Wales’ Rugby World Cup stars and their community rugby clubs

Christ Tshiunza – Rhiwbina RFC

Christ Tshiunza may have only discovered rugby at Rhiwbina RFC at the late age of 14 but the now 21-year-old hasn’t looked back since. Following in the footsteps of former Wales captain, Sam Warburton, who also started at Rhiwbina, the versatile forward now finds himself on the brink of his first ever Rugby World Cup.

As Rhiwbina RFC boast more than 400 players, the Squirrels have had to fork out a lot of money for their teams to train at floodlit facilities during past winters. But thanks to a contribution of £10,000 from the National Lottery through the Be Active Wales Fund, the club has been able to install permanent floodlights at their Caedelyn Park home. Bring on winter training!

Rio Dyer – Pill Harriers

After starting with Risca RFC, the Dragons first caught sight of Rio Dyer while he was playing for Pill Harriers at junior level. Now, you will find the speedster running down the wing for Cymru in France during the Rugby World Cup.

In the hope that other youngsters in Pillgwenlly and Newport can have the same opportunity that Rio had, the Harriers are looking to re-establish the mini and junior section at their club. Sport Wales was pleased to award them £4,700 from the Be Active Wales Fund to pay for new equipment to get them back up and running.

Dillon Lewis – Beddau RFC

The most recent Beddau RFC product to don the red jersey of Wales is Dillon Lewis, who will be at his second Rugby World Cup in France 2023. They have a knack for providing international stars with their first rugby opportunity, including Gethin Jenkins and Michael Owen, who have both gone on to captain their country, too.

In July 2022, Sport Wales contributed £15,615 from the Be Active Wales Fund so that Beddau RFC could install floodlights. The funding will allow their teams, from the under 6’s to the seniors, to get better use out of their facilities in the winter months, while also not having to pay for facility hire.

While Dillon will be under the floodlights of Lyon and Bordeaux, the children of Beddau RFC will be developing their skills under the floodlights at Mount Pleasant Park.