Former pupil Gwilym Bradley offered Cardiff Blues academy contract

By Josh Bartholomew

Gwilym Bradley OH (2019), last year’s vice-captain of Rugby, has secured an academy contract with Cardiff Blues after impressing in the BUCS Super League with Bath University.

Bradley, a versatile backrower, competed for Wales U18 and U19 last season, and has been training with the U20 squad ahead of the Six Nations in February. 

After coming through the London Irish academy pathway system, Bradley was unfortunate to miss much of his final year of Hampton rugby with a wrist injury, also forcing his absence from the U18 Academy League.

Speaking to cardiffblues.com, Bradley said: “It was great to spend time with Cardiff Blues A earlier in the season. That was my first experience of a professional set-up and it opened my eyes to how everything operated.

“The older guys, who had more than 100 appearances for the first team, treated you with a lot of respect, but were also happy to guide you through it and teach you different stuff. If it’s anything like my experience there when I link up with the academy, it’s exactly what I want.

“I didn’t have to think much about it to be honest. It’s the opportunity that I’ve been dreaming of. I want to be a rugby player. That’s my dream. And now that journey starts and I have to crack on and get to work.

“Being with Wales under-20 is another exciting opportunity which will hopefully push me forward. I’m doing all I can to get the nod for the Six Nations.”