helm and Ellis Lloyd starting his tenth season. The opening set piece gave the Quins eight the chance to demonstrate their scrimmaging power and win a penalty, and minutes later Aled Thomas narrowly missed a 35 meter penalty, Dylan Morgan gathered out of defence and tore through visitors defence only to be stopped near the Newport line, and he repeated this scare minutes later, only to be halted once again by desperate defending.

A Newport attack was halted in the Quins 22 and from the resulting counter attack play was taken up to the visitors line. From the scrum that followed, the Quins control enabled Lewys Millen to pick up and shrug of two tacklers to crash over for a try. Aled Thomas converted. These early signs looked promising as the Quins set piece and line out were settled and this gave fly half Jac Wilson chances to gain ground with his boot.. The Black and Ambers were always willing to move the ball around and from such a move the ball was passed around several players giving Matt O’Brien the chance to cross under the posts. He added the points himself.

Rubbing salt into the wounds, minutes later a similar passing bout resulted in O’Brien crossing for his second try and again add the points. The visitors changed end 14 -7 ahead. The Quins looked dejected and despite their enthusiasm there was no method in their attacks with loose passing letting then down.The Black and Ambers were now in confident mood and added two more tries through T Pascoe and K Taylor for O’Brien to convert one and add a penalty with the last kick of the match.

It was a disappointing performance and the team must learn to be patient in their approach and use their obvious talents to better use. With Cross Keys the visitors to the Park next week, more concentration will be needed in this important season

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PRINCIPALITY PREMIERSHIP 2018-2019

Written by Liz Jones (WRU)

Merthyr head coach Dale McIntosh has laid down the gauntlet to his players – and the rest of the Principality Premiership sides – ‘let’s do our talking on the field and produce a brand of rugby to be proud of this season’.

McIntosh, who has guided the Ironmen to back-to-back Principality Premiership – and Cup – titles after gaining promotion to the top tier of Welsh club rugby two years ago, believes the Premiership coaches and players have a duty to produce an entertaining style of rugby to repay broadcasters BBC and S4C for investing in the league this season.

BBC Wales have pledged to broadcast Principality Premiership rugby on their Scrum V Live programme every Friday evening, there will be highlights and features on Scrum V on Sunday evenings while S4C will also continue to broadcast live Principality Premiership rugby throughout the season along with the WRU National Cup, Plate and Bowl Finals at Principality Stadium.

The former Pontypridd and Wales flanker said, “We as coaches and directors of clubs need to appreciate the investment the broadcasters have made in covering this level of rugby and entertaining the crowd needs to be one of our aims.

“It’s down to us coaches and players to produce a standard of rugby worthy of that commitment. If we can produce a good account of ourselves, I’m sure the clubs will see the value too with additional sponsors.

“There are a lot of nervous people in the Premiership at the moment, us included, with the added pressure of relegation at the end of the season, but it’s time to do the talking on the field and basically put up or shut up. We’ve all got a duty to the game and as clubs I believe our role is to provide the best possible standard of rugby for our level of the game. Whether your level is grassroots club, Premiership or professional, all you can do is be the best you can possibly be. I hope we can inspire some Merthyr youngsters to put on the Merthyr jersey one day and represent their town.”

With the Principality Premiership reducing in size from 16 to 12 clubs next season, McIntosh is not underestimating Merthyr’s task as they attempt to hold onto their crown.

“Defending the title is going to be tougher this season,” added the New Zealand born Welsh international. “There are a lot of strong squads out there and whoever gets into their stride first will steal a march on the other challengers.

“We are all aiming for the top eight spots to avoid the relegation fight and a lot will depend on keeping your squad as healthy as possible. We’ve lost a few key players in the likes of Kristian Phillips and Ed Siggery but we’ve gained some good additions such as Jay Baker, Lewis Williams and Adam Thomas. I think we’ve got better balance up front and a backline to match anyone now. We have always tried to play expansive rugby when the time is right and we will definitely look to put some more width on our game this season.”

Merthyr begin their campaign at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday before welcoming Bedwas to The Wern next weekend. Their first televised fixture is at Stadiwm Zipworld at the end of the month.

“We can’t wait to get started and you can’t get much better than a trip to the Arms Park to kick off the season. Cardiff have recruited strongly and will be guided well this season by half-backs Steff Jones and Martin Roberts.
“Bedwas at home will be interesting – they have a young squad this season but they beat us well at
The Wern in our last two home games against them so we won’t be taking them lightly. It will be fantastic to be part of a great Friday night occasion at RGC at the end of September. RGC will always provide tough opposition and their proud home crowd will give both teams a very warm welcome I’m sure.”

Head of Sport at BBC Cymru Wales Geoff Williams said: “Friday night rugby on the BBC has been a staple part of the sporting diet in Wales for many years, and armchair rugby fans will be delighted to see it continue. By securing these rights, fans will be able to continue to watch free-to-air rugby every week on BBC Cymru Wales as well the Scrum V highlights programme on Sunday evenings.

“The revamped Premiership will be an exciting competition that’s rooted in communities across Wales, and it has a strong following amongst rugby fans. This season, there is certain to be a significant amount of jeopardy and rivalry among the sides vying to top the league and BBC Wales will be there to bring our audiences all the drama from the touchline.”

S4C Sport Content Commissioner Sue Butler said: “Live Welsh club rugby has always been an important part of S4C’s sports output and we are delighted to be continuing our coverage of the Principality Premiership, this time in partnership with BBC Wales.”

WRU Group Chief Executive Martyn Phillips added, “Having the support of BBC Cymru Wales and S4C to show regular, live Principality Premiership rugby is a huge boost for the league, clubs, players and coaches involved. The Principality Premiership clubs are the pinnacle of Welsh club rugby. This is a significant change for the Premiership and an opportunity for reinvention and re-energising the competition. I look forward to an exciting and competitive season.”

Principality Building Society has extended its title sponsorship of the league and the WRU National Youth Leagues for the 2018/2019 season.

The member-owned organisation first lent its Welsh brand to the domestic league’s top division in 2005, and is now set to complete 14-seasons directly supporting the top division in Welsh club rugby, before standing down as title sponsor of the competition.

Julie-Ann Haines Chief Customer Officer at Principality Building Society said: “Principality has agreed to continue as the title sponsor of the Principality Premiership for one further season, which will also include sponsoring of the National Youth Leagues. We’ve had a great reaction from the local clubs for the support we have given them and it has been a pleasure to bring the emerging rugby community together.

“Our partnership with the WRU provides opportunities for people to enjoy life through sport and helps to create memorable experiences for our members and communities. Our clubs are an integral part of their local communities, inspiring young people to take up the game to improve their physical well-being, while socially uniting fans and volunteers to make the league such a success. It promises to be another great season – good luck to all 16 teams.”