Playing with Purpose: Iestyn Merriman's Journey
Photo Credit: Leighton Davies
Bridgend has long been a hotbed for rugby talent. Many internationals have called the town home, while clubs such as Bridgend Ath, Bridgend Sports and the Ravens have all left their mark on Welsh rugby. A familiar face in the Bridgend rugby scene is Iestyn Merriman, a formidable flanker who has made his mark for both the Ath and the Ravens.
Foundations and Lessons
“Rugby means everything to me. I’ve met most of my closest friends through playing, and I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world doing something I love.”
Rugby has played a huge role in Merriman’s life, providing a platform that has allowed him to build relationships and see the world. The flanker has enjoyed an impressive senior career. Like life itself, rugby is a journey of opportunity, challenge and growth. Every triumph brings confidence, every setback offers a lesson, and each experience helps shape the person and player you become.
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is not to take things too seriously and to always play and train with a smile. At the start of my senior career, I probably didn’t play to my full potential because I put too much pressure on myself. Now, I like to relax before games and have a laugh. It’s also helped keep the yellow cards to a minimum!”
It’s a message everyone can relate to: find happiness in the small things and good things will follow. For a player, you could argue the most enjoyable time is at the beginning, when it all starts. It begins on those cold Sunday mornings, surrounded by friends, where a love for the game is born and lasts a lifetime. For Merriman, that spark was lit on Newbridge Fields.
Ath
Over the years, Bridgend Ath have built a fantastic reputation for helping players sharpen their craft. Merriman was one of those players. He has worn the famous green and gold jersey at every level, making tremendous memories, including back-to-back trips to Principality Stadium. When he speaks about the club, you can tell it means a tremendous amount to him.
“Bridgend Athletic means a lot to me because it’s been a huge part of my junior, youth and senior career. Without being too biased, it’s probably produced some of the most successful age-grade teams in Wales, and the senior sides have enjoyed plenty of success over the last few years too. It’s a brilliant place to play rugby, and the people involved with the club are exactly the right people to take it to the next level.”
Having represented both Bridgend Athletic and the Bridgend Ravens, Merriman is set to return to the Brewery Field for a second spell with the Ravens ahead of the upcoming season.
Returning to the Ravens
“Coming back to the Ravens has definitely put the fire back in my belly. I think people assume I’m older than I am, but I’m only 31 and still feel like I’ve got a lot to offer. The club feels like it’s moving in the right direction, and the players we’ve got are more than capable of finishing in the top five. I’ve got some really close mates here, and the squad feels much tighter and more connected than before. Without any disrespect to previous coaches I’ve worked with, the current coaching staff are really moving with the times. They’ve brought plenty of fresh ideas, and it’s an exciting environment to be part of.”
A motivated Merriman returns to the Ravens for the upcoming season. He is no stranger to the Brewery Field, having made 150 appearances. He will look to help the Ravens as they head into their third season of the SRC. His ambitions are driven by his love for the game.
“My ambition is to keep playing rugby for as long as I enjoy it and to make my young family proud, whatever I do. And, of course, to hang on to my reputation as the best drinker on Ravens socials!”
Merriman has already created countless memorable moments throughout his career, but his story is far from finished. With a new season on the horizon, he will be determined to add many more memorable moments to an already distinguished career.
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