Welsh Varsity 2019

VARSITY CYMRU 2019 / 1

welshvarsity.com

CARDIFF UNIVERSITY PRIFYSGOL CAERDYDD

V

SWANSEA UNIVERSITY PRIFYSGOL ABERTAWE

VARSITY CYMRU 2019 / 3

CONTENTS CYNNWYS 5

Running order Trefn y Rhaglen

6

elcome from the Vice W Chancellor, Cardiff University Croeso oddi wrth Is-ganghellor, Prifysgol Caerdydd

7 Welcome from the Registrar and Chief Operating Officer, Swansea University Croeso oddi wrth Gofrestrydd a Phrif Swyddog Gweithredu, Prifysgol Abertawe 8 Welcome from the Cardiff University VP Sport & Athletic Union President Croeso oddi wrth IL Chwaraeon a Llywydd Undeb Athletaidd Caerdydd 9 Welcome from the Swansea University Sports Officer Croeso oddi wrth Swyddog Chwaraeon Prifysgol Abertawe 10-11 Cardiff University Head Coach, Alun Wyn Davies Prif Hyfforddwr Prifysgol Caerdydd, Alun Wyn Davies 12-13 Siwan Lillicrap Head of Rugby,Swansea University Siwan Lillicrap Pennaeth Rygbi, Prifysgol Abertawe

15 Cardiff University Ladies’ Rugby Squad Carfan Rygbi Merched Prifysgol Caerdydd 17 Swansea University Ladies’ Rugby Squad Carfan Rygbi Merched Prifysgol Abertawe 19 Cardiff University Men’s Rugby Squad Carfan Rygbi Dynion Prifysgol Caerdydd 21 BUCS 100 Years of Sport Canmlwyddiant o Chwaraeon BUCS 22 Swansea University Men’s Rugby Squad Carfan Rygbi Dynion Prifysgol Abertawe 24 The Welsh Varsity Shield Challenge Her Tarian Farsiti Cymru 28 The History of Welsh Varsity Hanes Farsiti Cymru 30 The Hall Of Fame Oriel yr Enwogion

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FARSITI CYMRU 2019 / 5

RUNNING ORDER TREFN Y RHAGLEN 16:00 GATES OPEN GATIAU’N AGOR

Y 17:25 SECOND HALF AIL HANNER

16:30

17: 10

18:30

18:05

LADIES’ RUGBY KICK OFF CIC GYCHWYN RYGBI’R MERCHED

VARSITY SHIELD PRESENTATION CYFLWYNO TARIAN FARSITI

HALF TIME HANNER AMSER

FINAL WHISTLE CHWIBAN OLAF

19:05

MEN’S RUGBY KICK OFF CIC GYCHWYN RYGBI’R DYNION

19:45

HALF TIME FEATURING CARDIFF SNAKECHARMERS AND SWANSEA SIRENS HANNER AMSER GYDA SNAKECHARMERS CAERDYDD A SIRENS ABERTAWE

20:00 SECOND HALF AIL HANNER

20:40 FINAL WHISTLE CHWIBAN OLAF

20:45

VARSITY CUP PRESENTATION CYFLWYNO CWPAN FARSITI

6 / WELSH VARSITY 2019

WELCOME CROESO Professor / Yr Athro Colin Riordan President and Vice Chancellor, Cardifff University | Llywydd ac Is-ganghellor, Prifysgol Caerdydd.

Welcome to Welsh Varsity, the biggest student sporting event in Wales and a highlight in the academic calendar for Cardiff and Swansea universities.

Croeso i Farsiti Cymru, y digwyddiad chwaraeon mwyaf i fyfyrwyr yng Nghymru, ac uchafbwynt calendr academaidd prifysgolion Caerdydd ac Abertawe.

To be selected to compete in one the many teams is a great achievement. You have balanced your demanding studies with training at the highest level and I congratulate each of you who are taking part.

Mael cael eich dethol i gystadlu yn un o’r chwaraeon amrywiol yn llwyddiant anferthol. Rydych chi wedi llwyddo i gydbwyso eich astudiaethau gyda hyfforddiant ar y lefel uchaf, a hoffwn longyfarch pob un sy’n cymryd rhan.

The tournament returns to Cardiff this year and I would like to thank all of the many staff, students and partners involved in the organisation and running of the event and for contributing to its success.

I’m proud to see that Welsh Varsity sports teams will again be supporting Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign to send the important message that discrimination has no place in sport today.

Varsity has a long and rich history and this is your opportunity to be part of it. I wish all competitors a safe and fair competition and the best of luck.

Spectators, please enjoy the sporting action in good spirit and with respect.

Mae’r twrnamaint yn dychwelyd i Gaerdydd eleni a hoffwn ddiolch i’r holl staff, myfyrwyr a phartneriaid a gymerodd rhan yn trefnu a chynnal y digwyddiad ac am gyfrannu at lwyddiant y digwyddiad.

Rwyf yn falch iawn i weld bod timoedd chwaraeon Farsiti Cymru yn cefnogi’r ymgyrch Lasys Enfys Stonewall unwaith eto i ddanfon y neges bwysig nad oes lle i wahaniaethu mewn chwaraeon heddiw.

Mae gan Farsiti hanes hir a chyfoethog a dyma eich cyfle chi i fod yn rhan ohono. Hoffwn ddymuno cystadleuaeth ddiogel a theg i bob cystadleuydd. Pob lwc i chi gyd. Gefnogwyr, mwynhewch wrth wylio’r chwaraeon mewn ysbryd da a chyda pharch.

FARSITI CYMRU 2019 / 7

WELCOME CROESO Andrew Rhodes Registrar And Chief Operating Officer, Swansea University / Cofrestrydd a Phrif Swyddog Gweithredu, Prifysgol Abertawe.

Welsh Varsity is Wales’ biggest celebration of sport and gives two of our nation’s greatest universities the chance to meet in the spirit of friendly competition.

