Aberystwyth RFC’s youth team are the 2025/26 Pembrokeshire & District Youth champions and received the trophy from Aled Parry, the WRU area organiser after they beat Neyland at home on Saturday.
 
The Mid Wales team has shown total commitment to the club cause by making the long journeys into Pembrokeshire to play the other seven teams in the county and winning all their games there, with a record now of, Played 13 Won 13, since they have been even more convincing at home.
 
They still have one match to go but with a massive 23-point advantage they are already winners, with Haverfordwest likely to finish second and Tenby third.
 

Hard-fought doubles completed over nearest rivals

 
Aber completed the double over both teams, beating Haverfordwest by 17-12 away on a day when there was snow, sleet and rain all the way down and then playing in conditions that were not suitable to their play, but holding on against a very good Blues’ team they recently beat 49-21 at home.
 
It was a similar story at Heywood Lane as they beat Tenby United 25-12 in a hard-fought contest and won the return match 45-19 to set up their run-in to the silverware.
 

Coaches understandably jubilant

 
Coaches Dafydd Pugh Jones. Mark Holohan and Kieran Gregory are understandably delighted by their squad’s efforts.
As Kieran told PembrokeshireSport.co.uk
“We could not have asked for more from every member of our squad, with our key players supported by the efforts of others, often the younger ones, who have had to sit on the bench or being reserves, knowing their chance could come next season.”
 
Their success has brought real memories back for coach Kieran because 15 years ago he helped Machynlleth win the Mid Wales Youth League and so knows how much it means to today’s players. He is also quick to sing the praises of the senior members of the club, with Craig Turner and Brian ‘Stackie’ Isaacs leading the way.
 
Brian told us,
“We at Aberystwyth RFC are very proud of the way our new coaches in Dafydd, Mark and Kieran have come into the fold and quickly established a youth team which plays attractive, attacking rugby based on high skill levels and commitment.
 
“Every away match demands long journeys and we have seen them fulfil every fixture to remain undefeated. They are the future of our club and so we are delighted.”
 
Aber Youth have been superbly led by second row Henry Michell, with Toby Wilcockson as vice captain, and with Mikey Whinstance an outstanding try scorer from No 8.  Harri Turnpenny and Steffan Jones have also been amongst the points whilst Deri Gwynn has also been in fine form as flanker, showing the kind of rugby talent that has seen his brother Deian as captain of the Welsh Under 20 team this season.






 

High praise from League organiser Ken Davies – and one challenge now left

 
League organiser Ken Davies was quick to congratulate Aberystwyth on their achievement.
“Aber have been superbly organised, have played every match without any postponements, despite the distances travelled, and I have their results and scorers by 5pm every Saturday without fail. They are a great example to some other clubs in the league - and they deserve their success.”
 
But there is still one more challenge for Aberystwyth RFC Youth because they face old rivals Haverfordwest in the Youth Cup Final, which is scheduled to be played at Heywood Lane, Tenby, on Friday Evening, 24th April - which should be a cracking contest if both teams play to their full potential!
 
Current League Table:
 
Club                                        P          W        L         Pts
 
Aberystwyth                            13        13        0          63
Haverfordwest                         11          8        3          40
Tenby United                           12          7        5          36
Crymych                                  10          5        5          26
Neyland                                   12          5        7          26
Narberth                                  12          5        7          26
Pembroke                                12          2        9          13
Fishguard & Goodwick            11          1       10           6