UWTSD Head of Rugby and Students Secure Prestigious Double Victory
Dr Gareth Potter, Head of Rugby at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David alongside three Academy of Sport Rugby students—Jordan Evans, Sam Potter, and Harry Thomas—celebrated an exceptional season by clinching both the League and Cup titles for Llandovery RFC.
Gareth, who serves as the attack coach for Llandovery RFC, not only led UWTSD rugby to league and cup triumphs this year but also played a crucial role in securing an historic double victory at the highest level of Welsh club rugby.
The successful collaboration between Llandovery RFC and UWTSD, formalised in July last year, has been pivotal. This partnership, which also includes Llandovery College, has facilitated the seamless transition of these players into the Indigo Premiership squad, highlighting the initiative’s success.
As Gareth looks back on the season, he said:
“It’s been an exhausting 12 months for all involved with Llandovery RFC this season, as we strove to improve on last year’s League Play off by defending that title and adding the Welsh Cup to the trophy cabinet. The boys have been on another level, and this includes a core of UWTSD students who have combined their studies and University playing commitments with their goal of playing semi-professional rugby for the Drovers.
Highlighting individual achievements, he added:
“Harry who is studying Sports Coaching & Performance has had a standout season, not only appearing in 17 matches for Llandovery but also making his regional debut for the Scarlets. Sam who is studying Physical Education has continued his development with Ammanford RFC and the Trinity team and made two appearances for us at the end of the season. Special mention must go to Jordan Evans, who is in his final year with UWTSD and is just about to complete his PGCE in Post 16 Education. He has recovered from the heartache of missing out on a spot in the team in last year’s Play Off Final to being a core member of the Llandovery squad this year and has flourished in the University environment over the last four years. It’s fantastic to see the partnership working so well”.
Lee Tregoning, Head of The UWTSD Academy of Sport stated:
“A massive congratulations to everyone at Llandovery RFC and of course to our players and Gareth. We are lucky to have someone of Gareth’s calibre here leading our rugby provision at the University and the pathway that is developing between us and Llandovery RFC and Carmarthen Quins RFC who both were successful in their bids to be part of the new Welsh EDC Semi Professional League can only be of benefit to our current and future rugby playing students.”