Farsiti Cymru yw dathliad chwaraeon mwyaf Cymru ac mae’n rhoi’r cyfle i ddwy o oreuon prifysgolion ein cenedl i gwrdd yn enw cystadleuaeth gyfeillgar.

Varsity is an enduring highlight in the academic calendar, and generates a great deal of excitement amongst our student population as events build towards the much-anticipated main events, the ladies and men’s rugby matches, this year to be held in Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. I trust our students will be excellent ambassadors for Swansea and respect the local community as they amass in the capital this year.

Mae Farsiti yn uchafbwynt yn y calendr academaidd, ac mae’n cynhyrchu llawer o gyffro ymysg poblogaeth ein myfyrwyr wrth i ddigwyddiadau arwain tuag at y prif ddigwyddiadau hir ddisgwyliedig, gemau rygbi’r merched a dynion, a fydd yn cael eu cynnal yn Stadiwm Principality Caerdydd. Rydw i’n ymddiried y bydd ein myfyrwyr yn llysgenhadon gwych i Abertawe ac y byddant yn parchu’r gymuned leol wrth iddynt ymgasglu yn y brifddinas eleni.

I am in awe of our students, who give everything to their rigorous training schedules whilst at the same time committing to their studies. It is no mean feat, and we can take inspiration from their drive and determination.

Rydw i wedi fy syfrdanu gan ein myfyrwyr, sy’n rhoi popeth i’w hamserlenni llym ac ymrwymo i’w hastudiaethau ar yr un pryd. Nid yw’n dasg hawdd, a gallwn gymryd ysbrydoliaeth gan eu gwaith caled a’i hargyhoeddiad.

At Swansea University we are continually seeking to evolve and we are particularly committed to championing inclusivity. It is therefore heartening to see that Welsh Varsity is again supporting the Rainbow Laces campaign.

Ym Mhrifysgol Abertawe rydym yn ceisio esblygu yn barhaol ac rydym wedi ymrwymo at hyrwyddo cynwysoldeb yn arbennig. Mae felly mae’n galonogol gweld Farsiti Cymru yn cefnogi’r ymgyrch Lasys Enfys unwaith eto.

We congratulate our students on their achievement in representing their universities for this Welsh Varsity 2019 and we wish all participants the best of luck for a spirited yet safe event.

Rydym yn llongyfarch ein myfyrwyr ar eu llwyddiant yn cynrychioli eu prifysgolion ar gyfer Farsiti Cymru 2019 ac rydym yn dymuno pob lwc i bob cyfranogwr ar gyfer digwyddiad llawn hwyl a diogel.

8 / WELSH VARSITY 2019

WELCOME CROESO Georgie Haynes Cardiff University Students’ Union VP Sports and Athletic President / IL Chwaraeon a Llywydd Undeb Athletaidd Caerdydd.

Croeso! I am so honoured to welcome you all to Cardiff for the 2019 Welsh Varsity. Today will see the majority of our teams competing in venues all across the city, culminating with both Men’s and Ladies Rugby fixtures in the spectacular Principality Stadium.

It’s been such a privilege to be Athletic Union President this year.

Varsity is a fantastic showcase of student sport, and our clubs have been training hard all year.

I’m so excited to see what Team Cardiff have to offer! I have every confidence they will do us all proud and rise to the occasion.

This event is a highlight of the year for so many students, however it would not be possible without the tireless work of the

Athletic Union Team, and so I would also like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been involved this year. Both at Cardiff and Swansea, Varsity would not be the same without your efforts.

Wherever you are, please give our Cardiff athletes a big cheer.

Whether you are competing or spectating, I hope you all enjoy the fantastic spectacle of student sport here in the Welsh Capital. #TEAMCARDIFF Croeso! Mae’n anrhydedd gennyf i’ch croesawu chi gyd i Gaerdydd ar gyfer Farsiti Cymru 2019. Heddiw byddwn yn gweld mwyafrif o dimau Caerdydd ac Abertawe yn cystadlu mewn lleoliadau ar draws y ddinas, yn

arwain tuag at gemau Rygbi’r Dynion a Merched yn Stadiwm y Principality.

Mae wedi bod yn gymaint o fraint i fod yn Llywydd ar yr Undeb Athletaidd eleni. Mae Farsiti yn arddangosiad ffantastig o chwaraeon myfyrwyr, ac mae ein clybiau wedi bod yn hyfforddi yn galed drwy’r flwyddyn. Rydw i mor gyffrous i weld beth sydd gan Dîm Caerdydd i’w gynnig! Mae gen i bob hyder y byddant yn ein gwneud ni gyd yn falch iawn ac yn arddangos eu doniau.

Mae’r digwyddiad yn uchafbwynt mewn blwyddyn i sawl myfyriwr, fodd bynnag ni fyddai’n bosib heb waith diflino Tîm yr Undeb Athletaidd, ac felly fe hoffwn i hefyd gymryd y cyfle hwn i ddweud diolch anferthol i bawb sydd wedi bod ynghlwm â’r digwyddiad eleni. Yng Nghaerdydd ac yn Abertawe, ni fyddai Farsiti yr un peth heb eich ymdrechion chi.

Lle bynnag ydych chi, dangoswch eich cefnogaeth i athletwyr Caerdydd. Os ydych chi’n cystadlu neu yn cefnogi, rydw i’n gobeithio y gwnewch chi gyd fwynhau’r wledd o chwaraeon myfyrwyr yma ym Mhrif Ddinas Cymru. #TÎMCAERDYDD

FARSITI CYMRU 2019 / 9

WELCOME CROESO Sophie Hargreaves Swansea University Students’ Union Sports Officer / Swyddog Chwaraeon Undeb Myfyrwyr Prifysgol Abertawe

Today is a huge highlight in Swansea students’ calendars and the biggest student event in Wales. We’ve been working hard with all the players and captains over the last few months to make it the best year yet.

800 students are coming together to showcase the best of student sport and with our Green and White Army support behind us, we can showcase our sports and celebrate Swansea.

