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Young rugby players from Caerphilly have been crowned champions at a European tournament in Germany after two years of fundraising helped make the trip possible.

Caerphilly RFC Under-14s travelled to Frankfurt earlier this month to take part in the international competition, where they emerged as outright winners after two days of matches against teams from across Europe.

The side played six games in total, winning five and drawing one, before beating London Welsh 29-0 in the final to lift the cup.

The squad faced teams from Romania, Germany, Ireland, Austria, and England during the tournament.

A total of 21 players travelled to Germany alongside their families, with organisers praising the efforts of the players, coaches, managers, first-aiders and supporters who helped make the trip happen.

The tour had been more than two years in the making, with the team taking part in a wide range of fundraising activities to cover costs.

Events included afternoon teas, Sunday dinners, raffles, supermarket bucket collections, a sponsored walk from Caerphilly Castle to Cardiff Castle, and Christmas wreath workshops.

The team also received sponsorship support from local businesses including Pure Structured Finance, Pretty Little Holidays and The Deli Caerphilly, which helped provide kit for the tour.

Those involved with the trip also praised the facilities and hospitality provided in Germany and said the experience highlighted the importance of investing in sporting facilities and opportunities for young people in Wales.