Caerphilly RFC crowned national youth champions

Caerphilly RFC’s youth side has been crowned National Youth Bowl winners after defeating Llangwm RFC 32-15 at the Principality Stadium.

Rhys Cleverly, who is also a groundsman at the stadium, coached his side to victory on Saturday April 8 and said: “It was a great day for the players and the club. We didn’t expect to be in this position before the season started.

“To win at the home of Welsh rugby is special and will be highlight of many of the boys career’s. We had a few celebrations in the club after.”

Caerphilly Youth went 3-0 down to the Pembrokeshire side before taking a commanding 22-6 lead at the half and closing the game out with another try to win 32-15.

Despite the recent success, Cleverly explained how in late October the team had an “honest conversation” about where they were heading.

He added: “We were beaten badly by Blackwood 65-21 and then 22-11 to Bargoed. We set some goals for the rest of the season including lifting this cup.

“We have gone the rest of the season unbeaten and have the chance to win the league if we beat Pontypool on Tuesday [April 18].”

On the future of youth rugby at Caerphilly RFC, Cleverly said: “We’re only going to lose seven or eight boys at the end of this season which isn’t bad.

“We have an established U16s section which will come through to the youth so the plan is to kick on next season.”