Holyhead senior men’s rugby union side pull out of their league – but vow to return

Holyhead RUFC have announced they will not be entering the senior men’s WRU League Division 3 North (West) this season – but insist this is far from the end for the island team.

The decision to withdraw for the 2023-24 campaign is due to departures of coaches and senior players to other clubs, retiring or leaving the game because of work, travelling and other commitments.

The club said in a statement: “On saying that this is not the end for senior men’s rugby at the club, but a reset.

“To start with we are aiming to have two open training sessions each month for anyone interested in playing rugby, men or women 18 years and above of any ability from newbies to experienced players.

“We have already had interest following a fantastic weekend at the Holyhead Festival from all age groups. We are looking to build our club from the foundations to make us stronger and more sustainable for the future of the game in our town.

“So please drop us a message if you would like to get involved through volunteering at the club as there is plenty to do here or if you are an ex player interested in coaching or lacing up again and getting back on the field.”

The statement continued: “There are exciting times ahead for our club, we are looking forward to the completion of the club house, reintroduction of junior rugby, building on the success of our women’s team, rebuilding our men’s section and some other exciting opportunities so come along for the ride and be part of the future of Holyhead RFC.”

Back in September 2013, Caergybi made national headlines for all the wrong reasons when they suffered what is believed to be a Welsh record 181-0 defeat at Llanidloes in a Division Three North fixture.

However, things changed drastically for the better in the 2019-20 season as Holyhead reached the inaugural national WRU Shield semi-finals.

In the last eight, the Holy Islanders produced an all-time greatest performance to win 23-13 at Cardiff Saracens.

Having already seen off Brackla (15-5) and Llanrumney (38-5) from the south, Caergybi faced their toughest test yet at Roath Park Recreational Ground.

The WRU League 3 East Central C Sarries, who were second in their table with a 100% record of 10 straight wins, started strong favourites to beat their visitors from Division 3 North.

But tries from Ben Jordan, Mei Parry and Aron Parry, a Rhodri Parry conversion and penalty, plus three points from the boot of Owain Thomas carried the outsiders to a magnificent victory.

Sadly, the semi-final against South Gower never took place due to the worldwide pandemic forcing the season to end prematurely two weeks before the scheduled last four clash.

Ironically, Holyhead drew South Gower again in the 2021-22 Shield and beat them 34-23 at Bryn-y-Mor.

However, in the quarters, Caergybi were beaten 51-15 at Crumlin.