Ricky Guest became assistant coach to Liam Ladd for Narberth RFC’s difficult previous season but even when they looked strong candidates for relegation, he held a firm belief that The Otters would survive – and several members of that team praised him to PembrokeshireSport.co.uk about the fact that his belief in them never wavered.

And we can vouch for that fact because in a chance chat when they were in deep trouble Ricky offered me a £10 bet on them retaining their status – and when he won my tenner because they battled so hard to stay up, he sportingly let this old fogey off the hook!
 

Loved it at The Lewis Lloyd Ground from the outset

“I joined Narberth RFC as a player/coach in June 2023 and was immediately made welcome as we became champions of the Championship (West) league in the 23/24 season. We retained premiership status in 24/25 after a titanic battle against some very strong teams. Now I have been appointed as head coach for the forthcoming 25/26 season.”

“It is a big challenge but I am delighted with my coaching team, which has former Narberth boy Lloyd Phillips as the Level Four defence and contact coach – after previous experience with Welsh Exiles, Laugharne and as head of sport at Llandovery College.

“Matt Jess is the attack coach and was already well known at the Lewis Lloyd Ground after playing for Exeter Chiefs and Penzance before turning to coaching with Cornish Pirates, where he also held a Level Four badge.- and then there’s Matthew ‘Snowy’ John, who did great work last season, not only in coaching but as a try-scoring three-quarter when we needed him to play. Originally from Haverfordwest, he played in the Welsh Premiership for several seasons with Bedwas, Cardiff and most recently with Carmarthen Quins. He will be the fitness and player welfare coach.
 

A varied coaching journey

“My coaching path has been quite different I suppose. I did my level 1&2 by 2009 during my injured periods. I then carried out my level 3 whilst playing for Swansea RFC in 2017 and I started young as I coached Mynydd Mawr under15s in 2008 & 2009. Then I went to referee when I was injured, and did a fair few youth, ladies and seconds’ games.

“I then went back to coaching Scarlets Ladies in 2019, then Scarlets Boys U18s in 2020. Then the call came from Narberth in April 2023 and that’s where I remain. Finally, I had a good two years an assistant to Liam Gadd who I learnt a fair bit off in fairness, and will for-ever be thankful for the opportunity and by now I’ve stepped up to replace Liam as he moves on to Swansea RFC.

 

Junior and memorable youth times

“I started my junior career in my home club of Pontyates RFC at under10 level and eventually moved to Tumble RFC under16s, where I played one year at u16’s and then one year of youth there. My first coach was Paul Rowlands, who had  a lot to do with the success of many of that side in the early days. Darren Allison and Nick Cudd became pro players, Nathan Maddocks played for Wales’ rugby league in his age grade, whilst Mathew Evans and I also played for Wales Age Grade.

“I then captained Scarlets under 16’s in 2005, Scarlets under18’s in 2007 and the Scarlets under 20’s in 2009 as I grew in experience and enjoyed the extra role alongside my own playing.

“I was lucky enough to represent Wales A at under16 level and then was thrilled to be promoted to Wales under 16s in 2005.  I then represented Wales U18’s three times in 2006 and captained Wales U18s in four games in 2007. We beat England, Italy and Ireland but lost to Scotland, who had giant second rower in Ritchie Gray in their ranks.
 

Enjoyed The Scarlets and the other teams I joined

“I started my senior career at 17 in September 2006 for Llanelli RFC against Maesteg RFC in Stradey Park - and I had three years with The Scarlets Academy and Llanelli RFC on dual to Felinfoel and Llangennech but had a load of shoulder injuries; four reconstructions in fact!  I was then released by Llanelli but had the consolation that at the time I was the youngest player to represent Llanelli since Barry John!

“I then played a few games for Llangennech and then signed for Aberavon but that was short and sweet (6 months). From there I went to Carmarthen Quins for three and a half  years, had three years in Swansea and six years with Llandovery as my senior experience grew.
 

