Students from Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s WRU Rugby Hub Programme in Wales had a successful year, with learners representing Wales and RGC in various competitions.

Not only did they excel on the rugby field, but they also organized the first-ever North Wales 'Ability Counts' football tournament.

The program delivered 178 sessions to over 2,000 learners and provided CPR training to 160 students.

Among the highlights were students Leah Stewart, Begw Ffransis-Roberts, Saran Griffiths and Dylan Alford representing Wales in the Under-18 Six Nations Festivals.

Leah, Begw and Saran were also among eight learners who played for Rygbi Gogledd Cymru’s successful U18 girls’ side during the 2023/24 season.

Competing against the Scarlets, Ospreys, Dragons and Cardiff, they helped RGC Piws go undefeated for the season, becoming the first team from North Wales ever to win a WRU Regional Age Grade competition.

In the boys’ game, Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor reached the North Wales U18 Cup final, while Coleg Glynllifon’s season climaxed with a 49-7 ‘agri derby’ win over Llysfasi.

The programme’s successes were not just on the rugby field. In partnership with Colegau Cymru, the Grŵp’s WRU rugby engagement officer Ollie Coles organised the first ever North Wales ‘Ability Counts’ football tournament.

This was won by a team of Independent Living Skills learners from Coleg Glynllifon, who beat Coleg Menai’s ILS team in the final.

As a result, both teams qualified for the first Pan-Wales Colegau Cymru Ability Counts football competition in Cardiff, with Coleg Glynllifon reaching the final in the capital.

Plans are in place to expand the program in the upcoming year.