Teams from across the region competed at the Cardiff Arms Park this week, as over 900 players took to the pitch for the finals of the Cardiff Cup and Gwalia Cup competitions.
Pontyclun were the standout club, winning the U12 and U16 Boys Cups and reaching four finals in total, including two runner-up finishes. Penarth won two Plate titles, and Pontypridd, Cardiff Quins, and Treorchy each claimed individual age-group titles in a competitive Finals Day.
Widely considered one of the largest junior club rugby competitions in Wales, the event brought together players, coaches, volunteers, officials, families, and supporters for a memorable celebration of the grassroots game. The competition continues to play a vital role in promoting participation across all age groups, with both the boys’ and girls’ competitions taking place across five days.
With 21 finals taking place, including a dramatic “10-game Super Saturday”, the Cardiff Cup and Gwalia Cup also provided young players with the opportunity to experience playing at the iconic Cardiff Arms Park.
In the Girls’ competitions, Chargers edged Falcons 19-15 in an entertaining U14 Girls Gwalia Bowl final, while Cardiff Quins produced a superb attacking display to defeat Nelson Belles 50-17 and lift the U12 Girls Gwalia Cup. Mid Wales Kites were also impressive winners in the U12 Girls Gwalia Bowl, overcoming Red Kites 48-12.
One of the closest contests of the weekend came in the U12 Girls Gwalia Plate final, where Chargers and Knights-Jesters could not be separated after a thrilling 22-22 draw. Knights-Jesters were ultimately awarded the title after scoring the first try of the match.
In the Boys’ competitions, Pontyclun enjoyed a memorable Finals Day with success in both the U12 Boys Cup and U16 Boys Cup competitions. Their U12 side claimed a convincing 42-14 victory over Mountain Ash, while the U16 team defeated St Albans 32-14 to secure another trophy for the club.
Pontypridd were crowned U15 Boys Cup champions following a hard-fought 22-14 victory against Whitchurch, while Cardiff Quins added another title to their successful weekend with a 24-14 win over Pontyclun in the U17 Boys Cup final.
There was also success for Pontycun in the U14 Boys Cup, overcoming Clwb Rygbu Caerdydd 24-10, while Pontyclun’s excellent weekend continued with strong performances throughout the competition.
The success of Finals Day would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of the clubs, coaches, volunteers, match officials, supporters, staff, and partners who continue to support and grow the junior game across the region.
Cardiff Rugby would like to congratulate all teams who reached Finals Day and thank everyone involved in making the Cardiff Cup and Gwalia Cup another outstanding celebration of grassroots rugby.
Cardiff Cup & Gwalia Cup Finals Results
Girls Finals
U14 Girls Gwalia Bowl: Falcons 15-19 Chargers
U12 Girls Gwalia Cup: Cardiff Quins 50-17 Nelson Belles
U12 Girls Gwalia Bowl: Mid Wales Kites 48-12 Red Kites
U12 Girls Gwalia Plate: Chargers 22-22 Knights-Jesters (Knights-Jesters awarded winners after scoring first try)
Boys Cup Finals
U12 Boys Cup: Pontyclun 42-14 Mountain Ash
U13 Boys Cup: Clwb Rygbi Caerdydd 15-26 Pontyclun
U14 Boys Cup: Clwb Rygbu Caerdydd 10-24 Pontycun
U15 Boys Cup: Pontypridd 22-14 Whitchurch
U16 Boys Cup: Pontyclun 32-14 St Albans
U17 Boys Cup: Cardiff Quins 24-14 Pontyclun
Boys Bowl Finals
U12 Boys Bowl: CRICC 22-14 Pentyrch
U13 Boys Bowl: Abercynon 34-0 Aberdare
U14 Boys Bowl: St Peters 47-0 Barry
U15 Boys Bowl: Builth Wells 19-10 Llantrisant
U16 Boys Bowl: Llantwit Fardre 34-28 Cefn Coed
Boys Plate Finals
U12 Boys Plate: Old Penarthians 32-14 Penygraig
U13 Boys Plate: Merthyr 14-28 Llanishen
U14 Boys Plate: Penarth 34-28 Pentyrch
U15 Boys Plate: Abercwmboi 33-29 St Peters
U16 Boys Plate: Rhiwbina 19-23 Penarth
U17 Boys Plate: Beddau 0-34 Treorchy