Ystalyfera RFC’s championship win was sealed last weekend in a hard-fought away 16- 20 victory against closest rivals Brynamman RFC. The club carried off the title with 89 points, winning all of the 19 league games played so far this season.
The squad have consistently finished near the summit of the league since 2009. This victory is even more special, according to the club captain, as most of the squad were raised or still live in the area and have a rich mix of experienced players with emerging youth talent in the squad.
Paul Davies, Ystalyfera RFC Club Captain, said: “We have come close to promotion for a number of seasons and it’s a great reward for everyone involved with the club after playing consistently well over the course of the season. We’re a relatively young side. We all know each other well – we train, play and a lot of us work together so there’s a real camaraderie within the club and the village.”
Head Coach Gareth James, who is also the club’s top scorer this season, added: “I think the difference for us this year is that the work rate was higher. We got the team in for pre-season training earlier to improve fitness within the squad and it’s been vital in games throughout the year. Teams have come close against us but our fitness let us push harder in the final ten minutes of games. It’s great for the village – the last time we won promotion was 1997 - and hopefully we’ll get even more support down at the Ynysydarren Ground next season.”
Former Wales prop turned Ystalyfera RFC forwards coach Christian Loader is thrilled to see his side climb up the league after such an impressive season on the field.
Christian Loader, who won nineteen caps for Wales between 1995 and 1997, said: “We’ve got a cracking set of youngsters who are starting to come through and a great under 16s team who have reached the final of the cup. Having a good group of players developing at the club bodes well for the future. We’re looking forward to working with them in two years. ”
This isn’t the first piece of silverware for Ystalyfera to claim this season. They have already won the South West Championship and will compete in the finals of the West Wales Bowl and Swansea Valley Cup against Penclawdd and Abercrave respectfully.
WRU Board Member Geraint Edwards said: “This is a tough league and it is a tremendous achievement to go unbeaten throughout the season. Ystalyfera RFC have consistently played good rugby against tough opposition and their victory is well deserved.”
SWALEC is the national community partner of the Welsh Rugby Union and sponsors both the SWALEC Leagues and SWALEC Cup, Plate and Bowl competitions. SWALEC Finals Day, which sees six clubs battle it out in the Cup, Plate and Bowl competitions, will take place on Saturday 3rd May at the Millennium Stadium.
Jonny Petrie, head of sponsorship strategy at SWALEC, added: “Our strong partnership with the WRU and its clubs goes back a number of years and we’re very pleased to be doing more for grassroots rugby in Wales through our sponsorship of the SWALEC Leagues. It has been another strong season for Welsh rugby as a whole and we have seen some impressive performances at club level. Many congratulations to Ystalyfera RFC on claiming the title.”
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