PUPILS from a Powys high school have had the best boost possible ahead of a cup final at the Principality Stadium later today – a pep talk from a Wales international.
Local rugby star Dan Lydiate gave Ysgol Calon Cymru pupils some last-minute advice ahead of the school’s Welsh Schools Rugby Union Vase final, to be played this afternoon at the home of Welsh rugby, and he also attended his former school to present the squad with their training kit.
“The 1st XV squad ahead of tomorrow's Vase final in the Principality stadium welcomed ex-pupil, Welsh international and British (& Irish) Lion Dan Lydiate who presented the boys with their training kit,” the school posted on its social media channels on Wednesday (March 1).
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A message from Lydiate included in the post read: “Good Luck tomorrow boys, don't leave anything on the pitch - we're very proud of you all. Most of all enjoy your experience.”
Kick-off in Cardiff, against Swansea’s Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr, is at 2pm, with the team – made up of pupils from the school’s Builth Wells and Llandrindod Wells campuses – set to be cheered on by bus-loads of vociferous supporters from Powys.
If you can’t make it to the capital, however, the game will be streamed live on the Welsh Rugby Union’s YouTube channel, at https://www.youtube.com/user/WRUOfficial.
Ysgol Calon Cymru posted this morning on Facebook: “Today is the day – our Ysgol Calon Cymru XV will soon be lining up in the rugby Vase final at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Llongyfarchiadau a phob lwc bois!
“If you haven’t been able to get down to the capital for the game then the whole final is going to be livestreamed on the WRU’s YouTube channel, with kick-off at 2pm. Follow the link below to watch.
Come on Ysgol Calon Cymru!”
Calon Cymru, captained by Louis Davies, defeated Ysgol Garth Olwg, from Church Village, Pontypridd, 19-12 in November to reach the final in Cardiff.
Coached by James Reynolds and Wayne Morris, the boys are one step from greatness, as a win would not only mean silverware but they would also complete an unbeaten season.
The WSRU competitions, also including the cup, plate and bowl, and entitled the Road to the Principality as the final of each competition is being held at the famous Cardiff stadium, saw Calon Cymru defeat Powys rivals Crickhowell 43-5 in the opening knockout round, before a 55-26 quarter-final triumph over Caerphilly’s St Cenydd.
Their impressive cup run has followed on from an unbeaten East Wales North League campaign, where the school beat Ysgol Bryncelynnog 19-0, Crickhowell 43-12, Rhydywaun 12-5 and Garth Olwg 22-5 to finish with a 100 per cent record.
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