Being fortunate enough to play on the day, I know the excitement Varsity brings to students and the sense of achievement it brings to the athletes. Seeing all the hard work building up to this day has been exciting and it’s been an honour, as Sports Officer, to be a part of it.

I can’t wait to see the wide variety of sports Swansea Uni has to offer as we battle it out to win the Varsity Shield again. #GWA19 Heddiw yw’r digwyddiad mwyaf i fyfyrwyr yng Nghymru, ac mae’n uchafbwynt anferthol yng nghalendr myfyrwyr Abertawe.

Rydyn ni wedi bod yn gweithio’n galed gyda’r holl chwaraewyr a chapteiniaid dros y misoedd diwethaf i sicrhau’r flwyddyn orau eto.

Heddiw bydd 800 o fyfyrwyr yn dod yng nghyd i arddangos y goreuon ymysg chwaraeon myfyrwyr a gydag ein byddin yn eu gwyrdd a’u gwyn yn ein cefnogi ni, gallwn ddangos ein doniau chwaraeon a dathlu Abertawe.

Drwy fod yn ddigon ffodus o gael chwarae ar y diwrnod, rydw i’n ymwybodol o’r cyffro mae’r Farsiti yn ei greu ymysg myfyrwyr a’r ymdeimlad o lwyddiant y mae’n ei roi i athletwyr. Mae gweld yr holl waith caled yn arwain at y diwrnod hwn wedi bod yn hynod gyffrous ac mae wedi bod yn fraint, fel Swyddog Chwaraeon, i fod yn rhan ohono.

Dydw i ddim yn gallu aros i weld yr amrywiaeth eang o chwaraeon sydd gan Brifysgol Abertawe i’w gynnig wrth i ni frwydro i geisio ennill y Darian Farsiti unwaith eto! #GWA19

10 / WELSH VARSITY 2019

IT’S BEEN A POSITIVE YEAR

It’s been a positive year for Cardiff University RFC. Promotion to BUCS Super Rugby last season and finishing 8th with two games in hand is a testament to the hard work from all of the players and staff to enable us to compete in this fantastic, elite league. The lads also progressed to the Quarterfinals of the Cup against Exeter on the journey to Twickenham for the final, which no team has achieved on promotion to BUCS Super Rugby. Personally, I’m blown away by the commitment of the players and staff and their hard work to date in achieving what so many said would never happen. I’m hugely proud of the squad and club.

It’s great that the Ladies squad are also playing in the Principality today. The Principality has the ability to host two games which of course is not possible at the Liberty. The girls have had a brilliant season going undefeated on their march to the BUCS Div 1 title.

Tough playoff games await but I am sure that they

will continue their great form though to the end of the long season and in Varsity today.

We head back home to the Principality in April, retaining the Varsity Cup for the last 2 years as we look to attempt a 3rd. Swansea come to the national stadium in a fine vain of form progressing to 2nd in the Premiership A, a very competitive league. The Welsh Varsity is a celebration of the season in all sports as well as rewarding the players that have fought for the clubs all season. We have been together as a squad of 34 since July 2018. A select few have had the nod for today. I’m sure Swansea have done the same and reward the players that have fought and played through the Prem A rounds this season.

We wish all of the players and staff and importantly the supporters a great day and I’m looking forward to seeing both teams express themselves on the field and show the high levels of skills that BUCS rugby has to offer.

I hope you enjoy the game.

Alun Wyn Davies Head of Rugby

FARSITI CYMRU 2019 / 11

MAE WEDI BOD YN FLWYDDYN GADARNHAOL Mae wedi bod yn flwyddyn gadarnhaol i Glwb Rygbi Prifysgol Caerdydd. Mae’r ffaith ein bod ni wedi cael ein huwchraddio i Super Rugby BUCS tymor diwethaf a gorffen yn yr 8fed safle gyda dwy gêm i fynd yn brawf o’r holl waith caled gan yr holl chwaraewyr a staff er mwyn ein galluogi ni i gystadlu yn y gynghrair o safon uchel hon. Mae’r bechgyn hefyd wedi symud ymlaen i’r Rownd Gogynderfynol o’r Gwpan yn erbyn Caerwysg ar y daith i Twickenham ar gyfer y Rownd Derfynol, rhywbeth nad oes unrhyw dîm wedi llwyddo ei wneud ar ddyrchafiad i Super Rugby BUCS. Yn bersonol, rydw wedi cael fy syfrdanu gan ymroddiad y chwaraewyr a staff a’u gwaith caled hyd yn hyn wrth lwyddo gwneud yr hyn y dywedodd llawer na fyddai’n bosibl. Rydw i yn hynod falch o’r garfan a’r clwb.

Mae’n wych fod carfan y merched hefyd yn chwarae yn y Principality heddiw. Mae gan Stadiwm y Principality y gallu i gynnal dwy gêm, sydd ddim yn bosibl yn Stadiwm Liberty. Mae’r merched wedi cael tymor gwych a heb gael eu gorchfygu ar eu taith tuag at deitl Adran 1 BUCS. Mae gemau ail gyfle anodd ar y gweill ond rydw i’n siŵr y byddant yn parhau i fod yn llwyddiannus hyd ddiwedd y tymor hir ac yn Farsiti heddiw.

Rydym yn dychwelyd yn ôl i’r Principality ym mis Ebrill, wedi i ni godi Cwpan Farsiti am y 2 flynedd diwethaf ac rydym yn gobeithio gwneud hynny am y 3ydd tro eleni. Mae Abertawe yn dod i’r stadiwm genedlaethol mewn safle cryf yn symud ymlaen i’r 2il safle ym Mhencampwriaeth A, cynghrair hynod gystadleuol. Mae Farsiti Cymru yn ddathliad i bob chwaraeon yn ogystal â gwobrwyo’r holl chwaraewyr sydd wedi brwydro ar gyfer y clybiau drwy gydol y tymor. Rydyn ni wedi bod gyda’n gilydd fel carfan o 34 ers mis Gorffennaf 2018. Dim ond y dethol rhai sydd wedi cael eu dewis i chwarae heddiw. Dwi’n siŵr fod Abertawe wedi gwneud yr un peth ac wedi gwobrwyo’r chwaraewyr sydd wedi ymladd drwy rowndiau Cynghrair A y tymor hwn.

