When the Llanelli Warriors formed in 1995 they wanted to be treated just like any other club.
A team that welcomed adults with learning disabilities, whatever their ability, and encouraged them to get stuck in as much as possible.
Now, nearly 25 years later, this philosophy still remains very much in tact with players with autism, Down's syndrome and cerebral palsy all taking to the field to make their mark.
The team originally came together to represent the Heol Goffa day centre for people with learning difficulties, after the Swansea Gladiators challenged them to create a side.
The rivals took part in a clash at Gorseinon RFC which resulted in a draw, before a rematch at Stradey Park saw the Warriors triumph.
A rematch was set for the following year on the Warriors' home turf and parts of it were even televised on S4C's Heno. With so much interest in the fixture, the team decided to take the plunge and go full time, and they've never looked back.
Gwilym Lewis is not only the club's chairman but also coaches the players and even puts on the kit and gets out on the field himself.
"Currently we've got about 50 players who play over the year and represent the team throughout the season," he said.
"About half of them are registered disabled in some way or other. It's mainly learning disabilities but some players have a physical disability and some have both but it gives them the opportunity to play rugby.
"We've got a mixture of players and we try not to focus on the disability. Our philosophy is to be a normal rugby team.
"Fathers, brothers and sisters have all played here. It's all about inclusion.
"We try to take away from the disabilities with a shared common goal to play rugby together which is quite a lot to have in common.
"We are all rugby players first."
Gwilym has been a part of the Warriors for 22 years as he happened to be working at the day centre.
He added: "I started working in a day centre in Llanelli and got asked 'do you play rugby?'
"We helped the Warriors set up and we lent them our kit for them to play in. Their first three seasons they played in Burry Port kit.
"We set up the Origins Cup where the Warriors play Burry Port RFC every year and we've also set up a cabinet upstairs for the Warriors.
"They are their own entity now. They're an inspirational group and we love them in Burry Port .
"It is the purest form of integration."
The team regularly train at The Barn, at Parc y Scarlets.
Gwilym said: "It's a weekly thing. One way or the other we're either training or we have a game on the weekends.
"The WRU arrange some games for us and help with the training.
"A lot of our players meet up and there are a lot of friendships within the team. It's a nice, inclusive environment.
"We're all there having a pint together after the game.
"With disability, people can feel a bit awkward but we take away from the disability not to mark players out.
"Experience is a better indicator as you could have an able-bodied player who hasn't played and a disabled player who's played for years. It's all about experience.
"It does mix very well and we're as good as any team as we're close."
Players from 18 right up to their mid-50's make their way to The Barn, at Parc y Scarlets, to train on a regular basis to make sure they're as ready as they can be to face their next battle.
Report by Walesonline
4 окт 2024
