Aled Kerton-Jones: A Lifetime of Rugby, Friendship and Heol-y-Cyw
“Rugby has played a huge part in my life. From kicking a ball around the street with friends as a youngster to playing my first competitive game at six years old, the sport has been a constant throughout my journey.
“Now, more than 30 years later, my playing career is drawing to a close. Looking back, I can honestly say it has gone far too quickly, but it has given me memories that will last a lifetime. I've experienced the highs of winning trophies, playing in stadiums, and travelling the world to compete in tournaments. I've also faced the lows of serious injuries that left me wondering whether I'd ever play again.
“I am incredibly grateful for the career I've had and wouldn't change any part of it. While my time on the pitch may be ending, I'm excited about the opportunity to continue giving back to the club and helping it grow off the field.”
Passion, home, and gratitude. These are the words that come to mind when talking to Aled Kerton-Jones. A player with a deep connection with Heol-y-Cyw RFC.
Joining Heol-y-Cyw
“Having played all my age-grade rugby at local rivals Llanharan RFC, I made the decision at 19 to follow a group of friends across the common and pull on the blue and white jersey of Heol-y-Cyw RFC.
“It didn't take long for me to realise I'd found the right club. The team's ethos, togetherness, and never-say-die attitude had me hooked from the start. There was always an underdog spirit about Heol-y-Cyw. No matter who we faced, we backed ourselves and fought for one another. Whether it was battling side by side on a Saturday or fighting each other on a Tuesday and Thursday night, it was clear that being part of this club meant something special to each player.
“I was fortunate to be part of an incredibly talented and successful group of players. During my time at the club, we achieved several promotions in a short space of time, rising from Division 4 to battling in Division 1 with some historically big outfits, where we more than held our own. Along the way, we recorded memorable victories against clubs such as Pontypool and Merthyr, proving that Heol-y-Cyw could compete with anyone.
“Without question, the pinnacle of my rugby career was winning the Welsh Cup at the Principality Stadium. It's a day I'll never forget. From the bus journey to Cardiff with supporters lining the streets, to standing on the pitch unable to hear any of the calls due to the deafening noise of both sets of fans, and then returning home to a hero's welcome at the club, it was a truly unforgettable experience.
Heol-y-Cyw RFC has given me far more than rugby. It has provided lifelong friendships, incredible memories, and a sense of belonging that will stay with me forever. The club has played a huge part in shaping who I am, and I will always be grateful for the opportunities and experiences it has given me.
Even though his career began at the iconic Llanharan RFC. At 19, a moved to Heol-y-Cyw sparked love with the club that would last a lifetime. Whether its being part of the squad that went from Division four to Division One or that time that took over the Principality Stadium. The club clearly means a tremendous amount to home, its home.
A special club
“For me, Heol-y-Cyw RFC is different from most clubs. The village itself is small, with only a handful of streets, which means there has never been a huge pool of local players to choose from. But boy, have they managed to produce some talent!
“At the same time, the club has often relied on players from outside the village to strengthen the squad. What makes Heol-y-Cyw special is its ability to make those players feel at home.
“That comes down to the people. From my own experience, the welcome I received from the supporters and locals was incredible. Despite not being from the village, they made me feel like one of their own from day one. The connection between the club, the team, and the community is something I've rarely experienced elsewhere.
“The support, both home and away, has always been outstanding, but it's the relationships off the pitch that really stand out. Saturdays were never just about the rugby. After the game, the clubhouse became the heart of the village, with supporters eager to run through the post-match analysis before inevitably sharing their own stories and memories of playing for the club. It often felt like speed dating, moving from table to table, catching up with different faces and talking rugby with people who genuinely cared about Heol-y-Cyw RFC.
“That's what makes the club so special. It's more than just a rugby club, it's a community. People come here to play rugby, but they stay because they become part of something much bigger.”
It is difficult to add much more, because it sums up perfectly what makes Heol-y-Cyw so special: the people. From the players who leave everything on the field to the supporters who turn out week after week, everyone plays their part in making the club what it is. Kerton-Jones elaborates to play last season for the club once again.
Last season and what’s to come
“Last season was a real rollercoaster. Having gone into Christmas challenging for top of the league, we somehow found ourselves looking over our shoulders and battling relegation as the season entered its final few games.
“There were challenges both on and off the pitch. We suffered injuries to key personnel and, thanks to the weather and drainage issues with our pitch, were unable to train properly for much of the season. There were certainly periods where it felt as though a bit of luck or the bounce of a ball could have made a huge difference to our league position. Despite that, there was always a belief within the squad that we had the quality, character, and determination to turn things around, and thankfully that's exactly what we did.
“On a personal level, the season didn't quite go to plan either. My intention was simply to put the boots on for a few games with the 2nds and finish my rugby career in the colours that meant the most to me.
“However, injuries and player departures had other ideas.
“Before long, I found myself back in the 1st XV fold. Every Saturday felt like a lucky dip, turn up and be handed a number anywhere between 1 to 20. Spending a large portion of the season at outside half certainly wasn't how I'd planned to ease my way towards retirement. That said, it's never been in my nature to shy away from a challenge, even with 2 left feet. Notably, I did enjoy my cameos in the back row and somehow even managed to find myself binding down at Hooker for a couple of uncontested scrums.
“Looking back, it wasn't always pretty, it was rarely straightforward, but everyone dug in, did whatever was needed for the team, and together we got the job done.”
It was eventful first season in Division One West Central. A season where Heol-y-Cyw, many memorable performance with 14 for a team. Now, the team will look forward as they enter a new chapter, and Kerton-Jones is excited to see how it unfolds.
“This season feels like a real pivotal moment for the club and the direction it takes moving forward.
“With a few of us older heads hanging up our boots, it feels very much like a changing of the guard. While there may be experience missing from the dressing room, it also presents a fantastic opportunity for the next generation to step forward, take ownership, and develop into leaders both on and off the pitch.
“The club is fortunate to have some exceptional young talent coming through, and I think this season gives those players the chance to really make their mark. Combined with a new coaching team bringing fresh ideas and energy, there is every reason to be optimistic about what lies ahead.
“While I'll miss being out on the field, I'm genuinely excited to watch this group develop and see where the season takes them. There is a real sense of opportunity around the club at the moment, and I believe the foundations are in place for an exciting future.”
Every rugby journey leaves behind memories, but for Kerton-Jones, so many of them belong to Heol-y-Cyw. The matches may come and go, but the friendships, emotions and memories created along the way will last a lifetime.