National honours for rising stars of college Rugby Academy

Coleg Sir Gâr’s Rugby Academy has a number of sporting honours to celebrate this year.

Kai Jones has been selected to play for Wales U18s and for the U19s, Sion Jones, Jake Bowen, Osian Williams and Lewis Jones secured their national honours.

Abigail Richards earned an U18s cap and is the first female U18s player to receive this at Coleg Sir Gâr.

Osian Williams, Wales U19s representative said: “I feel privileged to play for my country knowing the hard work is paying off. 

“My dad took me to Haverfordwest Rugby Club and I have never looked back since. 

“I enjoy the college academy environment as it inspires me to grow on and off the field.”

Wales U18s selection Abigail Richards has been playing rugby since she was six years-old and chose to study at Coleg Sir Gâr because of its girls’ academy. 

Abigail Richards said: “I played for both Gorseinon RFC and the female hubs until I was 11 when I couldn’t play with boys anymore. 

“Although I live in Swansea, I chose to attend Coleg Sir Gâr because they had a girls rugby academy and I am so glad that I did because not only has it given me the opportunity to train and play for the college but I have also met lots of girls who love rugby as much as I do. 

“Playing for the college meant I had opportunities to play competitive games that I wouldn’t have if I had gone to college with no provision for girls’ rugby. 

“It was through the college games that I was identified as having potential to progress. 

“I have really enjoyed my experiences through college rugby and the player development centre and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to represent my country in the 6 Nations Festival at Wellington College this year.”

Student Dom Kossuth is a player that has U18s Wales representation but has been injured during his time at college, but through the college academy, he has been given an off-field role that supports the rugby academy. “It’s an honour to play for my country,” he said.  I started at Kidwelly where my primary school teacher and friend got me to play and I’ve loved it ever since. My role in the academy is to drive and keep the standards high as it helps all of us grow.”

Although I live in Swansea, I chose to attend Coleg Sir Gâr, because they had a girls rugby academy and I am so glad that I did, because not only has it given me the opportunity to train and play for the college, but I have also met lots of girls who love rugby as much as I do. Playing for the college meant I had opportunities to play competitive games that I wouldn’t have if I had gone to college with no provision for girls’ rugby. It was through the college games that I was identified as having potential to progress.” Abigail Richards U18s

I enjoy the college academy environment as it inspires me to grow on and off the field.” Osian Williams U19s