Rydym yn dymuno y caiff yr holl chwaraewyr a staff ac yn bwysicach fyth y cefnogwyr ddiwrnod gwych ac rydw i yn edrych ymlaen at weld y ddau dîm yn mynegi eu hunain ar y cae ac yn dangos y lefelau uchel o sgiliau sydd gan rygbi BUCS i’w gynnig.

Rydw i’n gobeithio y gwnewch chi fwynhau’r gêm.

Alun Wyn Davies Pennaeth Rygbi

12 / WELSH VARSITY 2019

A CHANCE TO DO SOMETHING SPECIAL We encourage all players to go out onto the field and put on the green and white suit of armour like it is the last time they are going to wear it, look at the badge and think of all the great memories that it has given them, take the opportunity to finish this year on a high with their University family.

Varsity is the biggest sporting highlight for any player during their time at University. These are the sorts of games that aspiring players dream about playing in. A huge crowd, an enormous occasion and a chance to do something special that will be remembered by friends and family.

This year we return to the home of Welsh Rugby; the Principality Stadium, and for the second time ever the Women’s Fixture will take place in the same venue as the men. This is a huge leap in the right direction for equality in University Rugby. Both teams have had ups and downs throughout the year but that’s the nature of Sport. We have come up against some tough defeats and had some outstanding wins; but both squads are better and stronger. From those experiences the second half of the season has been outstanding for both squads with the Men reaching Super Rugby Playoffs and the Women reaching the Vase Final.

The commitment and professionalism displayed throughout this season by all players and management involved in University Rugby has been excellent. I can assure you that all players are keen to demonstrate their commitment, hard work and desire today in an attempt to bring both cups back to where they belong.

A big thank you to all staff that have made every session possible, believed in our vision and given players the best opportunity to succeed today. A special mention goes out to Hugh Gustafson, Neil Wood, Kelsey Jones, Gareth Beer, Ethan Kenny and Terry Stone who have dedicated a lot of time, commitment and energy this year and have taken the teams to new levels of professionalism.

Finally, a big thanks to our principle sponsors DELL EMC and Circle IT, all our supporters and suppliers for your continued efforts and generosity today and throughout the season, not only from me but from all players and management.

Be proud to be Swansea, be proud to be green and white and get behind our teams.

Siwan Lillicrap Head of Rugby, Swansea University

FARSITI CYMRU 2019 / 13

CYFLE I WNEUD RHYWBETH ARBENNIG Farsiti yw’r uchafbwynt chwaraeon mwyaf i unrhyw chwaraewr yn ystod eu hamser yn y Brifysgol.

Dyma’r math o gemau y mae darpar chwaraewyr yn breuddwydio eu chwarae. Torf enfawr, achlysur enfawr a chyfle i wneud rhywbeth arbennig a fydd yn aros yng nghof eich ffrindiau a theulu.

Eleni rydym yn dychwelyd i gartref Rygbi Cymru; Stadiwm y Principality, ac am yr eildro erioed bydd Gêm y Merched yn cael ei gynnal yn yr un lleoliad a’r dynion. Mae hyn yn gam enfawr i’r cyfeiriad cywir ar gyfer cydraddoldeb o fewn Rygbi Prifysgol. Mae’r ddau dîm wedi profi uchafbwyntiau ac isafbwyntiau drwy gydol y flwyddyn ond dyna yw natur chwaraeon.

Rydym wedi wynebu gemau caled a llwyddiannau eithriadol hefyd; ond mae’r ddwy garfan yn well ac yn gryfach. O’r profiadau hynny mae ail hanner y tymor wedi bod yn rhagorol i’r ddau dîm gyda’r Dynion yn cyrraedd Gemau Ail-gyfle Super Rugby a’r Merched yn cyrraedd Rownd derfynol y Vase.

Mae’r ymrwymiad a phroffesiynoldeb sydd wedi cael ei arddangos drwy gydol y tymor hwn gan yr holl chwaraewyr a rheolwyr ynghlwm â Rygbi Chwaraewr wedi bod yn wych. Gallaf eich sicrhau bod yr holl chwaraewyr yn awyddus i ddangos eu hymrwymiad, gwaith caled ac awydd heddiw mewn ymgais i ddod â’r ddwy gwpan yn ôl i ble maent yn perthyn.

Rydym yn annog yr holl chwaraewr i fynd allan ar y cae gan wisgo’r arfwisg lliw gwyrdd a gwyn fel petai ei fod am y tro olaf, i edrych ar y bathodyn a meddwl am yr holl atgofion gwych maent wedi’u cael, ac i gymryd y cyfle i orffen y flwyddyn ar uchafbwynt gyda’u teulu Prifysgol.

Diolch anferthol i’r holl staff sydd wedi gwneud bob sesiwn yn bosib, wedi credu yn ein gweledigaeth a rhoi’r cyfle gorau i’r chwaraewyr lwyddo heddiw.

Hoffwn roi sylw arbennig i Hugh Gustafson, Neil Wood, Kelsey Jones, Gareth Beer, Ethan Kenny a Terry Stone sydd wedi rhoi llawer o amser, ymrwymiad ac egni eleni ac wedi arwain y timau i lefelau newydd o broffesiynoldeb.

Yn olaf, diolch anferthol i’n prif noddwyr DELL EMC a Circle IT, ein holl gefnogwyr a chyflenwyr am eich ymdrechion parhaol a haelioni heddiw a thrwy gydol y tymor, nid yn unig gennyf fi ond gan yr holl chwaraewyr a’r tîm rheoli.

Ymfalchïwch yn Abertawe, ymfalchïwch yn eich gwyrdd a gwyn a chefnogwch ein timau.

Siwan Lillicrap Pennaeth Rygbi, Prifysgol Abertawe.

