Playing with Purpose: Iestyn Merriman's Journey
Discover Iestyn Merriman's rugby journey, from Bridgend Athletic to the Ravens, as he reflects on his career, lessons learned and return to Brewery Field.
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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Built by the Game: Daniel O’Sullivan’s Rugby Path
Daniel O’Sullivan reflects on his rugby journey through Cowbridge, the Ospreys academy, and Bridgend Athletic, built on friendship and community.
Image Credit: Bridgend Athletic/ PMH Creative
“Rugby has always been a big part of my life. It’s taught me a lot about discipline, hard work, and teamwork, and I’ve made some of my closest friends through the game.”
That is Bridgend Athletic’s Daniel O’Sullivan, talking about why rugby means so much to him. A story of community and friendship, it’s a great one. Let’s dive in.
Cowbridge
A club that had a big influence on a young O’Sullivan was Cowbridge. The club in the Vale of Glamorgan is where the flanker played his junior rugby. It is a club built on development and tradition, where young players are taught not just how to play, but how to understand, and it is home to players like Barney Langton-Cryer, Lewis Jones, and Cai Evans. Community is what the team has built. O’Sullivan talks about the team.
“Cowbridge will always be special to me. I played there when I was younger, made many good friends, and really enjoyed my time at the club. I still go back to watch and support when I can.”
O’Sullivan’s talent was on full display, which is why he was a part of the Ospreys academy.
Ospreys
Being exposed to an environment like the Ospreys is bound to help a player grow. O’Sullivan ran out alongside many future internationals, including Joe Hawkins, Sam Costelow, and Harri Deaves. Playing in the centre at age-grade rugby, he notably scored a try against Scarlets for Ospreys U16s. O’Sullivan talks about his time with Ospreys.
“It was a big step up and a great experience. I enjoyed it and learned a lot about myself and my rugby.”
As stated before, being in with the Ospreys helped his game, along with playing for Welsh Schools. O’Sullivan is now playing his rugby at Newbridge Fields.
Bridgend Athletic
“Bridgend Athletic is a massive part of my rugby now. I love playing there and really enjoy being part of the club and the group of boys.”
When Saturday comes around, O’Sullivan pulls on the green, representing Bridgend Athletic with pride, a club with a proud history in Welsh rugby. Many internationals, such as Scott Baldwin and Lee Byrne, have come through the club. Over recent years, the team has been in good form. They are currently competing in the Championship East after winning the Division One West Central title last season. That same year, the Bridgend Ath faithful travelled to the Welsh capital for the Division One Cup final. Unfortunately, they would narrowly lose out to Caernarfon 30–29 at the Principality Stadium, yet O’Sullivan went over for the score. The counter-attack gathered momentum at Ath and moved through their phases with purpose. It ended with O’Sullivan slicing through the defence on the 22-metre line to finish in style. He talks about what it meant to play in that final.
“It was unreal, probably the best day of my rugby career so far. Running out at the Principality in a cup final with the Ath, in front of our supporters, was something I’ll always remember.”
It’s clear playing for the Ath means a lot to O’Sullivan; he and the Ath will be pursuing some big results.
“To keep enjoying my rugby, stay injury-free, and see where the game takes me.”
Those words speak to O’Sullivan’s love for the game, where joy and expression matter as much as results.
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