A Legacy of Rugby Excellence
Llandovery College is a prestigious co-educational day and boarding school (ages 3–18) set in the heart of Carmarthenshire, Wales, and renowned for its deep-rooted rugby heritage. Sport has been central to school life since its foundation in 1847, and the College holds the distinction of being the Co-founder of rugby in Wales, officially recognised by the Welsh Rugby Union in 2024 for its role in the first recorded game of rugby played in Wales against Lampeter College in 1856.
Llandovery College has a proud tradition of competitive fixtures, including its historic rivalry with Christ College, Brecon, which dates back to 1879. Often described as the Welsh sporting equivalent of the Oxford vs. Cambridge rivalry, this fixture is our very own rugby ‘Boat Race’ – a fiercely contested match that embodies the passion, tradition, and excellence of Welsh schoolboy rugby.
The College’s elite rugby programme is led by Mr Nathan Thomas, an Old Llandoverian and former Welsh international rugby player, alongside a team of dedicated and experienced coaches. The programme is designed to develop players to their full potential, combining expert coaching with top-tier facilities and pathways to professional rugby. The College leads the way in developing girls’ rugby in Wales, with the programme flourishing under the leadership of former Welsh international Lee Rhys and Jonathan Hooper.
Llandovery College maintains close relationships and exclusive partnerships with the Welsh regions, including Scarlets, Ospreys, Cardiff Blues, Dragons RFC, London Royal Welsh RFC, and Llandovery Drovers RFC. Players also benefit from access to the Drovers’ brand-new 4G pitch, just a ten-minute walk from the main campus. However, the beating heart of Llandovery College rugby remains the historic Tredegar Close – our ‘Field of Dreams’, where generations of rugby internationals have been made.
The College has a history of world-class coaching, with legendary figures such as Carwyn James, the mastermind who led the British & Irish Lions to their famous victory over the All Blacks in 1971. Today, Llandovery College teams regularly take on the strongest opponents across the UK and Ireland, facing rugby powerhouses such as Millfield, Sedbergh, and Clifton College. Every week, multiple teams take to the field, representing the school’s unwavering commitment to excellence in rugby.
To further enhance player development, Llandovery College offers international rugby tours for both boys and girls, providing valuable experience against top-level opposition around the world. Most recently, teams have embarked on successful tours to South Africa and Dubai, allowing players to test themselves in new environments, experience different playing styles, and gain cultural enrichment both on and off the field.
With outstanding facilities, a world-class coaching structure, and a rich history of success, Llandovery College remains a leading force in Welsh school boys and girls’ rugby, shaping the future stars of the game.
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