June 03, 2026 - 152 views
RGC have unveiled the latest group of promising young players to progress from their Junior Academy into the Senior Academy ahead of the 2026/27 Super Rygbi Cymru season.
The North Wales region has confirmed that four standout youngsters have earned promotion after impressing throughout the past year, continuing RGC’s commitment to developing home-grown talent capable of making an impact at senior and international level.
Among those stepping up is Oswestry back-row forward Dylan Avery, who captained the RGC Under-18 side during a strong campaign. Coaches have praised his powerful carrying, aggressive defence and ability to disrupt opposition ball at the breakdown. Dylan will combine his rugby development with studies at Bangor University.
Joining him from Oswestry is exciting wing prospect Jac Williams. A standout performer in both Regional Age Grade rugby and the Welsh Schools & Colleges competition, Jac’s performances earned him selection for Wales Under-18s. He will also continue his education at Bangor University while developing within the senior programme.
Pwllheli fly-half Gwern ap Rhys has also earned promotion after impressing when training alongside the senior squad last season. Coaches highlighted his game management, kicking ability and rugby intelligence. Alongside rugby, Gwern is pursuing opportunities to train as an accountant.
Completing the quartet is Nant Conwy full-back Aron Roberts. Despite suffering injuries during the second half of last season, Aron caught the eye with his strong kicking game and positive attitude. He too will combine rugby with studies at Bangor University.
RGC Academy Manager Josh Leach said the promotions reflected the hard work being carried out throughout the academy structure.
“Off the back of the good work the Academy staff have done over the past two years, it’s great to see another good group of Junior Academy players progressing into the Senior Academy,” he said.
“In our efforts to develop future professional and international players for Wales, as well as a strong and sustainable future for RGC, strong junior programmes are essential for laying the foundations across a wider group of players.”
Leach said the academy had invested heavily in its Emerging Player Programme and in providing talented youngsters with opportunities to test themselves against older age groups.
He added that with talented prospects such as Caio James and Charlie Titcombe having moved into professional environments further south, opportunities now exist for the latest intake to gain valuable game time in Super Rygbi Cymru.
“Gradually, over the next couple of years, we will be wanting to see the impact they have in SRC games increase to the point that they are on the regional and national radar,” he said.
The latest promotions continue a development pathway that has become increasingly important for rugby in North Wales. Based at Stadiwm Eirias in Colwyn Bay, RGC represent the region within Welsh domestic rugby and have built a reputation for nurturing talent from communities stretching from Anglesey and Gwynedd to Conwy, Denbighshire and Wrexham.
In recent years, a growing number of academy graduates have progressed into professional rugby, with the region’s focus on player development viewed as a key part of strengthening the future of the game across North Wales.
As preparations continue for the new Super Rygbi Cymru campaign, RGC supporters will be eager to see whether the next generation can follow in the footsteps of those who have successfully made the leap from academy rugby to the senior stage.
