Llandrillo Rugby Academy coaches lead the way for RGC

The two veterans, who act as coordinator and under-18s coach for Llandrillo Rugby Academy respectively, both rolled back the years in the game against Merthyr at Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay.

Coincidentally, Mr Williams’ first appearance for the club was also against Merthyr back in 2012.

He becomes the first player in RGC history to play 200 matches.

Andrew Williams and Afon Bagshaw

RGC head coach Ceri Jones said: “It was great to get the win and for Andrew to reach that 200-game milestone.

“It is a huge achievement to be the first player to reach 200 appearances for the club.”’

Mr Williams role aside from his RGC career is as Coleg Llandrillo’s Rugby Academy coordinator and Level 1 Sport and Public Services coordinator.

Since starting his role at the college in 2014, Mr Williams has taught more than 150 learners, with 30 of these having gone on to play for the RGC first team.

Afon Bagshaw, RGC’s captain, has long been a leading figure at the club, having also come through the ranks at Coleg Llandrillo and represented Wales at youth level, and as vice-captain of the nation’s sevens side.

Mr Bagshaw said: “The most beneficial aspect of attending Coleg Llandrillo was the opportunity to pursue a sought-after academic qualification, whilst being fully involved in a high-performance rugby union programme.

“This is testament - first and foremost - to the excellent academic staff at the college who work tirelessly to facilitate well-structured and enjoyable modules.

“The rugby academy was a vital part of my progression as a player.

“Strength and conditioning – combined with insightful coaching – laid the foundations for me to go on and achieve.

“The rugby academy certainly achieves this, with lots of opportunities to take up extra-curricular activities, including coaching and refereeing within local communities.”

Captain Afon Bagshaw evades a tackle against Merthyr

Coleg Llandrillo are a member of the prestigious WRU U18 Colleges League, and with fixtures being televised on Rygbi Pawb on S4C, students showcase their talents to a national audience.

The academy recently made the final of the Welsh Schools and Colleges Bowl, where they narrowly missed out on victory at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Coleg Llandrillo are also hosting a taster session for those interested in joining the academy, which will include information on the various courses and qualifications available, an introduction to strength and conditioning, as well as an on-field skills session.

Players not actively involved in the Regional Age Grade Programme (RGC U16s) are encouraged to attend.

The taster morning will take place from 9am-12:30pm on Wednesday, 23 February at Llandrillo College’s Rhos-on-Sea campus.

To book your place or for further information please contact Andrew Williams via email at andrewwilliams@gllm.ac.uk or ring 01492546666 with the extension 1246.