About
Ethos
CRICC provides a welcoming environment for children in Cardiff to learn and play rugby through the medium of Welsh. We encourage open, running rugby as a core part of the club’s ethos.
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We provide an environment for children and parents alike to participate in developing rugby at every year-group in the WRU’s Player Pathway, from Under-6 through to Under-16 levels.
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The first exposure to rugby is TAG Rugby, with various other aspects of the game such as tackling and set-pieces then gradually introduced as each season progresses.
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Both girls and boys play together until the end of the Under-13s season. The playing journey then continues either via CRICC’s age-group teams until Under-16s, and subsequently the Youth and Senior sides for the Quins. The Quins also offer opportunities to play women’s senior rugby at a high competitive level.
We are committed to the WRU’s policy of ensuring every player for younger age groups plays at least a half during matches to foster their development. We also firmly believe in the principle of encouraging an approach to the game that is fun to play, enjoyable and stimulating to coach, entertaining to watch, and promotes open running rugby.
History
CRICC Caerdydd was officially established in 1990 to provide rugby tuition and experiences for children in Cardiff and the surrounding areas through the medium of Welsh. The roots of the club however go back to the 1980s, first playing at Llandaff Fields then at Glantaf Lower School (now PLASMAWR), before finding its present home at the Diamond Ground.
Since its inception we have grown in strength year on year, helping to nurture lifelong friendships as well as providing the first rugby experiences for some notable former players.
“CRICC played a huge part in my career and I’m eternally grateful for that. CRICC taught me the discipline and values of rugby at a young age, values I still hold to this day both on and off the field. I’m very thankful for my time at CRICC and all it gave me as a young boy.” –
Jamie Roberts
Jamie Roberts (CRICC, Cardiff Blues, Racing 92, Cambridge University, Harlequins, Bath, Wales, British & Irish Lions)
CRICC provides all of the mini-rugby and junior sections who play at the Diamond Ground, which is also the home of Cardiff Harlequins Rugby Football Club – originally known as Cardiff High School Old Boys – but now more widely known as Cardiff Quins.
Originally known as the Elyn Ground, Cardiff Quins has owned its own playing fields since 1962, when it took over the current land from the old Sports club for the Melin Griffith Tinplate Company.
Players who have represented CRICC through their early rugby development years have a natural progression path to club rugby via the Quins, although in the modern era, many of our players have also progressed their rugby experiences via the local secondary schools and then the regional Blues Academy structure.
Facilities and Club Contacts
The club has access to a range of facilities for playing and social activities, with its own gym, changing rooms, three pitches, floodlighting, as well as three bars and catering facilities in the clubhouse. CRICC also has its own shop at the ground, providing second hand boots and some equipment for its members as required.
Drawing our members largely from the city`s Welsh medium schools, CRICC provides an opportunity for junior school pupils to mix with other children prior to secondary school. There are currently 17 Welsh medium primary schools spread across Cardiff, compared to just 4 when CRICC was first established.
Welsh is the official language at CRICC Caerdydd, with Head Coaches ideally able to coach in Welsh – but we endeavour to provide
bi-lingual communication with all of our parents, and welcome support in a wide range of roles – including Team Management, organising social activities, tours and tournaments, catering, sponsorship and marketing. Please speak to any of CRICC Caerdydd’s volunteers if you think you can contribute in any way!