Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun Comprehensive School has, once again, received our backing with a £1,500 donation to kit out players in warm weather training gear.

The five teams, from Penywaun’s Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun Comprehensive School, are competing amongst the very best in the UK as they take on teams in the National Schools Sevens at Rosslyn Park this week.

The 60 youngsters will make the journey from Aberdare to London to take part in the 5-day tournament, where they will compete against other schools from across the UK in a bid to be crowned winners.

Ceri Type, teaches at Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun Comprehensive School and is also the Director of 7’s. He said:

“We look forward to furthering our position in last year’s tournament when we came in the top 24 out of over 190 schools. Our players get such a lot from this experience. They not only play in one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world but against some of the best school teams.

“We are very grateful to Pennant Walters for their continued support. Our boys will be proud to bear the Pennant Walters name and hope to bring back some silverware.”

The funding is linked to Pennant Walters’ 9 turbine 22 MW Mynydd Bwllfa windfarm near Aberdare in Rhondda Cynon Taf, which became operational in summer 2015. It builds on previous donations which have seen the company provide money to support various local community groups.

Pennant Walters Managing Director, Dale Hart, said:

“Tournaments like this provide a fantastic opportunity and experience to young rugby hopefuls and we wish the team every bit of luck.

"Our wind energy project community funds exist to make a difference to the local communities in which we work - benefitting people directly. We are delighted that this money has been put to good use and will allow the school team to compete.”

The Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens has evolved into the world's largest rugby tournament with over 10,000 boys and girls aged 11 - 18 competing annually. It will take place between 20-24 March.