Billy McBryde's North Wales Story
Photo credit: RGC
There is no sweeter sound than the boot connecting with a ball to send it through the uprights. RGC fans have become very familiar with Billy McBryde racking up points for the North Wales side. A player with a wealth of experience who is hitting his prime, he already has a great story, and you can tell there's still a lot more to come.
Scarlets and Wales U20s
“I suppose rugby is part of my DNA. It’s what makes me who I am. I can’t remember life without rugby. It’s a bit of a cliché, but it’s my release from everyday life, a chance to perform and compete, which is what I love doing. The sport has given me so many memories and opportunities, and I feel very fortunate to have experienced them. To call it a job is a real privilege.”
Rugby runs through McBryde’s veins. As the son of Robin McBryde, rugby was always destined to play a major role in the fly-half's life. His journey began at Tumble RFC, where he built the foundations of his game. His talent shone through, and he was picked up by the Scarlets Academy, a telling sign of his immense rugby talent, a talent that would take him into the professional game and see him represent the nation at age-grade level. McBryde talks about those pivotal years at Parc y Scarlets, as well as running out in the infamous red of Wales at under-20 level.
“I was very fortunate to be involved with the Scarlets from around the age of 13, and I’m extremely grateful to the coaches and staff who supported me until I left at 21. I made a handful of first-team appearances between the ages of 18 and 21 and trained alongside some of the game's greats, which was a surreal experience.
“Although I had limited opportunities, I look back with no bitterness or regret because it ultimately led me to where I am now. The U20 Grand Slam was a brilliant experience. That playing group was very special, and some of the squad have gone on to achieve great things in the sport. To represent your country in the Six Nations and at a World Cup is something not many people can say, so I look back on that period of my career with great fondness and gratitude.”
Not only did he represent Wales U20s, but he played on the sevens circuit with the nation.
“I had the opportunity at 19 to represent wales on the 7s circuit. The game of 7s had helped me not only physically in terms of fitness but isolated my skills further such as kick offs, long passing, 1vs1 tackling etc. To be able to travel the world while playing is something I’m truly grateful for and did not take for granted one bit. After a few tours I decided it was time to get back into the 15s game which I was more than ready for.”
After spending time in Wales, a new chapter beckoned. With ambition driving him forward, he left familiar surroundings behind and headed to Doncaster in search of the next step in his journey.
Doncaster
“Doncaster Knights is such a brilliant club. Representing the club 75 times was a real honour, and I can honestly say I made friends for life during my time there. The Championship is an incredibly tough league, and I learned many life lessons while being so far from home. At first, I was well outside my comfort zone, but it didn’t take me long to settle in, which is a testament to the welcoming nature of the staff, players and supporters involved with the club. The four seasons I spent there were some of the best years of my career so far.”
McBryde’s stint at Doncaster highlights an important aspect of life. To continue growing and evolving, one must push boundaries and step outside one's comfort zone. New experiences and pressures will make you a better player and person. In the English Championship, McBryde relished the opportunity to play against opposition such as Ealing. He became a familiar name among Knights fans and put in some stellar performances throughout his time at the club.
Following his stint in England, it was time to come home to RGC.
RGC
“RGC has played a massive role in my life. Without RGC, I wouldn’t have met my wife or had my son. Even though I’m not originally from here, my family roots are embedded in North Wales, and it’s a really special feeling to represent the region. I owe a lot to RGC because, without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
RGC clearly means a great deal to McBryde; a consistent presence in the club's thinking for many years, he has delivered some sensational performances for the North Walians. RGC has enjoyed a very fruitful season, finishing fifth in the table, and came up short in the play-offs against eventual winners Llandovery in an exciting contest. The fly-half has enjoyed an outstanding season; after Round 18, he was the league’s top points scorer by a mile with 214 points. As well as being lights out from the kicking tee, he was also called up to the Scarlets' bench this season, showing the form he was in. McBryde gives it his all when wearing the RGC jersey, and when he speaks about the club, you can tell he loves playing for the fans, teammates and family.
“To continue my playing career back at RGC is a fantastic feeling, and I genuinely believe I’m playing some of the best rugby of my life. Since returning, I’ve been the league’s top points scorer, playing with freedom and a smile on my face. That’s down to being back at Eirias Park, playing in front of loyal fans and enjoying world-class facilities.
“I’m also very fortunate to be able to share some of my knowledge with younger players and help guide them through the early stages of their rugby journeys. The group we have is incredibly close-knit, partly because of the countless hours we spend travelling together each week, and partly because of the quality of rugby we play and the clarity everyone has about their role. A lot of that is down to Jon Callard and the impact he has made since coming in as head coach.”
McBryde and RGC will look to capitalise on the momentum they built this season for an even stronger one next time out.
“My ambition is always to keep improving my game and help the team succeed. I’ve always wanted to win, compete and be successful, and to lift a trophy with RGC would be the highlight of my career.
“At 29, I feel like I’m entering my prime. I want to continue contributing and help rugby in North Wales push on to even greater success. I believe people are starting to take notice of the rugby we play, and players are being picked up by professional clubs, which is exactly what RGC is striving to achieve.
“I’ve still got plenty left in the tank, so I’m certainly not done yet.”
The hunger for success remains as strong as ever. With silverware driving him forward and the quality to achieve it, the next chapter of his story could be his most memorable yet.
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