Welsh school turns rugby training demand into trophy success

Ysgol Eirias converted a rise in demand for rugby training into sporting success.

In just six months, more than 800 pupils at the Colwyn Bay school took part in weekly after-school rugby sessions.

The surge in interest coincided with victory on the pitch, as their Under-15s team won the North Wales Cup after winning the Eryri Cup and reaching the quarter-final of the Welsh Cup.

Meanwhile, the senior squad (Years 11-13) competed in the semi-final of the Eryri Cup before losing to the eventual champions.

With the town’s rugby team also celebrating a stellar year, beating Welshpool in the final of the Division Two North Wales Cup, it has been a strong season for the Bay.

To top it off, Ysgol Eirias Assistant Headteacher Alex Metcalfe and colleagues have organised a touch rugby fixture between the senior team and Colwyn Bay RFC – including player Tom Brooke, now a teaching assistant at Ysgol Eirias– at Stadiwm CSM on June 21.

“After such a brilliant year for our rugby provision we wanted to do something for the pupils,” said Mr Metcalfe.

“We will continue to grow our after-school sports delivery as it is popular with the learners and a great way to build confidence, fitness and togetherness.

“As a school, the amazing facilities we have at our disposal in partnership with Rygbi Gogledd Cymru (RGC) – including The Barn, gym, 4G, and the stadium – are second to none, and have helped to generate interest in the sport.”

There are currently 18 former Ysgol Eirias pupils in the Colwyn Bay RFC squad, and seven current learners are with RGC’s under-15s, so the school is proving to be a hotbed for young talent.

Those words were echoed by Kieran Thomas, captain of Colwyn Bay RFC first team, who said: “Ysgol Eirias helped me develop my rugby skills from Year 7 to Year 13.

“I joined Colwyn Bay in Year 7 after enjoying rugby in PE, which gave me the confidence to continue to play throughout the years.

“Now I’m captain for the club and even earned an international cap for my country.”

Will Opie, an ex-pupil and now teammate of Kieran’s added: “In addition to pursuing academic success, moving to Ysgol Eirias provided me with the opportunity to engage in their extensive extra-curricular program.

“This experience significantly benefited me on a personal level as it allowed me to participate in high-level schoolboy rugby and utilise some of the best facilities in the country.”