Dylan and Begw look to build on Wales Six Nations experience

Dylan Alford and Begw Ffransis Roberts hope to build on their experiences of playing for Wales after competing in this season’s Under-18 Six Nations.

The Grŵp Llandrillo Menai students, who both play for RGC, earned their first Welsh caps this year and were selected for the U18 Six Nations festivals.

Dylan, who studies Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science at Coleg Llandrillo, became the first player from the college to score a try for Wales, crossing the line in a 35-10 win over Portugal in the boys’ festival.

He also played in narrow defeats to England and France during the tournament in Parma, Italy.

Dylan said: “It was a massive step up, the games were so fast. Obviously you’re away so your overall routine changes, and also you’re a lot more focused.

“There’s a lot of analysis into the games - you build up to the game, then the day after you look over the game, and then you move straight onto the next game. It’s heavy on the body as well.

“It gave me more of an insight into how rugby would look if you’re full-time - training, eating a certain way. It was a good insight into what I’m hoping to do in the future.”

Begw, who is on the Level 3 Sport course at Coleg Menai, played in a win over Scotland and a defeat to Ireland in the girls’ U18 tournament at Stadiwm CSM in Colwyn Bay.

She said: “Colwyn Bay is my home ground with RGC so it was a nice experience to have my family and friends there. My Nain and Taid were there so that was special, it was a proud moment.

“Putting on the jersey, walking down for the first game, seeing my friends and family coming down to watch, that was an honour.

“Playing for RGC was a step up from club level, but this was another step up again. But RGC trained us very well, with high-intensity sessions, so I was ready and knew what to expect at that level.

“Hopefully next year I’ll be there again and I’ll be more experienced. I want to carry on the pathway I’m on, keep working hard and hopefully reach there (playing for Wales at senior level) some day.”

Dylan and Begw are both grateful for the opportunities they have had through studying at college.

Begw said: “My course is helping me in terms of knowing the sport. For example I’m doing a psychology unit on the course, and that helps me because with the case studies, I can see where they’re coming from.

“After my course I want to either go on to an apprenticeship in sport, or go to university to study sport, and carry on training in rugby.”

Dylan said: “Playing for college, it puts your name out there at the highest level in Wales, so it gives you the most opportunity to be selected for Wales, and also to play against the best players. Also it means I can get my qualifications and hopefully go on to uni.”

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