Rydal Penrhos pupils past and present thriving on the big stage
One former Rydal Penrhos pupil making significant waves on the professional rugby scene will be returning to domestic soil following a hugely successful spell in England.
Sean Lonsdale, who attended the school from 2011-15, is widely regarded as one of the brightest young prospects anywhere in the nation and has agreed on a move to Dragons from English Premiership side Exeter Chiefs.
This represents a significant coup for the region and the Welsh Rugby Union, who tried desperately to stop Lonsdale from leaving for England initially.
Lonsdale was part of the Rydal Penrhos Rugby Academy before going on to make his debut for RGC 1404 at a very early age, playing a substantial role in the Gogs’ meteoric rise through the Welsh pyramid right up to the Principality Premiership.
His outstanding production attracted plenty of suitors from across the border. Despite a strong push from the WRU to keep him, Lonsdale decided to leave in favour of a move to Exeter Chiefs before spending time on loan at Plymouth Albion and Cornish Pirates to gain vital experience before making the step-up to the top flight.
A series of exceptional displays secured a new contract and Lonsdale has scored five tries in 61 appearances so far, winning two Premiership titles as well as the European Champions Cup. He will now look forward to joining Dragons in time for the 2022/23 season.
Year 9 pupil Amélie Creer secured a silver medal at a natonal diving event in December organised by the Welsh Diving League.
In just her second major event since February 2020 – due to COVID-19 –Amélie had the opportunity to test her skills against some of the best young divers in the country. Amélie held her nerve against challenging opposition and excelled throughout to secure an outstanding 196 points from her six dives.
Amélie Creer
After attending training and selection camps in Cardiff with other hopefuls from across the country, Year 12 pupil Alex Starling has been selected for the Welsh U18 Hockey squad.
Alex Starling
Alex has made substantial strides over the last two years despite the challenges presented by Covid restrictions, gaining valuable experience at the senior level with Eirias Hockey Club and putting in the hours in training with the Hockey Wales Regional Performance Centre.
Year 11 pupil Jonathan Osbourne gave a tremendous performance at the North Wales Indoor Athletics Championships this February, representing Colwyn Bay Athletics Club.
Jonathan's intensive preparation paid off as he achieved first-place finishes and personal bests in the Triple Jump and Long Jump events, surging up the Welsh U17 rankings in the process.
Jonathan Osbourne
Year 8 pupil Cameron Pye attended an 18-day training camp in January in Pila, Italy with the British Ski Academy (BSA).
He spent his time on the picturesque slopes developing his skills on the and competing against full-time ski academy athletes in the Anglo-Scottish Championships, managing to secure two top-10 finishes in the Combined Slalom and Boys Slalom Race 2.
Cameron Pye
Cricket training sessions
The School has close links to the Marylebone Cricket Club Foundation and was once again able to lend its facilities to the Foundation's regional Hub.
The Foundation offers high-quality coaching to talented young cricketers in the state school system and has gone from strength to strength since its inception
Llion Morris
Llion Morris had the benefit of some tremendous sailing weather, which began by linking up with the RYA Cymru Wales ILCA squad for two days of building technique and other skills at the stunning Plas Heli Pwllheli.
This was followed by a visit to the Weyland and Portland National Sailing Academy, which is the training base for British Sailing squads. It promises to be another busy upcoming season for Llion, who is looking to enhance his status as one of the brightest young sailors anywhere in the country.
