Steve Roberts Ready for New Chapter at Heol-y-Cyw

Photo Credit: Sophie Williams

I’m extremely excited about the season ahead. We’ve been building steadily throughout the summer and have a young, hungry squad, with most players under 30. We’ve also attracted some new quality players who will add strength and competition to the squad. This season will give players from the wider squad in previous years a great opportunity to step up, take their chance and show what they’re capable of.

Steve Roberts has arrived at Heol-y-Cyw, a coach with a wealth of experience. As the Cyw prepare for their second season in Division One West Central, let’s get to know the new coach.

Playing career

“Rugby has always been a very big part of my life. Growing up in Llanelli, that’s pretty much all there was to do. If you ask my wife, she would say I put rugby above everything and talk about it endlessly every day! For me, rugby is more than a sport. It’s about belonging. It’s about pride. It’s about doing your best to help your club and teammates succeed.”

Hailing from rugby-proud Llanelli, rugby was always going to be a part of Roberts’ life. He would go on to play for Llanelli at all levels and run out for Wales at age-grade level. The journey would continue beyond familiar surroundings, with spells at Ystradgynlais and Clifton providing Roberts with new challenges, experiences and memories along the way. He reflects on his playing days.

“I made the most of what I had. I was never the biggest or fastest. I worked hard on the physical elements, and I had some great experiences with different clubs, having moved from Llanelli to Bristol for uni, and then when I came back to Wales, I settled in the East.”

New opportunities arose, and they came in coaching. Roberts coached at Clifton and built experience at iconic clubs such as Llanharan. However, a season that would linger long in the memory was the double with the Pontyclun Falcons.

A season to remember

“Coaching the Falcons was an incredible experience. The team showed fantastic commitment and a real desire to learn, which also pushed me to develop and improve as a coach. A particular highlight was our day at the Principality Stadium, where all the hard work paid off as we came away with a win.”

Roberts’ time with the Falcons was an important chapter in his career. It was a team that left everything on the pitch, and it was a successful season that resulted in a lot of silverware, taking the team to the home of Welsh rugby. That day, the cup returned to Pontyclun after a 20-7 win over Llandaff North.

Roberts’ journey is all about putting in the hard yards, and you can see that embedded in his teams.

“Two quotes I have always believed in: ‘Hard work always beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard’ and ‘Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.’”

He will bring his expertise and values to the village as the season approaches.

Arriving in Heol-y-Cyw

The quote at the top of the piece highlights why Roberts is excited to be joining the team: a young and hungry side that is capable of winning. He elaborates on why people should be excited for the upcoming season.

“People should be excited because, as I mentioned, we have a young, hungry squad, some exciting new additions and plenty of players ready to step up and make their mark. There’s a real sense of togetherness within the group, and we’re looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together this season.”

Results may define a season, but people define a club. With a community standing together and an unbreakable spirit running through everyone involved, this club is ready to fight for every moment and make the season one to remember.