Llantwit Fardre going from strength to strength thanks to inclusive ethos

There is now truly something for everyone at the village club which is also host to the newly-named Rhinos Female Hub. Along with the Rhinos’ female teams which run from U7s through to senior female rugby, the club also runs mixed teams from fun sessions for U5s and U6s to U12s and male teams from U13s to youth and two senior sides.

They have so many numbers in their senior women’s, Pink Rhinos, section that they now intend to run a second female XV and to introduce an U17 male side to bridge the gap to youth rugby.

The club started an inclusive Walking Rugby group last year and Touch Rugby starts next week. With no changing rooms of their own, they have begun to secure funding for a purpose-built and environmentally-friendly social space for the whole community with changing rooms for all.

Treasurer Nigel Phillips said, “Everything we do is centred on providing a space and an environment for the whole family to enjoy. This extends beyond the families of our players and our members, to all families in our community.

“We are fortunate to work with other community groups who use our facilities such as Church Village FC, Llantwit Fardre Walking Netball, the local allotment society and more.

“We are also heavily involved with supporting other community groups, such as a cause very dear to our hearts; Salem Chapel Foodbank, which our members donate to all year round.  When we build the new club, we will have a fitting home to welcome these and more sections of our community.”

Pink Rhinos captain Jenna George and many of her team mates are real-life role models as coaches and mums to the young Rhinos girls.

She said, “It is a bit of a role reversal from the past when it was traditionally dads coaching their children. Women’s rugby is going from strength to strength and there are so many more opportunities for women and girls now compared to ten and 20 years ago. It’s great to see so many of the senior girls involved with the younger teams. There’s a real family feel – the girls play on a Sunday morning and then hang around and watch us play so they definitely have something to aim for and seeing us play might have encouraged them to give it a go.

“The captaincy is very important to me, I’ve been involved since the team first started and we just want to get new players involved and kick on from before lockdown but the girls’ Hub is really the future. The more we can get involved with coaching them, the more girls can see it’s a sport for everyone. It was great the girls could watch Women’s Six Nations on TV recently – it showed them what they could achieve if they try hard.”

The Walking Rugby group is proving successful in attracting male and female players of all abilities. One family is enjoying being able to play together for the first time with dad Philip Vlahos playing regularly alongside his three sons, Matthew, Gerwyn and Ashley who also plays in the club’s first team and Matthew and Gerwyn who have additional needs.

Phillip said, “It’s good to get out, get some exercise and have the boys playing with me. Anyone can play – men and women of all ages who wouldn’t be involved in the club otherwise. It’s just a nice to get together and have a drink afterwards too.”

Llantwit Fardre RFC – the facts

25 teams (26 with new Touch Rugby team)
More than 600 players
350 mini and junior players, 85 girls in the Rhinos Female Hub
58 women in the senior Pink Rhinos – 14 of whom have daughters in the Female Hub
62 senior men
47 registered for youth rugby
210 volunteers including coaches, team managers, first aiders, administrators

Plans afoot for a new, community focussed and environmentally friendly club space with inclusive changing rooms