More than 300 youngsters take part in disability rugby festival

More than 300 youngsters from 25 schools competed at the Disability Six Nations Rugby Festival last month.

The event was held at the Centre for Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach following a two-year absence due to Covid.

It was hosted by Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Sport Caerphilly, alongside Trinity Fields School, with Dragons RFC supporting the event.

It is the 16^th year that players from Dragons RFC, formerly known as Newport Gwent Dragons, have taken part, helping the youngsters develop new skills and enjoy playing and learning rugby.

Paul Taylor, who is the council’s Disability and Inclusion Sports Development Officer, plays a key role in organising the event. He said: “I think we can all agree that the event is one of our favourite days of the year.

“I never thought it would be this successful when Jamies Scales from Trinity Fields and I had the conversation back in 2005 to create the Six Nations with children with additional needs.

“The event has gone from strength to strength, with more schools and children attending every year. I have enjoyed watching them develop in confidence over the years – It has been fantastic.”

When the event was first held, just six schools took part – with that number having more than quadrupled since.

Councillor Chris Morgan, the council’s cabinet member for Leisure, attended the event and said: “The smiles on the children’s faces said it all.

“I’d like to thank the organisers for organising such a great inclusive event and the schools from all over Wales for travelling to the Caerphilly County Borough. We look forward to welcoming you next year.”