Charlie Hancock: Rugby, Business and the Pursuit of Improvement
Charlie Hancock reflects on his rugby journey with Bridgend Athletic, Cardiff Met and Pontypridd, while building his career and business in strength and conditioning.
Image credit: Carl Robertson/ @Cardiffmetsport
“Rugby means a lot to me. I’ve played it for as long as I can remember, and it’s definitely helped make me who I am today. Obviously, it’s great for staying fit and active, but the majority of my closest mates are people I’ve met through rugby. So yeah, it’s everything, really.”
For Charlie Hancock, rugby is more than a physical game; it’s a way to bond, to connect, and to grow. He is a player who has run out for some iconic clubs and is now embarking on a different challenge.
Bridgend Athletic
Bridgend is full of fantastic clubs with rich histories. The Ath have built a fantastic history in Welsh rugby. Hancock learnt the game in the famous green and gold, whether it was playing on cold Sunday mornings or representing the seniors; it’s a love that will last a lifetime.
“Bridgend Ath is a club I’ve played for all the way from minis and juniors, through youth and into the seniors. I’ve learnt a lot through playing for the Ath and had some amazing opportunities along the way. Getting the chance to play at the Principality with both the youth and seniors shows the level the club consistently competes at and the big occasions it reaches.”
Another rugby establishment that holds significance for the fly-half is Cardiff Met. Cyncoed Campus holds a special place in his heart.
Cardiff Met and Pontypridd
“Cardiff Met was a massive part of my life. I learnt so much as a player from top-quality coaches. The level of detail they go into is like no other, and the resources you have access to are unreal. I also learnt a lot about myself as a person, built real connections with coaches and players, and made friends and memories for life. I couldn’t recommend Cardiff Met enough.”
After university, Hancock found himself playing at Sardis Road. He got the opportunity to play for iconic Pontypridd. It was an opportunity he didn’t take lightly.
“Pontypridd was the first club I signed for after leaving university, and it was an unreal experience being part of such a prestigious club. It was a great environment to be in, and I learnt loads from top-quality coaches and players. I struggled with injury during my time there, but it was still a great opportunity and a massive learning experience.”
Off the rugby pitch, the former Archer is building his S&C business.
S&C Adventure
“It’s been a really exciting start to my career in strength and conditioning. My MSc has given me a really strong base of knowledge, but the practical experience I’ve had so far has been unreal. Leading S&C programmes at Dragons RFC and Glantaf Rugby Academy has given me hands-on experience that no course could compare to. I’m now starting with Bristol Bears Women for the season, which I’m really excited about, while also taking on one-to-one clients as part of a new business venture.”
He is starting to build a wealth of experience working in some fantastic environments. Hancock has set a clear goal: the pursuit of improvement.
“The goal of the business is really just to develop and help athletes as much as I can. I genuinely love helping people grow, improve and become better versions of themselves, so the more I can do that, the better!”
It will be exciting to see what the future holds for Hancock on or off the pitch.
“One of my future ambitions is to get back to playing rugby at the highest level possible. This year is really a chance for me to take a break and focus on building my career outside of rugby. Once I’m properly on my feet with that, rugby can become more of a focus for me again.”
For Hancock, passion isn’t reserved for the rugby field. It defines how he approaches business, rugby, and every challenge that comes his way. Wherever the journey leads next, you can be certain he will pour his heart into every step.
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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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