Llanybydder Rugby Club, located in Carmarthenshire, is grappling with significant challenges as it marks over half a century of existence. The club, once a vibrant hub of local rugby, is struggling to field a full team each week, facing a shortage of players.
Decline in Participation
Wyn Davies, a seasoned player with over a decade of experience at the club, expressed the difficulty in adapting to the situation. "It's quite difficult to take in," he remarked, highlighting the emotional toll on longstanding club members.
Club manager Nia Evans echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the club's plea for more support from the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU). “It's heartbreaking to see our numbers dwindling,” she shared, calling for greater attention to grassroots clubs. “These are the foundations of rugby talent in the region.”
Impact of COVID and Competition
The COVID-19 pandemic has played a significant role in the club's struggles, with many players either not returning to the sport or opting to join larger clubs that compete at higher levels. As a result, Evans revealed they now consistently muster about a dozen players at practice, a stark contrast to the past when they were able to field multiple teams.
Several team members, including 33-year-old Dan Jones, lamented the grim reality, saying, “Other clubs are struggling too, but we are experiencing the worst of it.” The sense of urgency has reached a boiling point as they often find themselves borrowing players from rival teams, only to face unexpected challenges, like those players not showing up.
A Lifeline for the Club
At a recent training session, 17 players attended—thanks to a social media outreach. While three new members appeared, the challenge lies in ensuring consistent availability for matches on the weekends.
Chairman Michael Wilson voiced concerns about the broader implications of their reduced membership. “With diminished numbers, injuries become more frequent as the remaining players are forced to push themselves harder,” he explained. “We compete with fewer players, causing exhaustion and increasing injury risks.”
Evans reiterated the importance of WRU’s support for grassroots initiatives, emphasizing that these clubs are vital for developing future talent for the national team. She stressed, “While we understand the WRU isn't responsible for finding players for us, we need their guidance and support.