Quins Development Leads to more Honours

We have another opportunity to showcase the future of rugby at the club.

The Quins ethos of development from a young age has again paid off for four of our dedicated Under 16 players. Back in September they put their names forward for trials for the Boys Club of Wales Rugby Team and at the start of the process there were 170 players from across Wales invited to trial.

Fast forward to last weekend and 7 of our current Under 16s were invited to the final trial of 45 players. Unfortunately due to injury only 4 were able to attend. After a hard afternoon pressing their rugby case by demonstrating skills they’d learned via the Quins mini and junior section, news came out that the four  players were successful and made the final squad of 25.

We caught up with the successful players to hear about their rugby journey to date.

 

Name: Elis Price

Position: Fly Half

When did you start playing rugby? And up until now who have you played for? Started with the Quins under 7’s and moved up the age groups. I have also played for Carmarthen and District Schools at Under 11’s and Under 15’s.

What are you future hopes within rugby? I hope to one day put on the Quins first XV jersey and play in the park and to wear the red shirt and represent Wales.

Who are you rugby idols? Dan Carter

What is the best piece of rugby advice you have been given and who gave it to you? Keep your routines all the same every match day and will help with consistency – from Leigh Halfpenny

Outside of rugby what are your interests and your hopes? I like to go for a round of golf if I have time, and I hope to keep playing my rugby local while playing for the Carmarthen Quins.

Name: Owain Hari Davies

Position: Full Back

When did you start playing rugby? And up until now who have you played for? I started at 8 years old playing for the Quins under 9s and have only played for them as a club side but I have played for Carmarthen and District Schools.

What are you future hopes within rugby? I would love to play professionally but my ultimate dream is to play for Wales.

Who are you rugby idols? Beauden Barrett of New Zealand and Shane Williams for their speed and skill.

What is the best piece of rugby advice you have been given and who gave it to you? As my dad always says “Whatever you do in life, give it 100%”

Outside of rugby what are your interests and your hopes? Athletics sprinting for Carmarthen Harriers and playing football for Carmarthen Stars. My hopes are to go to University and have a future in sport.

Name: Elis Thomas

Position: Centre

When did you start playing rugby? And up until now who have you played for? Started playing for the Quins at Under 9s and I have represented Carmarthen and District Schools at Under 11’s and Under 15’s

What are you future hopes within rugby?  To make it as far as I possibly can in rugby. Playing professionally is the ultimate goal.

Who are you rugby idols? Lukhanyo Am because I just love the way he plays.

What is the best piece of rugby advice you have been given and who gave it to you? If you work hard enough you will get whatever you want from Deiniol Jones (current Under 16’s coach and former Quins player and Welsh International)

Outside of rugby what are your interests and your hopes?  Football – playing and watching but watching all sport really. Hopes are to progress to Senior Club rugby with the Quins and hopefully the Scarlets.

Name: Gruff Rhys Williams

Position: Number 8

When did you start playing rugby? And up until now who have you played for? Started with Nantgaredig at Under 8’s but as they didn’t have enough players I moved to the Quins at Under 9’s where I have played ever since. I have been captain of the team now for a few years and was very proud when we won the Scarlets district cup when it was last held 2 years ago. I have also represented Carmarthen and District Schools at Under 11’s and for two seasons at Under 15’s.

What are you future hopes within rugby? I hope to make a career as a professional rugby player and my ultimate goal is to be a Lion.

Who are you rugby idols? Alun Wyn Jones from Wales and David Pocock the Australian player – I enjoy watching them play and I hope to be as good as them one day. I also admire Sam Warburton and I was lucky enough when I was 10 years old to be picked as a mascot for Wales v South Africa and I got to meet him and Alun Wyn Jones and lots of other Welsh Players.

What is the best piece of rugby advice you have been given and who gave it to you? My da always gives me lots of advice and he been coaching with the Quins for a few years along with Deiniol Jones, Ceri Davies, John Dunn and Meurig Rees. They always encourage me to do my best and aim high.

Outside of rugby what are your interests and your hopes? I live on a farm and enjoy farming and outdoor life. I also enjoy hunting and shooting days.

Congratulations to you all boys your hard work and dedication has paid off. We look forward to your progress with the Boys Club of Wales in an exciting season. Special mention also to Oliver Hawke, Dylan Davies and Dylan Rowe who would have been at the trial had it not been for injury. The club is proud of you and everyone else who is continuing their rugby journey via our thriving mini and junior section.

Below is a picture of our successful players.