The Super Rygbi Cymru season kicks off for Carmarthen Quins this Saturday, 14th September, against Swansea RFC at Carmarthen Park.
A new-look competition replaces the Indigo Premiership, with ten teams competing for the SRC trophy, shield and cup in the 2024/25 season.
With Carmarthen Quins celebrating 150 years of rugby history in the town this season, the new league is all about developing the future generations of talent. An opportunity for younger players to play at a higher level and bridging the gap between the community and professional game.
Flanker Tom Phillips is also embarking on a new-look ‘hybrid’ role for the forthcoming season – player, captain and coach. Phillips joins head coach Lyndon Lewis and fellow assistant coach Peter Edwards, on the management team.
He has coaching experience with Scarlets’ age-grade sides, National League side Kidwelly RFC and is now member of the Scarlets Academy coaching team. He developed through Scarlets Academy, joining as a 16-year-old, and went on to captain Scarlets at all age-grade levels as well as Wales at U18s and, memorably, the U20s to a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2016.
Looking ahead to the start of Super Rygbi Cymru, Phillips said;
“We’ve got a much younger squad this year and we’re hoping to give them opportunities to play in this new competition. It’s just about giving boys exposure.
“I’ve had the pleasure over the last ten years to play in what was the old Indigo Prem with Llanelli, and now with Quins. It’s good to see young players coming through, and players coming down from the regional game to help the youngsters.
“It’s a fulfilling sort of competition where everyone grows.”
Carmarthen Quins is investing in the club’s future talent with some exciting young players making their senior debuts in the SRC this season, with 14 of the squad still in their teens.
Phillips went on to say; “We’ve got a good group of boys that want to help the youngsters. I appreciate that some do come in green, and they’re not the finished article straight away, but in six months, a year, two years’ time, you’re going to have really good players. If we can work towards that and help those younger players, it can only benefit the club and Welsh rugby.”
On his combined role as player, captain and coach, he said; “It’s a hybrid role and new this year. After having a conversation with the coaching staff and players, my main priority on a matchday will be playing.
“I still enjoy playing. I realise I’m probably at the latter end of my playing career, so I take every game as it comes now and enjoy it.”
Carmarthen Quins v Swansea, Saturday 14th September kick-off 2.30pm at Carmarthen Park.
Entry is £12 adults, £8 concession, and all under 16s free.
