College crowned rugby champions

Coleg y Cymoedd’s learners and staff are celebrating as their college’s under 18s squad triumph over longstanding rivals Coleg Sir Gar to become the 2015 WRU Rugby Colleges champions.

The close-run battle between the two college squads at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium was the third successive final to see both teams face each other.

In a game that went the distance, supporters of both teams were kept on the edge of their seats, before the final whistle saw Coleg y Cymoedd hold passion against the reigning champions to win thirteen points to three.

The win marks Coleg y Cymoedd’s most successful season since its formation in 2013, following the merger between Coleg Morgannwg and Ystrad Mynach College. In addition to reaching the finals at the Millennium Stadium, the team won the British Colleges Premier League Final, becoming the first Welsh side to achieve this accolade. The college’s second team also secured a place at the finals of the British Colleges Cup.

Commenting on the win and the outstanding performance of the squad to date, Clive Jones, director of rugby at Coleg y Cymoedd, said:

“2014-15 has been another successful season for the rugby programme. Reaching three finals this season is even an improvement on last year’s two finals. Finally overcoming our arch rivals Coleg Sir Gar is the icing on the cake.

“The boys’ commitment and preparation was outstanding. This dedication has been reflected by national selection for the under 18s for six of the squad and for the under 20s for four players. The college’s seconds have also reaped their just rewards with a place in the British Colleges 2nds Cup.”

One Coleg y Cymoedd learner to secure a place with Wales’ national under 18s squad is 18 year-old Calum Haggett from Tonyrefail who has been captain of the national side for this season.

While playing for Wales and the Cardiff Blues, Calum attends Coleg y Cymoedd where he studies Maths, Biology and Physics and trains and plays with the College’s Rugby Academy.

At the College Rugby Academy Calum receives expert rugby tuition, rugby analysis and strength & conditioning to help maximise his rugby potential. However, the College Academy also ensures that rugby learners are prepared academically should a career in rugby not materialise.

Clive Jones continued to say, As pleasing as it is to reach three finals, it is even more special to see Calum secure a conditional offer from Oxford University. It shows that the programme is working both on and off the field. We place great store on working with these boys to develop qualities and values that will help them succeed in their futures, be it in education, employment or professional rugby.”

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