From Passion to Purpose: Ryan and Lloyd Wilkins’ New Coaching Endeavour
Discover LRW Coaching, where experienced players Ryan and Lloyd Wilkins provide high-quality rugby coaching focused on skill development, rugby IQ, confidence, and creating well-rounded athletes on and off the pitch.
Photo Credit: Leighton Davies
Passion. What is passion? A deep love and unrelenting desire for a given field. For Ryan and Lloyd Wilkins, that passion is rugby, a game where the brothers have forged great memories, and now they are giving back with the creation of LRW Coaching. With years of experience in the game, they now turn their focus to guiding the next generation, passing on lessons that go far beyond the pitch.
Starting up
“We started the coaching business because we saw a real opportunity to give young players better access to high-quality coaching and development. We are passionate about the game and wanted to create an environment where players can improve their skills, build confidence, and enjoy rugby while developing the right habits from an early stage.”
At the beginning of one’s rugby journey, foundations are key. Having a strong skillset to build on is vital for a young player. However, it’s not just ability on the pitch that makes a player great. It’s about mindset, the ability to carry yourself with confidence and an unwavering appreciation for rugby. The Wilkins brothers aim to help young players build confidence and enjoy rugby throughout their programme.
There is an emphasis on providing an understanding of key moments in the game.
“Our training will focus on developing well-rounded players. This includes strong attacking skills, a solid defensive structure, and a major emphasis on rugby IQ, including understanding the game, decision-making, and reading situations. We want players not only to execute skills but also to understand why they are doing them.”
Ryan and Lloyd are both fantastic players and have built a wealth of knowledge to pass on.
Experiences
Photo Credit: Leighton Davies
Their journey has seen them develop through Cardiff and Ospreys pathways, pull on the Pontypridd jersey, and now line up together at Bridgend. It’s a shared story shaped by progress and passion. Whether it is Lloyd representing GB Sevens or Ryan squaring off against Toulouse, they have each achieved a great deal within the game. That experience is bound to help with their coaching.
“Our experience gives us a strong understanding of what it takes to perform and improve at different levels of the game. We have faced many of the same challenges players encounter, which allows us to relate to them and guide them effectively. It also enables us to pass on practical knowledge, not just theory, and to design sessions that are realistic, relevant, and engaging.”
Equipped with experience and insight, they are perfectly placed to shape players within a programme driven by bold ambitions and a clear vision.
Plans
“The main goal of the coaching business is to help players reach their full potential, both on and off the field. We aim to develop confident, skilled, and intelligent rugby players while also building character, discipline, and a strong work ethic.”
Ryan and Lloyd’s mission goes beyond creating players on the pitch; it’s about teaching the values the game is built on, helping people grow off the pitch as well as on it. This is a plan to help young players in the area seize opportunities.
“Our ambition is to grow the coaching business into a well-respected programme known for developing high-quality players. In the future, we would like to expand the number of players involved, introduce more specialised training sessions, and potentially create pathways into higher levels of rugby. Ultimately, we want it to be a place where players of all abilities can come and improve.”
Life can be difficult, full of emotions and stress. It moves quickly, too quickly at times. The grains of sand eke through our fingertips faster than we like to admit. That’s why, as human beings, all we can do is keep moving forward. We must strive for improvement and continue to grow. Most of all, we must pursue our passions. For Ryan and Lloyd, it’s about more than rugby. It’s about shaping individuals, helping players grow in character as much as in ability, and leaving a lasting impact far beyond the field.
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More Than a Game: Lloyd Wilkins and a Life in Rugby
Lloyd Wilkins reflects on his rugby journey from Pontyclun to Bridgend Ravens, overcoming injury setbacks and playing for the love of the game.
Image credit: Leighton Davies
“Rugby has always been a massive part of my life. I’ve been playing for as long as I can remember, and it’s something that runs deep in my family. My dad played a big role in helping me fall in love with the game, especially getting to share that journey with my brother.
“For me, rugby is my release: those 80 minutes where I don’t think about anything else. I’ve had my setbacks with injuries, including two ACL reconstructions and shattering my fibula twice, but those challenges have only made me hungrier to come back stronger and keep enjoying the game I love.”