The ups and downs of rugby

Like most rugby players I have known the ups and downs of the game, and the former include the most amazing fellowship I enjoyed when we were winning the Indigo Premiership for Llandovery in my last ever semi-professional game at the Arms Park, surrounded by my family. Representing Wales age grade and being honoured with the captaincy was also amazing.  Then there was helping The Otters in winning the League Championship (West)  in 23/24 is also right up there because of the joy shared by the players and our supporters, who are an amazing bunch.

“Missing the opportunity to captain Wales in the 2009 U20s junior World Cup in Japan because of a shoulder injury must be the top major disappointment because I had worked so hard at improving my play as a hooker, especially with regard to my throwing, which certainly wasn’t my best skill, so I spent a lot of time with Robin McBryde and Euros Evans in the early days. I worked on it for hours with both of them and I still regard them as real good men who I have the utmost respect for who I keep in touch with if I ever need some advice.”

“But with just a week before we were due to fly out, I sustained a nasty shoulder injury and I knew that was the end of things at that level – although I had the later consolation of still being able to play, albeit at a slightly lower level.

“Another was losing to Cardiff in a Welsh cup semi-final at the Gnoll where they cleaned us out at the set-pieces and we knew we could have done better – but rugby is great for learning by mistakes and the next time we played them we actually won!
 

Other Sports

“I took part in martial arts in my early days; in Ju Jitsu and Aikido, where I have a black belt. I followed my dad into martial arts because he also holds a black belt in aikido. I was nine when I started out and worked hard to achieve my grades before achieving the coveted black belt when I was 16, but then I had to focus on my rugby so it had to take a back seat – although it was great because I learned a great deal about self-discipline and doing things the right way, which I feel are help in my rugby today.

“Like a lot of rugby players, I also did a lot of weight-lifting as a means of gaining the necessary upper-body strength for the front row.

“I ran the London Marathon in April - but: never again! I suppose, like a lot of others who have never trained as runners, the idea had been there as a challenge for when I finished playing rugby – so then recently in a very stupid moment I entered the London Marathon ballot, not thinking for a second I would be accepted, and got in. So, I turned up in April looking to enjoy the whole experience and must admit it was a hell of a day, with the special atmosphere before the start, then the crowds around the course, but as I said earlier . . . NEVER AGAIN! I completed the ‘torture’ in 6 hours 8 minutes and I couldn’t believe how tough it was – and just walking for a while afterwards was agony. So, in future I’ll enjoy watching – on telly!
 

Family Matters

“My partner Enfys deserves all the credit for sorting all out family out, especially me! out. Our children are Lili (7) who lives and breathes rugby and isn’t afraid to give a few words of advice, even including how to shout at opposing players from behind the posts! She already loved to come to training sessions with me and I’m betting on her taking up the game as she gets older because she loves it -  Oli (6)  who has already got involved in football and it looks as if he will start playing rugby this season – and all three of us are lucky to have Enfys behind us!

“In my younger days the big influences in my life were my parents, Llinos and Des, who gave me total support and my uncle Myrddin always shared wise words, which I suppose I needed back then!
 

And finally . . .

“I’d like to win the Welsh Cup with Narberth RFC. How good would it be seeing the line of buses from Narberth going to the Principality Stadium? I would like then to ensure the club has a sustainable pathway model to ensure we remain the top club in Pembrokeshire with a clear pathway to the SRC league. In other words, a clear retention strategy from Juniors to Youth, to Athletic to First team. 

“Personally,  I would like to coach at the highest level possible. Outside of rugby, to be the best friend to my children by ensuring they grow into the best people they can be.” 

Editor’s Note:
 
It was refreshing to chat to Ricky Guest because he was very forthright and honest in what he had to say. He is a realist who is aware of the challenges of playing at such a high level – and if dedication and belief in doing things right are anything to go by we are confident that The Otters are in good hands for this season – and we wish Ricky and his players every success for 2025/26!