Billy McBryde's North Wales Story

Photo credit: RGC

There is no sweeter sound than the boot connecting with a ball to send it through the uprights. RGC fans have become very familiar with Billy McBryde racking up points for the North Wales side. A player with a wealth of experience who is hitting his prime, he already has a great story, and you can tell there's still a lot more to come.

Scarlets and Wales U20s

“I suppose rugby is part of my DNA. It’s what makes me who I am. I can’t remember life without rugby. It’s a bit of a cliché, but it’s my release from everyday life, a chance to perform and compete, which is what I love doing. The sport has given me so many memories and opportunities, and I feel very fortunate to have experienced them. To call it a job is a real privilege.”

Rugby runs through McBryde’s veins. As the son of Robin McBryde, rugby was always destined to play a major role in the fly-half's life. His journey began at Tumble RFC, where he built the foundations of his game. His talent shone through, and he was picked up by the Scarlets Academy, a telling sign of his immense rugby talent, a talent that would take him into the professional game and see him represent the nation at age-grade level. McBryde talks about those pivotal years at Parc y Scarlets, as well as running out in the infamous red of Wales at under-20 level.

“I was very fortunate to be involved with the Scarlets from around the age of 13, and I’m extremely grateful to the coaches and staff who supported me until I left at 21. I made a handful of first-team appearances between the ages of 18 and 21 and trained alongside some of the game's greats, which was a surreal experience.

“Although I had limited opportunities, I look back with no bitterness or regret because it ultimately led me to where I am now. The U20 Grand Slam was a brilliant experience. That playing group was very special, and some of the squad have gone on to achieve great things in the sport. To represent your country in the Six Nations and at a World Cup is something not many people can say, so I look back on that period of my career with great fondness and gratitude.”

Not only did he represent Wales U20s, but he played on the sevens circuit with the nation.

“I had the opportunity at 19 to represent wales on the 7s circuit. The game of 7s had helped me not only physically in terms of fitness but isolated my skills further such as kick offs, long passing, 1vs1 tackling etc. To be able to travel the world while playing is something I’m truly grateful for and did not take for granted one bit. After a few tours I decided it was time to get back into the 15s game which I was more than ready for.”

After spending time in Wales, a new chapter beckoned. With ambition driving him forward, he left familiar surroundings behind and headed to Doncaster in search of the next step in his journey.

Doncaster

“Doncaster Knights is such a brilliant club. Representing the club 75 times was a real honour, and I can honestly say I made friends for life during my time there. The Championship is an incredibly tough league, and I learned many life lessons while being so far from home. At first, I was well outside my comfort zone, but it didn’t take me long to settle in, which is a testament to the welcoming nature of the staff, players and supporters involved with the club. The four seasons I spent there were some of the best years of my career so far.”

McBryde’s stint at Doncaster highlights an important aspect of life. To continue growing and evolving, one must push boundaries and step outside one's comfort zone. New experiences and pressures will make you a better player and person. In the English Championship, McBryde relished the opportunity to play against opposition such as Ealing. He became a familiar name among Knights fans and put in some stellar performances throughout his time at the club.

Following his stint in England, it was time to come home to RGC.

RGC

“RGC has played a massive role in my life. Without RGC, I wouldn’t have met my wife or had my son. Even though I’m not originally from here, my family roots are embedded in North Wales, and it’s a really special feeling to represent the region. I owe a lot to RGC because, without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

RGC clearly means a great deal to McBryde; a consistent presence in the club's thinking for many years, he has delivered some sensational performances for the North Walians. RGC has enjoyed a very fruitful season, finishing fifth in the table, and came up short in the play-offs against eventual winners Llandovery in an exciting contest. The fly-half has enjoyed an outstanding season; after Round 18, he was the league’s top points scorer by a mile with 214 points. As well as being lights out from the kicking tee, he was also called up to the Scarlets' bench this season, showing the form he was in. McBryde gives it his all when wearing the RGC jersey, and when he speaks about the club, you can tell he loves playing for the fans, teammates and family.

“To continue my playing career back at RGC is a fantastic feeling, and I genuinely believe I’m playing some of the best rugby of my life. Since returning, I’ve been the league’s top points scorer, playing with freedom and a smile on my face. That’s down to being back at Eirias Park, playing in front of loyal fans and enjoying world-class facilities.

“I’m also very fortunate to be able to share some of my knowledge with younger players and help guide them through the early stages of their rugby journeys. The group we have is incredibly close-knit, partly because of the countless hours we spend travelling together each week, and partly because of the quality of rugby we play and the clarity everyone has about their role. A lot of that is down to Jon Callard and the impact he has made since coming in as head coach.”

McBryde and RGC will look to capitalise on the momentum they built this season for an even stronger one next time out.

“My ambition is always to keep improving my game and help the team succeed. I’ve always wanted to win, compete and be successful, and to lift a trophy with RGC would be the highlight of my career.