14 / WELSH VARSITY 2019

FARSITI CYMRU 2019 / 15

CARDIFF LADIES’ 1ST XV SQUAD 2018/19 CARFAN TÎM CYNTAF MERCHED CAERDYDD 2018/19 HEAD COACH/ PRIF HYFFORDDWR RICHARD JONES CAPTAIN/CAPTEN

SCRUM HALVES/MEWNWYR MEGAN COMPTON LUCY DAVALOU EVE BURNS

MOLLY DANKS

OUTSIDE HALVES/MASWYR

PROPS/PROPIAU

BETH LEWIS CLAIRE MORGAN

CAITLIN JONES MOLLY RUTH AMBLER EMMA PREECE ELEANOR ASHCROFT LARA AKINNAWOUN CARI PRITCHARD LOCKS/CLOWYR ROSIE FOLEY JULIA ROOKE BECKY EYRES DANNI SAVERTON BACK ROW/RHENG ÔL LILIANAN PODPADEC (VICE CAPTAIN/ IS-GAPTEN) JODY YANDLE ALANA-CASEY BORTHWICK MILLIE BUSHROD MEGAN JENKINS

CENTRES/CANOLWYR CERI EDWARDS ABBI VOYCE KAROLINA THOMAS CAITLIN PUGH LAURA STEWART BACK THREE/OLWYR CEFN THERESA PFLAUM VERITY BUTT LAURA SATTERLY EMMIE TOWNS PATRICIA BOOTH GENEVIEVE HARVEY

16 / WELSH VARSITY 2019

FARSITI CYMRU 2019 / 17

SWANSEA LADIES’ 1ST XV SQUAD 2018/19 CARFAN TÎM CYNTAF MERCHED ABERTAWE 2018/19 HEAD OF RUGBY/ PENNAETH RYGBI SIWAN LILLICRAP MANAGEMENT STAFF/ STAFF RHEOLI KELSEY JONES ASSISTANT COACH / HYFFORDDWR CYNORTHWYOL

NEIL WOOD ASSISTANT COACH / HYFFORDDWR CYNORTHWYOL

ETHAN KINNEY CONDITIONER / CYFLYRYDD

CHARLOTTE PETERS TEAM MANAGER / RHEOLWR TÎM

DAVE GRAHAM-WOOLARD PHYSIO / FFYSIOTHERAPYDD

CAPTAIN/CAPTEN

LOCKS/CLOWYR RHIANNON ELLIS KATIE HALL EMILY SHEPPY BACK ROW/RHENG ÔL CAITLIN DAVIES ABBEY SMITH BETHANY TAYLOR AMELIA MILLS SCRUM HALVES/MEWNWYR JESSICA MCCREERY CLAIRE DEAN OUTSIDE HALVES/MASWYR

JESSICA MCCREERY

ALEX LEEDS VICTORIA MINCE

PROPS/PROPIAU

CENTRES/CANOLWYR

RUTH LEWIS BETHANY WILLIAMS DANYELLE DINAPOLI EMILY THOMAS ALEENA MOKTAR VICTORIA ALLEN FIONA BRODIE

RACHEL HIGGINS BEX REDMOND COURTNEY KEIGHT BACK THREE/OLWYR CEFN DELUN ALLCOCK CERYS HURENKAMP EMMA HENNESSY LUCY HEMMING AMY HILLIER

[18] varsity 2019 2019 18 / welsh WELSH VARSITY

CARDIFF MENS SQUAD PHOTO

FARSITI CYMRU 2019 / 19

CARDIFF MEN’S 1ST XV SQUAD 2018/19 CARFAN TÎM CYNTAF DYNION CAERDYDD 2018/19 HEAD OF RUGBY/ PENNAETH RYGBI ALUN WYN DAVIES MANAGEMENT STAFF/ STAFF RHEOLI ALAN FLOWERS COACH / HYFFORDDWR

DAVID LAKIN COACH / HYFFORDDWR

TOM DICKENS CONDITIONER / CYFLYRYDD

SAM EWEN TEAM MANAGER / RHEOLWR TÎM

BACK ROW/RHENG ÔL ALEX EVERETT GARETH ANSELL SEB HEROLD GREG RAMAGE SCRUM HALVES/MEWNWYR JAMES DAVIES HYWELL PHILLIPS OUTSIDE HALVES/MASWYR BETH LEWIS CLAIRE MORGAN

CAPTAIN/CAPTEN

CENTRES/CANOLWYR

TOM WILSON

CHARLIE DYDE HUW ROBERTS RHODRI WALL SION O’BREIN

PROPS/PROPIAU CARY DAVIES ED THOMPSON JESSE OUTLAW DAVE FELLOWS TOMOS RICHARDSON FREDDIE BARNES CAMERON LEWIS BEN EDWARDS LOCKS/CLOWYR LUKE WALLER CHARLIE STONEHIL JACK HOLFORD

BACK THREE/OLWYR CEFN OWEN WILLIAMS MARCUS RAMAGE GEORGE THOMAS HARRY GRIFFITHS ADAM SABRI

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FARSITI CYMRU 2019 / 21

2019 sees the 100 year anniversary of the formation of intervarsity university sport. The organisation now called British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) was formed in 1919 and was formally called the ‘Inter-Varsity Athletics Board of England and Wales’.

On the 14th March 1919 The Inter-Varsity Athletics Board of England and Wales formalised the first ever athletics meeting involving 10 universities (The Founding 10), Aberystwyth, Bangor, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds, Liverpool, Nottingham, Manchester & Sheffield.

Then on the 28 May 1919 the first athletic meet took place in Manchester with 9 out of the founding 10 competing. The meet marks the official beginning of University sport in the UK. Since the birth of the organization 100 years ago Cardiff University has been a strong supporter and contributor to the Higher Education Sporting Landscape.

Vice Chancellor, Professor Colin Riordan said ‘Sport plays a major part in providing our students with a fantastic experience in their extra-curricular time at University. The broad range of opportunities provided by the Athletic Union and Sports department provide experiences that our students and graduates hold with great pride. The friends, life and employability skills gained by being part of a sports club live long with our students well passed graduation and we should all be proud that we were one of the founding 10 universities and have championed higher education sport for 100 years.

