CARDIFF and Vale College’s Rugby Academy has celebrated a successful rugby season – with two Vale players playing a key role.

The team finished top of the Under-18 Development League and reached the final of the trophy competition. Players, coaches and families celebrated the achievements at an inaugural presentation evening.

One of the players to be recognised was Dafydd Smith from Penarth who received the Player of the Year accolade.

And captain Dan Watts from Dinas Powys was recognised for his achievements in representing the Cardiff Blues under-18s and is the first academy player to represent Cardiff RFC.

Now playing senior rugby in the championship, Dan has handed the captaincy over to 17-year-old Ben Thomas with Lewis Hill named as vice-captain.

Other players awarded included Tom Meehan as Players’ Player of the Year, Most Promising and Most Improved given to Josh Male and Eddie respectively while Ben Thomas and Jasper Dietz were recognised for their international appearances for Wales under-18s and Netherlands under-18s.

CAVC’s Rugby Academy works in partnership with the Cardiff Blues, and their head coach, Danny Wilson, gave a speech and presented all of the awards. The growing stature of CAVC’s Rugby Academy is reflected in it being awarded the A License by the WRU. This can only be granted after meeting strict criteria.

The event, sponsored by Principality and Cardiff Metropolitan University and hosted by CAVC’s deputy principal Kay Martin, was held at the college’s city centre campus.