Another triumphant season celebrated at Cardiff and Vale College Rugby Academy presentation dinner and awards
Cardiff and Vale College’s Rugby Academy has celebrated another season of international success at its fourth presentation.
The academy had its first international fixtures, with a ground-breaking tour of Japan where it represented Wales at the Sanix World Youth Tournament, coming sixth. The CAVC Rugby Academy also finished in fourth position in the Welsh Schools and Colleges A Licence league, claiming regional A Licence bragging rights.
The players also retained their title of Welsh 7s champions, and retained the WRU and Urdd 7s title. Academy captain Evan Lloyd and vice-captain Jake Beetham won their Welsh caps, paying against their French counterparts at the BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park.
Hooker Aneurin James and second row Anthony Cox played for the Welsh U19s, while Anthony will play for the Cardiff Blues A team. And Netherlands international Timon Vijn will link with the Hurricanes Academy in New Zealand to further develop his game.
The event brought together current and future players with their friends and families. They were joined by the Academy’s coaches and its supporting partners for a three course dinner and awards presentation at CAVC’s City Centre Campus.
The coveted title of Player of the Year went to captain Evan Lloyd. A Level student Evan is a regional U18 representative who closed the season a Welsh U18 international, and his hard work, dedication and drive earned him his award.
Aneurin James was crowned Players’ Player of the Year, with 90% of the vote. One of the hardest working players in the squad who was picked to represent Wales in the U19s against Japan, Aneurin is progressing on to Swansea University to study Architecture.
Breakthrough Player of the Year was Jake Thomas and Most Improved Player went to Jake Beetham. Ed Thomas was awarded for being Most Promising Player and the Strength and Conditioning Award went to Rhys Powell.
The Coaches’ Award was won by Jared Williams for the way he always puts the team first both on and off the field.
Cardiff and Vale College Principal Kay Martin said: “I was thrilled to be able to celebrate not only excellence in rugby tonight, but also excellence off the field as well.
“We are seeing Academy members progressing on to university and setting up their own businesses. Timon has a fantastic opportunity to develop his career with the Hurricanes Academy in New Zealand and we all wish him the very best with that.
“The Rugby Academy has achieved so much – along with having the life-changing experience or taking part in a tour of Japan and gaining international caps. Our aim is to ensure each player is supported and challenged to reach their potential in both rugby and in their studies and tonight demonstrated that this is happening.”
Director of Rugby Martin Fowler said: “It’s been a stand-out year, but it’s not all about what we do on the pitch; our success stories in the classroom are the most important area. Developing employable people is what we are all about and we wish the graduating squad members the very best in their next adventures – they will always be part of the CAVC rugby family and our doors will always be open.”
The CAVC Rugby Academy is one of the College’s growing number of sports academies. Made up of students from across the College, the academies provide a supportive and professional environment that combines first-class coaching and facilities with vocational or academic study, allowing people to progress in their sporting careers while studying at CAVC.