Georgie Hayne, Vice President Sports and Athletic Union President said ‘Cardiff has some fantastic sporting opportunities to offer, whether you’re a complete newcomer, or an elite athlete. There are so many people responsible for the delivery of sport at Cardiff, from the volunteer coaches, staff members, committee members, and the athletes themselves. Celebrating some of the unsung heroes that have worked behind the scenes for many years is something we are hoping to do this year as part of the centenary.’

Yn 2019 dathlir 100 mlynedd o fodolaeth chwaraeon prifysgol ryng-golegol. Cafodd y sefydliad a enwir bellach yn Chwaraeon Prifysgolion a Cholegau Prydain (BUCS) ei sefydlu yn 1919 ac fe elwid gynt yn ‘Bwrdd Athletau Rhyng-golegol Cymru a Lloegr’.

Ar y 14eg Mawrth 1919 ffurfiolodd y Bwrdd Athletau Rhyng-golegol Cymru a Lloegr y gemau athletaidd cyntaf yn cynnwys 10 prifysgol (Y 10 Sylfaenydd), Aberystwyth, Bangor, Birmingham, Bryste, Caerdydd, Leeds, Lerpwl, Nottingham, Manceinion a Sheffield.

Wedyn ar y 28 o Fai 1919 cynhaliwyd cyfres o gystadlaethau ym Manceinion gyda 9 allan o’r 10 sylfaenwyr yn cystadlu. Y cystadlaethau hyn oedd dechrau swyddogol chwaraeon Prifysgolion y DU. Ers ffurfio’r sefydliad 100 mlynedd yn ôl mae Prifysgol Caerdydd wedi bod yn gefnogwr ac yn gyfrannwr cryf i Dirwedd Chwaraeon Addysg Uwch.

Dywedodd yr Is-ganghellor, yr Athro Colin Riordan ‘Mae chwaraeon yn rhan fawr o ddarparu ein myfyrwyr gyda phrofiad ffantastig yn ystod eu hamser allgyrsiol yn y Brifysgol. Mae’r amrywiaeth eang o gyfleoedd a ddarperir gan yr Undeb Athletaidd a’r adran Chwaraeon yn darparu profiadau y mae ein myfyrwyr a’n graddedigion yn ymfalchïo ynddynt.

Mae’r ffrindiau, sgiliau bywyd a chyflogadwyedd a enillir o fod yn rhan o glwb chwaraeon yn aros gydag ein myfyrwyr ym mhell wedi graddio a dylem ni gyd fod yn falch ein bod ni’n rhan o’r 10 prifysgol sylfaenol ac wedi dathlu chwaraeon addysg uwch ers dros 100 mlynedd.

Dywedodd Georgie Haynes, Is-lywydd Chwaraeon a Llywydd yr Undeb Athletaidd ‘Mae gan Gaerdydd gyfleoedd chwaraeon ffantastig i’w cynnig, os ydych yn ddechreuwr pur, neu yn athletwr o safon uchel.

Mae cymaint o bobl yn gyfrifol am y ddarpariaeth chwaraeon yng Nghaerdydd, o’r bysiau gwirfoddoli, aelodau o staff, aelodau pwyllgor, a’r athletwyr eu hunain. Mae dathlu rhai o’r arwyr sydd wedi bod yn gweithio y tu ôl i’r llen am sawl blwyddyn yn rhywbeth rydym yn gobeithio i wneud eleni fel rhan o’r canmlwyddiant.’

22 / WELSH VARSITY 2019

FARSITI CYMRU 2019 / 23

SWANSEA MEN’S 1ST XV SQUAD 2018/19 CARFAN TÎM CYNTAF DYNION ABERTAWE 2018/19 HEAD OF RUGBY/ PENNAETH RYGBI

ED COUZENS EVAN HERBERT

SIWAN LILLICRAP

BACK ROW/RHENG ÔL

MANAGEMENT STAFF/ STAFF RHEOLI

ROSS JOHNSON JACK THARME CHARLIE SAMWELLS LEWIS JOHNSON WILL MORTIMOR IESTYN REES

HUGH GUSTAFSON HEAD COACH / PRIF HYFFORDDWR

NEIL WOOD ASSISTANT COACH / HYFFORDDWR CYNORTHWYOL

GARETH BEER CONDITIONER / CYFLYRYDD STAFFAN BAKER TEAM MANAGER / RHEOLWR TÎM TERRY STONE PHYSIO / FFYSIOTHERAPYDD CAPTAIN/CAPTEN JACK THARME PROPS/PROPIAU CARWYN FRANCIS TOM NORTHEY EDDIE DRAKE TOM HARPER NIALL FIFE GEORGE JAWAD JOSH MOORE THOMAS DAVIES JACK INGAMELLS LOCKS/CLOWYR OWEN FLOWER JACK ANDERSON

SCRUM HALVES/MEWNWYR TOM LUCAS HYWEL RHYS WILLIAMS BEN ROACH OUTSIDE HALVES/MASWYR GWYN PARKS TOM GREY CENTRES/CANOLWYR ZAC WARD EWAN GULLY JOSH COAKES DAFYDD MANLY BACK THREE/OLWYR CEFN LEYLAND GORDAN MAX NAGI BRANDON WOOD ED LEWIS PETE CARTER

24 / WELSH VARSITY 2019

WELSH VARSITY SHIELD CHALLENGE Today, thousands of Cardiff and Swansea fans descended on venues across Cardiff to take part in and to cheer on the Welsh Varsity Shield sports.

The tournament that opened on Wednesday 3rd April with the hotly contested Sailing and Canoe Polo competitions has returned to Cardiff after a successful year in Swansea, allowing Cardiff students to play on their home turf again.

The Welsh Varsity is the culmination of a season’s worth of hard work in every sport. Most teams compete weekly in the BUCS competition but many will

state that Varsity is the one fixture that they enjoy the most.