That was Lloyd Wilkins talking about the game he loves. From the quote above, you can tell Wilkins has a steadfast commitment to the game.
The start
Wilkins’ skills with a rugby ball were evident from an early age. It was with his local side that his rugby journey started. Pontyclun was more than just a club; it was a home that nurtured his growth both on and off the pitch. There, he developed not only as a rugby player but as a person. Wilkins speaks so fondly of his first club.
“Pontyclun RFC is incredibly special to me. It’s the only minis-and-juniors club I ever played for. I captained the side from U12s through to youth, which is something I’m really proud of.
“I still spend a couple of nights a week down there, whether it’s playing darts or just socialising with my mates. The club has an unbelievable mini and junior section, and the future is definitely bright. Pontyclun will always be a huge part of who I am.”
He attended Coleg y Cymoedd, where he had a memorable performance against Coleg Sir Gâr, crossing the try line to help his team retain the league title. Throughout this time, Wilkins was also linked with Cardiff Rugby and the Ospreys age-grade set-up.
When it was time for senior rugby, an opportunity with Pontypridd RFC arose.
Pontypridd RFC
Few names resonate in Welsh rugby quite like Pontypridd, a club that sits proudly among the game’s icons. It was at Sardis Road where Wilkins gained valuable experience and got his first taste of the Welsh Premiership. He talks about his time with Pontypridd.
“Playing for Pontypridd was special. It was my first senior club, and it gave me the chance to play alongside some top-quality players.
“Even though I was young and my game time was limited, I learned so much from being in that environment. It was an important stepping stone in my rugby journey.”
Pursuing more minutes, Wilkins made the move to Bedwas.
Bedwas
Whilst playing at Bedwas, Wilkins got regular time on the pitch, mostly at fly-half. He put in many fantastic displays for the club, and his influence on the pitch was clear. A decisive try against Narberth stands as one of the defining moments of his time in a Bedwas shirt. Going into the flickering embers of the contest, Bedwas was trailing until Wilkins crossed the try line to give his side victory.
His time at Bedwas went a long way in shaping the player he would become, and Wilkins looks back fondly at his time at the club.
“Bedwas was massive for my development, and I honestly can’t thank them enough. After recovering from my second ACL reconstruction, they took a chance on me when not many others would.
“From the moment I walked through the door, the coaches, players, and staff made me feel like part of a family. It wasn’t just about rugby; it was about belonging. That environment gave me the confidence and support I needed at a crucial point in my career.
“Getting to 50 caps for the club was really special, and last season I was lucky enough to play 24 games, scoring 22 tries and finishing with 337 points. But more than the stats, what I’ll always remember is how that group welcomed me, backed me, and helped me get my love for the game back.”
After impressing at Bedwas, Wilkins made the move to the Brewery Field.
Bridgend Ravens
Following some strong displays on permit last season, Wilkins joined Bridgend ahead of the 2025/26 season. Since his arrival, he has been a consistent presence, featuring at both fly-half and full-back. He will be pursuing wins and a strong finish to the season. Making several strong contributions, Wilkins has been enjoying his time at the Brewery Field. He talks about the club.
“I’m really enjoying my time with Bridgend. We’ve got a great coaching staff who share valuable knowledge, and it’s brilliant being able to play alongside some of my best friends, especially my brother.
“The highlight of my rugby career so far has definitely been making my debut for Bridgend alongside him. There’s a lot of potential in this squad, and I truly believe we can achieve great things.”
Wilkins has been in great form, and it will be fascinating to see what the future holds for him. As well as 15s, Wilkins has played 7s and has represented the UK.
“My main ambition is simple: to keep enjoying my rugby. As long as I’m enjoying it, I feel like I’m playing well. I just want to keep my head down, work hard, and make the most of every opportunity.
“I love both 15s and 7s. Playing for Preseli Babas was a great experience. We had a really successful summer in the London International 7s Series. I was also lucky enough to represent the UK 7s Select in Kenya, which was an unbelievable opportunity.
“At the end of the day, as long as I’m enjoying my rugby, that’s what matters most to me.”
For Wilkins, rugby has been about joy and living in the moment. Every time he steps onto the pitch, that love for the game shines through.
Curious about who’s behind the content? Check out our About Us page or visit our Join The Team page to get involved.