Brynteg School enjoy landmark season of rugby success despite setbacks

Despite facing setbacks off the field, Brynteg have enjoyed one of their most successful years in recent memory, collecting silverware across multiple age groups while continuing to develop young players both on and off the pitch.

The school’s rugby programme is overseen by PE teacher Mr Iwan Griffith and Assistant Headteacher Mr Adam Rosser.

Griffith inherited the role this past year while also continuing to playing rugby at a semi professional level for the likes of Bridgend Ravens in Super Rygbi Cymru.

He stepped into the position during a difficult period after Brynteg lost its WRU hub officer following Welsh Rugby Union funding cuts last year. Yet instead of slowing progress, the school has flourished.

Brynteg’s achievements this season have been remarkable. The Year 7 side were crowned Bridgend 7’s Cup champions, while Year 8 added both the Bridgend Cup 7’s title and the national Urdd 7’s crown, one of the most prestigious seven-a-side competitions in Wales.

Year 9 won the Ospreys Cup, while Year 10 completed a superb double by winning both the Urdd 7’s and the Welsh Cup at Rodney Parade.

“It’s nice because the rugby season has finished now and we can properly reflect on how good of a year it has been for us,” said Griffith.

Brynteg’s rugby tradition stretches back generations. Nine British and Irish Lions have come through the school: Jack Matthews, J.P.R Williams, Mike Hall, Rob Howley, Dafydd James, Gavin Henson, Rhys Webb, Josh Navidi and Gareth Williams.

Yet Griffith insists the school’s focus goes beyond simply producing elite rugby players.

“Those nine are always in the spotlight but at Brynteg, we are really proud on making not just rugby players, but good people as well. There is also a lot of people who have played professional sport in general, not just rugby.”

Part of that is the colour tie dinner they hold each year, a presentation evening where former players return and ties are awarded to those who have made more than 10 appearances for the senior side.

"Every year we create a montage of pictures and videos of the year and we've got some dating back to 2013/14. We have all the old pupils come in and they love it, they sit down, laughing, giggling and remembering good experiences from school.

"It's something we look forward to every year."

Griffith believes one of the key reasons for the school’s continued success is the strength of rugby in the local area and the close ties Brynteg has built within the community.

“Community rugby is really strong within the area. The community links are really strong with the local rugby clubs and something we are passionate about and thankful for as they have an excellent diet of rugby.”

He has also worked hard to ensure regular fixtures for every age group.

“Something I have worked hard for this year is to get each year group a competitive school game weekly, going out of our borough/region playing teams likes Whitchurch and Glantaf, schools that are similar size to ours.”

Brynteg have also placed a major emphasis on broadening pupils’ experiences. Last year the school travelled to Leicester Tigers, Rugby School, and Harlequins whilst matches have also been arranged against touring sides from Ireland, England and Argentina.

“Winning is great, but for us it’s all about widening experiences, broadening pupils horizons and creating good people. That’s the main drive for us at Brynteg.”

However, challenges remain. Griffith says changes to the WRU’s Dewar Shield structure are creating difficulties for school rugby, with senior players often unavailable for school fixtures due to district commitments.

“This is the biggest issue around school rugby at the moment is the Dewar Shield being played at Year 11. As a school we rely on year 11 pupils to help with fielding a senior side every Wednesday where we compete in the blues U18s schools league.

“Due to this we are constantly chasing pupils to try and pull a team together on a Wednesday because they either have games for the Bridgend Schools District and/or they’re being told they cannot play.”

Even with those obstacles, Brynteg’s success this season has shown the strength of the school’s culture, community and commitment to developing young people through rugby.

From thrilling tries to hard-fought battles against the All Blacks, this squad etched their names in rugby history by securing a memorable drawn series.

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