The Welsh Varsity Shield is special to so many people for so many reasons. From the underdog story of two teams with leagues between them, having this one opportunity to show that they can compete at a higher level and rise to the occasion, to students playing their last match for their university. For others it is for something greater than BUCS points; pride and bragging rights against their greatest rivals. Every athlete on that day could walk away with their heads held high as their fans, friends and family

cheer from start to finish and offer support and praise for their hard efforts.

Today the teams faced off at venues across the city for another full day of sporting triumphs and heart breaks. Fixtures have taken place over the last week, seeing clubs such as rowing, athletics, sailing and canoe polo all strive for victory.

Whether you’re green and white, red and black or just undecided, we hope you enjoyed being part of the largest festival of student sport in Wales.

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varsity CYMRU2019 2019 /[25] VARSITY CYMRU 25

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26 / WELSH VARSITY 2019

HER TARIAN FARSITI CYMRU Heddiw, bydd miloedd o gefnogwyr Caerdydd ac Abertawe yn ymgasglu ar leoliadau ar draws Caerdydd i gymryd rhan mewn ac i gefnogi chwaraeon Tarian Farsiti Cymru. Agorodd y twrnamaint ar Ddydd Mercher 3ydd Ebrill gyda chystadleuaeth gystadleuol yr Hwylio a Pholo Canŵ. Cafwyd blwyddyn lwyddiannus yn Abertawe llynedd, ac eleni caiff myfyrwyr Caerdydd y cyfle i chwarae gartref unwaith eto.

Mae Farsiti Cymru yn grynhoad o waith caled tymor pob chwaraeon.

Mae’r mwyafrif o’r timau yn cystadlu yn wythnosol mewn cystadlaethau BUCS ond mae llawer yn datgan

mai’r Farsiti yw’r gêm maen nhw’n ei fwynhau fwyaf.

Mae Tarian Farsiti Cymru yn arbennig i gymaint o bobl am nifer o resymau. O stori dau dîm gyda chynghreiriau rhyngddynt, yn cael un cyfle i ddangos y gallant gystadlu ar lefel uwch a myfyrwyr yn chwarae eu gêm olaf ar gyfer eu prifysgol. I eraill mae’n rhywbeth mwy na phwyntiau BUCS; balchder a gallu brolio o flaen eu cystadleuaeth fwyaf.

Gall bob athletwr ar y diwrnod hwnnw adael gyda balchder wrth i’w cefnogwyr, ffrindiau a theuluoedd eu cefnogi o’r dechrau i’r diwedd a chynnig cefnogaeth a

chanmoliaeth am eu gwaith caled.

Heddiw brwydrodd y timau mewn lleoliadau ar draws y ddinas ar gyfer diwrnod llawn arall o fuddugoliaethau a thor calon. Mae gemau wedi cael eu cynnal dros yr wythnos diwethaf, gyda thimau megis rhwyfo, athletau, hwyliau a pholo canŵ yn ymdrechu i fod yn fuddugoliaethus.

Os ydych chi’n wyrdd a gwyn, coch a du neu heb benderfynu, rydym yn gobeithio eich bod chi wedi mwynhau bod yn rhan o ŵyl chwaraeon myfyrwyr mwyaf Cymru.

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HISTORY OF THE WELSH VARSITY

From the Beginning

Welsh Varsity Match Favourites

The inaugural Welsh Varsity Match was played in 1997 in the Welsh Capital and home of Cardiff Rugby Football Club, Cardiff Arms Park. The game was played by the two Welsh Premier Universities, Cardiff and Swansea, and the highly successful “Varsity” model was adopted with all proceeds from the event going to Oxfam.

Historically Swansea University enjoy the tag of perennial favourites at the men’s rugby match winning to date 13 matches, losing eight times and drawing once. Swansea University have regularly enjoyed the ability to select from a vast pool of very talented players such as Welsh nationals Alun Wynn Jones, Ritchie Pugh and Dwayne Peel. 2007 saw Swansea field no less than 11 FIRA Internationals at varying ages resulting in a win at Cardiff Arms Park.

In the early years the Welsh Varsity Match was held alternatively at Cardiff Arms Park and St Helens, the home of Swansea Rugby Club. From 2003 until 2007 the game was held at the neutral ground of the Brewery Field in Bridgend. In 2006, the Welsh Boat Race between Cardiff and Swansea was included in the Varsity programme, which itself gained considerable recognition.

The Welsh Varsity celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2011 and to mark this, moved from the Liberty Stadium in Swansea to the Principality Stadium and the Welsh Institute of Sport in Cardiff.

On the back of this success, the rugby match was played at the Principality Stadium until 2015 when the tournament moved back to the popular Liberty Stadium for two years. The tournament returned to Cardiff in 2017 and has alternated between the two cities since then. 2019 sees the tournament return to the Principality Stadium and venues across Cardiff.

Cardiff have enjoyed success with the introduction of a Head of Rugby at Cardiff University, resulting in back to back victories for the first time in the clubs history in 2008/09 and achieving further wins in 2012, 2015 and back to back wins in 2017/18.

Life after the Welsh Varsity Many Cardiff and Swansea University students have gone on to represent and gain contracts with semiprofessional and professional clubs on the back of great performances in the Welsh Varsity Match.

In 2007, both Universities agreed to award Caps for all students who take the field and play in Varsity.

This has added an extra edge to what has already proved to be the most competitive game of the year for both squads.

FARSITI CYMRU 2019 / 29

HANES FARSITI CYMRU O’r dechrau Cynhaliwyd gêm agoriadol Farsiti Cymru yn 1997 ym Mhrifddinas Cymru yng nghartref Clwb Rygbi Pêl-droed Caerdydd, Parc yr Arfau Caerdydd. Chwaraewyd y gêm gan ddwy Brifysgol Blaenaf Cymru, Caerdydd ac Abertawe, a mabwysiadwyd y cynllun ’ Farsiti’ llwyddiannus gyda holl elw’r digwyddiad yn mynd i elusen Oxfam.

