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Rhymney Valley Schools Rugby begin their campaign to win one of the oldest schoolboy rugby trophies in the world this week when they face Pontypridd under-15s schools this Friday, January 20.

The Dewar Shield dates back to the early 1900s and was recently featured on an episode of BBC TV’s The Repair Shop.

Contested annually by under-15s sides from across Wales, the shield was won last year by Cardiff Schools for the 27th time after they beat Rhondda 20-8 at the Principality Stadium.

Rhymney Valley’s game against Pontypridd will be played at Caerphilly RFC’s Virginia Park with kick-off at 7pm.

Shield restored to its former glory

The Dewar Shield is a large mahogany shield with small silver plaques noting its winners through the years and was recently restored on the BBC programme, The Repair Shop. 

The custodian of the trophy, Lyn Howell, took the shield to the show’s experts who restored its silver and woodwork.

On Facebook, Brenton West, who is the silversmith at The Repair Shop, wrote: “This enormous prize (Dewar Shield) has been fought for by Welsh schoolboys for many decades.

“Most of the greats of Welsh rugby have played in the tournament. It was a fascinating opportunity. I was very happy [to] be able to return this trophy into a great condition for the school kids to continue fighting for it. Thanks to Lou for the woodwork.”

The Repair Shop can be watched in full on the BBC iplayer.