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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