News from former pupils
The Royal Air Force Rugby Union will celebrate their centenary by honouring one of Rydal Penrhos’ greatest ever graduates.
Cardiff Blues will take on the RAF in the inaugural Bleddyn Williams Challenge at the Arms Park on Saturday, May 9, which will see men and women take the field in separate contests.
Williams, who attended Rydal School on a scholarship from a recommendation by Wilf Wooller, is regarded as one of Wales’ most gifted rugby players and was dubbed ‘The Prince of Centres’.
He attended Rydal from 14-18 years-old before earning legendary status playing in the blue and black of Cardiff RFC during the 1940s and 50s.
He captained the British Lions on their tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1950 and famously led both Cardiff and Wales to victory over the All Blacks in 1953.
During World War Two, Williams trained as a fighter pilot and later became a glider pilot, taking part in the famous Operation VARSITY.
Throughout the war years, he continued to excel at rugby both for Great Britain and the RAF.
Williams played 283 games for Cardiff and formed a formidable and world famous midfield partnership with Dr Jack Matthews, he also served as president of both Cardiff RFC and Cardiff Athletic Club.
He was the rugby union correspondent for The Sunday People for three decades following his retirement, was awarded an MBE in 2005 and died in 2009.
Rydal Penrhos holds the Bleddyn Williams Trophy over Founders’ Weekend, which is a round-robin rugby tournament featuring former pupils.
A former pupil attended a lavish royal ceremony to collect a high-profile outdoor education award.
Becky Lawton, who left the school in 2018, travelled to St James’ Palace and received her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.
The 20-year-old worked exceptionally hard throughout the thriving scheme during their time at Rydal Penrhos and completed the final stages of the award in her own time after leaving the school.
Becky made a lasting impression at Rydal Penrhos after arriving as a Year 6 pupil in 2010, with the former pupil excelling in Art and Sport on her way to some outstanding A-level results and is now studying Psychology at the University of Durham.
She adds her name to the lost list of pupils that have achieved the same feat, with current Year 13 pupil Tallulah Batley recently attaining the prestigious accolade.
Mrs Harding, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Becky was able to enjoy a well-deserved day at the Palace after successfully coming through her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award with flying colours.
A former Rugby Academy star at Rydal Penrhos achieved a significant milestone during an RGC Indigo Group Premiership fixture.
Danny Cross, who left the school in 2015, became the latest to make 100 appearances for the Gogs’ in their 15-15 home draw against Carmarthen Quins at Stadiwm Zip World in Colwyn Bay.
Cross is one of the RGC Academy’s most successful products after coming through the ranks at Rydal Penrhos, before moving on to study Sports Science at Bangor University.
He was widely regarded as one of the best young prospects anywhere in the country as a teenager thanks to a series of exceptional display for the Gogs, which earned him international recognition with the Wales U20 squad during their 2015 Six Nations campaign.
The versatile player has played a leading role in RGC’s rise to prominence from the league pyramid to the top-flight despite suffering a number of significant injuries that have hampered his progress over the years.
In addition to his exploits with the Wales U20 side, Cross also turned out for the national youth side’s U18 squad during a high-profile tour of South Africa.
This saw Cross contribute against South Africa Schools, Italy, and South Africa A to further enhance his growing reputation.
Cross is most adept operating at centre and has played a leading role at the fly-half position when called upon.
A former Rydal Penrhos pupil will be headlining two major festivals this summer with a chart-topping band.
Rob Hall is a drummer with indie sensations Catfish and the Bottlemen, who formed in Llandudno and have achieved a significant amount of success nationally and across the globe.
The group will be one of four main headline acts at this year’s Tramlines Festival alongside Ian Brown, Madness and Dizzee Rascal.
Following its first-ever sell out in 2019 and subsequently receiving the UK Festival Award for best metropolitan festival, Tramlines returns to Hillsborough Park from July 31 to August 2.
It promises to be a busy weekend for the Bottlemen, who will also headline Truck Festival that same weekend alongside Bombay Bicycle Club and The Kooks in Steventon, Oxfordshire.
They are currently in the middle of a European tour and have built their ever-growing popularity in Australia, Japan and the United States of America in recent months.
They boast a UK number one album and BRIT Award during an incredible rise to prominence.
Mr Williams, said: “Rob has been a huge part of the rise of Catfish and the Bottlemen and it promises to be another massive summer for them on the festival scene.
“Having successful former pupils doing so well in a mainstream setting serves as a great inspiration to those currently learning at Rydal Penrhos who are looking to follow in their footsteps.”