Aaron and Asa in first ever North Wales mixed ability rugby game
The Coleg Menai and Coleg Llandrillo learners both scored tries in the historic fixture between Llewod y Bont and Colwyn Bay Stingrays
Two Independent Living Skills learners played in the first ever Inter-North Wales mixed ability rugby game.
Coleg Menai student Aaron and Coleg Llandrillo learner Asa played against each other in the historic fixture between Llewod y Bont and Colwyn Bay Stingrays, with both getting on the scoresheet.
Aaron scored two tries and kicked a conversion to win the game for Llewod y Bont, in what was his first taste of competitive rugby and also the Lions’ first ever match.
Asa - who scored a try at the Principality Stadium earlier this year - was also among the points, using his impressive speed to cross the line for the Stingrays.
The game at Menai Bridge Rugby Club was organised by Ollie Coles, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and Welsh Rugby Union Rugby Engagement Officer.
Ollie said: “Mixed ability rugby is an inclusive form of the game that allows anyone of any ability to play the full game. Players with additional learning needs, those who have retired from the men's game or those who are new to the sport all feature.
“Both Asa and Aaron have participated in rugby sessions at college as part of our Inclusion Pathway within our wider Grŵp Llandrillo Menai Rugby Programme, and it’s great to see this programme having a benefit on both our learners and the wider community.
“Having worked with both Llewod y Bont and Colwyn Bay Stingrays over the past two years in my role, I was incredibly proud to organise and then witness both teams running out at Llyn y Felin for the first game of Inter-North Wales mixed ability rugby.
“It was particularly gratifying to see both Aaron and Asa take to the field, and to play alongside them, in this fixture.
“Our Grŵp Llandrillo Menai Rugby Programme is committed to ensuring opportunities for all learners to engage with rugby regardless of ability, background or identity. Transitioning players to our local mixed ability sides and supporting them in their operations is a key component of this.''
Aaron said after the game: "I really enjoyed it and liked when I got a try and conversion. It was my first ever game and I can't wait for a rematch.
Talking about the rugby sessions in college, he added: "I liked being in rugby festivals and enjoyed all the activities there. I'd really like to go again."
Watch Asa scoring a try at the Principality Stadium below:
Llewod y Bont vice chairman Andy Hails said: “I’ve been privileged to work with an outstanding group of players and coaches.
“We have certainly come on leaps and bounds since we set the team up 18 months ago. I would like to thank everyone involved: past Clwb Rygbi Porthaethwy/Menai Bridge RFC players, new players, WRU inclusion officer Dave Roberts, our club coach Paul, chairman Darren and Grŵp Llandrillo Menai WRU hub officer Ollie Coles. We’re having a well earned two-month break now then back at it on the second Sunday in September.”
Earlier this year, Asa scored a try for a North Wales Mixed Ability Barbarians side against Port Talbot Panthers at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, as part of the WRU's Road to Principality Inclusion Day.
If you are interested in joining a mixed ability rugby team you can contact Llewod y Bont at hails4iron@aol.com or Colwyn Bay Stingrays at Jcraig3585@outlook.com
For more information about Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s Independent Living Skills provision, click here.