COLEG Llandrillo Rugby Academy produced a brilliant performance as they reached the final of the Welsh Schools and Colleges Bowl Final to be played at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

In the final, they faced Cardiff’s Whitchurch High School, which has produced the likes of Sam Warburton, Owen Lane and Christ Tshiunza over the years.

Despite a strong first half performance, and a dogged and resilient display from Llandrillo’s team, they eventually lost 52-29 to their capital city counterparts.

With several matches over autumn and early winter, Coleg Llandrillo had already proven their worth as one of the finest school or college rugby teams in Wales.

The Coleg Llandrillo Rugby Academy is coordinated by Andrew Williams - who is also RGC’s current captain – working alongside Afon Bagshaw, current RGC player and U18's academy coach.

Andrew Williams said: “Playing in the final was a reward for all the academy players who have had over 18 months of rugby taken away from them due to the pandemic.

“After a difficult start to the season we have grown significantly over recent weeks and it was great to see all the players expressing themselves at the National Stadium in Cardiff.

“It wasn’t the result we wanted, but it was an unforgettable experience and I am proud of what they and the support staff have accomplished. We look to return for another amazing opportunity – we go again.”

Coleg Llandrillo Rugby Academy captain Gareth Parry added: “All the squad were pleased to have had the opportunity to play at the Principality – I was personally very proud to have been chosen to captain our squad.

“My mum, dad and godparents - who had flown in from Spain to spectate - were bursting with pride.

“It was a great game of two halves, where we dominated the first half, before Whitchurch fought back strongly in the second half.

“Eventually, we couldn't hold on for the win, but we gave it everything.

“We owe it all to the Coleg Llandrillo Rugby Academy, which gave us the platform to have this amazing opportunity.”

The Coleg Llandrillo team on the day was: Thomas Jarman; Owen Parry, Finnley Jones, Cain Jones, Reuben Lovatt; Tomos Hughes, Caio Parry; Gareth Parry, Brychan Jones, Patrick Nelson, Logan Jones, Elis Evans, Evren Ozbilen, Charlie Probert, Tal Taylor.

Replacements were: Osian Burt, Emyr Jones, Ethan Say, Aran Thomas, Celt Roberts, Luke Jones, Sior Jones, Afan Jones, Gethin Williams.

Since the final, eight Coleg Llandrillo Rugby Academy players (Gareth Parry, Brychan Jones, Patrick Nelson, Elis Evans, Charlie Probert, Tal Taylor, Cain Jones and Gruffudd ab Ieuan) have been invited to join the U18's Welsh Rugby Union Talent ID Development Squad, and 25 Llandrillo Rugby Academy learners have been selected for RGC’s U18’s academy.

For more information about rugby, other sports courses, or places in any of the college’s sporting academies across Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, call the college’s Learner Services team on 01492 542 338.