'Birthplace of Welsh Rugby' threatened with closure

In debt to the tune of £1 million, Wales’ most-prestigious rugby school is under threat of closure.

Llandovery College has played a huge role in developing the next generation of Welsh rugby players, and has also had the Springboks hottest star, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, through its doors as an exchange student.

More than 50 Wales internationals, earning over 550 caps between them, have studied at the College, including Scarlets great George North and Wales’ most-capped player, Alun Wyn Jones.

The college was also home to Scarlets rugby legend and ex-pupil Carwyn James who returned to Llandovery as a master from 1956-1968, including coaching the first XV rugby team.

But despite its outstanding reputation, pupil numbers have fallen and a hike in VAT has also hit the Carmarthenshire-based school hard.

As its closest regional team, Scarlets have enjoyed a particularly close relationship, benefitting from the conveyor belt of talent coming through the College.

Wales Under-20 internationals Carwyn Leggatt-Jones, who has just been awarded a senior contract by Scarlets, Will Evans, and Yestyn Cook – currently representing Wales at the World Rugby U20 Championship in Georgia – are the latest products of the College’s rugby programme.

It remains the cornerstone of the club’s elite development programme, and the Scarlets have pledged to do what they can to support the 178-year-old institution, which has received £480,000 in local pledges.

After paying the College a special visit on the last day term, Scarlets Director of Rugby Nigel Davies reinforced how big a role Llandovery plays in Welsh rugby and Scarlets rugby.

“Llandovery College occupies a special place in Welsh rugby. It has built an outstanding reputation for developing exceptional young people as well as exceptional rugby players, and it continues to play a vital role within our player pathway,” he said.

“Three of our Scarlets U20s players, currently competing in the current Junior World Championships in Georgia all benefitted from this pathway and partnership. Just last season we saw Carwyn Leggatt-Jones make his Scarlets debut while still studying for his A-levels at Llandovery College and there are a number of other hugely talented Llandovery players who are currently part of our Academy.

“The rugby programme provides these young players with an elite sporting environment to prepare them for the demands of professional rugby and the College continues to play a critical role as part of our pathway.

“Our relationship with Llandovery College is incredibly important to Scarlets. We are proud of what we have achieved together and remain fully committed to building on that partnership for many years to come. We are here today to show our support for Llandovery College’s future.”