Holyhead Rugby Club men’s side a step nearer to the big return!

Holyhead Rugby Club men’s team are on their way back!

After a three-season hiatus, the Holy Islanders are working towards a return to action.

Monday night saw the club involved in a training game.

Holyhead last competed in the 2022-23 season. The decision to withdraw for the 2023-24 campaign was due to departures of coaches and senior players to other clubs, retiring or leaving the game because of work, travelling and other commitments.

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.

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.

The men plan to return to competitive action in a North Wales Cup tie against Llangefni 2nds this season.

In the meantime, Caergybi took part in a training match against Bangor University at Treborth on Monday night.

The session was broken down into scenario-based plays, then finished off with a 30 minute full match.

Holyhead RFC reported: “The brand of rugby on display was of a surprisingly high standard from the Holyhead side, especially when you take into account the lack of game time as a squad.

“The style of play was vintage Holyhead, with the side running tries in from their own 22 and playing lots of running rugby, and making plenty of big hits. Everyone certainly walked off the pitch having enjoyed themselves.

“Holyhead are grateful and wish to extend their thanks to Billy Mcbryde and the Bangor University team for the opportunity. It served as a perfect warm up game for Holyhead’s eagerly anticipated return to competitive action, with the side scheduled to play in a North Wales Cup fixture v Llangefni 2nds before the end of November.

“Thank you also to the players from our neighbouring clubs who took part to help make sure there was a full squad to utilise.

“If any new or returning players would like to get involved with Holyhead mens rugby, then training/ touch sessions take place every Wednesday 19:00 at Bryn y Mor. “

Holyhead pulled out of WRU Division 3 North West at the end of 2022-23. At the tme, the club insisted the team was not folding, but undergoing a ‘reset’.

Since then, the thriving women’s team has continued to proudly represent the club where a junior section has also been formed.