A young Rhyl rugby player is one of four who made their mark on the international stage in one of the most successful periods ever for Coleg Llandrillo Rugby Academy.

Sam Wainwright, 19, from Rhyl, who was called up to the Wales U20s squad for the 2018 Six Nations tournament is hoping he impressed enough to earn a place at the World Rugby U20 Championship, which will be held in France in the summer. .

Sam, who is currently completing a Level 3 qualification in Sport Performance & Excellence at the Rhos-on-Sea campus, went on to win two caps against Scotland and England earlier this year.

Sam said: “Words can't describe how amazing the experience of playing for my country was. Obviously playing in front of a home crowd for my first cap was special and very emotional.”

Joining Sam in the red shirt this year were Will Sanderson, 17, from Penyffordd who was drafted into the Wales U18s squad and former Rugby Academy students Afon Bagshaw, 23, from Bagillt and Morgan Williams, 22 from Y Felinheli included in a Wales Sevens squad that travelled to Hong Kong.

Sam added: “Personally, the college invested a lot of time in helping me develop both academically and in rugby, ensuring that I was able to balance my studies with my sporting aspirations.

“Along with the guidance of coaches, it was the best place for me to grow and achieve my goals.”

Andrew Williams, Rugby Academy coordinator, said: “Sam and Will have worked so hard over the past two to three years to achieve their goal of playing for Wales.

“To see both sing the national anthem and proudly wear the red jersey was special. As a college and a rugby academy, we are immensely proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing what the future has in store for both of them.”