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30 Apr, 2025
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The unstoppable Welsh rugby team of teenagers who just keep winning
@Source: walesonline.co.uk
Pontyclun RFC are a force to be reckoned with. Last weekend, three of their four age-grade sides won the Cardiff Rugby Cup at the Arms Park in the Welsh capital. One of those sides - the under-15s - are a particularly formidable outfit. You may remember a story from WalesOnline just a few weeks ago that documented the sensational success of Y Pant's school rugby team , who won the Welsh Cup for the third time in a row - something which has never been done before. More than 90% of that collective play for Pontyclun U15s, and they have transferred their success from school to the club game, winning the Cardiff Rugby Cup for the fourth consecutive year - another achievement that no other club has earned regionally. The under-15s have lost just once the entire season, and it was against an under-16 Baglan side, who recently made their own district final just a few weeks ago. Their only other defeat as an age group since they started tackling at under-nine level was against Burry Port last season. However, it's not just the U15s outfit that deserve plaudits, with the U12s, U13s and U14s all reaching the Cardiff Rugby Cup final, with the U14s the only side to lose out, despite a valiant effort. WalesOnline spoke to Pontyclun U15s head coach Ben Barclay about his team's success, and the club's success as a whole. "Seeing the boys' team win the Cardiff Cup for a fourth year in a row is a rare and deeply rewarding experience," began Barclay. "It means so much to these boys to get rewarded for their consistent efforts and that reflects back on us as coaches, we are witnessing the culmination of consistent hard work, discipline and player development over several seasons—something few teams achieve at this level. "There's incredible pride not just in the results, but in how far the boys have come — physically, mentally and tactically. Myself and the coaches Steve, Neil and Ioan feel immense satisfaction watching them play every week with maturity and confidence. 25% OFF DEAL: Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. "The atmosphere inside the Arms Park was electric. It's such an iconic ground with the national stadium in the background. I think to get four junior age groups all completing in the cup competition at the Arm Parks is an absolutely superb feat for the club. "The U12s, U13s, U14s and U15s should all be immensely proud of their teams. And yes, it definitely felt like the whole village was out for it - not just supporting their own team but all banding together to support all the other age groups. There’s such strong connections through the entire mini and junior section at Pontyclun." Barclay says the fact three age grades won the cup is a "significant achievement" for all involved at Pontyclun. He says reaching the finals in the first place was impressive enough, but winning three out of four was "just amazing". The recent success is attributed to the relentless dedication of the coaches involved, who have all played from the age of five. Barclay says that having that kind of affinity to the club is massive and creates camaraderie which is instilled in players from a young age. There are a number of ex-professional rugby players involved with the club. Former Cardiff , Dragons and Welsh international Scott Morgan is with the U14s with ex-Dragons and London Welsh player Darren Walters, while Lee Thomas - ex-Cardiff Blues and Sale Sharks star - with the U13s. Current Ospreys flanker Harri Deaves also works with the mini and junior section and is a role model for the current crop of youngsters at the club. The majority of these U15s players all play in Y Pant school rugby team together, forming a consistent core of connections at both club and schoolboy level. When asked what makes the boys so special, Barclay cited their commitment to their craft as well as their consistent attendance at training. "The environment the boys have created amongst themselves has made any transition easy," he continued. "They are such a tightknit group with some special bonds that have been created through rugby, they all socialise together and it’s just been a joy to have been a part in their rugby journeys." Speaking about the club's unprecedented success, coach Tom Dean said: "Seeing the success of the older age groups, it sets a standard for the players and coaches following on. Any opportunity to watch the older age groups I take it to see what’s expected in the years to come. "The U13s, who really are a superb junior side, watching them go back-to-back and winning their second Cardiff Cup was again great to see. They played some really good rugby and scored some brilliant tries. The U13s are no strangers to triumph themselves, with the majority of the squad tasting some great success, winning the prestigious DC Thomas Cup with Pontypridd Schools U11s in the national stadium in 2023, and the national schools year six in the same stadium with Pontyclun Primary School ." Speaking about the U14s, who unfortunately did not win their final, coach Jason Tucker added: "I’m truly gutted for the U14s who missed out for the second-straight season in the final to a really strong Pontypridd U14s team, but it shows the quality in the local rugby currently at this age group. Leading at half-time but losing 25-12." Dai Atkins added: "It was an excellent occasion for the club which was well supported and a great experience for the team. Disappointed to lose but the club had a hugely successful season overall and we’ll strive to go one better next year." Barclay also touched on how the village of Pontyclun have reacted to the club's recent glory. "The community have been great in supporting the club," he said. "I think it’s fantastic all the support everyone has received from the village, such a strong community club rugby section is only good for the area and for parents of young kids looking to start rugby, knowing they have such a committed club who have so many good people in it who are pushing rugby in the area. "There was a huge celebration back at the club yesterday evening, with all the club enjoying the team's successes. There would have certainly been a few sore heads going into work on Monday morning!"
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