On Sunday he led out his team with his 11-year-old son, Jacob, holding his hand as the Neath mascot. Today the roles will be reversed as he supports Jacob as the water carrier for the Neath Schools side that takes on Cardiff in the first of seven finals.
“The boys are buzzing and can’t wait to get out and play on the pitch on which they see all their heroes play. I’m more nervous for Jacob than I was for myself last weekend,” said a very proud Bramwell.
“He walked out with me before the game against Bargoed, which was an incredibly special moment for our family, and I guess he’ll be holding my hand today. I managed to get him onto the pitch to join in the Neath celebrations and I just hope he can do the same for me today.
“I’ve been playing rugby for a long time and I know a lot of players who have never had the chance to play at Principality Stadium. For these boys to be getting the chance, along with so many other this week, is incredible.
“It is something that will stay with them for the rest of their lives and, I hope, inspire them to try to return there in the future. It’s going to be a fantastic day.”
Another nervous father on the sidelines will be former Wales wing Mark Jones. His son Isaac is in the Neath squad and will be hoping to mirror his Dad’s Grand Slam celebrations of 2005 by winning a trophy of his own at the home of Welsh rugby.
Bridgend will take on Islwyn Schools in the DC Thomas Plate final before Pontypool and Swansea battle it out in the Cup final.
ROAD TO PRINCIPALITY 2022 – Wednesday, 27 April Junior Schools Group & Intermediate Group
U11 DC Thomas Bowl Final – Neath v Cardiff A U11 DC Thomas Plate Final – Bridgend v Islwyn U11 DC Thomas Cup Final – Pontypool v Bridgend Intermediate Group: Lawrence Miller Bowl – Islwyn v Cardiff A (2.00pm) Intermediate Group: Morgan Griffiths Plate – Newport v Rhymney Valley (3.50pm) Girls National U16 Final (12 a side) – Ysgol Y Berwyn v Plasmawr (5.20pm) Intermediate Group: Dewar Shield Final – Rhondda v Cardiff (7.00pm)
Later in the day the U15 finals will begin, culminating in the heavyweight clash between Rhondda Schools and Cardiff Schools in the Dewar Shield final. Cardiff have won the title 26 times and have met Rhondda five times in the final before since 2005, winning three.
Rhondda first won the Dewar Shield in 1999 and have appeared in 14 finals since then. They have won 10 of those finals.
