Following in His Father’s Footsteps: Dan Phillips, James and the Cyw

“I was a Cardiff boy, having played my youth rugby at St Joe’s before going on to play my first senior games there. I then started working in Pontypridd and ended up playing for Ponty for three seasons.

“Going into my fourth season, I became ill and unfortunately missed the whole year. During that time, I moved to Brackla and, through work, became good friends with Rich Chilcott and his family, who are die-hard Heol-y-Cyw people and have great standing within the club.

“After my season out of rugby, Rich asked me what I was planning to do next. I told him I didn’t really know, and he said, ‘Come and play for Heol-y-Cyw.’ Being a Cardiff boy, I’d never even heard of the place! He told me I’d love it, so I thought, why not? I’ll give it a season and see how it goes.

“Twelve seasons later, I was still there and eventually retired from the game at Heol-y-Cyw.

“I had a few opportunities to leave over the years, but I loved the club and never wanted to go anywhere else. I think that says everything about how much Heol-y-Cyw meant, and still means, to me.

“My parents came down every Saturday and absolutely loved their Saturdays at the Cyw.

“It’s just an amazing family club, and one that will always mean a great deal to me.”

One conversation sparked a relationship that spanned generations. It all started with his father, James, who found a home with Heol-y-Cyw. Both father and son have run out for the club, which means a great deal to both. From the foundations laid at Tondu, through his time at the University of Gloucestershire, to the pride of representing Heol-y-Cyw, every chapter has helped shape his journey. But running through it all is something deeper than rugby: family, belonging and a passion for the game that has never faded. Above all, it is the game that Dan Phillips loves.

Foundations

“Rugby and playing sport are all I can remember growing up. They have always been a vital part of my life and have helped shape me into the person I am today. They have taught me so much, from discipline and teamwork to staying calm under pressure. Rugby has given me some incredible experiences, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Early on, Phillips played both rugby and football; sport in general made a huge impression on his life. Ultimately, rugby caught his attention. He would end up playing in the red and blue of Tondu. Pandy Park is where he played his youth rugby. Phillips talks about his experience.

“Playing for Tondu Youth was my first real experience of playing rugby at a high level and at a much faster pace. Being in an environment where I was constantly learning from others and developing every week really improved my performance and helped make me the player I am today.

“It was also my first experience of being captain of a successful team. Taking on that responsibility was challenging at first, but it brought me out of my shell and helped develop my leadership skills. It’s an experience that I believe will make me a better captain if that opportunity comes around again in the future.”

After his time in youth rugby ended, it was time for university.

University of Gloucestershire

“After youth rugby, I went to university, where the game felt completely different. It was much faster and more tactical, which made me think about the game a lot more, especially when I played at number 10.

“University rugby took my love for the game to another level. There was a real sense of brotherhood within the team, and I became really close with the people I played alongside, which made the whole experience even better.

“Towards the end of the season came Varsity, which I absolutely loved. It almost felt like being a full-time rugby player, with Varsity camp and training five days a week. Getting the opportunity to play at Sixways in front of the whole university is an experience that will stay with me forever.”

His time at Gloucestershire exposed him to a different type of game and gave him an opportunity to play at fly-half, play at fantastic rugby venues, and grow and develop.

After a year away from the game, it was time to find a new team. Just like his father before him, Daniel Phillips found Heol-y-Cyw.

Heol-y-Cyw

“Heol-y-Cyw will always have a special place in my rugby career. I originally went down there hoping to follow in my dad’s footsteps and get back into rugby after taking a year away from the game, but it quickly turned into so much more than that.

“The people I’ve met and the players I’ve played alongside will stay with me for the rest of my life. The support and excitement around the village make you feel on top of the world, and being able to represent the village week in, week out is something really special to me.”

Whether it’s scoring an abundance of tries or being part of the team that stormed Division 2 West Central, he has achieved a tremendous amount with the club, and his dad, James, couldn’t be prouder.

“Coming back to Heol-y-Cyw nearly 20 years later with Dan has just been amazing. My father couldn’t wait for Dan’s first game and to see all the old faces again. Farmer, Garry and Larry, to name just a few. It was also great to see Edda, who was a close friend during my time at the club, and nice to see that, even after 30 years, Steve Chilcott was still abusing the ref, even with his daughters by his side.

“Walking back into the club felt like I’d only been there the week before. Even after all those years, it still had that same familiar, family feeling.

“So when Dan said to me, ‘I want to play rugby again, but where should I go?’ there was only ever one club for me: Heol-y-Cyw.

“Dan has absolutely loved his time at the club and is now into his third season. Seeing him pull on that shirt 30 years after I wore it for the first time is an incredibly proud feeling, and it means a lot to the whole family and me.

“Hopefully, he’ll go on to create just as many great memories at the club as I did.

“Up the Cyw!”

This is a story where family and club have become inseparable. Heol-y-Cyw is more than a place to play rugby; it is home. It is where memories have been created, friendships forged and pride passed through generations. That is what makes the journey mean so much more than the game itself.