Dan Owen makes impact for RGC
Dan Owen in action for RGC
Dan Owen, an upper sixth pupil at the school, came on as a second half substitute for his RGC senior debut in their 30-16 Principality Premiership win at Neath
The 17-year-old is part of our Rugby Academy, which is run in partnership with RGC and the Welsh Rugby Union, and has produced a plethora of senior squad players in recent years.
Dan Owen makes a tackle for RGC
Current senior squad stars that have descended from the academy include Mei Parry, Sam Jones, Danny Cross, Joe Simpson, Efan Jones and player-coach Josh Leach.
Owen has made a total of three appearances for Mark Jones' side so far this season.
Scrum down for RGC star Dan Owen
Mr Boyd, said: “He is the latest in a long line of success stories for our academy, which has produced players of international-calibre down the years, which has been extremely pleasing.”
RGC U16 coach Dave Roberts was also full of praise for the pupil, saying: “Incredible for Dan. Well done on all the hard work.
“Premiership rugby whilst still in school is a fantastic achievement.”
Our RGC academy boys
RGC Rugby Academy players have been praised for their efforts during the summer months.
Adam Sabri, Dan Owen and Henry Davies are all part of the Junior Academy, while Nick Dundee and Euan Humphreys are members of the Junior Development Academy.
The offseason proved to be a busy one for the young hopefuls, with a rigorous training programme put in place to aid their progression.
Adam Sabri
WRU Regional Strength and Conditioning Coach Gareth Whittaker, said: “The summer period allows the boys to train as if they were full time athletes, as with no school we are able to put all our efforts into training.
“From 9am to early afternoon and the boys actually train more than the senior team, as they don’t have work commitments.
Hard at work in the school gym
“We took 23 players with the aim to then select an elite 11 athletes. It is our chance to enhance them from a physical and skills point of view, but also improve their learning. The boys attended five nutritional courses, so they understood what is needed to be a professional athlete.”
“I must also give huge praise to the parents who are the taxi service, and the support network cannot be underestimated in the whole programme."
Sean Hughes
Jack Jones and Sean Hughes, both Year 11 pupils at the school, have been invited to join RGC’s U16 programme after impressive player-coach Josh Leach, who was in attendance for our 54-0 NatWest Cup win over Hilbre High School.
Jack Jones
The talented duo will now begin training with the squad ahead of a possible selection to the Welsh Rugby Union’s latest age grade competition, which is held from December to February.
Sean is described by Mr Boyd as “the fastest boy in school”, and scored a blistering try in the cup success.
Fifteen-year-old Jack has been a part of the RGC West squad in the past and hopes make further strides with the North Wales regional development side.
Jack and Sean in action
Mr Boyd, said: “This is fantastic news for Sean and Jack, and is just reward after a fine start to the season.
“This is also significant for us as there has been no club involvement for either player, so it shows that what we are doing here with our young athletes is working."