The award forms part of an initiative which rewards schools that show a commitment to the development of rugby in Wales with the Swansea based, Welsh speaking school one of only a few in the area to become a WRU School of Rugby.
The school, which has produced the likes of Ospreys duo Ben John and Sam Lewis, former Wales Under 20 lock Rhodri Hughes and Wales Under 18 wing Rhys Gealy, has been recognised by the governing body for its continued rugby excellence in a number of areas.
These include:
• A minimum of eight teams throughout the school with more than 50 annual fixtures.
• A commitment to adopt the WRU / WJEC Welsh Baccalaureate programme.
• Commitment to enter the Welsh Schools Cup competition at Under 14 and Under 16 level
• Attend the Urdd 7’s and allow sides of both genders to compete.
• Commit to the development of alternative forms of the game.
Jeffrey Connick, Deputy Head at Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr, said: “It’s a great honour to have this award as sport in general at the school is very important. Rugby is especially vital given the area we live in – it’s a huge tradition and we’ve got many teams from year seven to sixth form who play rugby here.
“It not only gives them an opportunity to play sport but also gives them skills they can transfer into the curriculum. It gives a certain status to the school and is a good benchmark for us to promote ourselves not only through sport but as a whole.”
Adrian Killa, head of PE at the school, said: “The award is recognition for where we have been going with our rugby. We have also got some funding out of it which has helped with the provision of modern equipment which helps to improve the training sessions.
“We have teams at every age group and two teams at years seven, eight and nine as well as three girl’s teams. The Year Nine boys got to the last eight in the Welsh Cup which was a fantastic achievement for a small school and our Year Elevens were in the final at the Millennium Stadium last year.
“Hopefully this award will help us to build on the success we have had and get children at the school involved and enjoying rugby.”
Ben Rose, WRU Regional Development Manager for the Ospreys region, commented: “Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr have been awarded the WRU School of Rugby Award to reward their commitment to rugby within the school and the surrounding area. They’ve had real success in developing players for the Ospreys, so it is fantastic to see two former pupils coming back to present the award.
“The importance of school rugby can’t be overstated. It’s not just about what happens on the field, but about the culture and the discipline that participation instils in young people. Hopefully, this award and the presence of Ben and Sam in school can inspire the next generation of pupils to enjoy the game.”
