Girls’ rugby academy team enjoys dominant win in first ever fixture

Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s girls’ rugby academy won 67-21 against Cardiff and The Vale College in their first ever fixture.

The historic match at Eirias Park in Colwyn Bay was the first ever competitive game for a college team representing North Wales in women's 15-a-side rugby.

Lois Owen, Leah Thomas, Saran Jones, Lucy Powell, Elsi Jones, Izzy Jones and Mabli Grieves-Owen scored tries for Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, with Saran Griffiths converting five.

Rugby Academy Co-ordinator Andrew Williams said: “The inaugural girls’ academy fixture is a historic first for the college. The Academy is an opportunity for girls aged 16-18 across North Wales to play the game at the highest level of schoolgirl rugby.

“We’ve got players from across the Grŵp’s colleges, from girls who are playing for RGC and Wales, to those who have been given an opportunity to play and fall in love with the game for the first time.

“The team is competing on a national level in the Welsh Schools and Colleges National Conference. We’ve seen how much exposure our Academy set-up has given the boys over the last 10 years, having that partnership with RGC and providing a higher level of competitive rugby.

“To be able to replicate that with the girls is vitally important, and it’s an exciting development for the game in North Wales.”

Samantha McIlvogue, Coleg Llandrillo Assistant Principal, said: “Today is an exciting milestone for Coleg Llandrillo, the Grŵp and our wider community.

“The girls’ Academy team not only represents the athletic talent, but also embodies the dedication of our students. Their participation in the regional rugby talent pathway highlights their commitment to excel at higher levels of competition. Their enthusiasm for teamwork and sportsmanship are truly inspiring, and we as a college look forward to supporting them.”

The Welsh Schools and Colleges National Conference is the highest level of rugby for the 16-18 age group in Wales, outside of the regional game.

The Academy provides a link between Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s college campuses and the Player Development Centre (PDC) at Eirias Park, creating a pathway to progress to playing for regional side RGC and potentially for Wales under-18s.

Players will receive technical, tactical and positional coaching, as well as strength and conditioning sessions in the academy gym at Coleg Llandrillo in Rhos-on-Sea.

Want to join Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s girls’ rugby academy? Contact Academy Co-ordinator Andrew Williams on willia18a@gllm.ac.uk to find out more