Yn y blynyddoedd cynnar roedd Gêm Farsiti Cymru yn cael ei gynnal ym Mharc yr Arfau Caerdydd a St Helens, cartref Clwb Rygbi Abertawe, bob yn ail.

Rhwng 2003 a 2007 cynhaliwyd y gêm ar gae niwtral y Brewery Field ym Mhen-y-bont ar Ogwr. Yn 2006, cafodd Ras Gychod Cymru rhwng Caerdydd ag Abertawe ei gynnwys yn y rhaglen Farsiti, sydd wedi derbyn cydnabyddiaeth sylweddol ei hun erbyn hyn.

Dathlodd Farsiti Cymru 15 mlynedd o fodolaeth yn 2011 ac i gydnabod hyn, symudodd o’r Stadiwm Liberty yn Abertawe i Stadiwm y Principality ac Athrofa Chwaraeon Cymru yng Nghaerdydd.

O ganlyniad i’r llwyddiant hwn, chwaraewyd y gêm rygbi yn Stadiwm y Principality hyd nes 2015 pan symudodd y twrnamaint yn ôl i’r Stadiwm Liberty boblogaidd am ddwy flynedd. Dychwelodd y twrnamaint i Gaerdydd yn 2017 ac mae wedi cael ei gynnal rhwng y ddwy ddinas bob yn ail ers hynny.

Mae Stadiwm y Principality a lleoliadau ar draws Caerdydd yn croesawu’r twrnamaint yn 2019.

Y Ffefrynnau i ennill Gêm Farsiti Cymru Yn hanesyddol mae Prifysgol Abertawe wedi mwynhau’r label o fod yn ffefryn beunyddiol yng ngêm rygbi’r dynion yn ennill 13 gêm hyd yn hyn, yn colli wyth a chael un gêm gyfartal.

Mae Prifysgol Abertawe wedi mwynhau’r gallu o ddewis allan o dorf o chwaraewyr talentog megis chwaraewyr rhyngwladol Cymru, Alun Wynn Jones, Ritchie Pugh a Dwayne Peel. Gwelodd 2007 dim llai na 11 Chwaraewr Rhyngwladol FIRA o oedrannau amrywiol a olygodd buddugoliaeth iddynt ym Mharc yr Arfau Caerdydd.

Mae Caerdydd wedi mwynhau llwyddiant ers cyflwyno Pennaeth Rygbi ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd, ac o ganlyniad wedi mwynhau

buddugoliaethau gefn wrth gefn am y tro cyntaf yn hanes y clwb yn 2008/09 ac yn fuddugol eto yn 2012, 2015 ac ennill un ar ôl y llall yn 2017/18.

Bywyd wedi Farsiti Cymru Mae llawer o fyfyrwyr Prifysgol Caerdydd ac Abertawe wedi mynd ymlaen i gynrychioli ac ennill cytundebau gyda chlybiau proffesiynol a rhannol-broffesiynol o ganlyniad i berfformiadau gwych yn y Gêm Farsiti Cymru.

Yn 2007, cytunodd y ddwy Brifysgol i wobrwyo capiau i bob myfyriwr sy’n mynd ar y cae ac yn chwarae yn y Farsiti.

Mae hyn wedi hogi’r hyn sydd yn barod yn cael ei ystyried yn gêm fwyaf cystadleuol y flwyddyn i’r ddau dîm.

30 / WELSH VARSITY 2019

HALL OF FAME / ORIEL YR ENWOGION YEAR / BLWYDDYN

VENUE / LLEOLIAD

CAPTAINS / CAPTEINIAID

RESULT /CANLYNIAD

1997

Cardiff Arms Park

Rob Crozier

Swansea 23 – 11 Cardiff

1998

St Helens

Ben Williams

Swansea 49 – 13 Cardiff

1999

Cardiff Arms Park

Ben Martin

Swansea 13 – 7 Cardiff

2000 St Helens

James Meredith James McKay

Swansea 28 – 18 Cardiff

2001 Cardiff Arms Park

Andy Boyd James Templeman

Cardiff 10 – 10 Swansea

2002 St Helens

Alex Luff Steffan Edwards

Cardiff 21 – 3 Swansea

2003 The Brewery Field

Sam Rees Hefin Evans

Swansea 18 – 12 Cardiff

2004 The Brewery Field

Jon Tenconi James Cole

Swansea 25 – 11 Cardiff

2005 The Brewery Field

Jack Dawson Owain Griffiths

Swansea 16 – 8 Cardiff

2006 The Brewery Field

Tom Hocking Craig Voisey

Cardiff 15 – 5 Swansea

2007 Cardiff Arms Park

Richard Watkins Matt Hopper

Swansea 18 – 0 Cardiff

2008 Cardiff Arms Park

Aled Mason Rob Evans

Cardiff 19 – 9 Swansea

2009 Cardiff Arms Park

Aaron Fowler Rhys Lawrence

Cardiff 9 – 6 Swansea

2010 The Liberty Stadium

Kerry O’Sullivan Mark Schropfer

Swansea 16 – 12 Cardiff

2011 The Millenium Stadium Rhodri Clancy

Mark Schropfer

Swansea 28 – 18 Cardiff

2012 The Millenium Stadium Richard Smart

Jake Cooper-Wooley

Cardiff 33 – 13 Swansea

2013 The Millenium Stadium Jonathon Vaughan

Ross Wardle

Swansea 21 – 13 Cardiff

2014 The Millenium Stadium Reuben Tucker

James Thomas

Swansea 19 – 15 Cardiff

2015 The Liberty Stadium

Ben Madgwick Ollie Young

Cardiff 26 – 22 Swansea

2016 The Liberty Stadium

Jay Williams Ben Madgwick/Tom Wilson

Swansea 16 - 10 Cardiff

2017 Principality Stadium

Jack Mcgarth Jay Williams

Cardiff 35 - 15 Swamsea

2018 The Liberty Stadium

Tom Wilson Adam Thresher

Cardiff 23 - 15 Swansea

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