“At 29, I feel like I’m entering my prime. I want to continue contributing and help rugby in North Wales push on to even greater success. I believe people are starting to take notice of the rugby we play, and players are being picked up by professional clubs, which is exactly what RGC is striving to achieve.

“I’ve still got plenty left in the tank, so I’m certainly not done yet.”

The hunger for success remains as strong as ever. With silverware driving him forward and the quality to achieve it, the next chapter of his story could be his most memorable yet.

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No Fear, No Limits: Nick Fish’s Rugby Journey

Nick Fish is a coach, a lifelong learner, and a true expert in rugby. His journey from Aberavon to RGC is full of experiences and makes for a compelling story.

A lifelong love for rugby

“What does rugby mean to me? In simple terms, everything. Rugby has been my life ever since I was a kid. I remember when I was eight, my dad took me to a rugby match for the first time, Cardiff v Newport on a freezing, rainy Friday night at the Arms Park. I remember it like it was yesterday. I was hooked.

“From that moment, my goals were to play for Cardiff and Wales. But rugby gave me so much more. Growing up on a council estate in Cardiff, rugby's values shaped me. Without it, my life could have been very different.

“Rugby has given me friendships, connections, travel, and experiences. The people you meet often become lifelong friends. My work ethic and values come from lessons learned in the game and from mentors like Peter Connolly and Bobby Chapman.

“Injury cut my playing career short, so I didn't fulfil my goal of playing for Cardiff or Wales. But I brought that same ambition into coaching.

“Rugby means everything to me.”

Like many others in rugby, Fish was deeply shaped by the sport. Its core values became the foundation of his life. That cold night at Arms Park sparked a passion that led him into coaching, and his story is still being written.

Building the foundation

Fish has taken on many roles, from Director of Rugby at Newport Saracens RFC to head coach at Glyncoch RFC. He focused on the details at Cardiff’s academy and spent six years developing his ideas at Cardiff Met. In May 2024, he started coaching at Cardiff University, where he worked on improving their scrum. Fish reflected on coaching at the university and what it was like to be involved with both teams.

“I enjoyed my time at Cardiff University. After six years at Cardiff Met, joining their city rival felt risky. But I always saw Cardiff University as a sleeping giant in BUCS Super Rugby.

“The depth among players, staff, and within the environment makes it special. We likely overachieved many years given our resources, and I’m pleased with their success this season, reaching the playoffs and beating Exeter twice.

“The players stood out: coachable, hardworking, and balancing rugby, strength and conditioning, nutrition, academics, social pressures, and, for some, academy duties. It’s tough but rewarding because it challenges you in different ways.

“The staff were excellent. Cardiff is fortunate to have two top rugby universities. I may be the only coach with a BUCS Super Rugby Cardiff Clash win on both sides of the A48, which I’m proud of.

“I was nervous making the move, but the players quickly welcomed me. Deep connections were made that will last for years. That’s rugby’s beauty,those relationships endure. In ten years, you’ll meet up, share a pint, and reminisce.”

After spending a lot of time in Super BUCS, Fish was ready for a new challenge. With the first Super Rugby Cymru coming up, he found himself at Aberavon.

Aberavon

“Aberavon was a great experience. I remember the first time I walked through the gates and felt the place's history. You could feel the weight of what the club means, and I never took that for granted.

“The players were fantastic, hardworking, committed, and proud. The staff were equally committed. Jason, as head coach, was one of the hardest-working coaches I’ve ever worked with. If you cut Jason, he’d bleed Aberavon. He was fantastic to work for, and I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity I had there.

“I think, as a team, we underachieved but showed real commitment. The supporters were phenomenal, wanting a team that worked hard, played for the badge, and embodied being a Wizard.

“Whether it was someone earning their first cap or their hundredth, the energy, effort and desire were always there.

“It was a great experience, one I’ll never forget. And if I’m honest, maybe one that got away.”

Wales is full of clubs with rich histories, and coaching Aberavon was clearly special for Fish. The passion and commitment at Talbot Athletic Ground stand out, and being a Wizard meant a lot to him. After his year with Aberavon in 2023–2024, Fish was ready for a new chapter. He soon left South Wales to join RGC in North Wales in early 2024.

A North Wales adventure

When people think of rugby in Wales, they often picture the south and west. But North Wales has become a strong area for the sport too. RGC represents rugby in the region and plays at Eirias Stadium. Fish explained what this big change meant.

“I joined RGC in January this year, and I’ve absolutely loved my time here.

“The passion for rugby in North Wales is remarkable. The talent pool is as good as anywhere in Wales, and I believe it remains an untapped area that deserves more credit and resources.

“There’s a dedicated team here: Allan, Josh Leach, and Afon Bagshaw are committed to bringing young talent through our pathway.

“One big change was the landscape. I was used to Cardiff's noise and bustle. Here, the scenery,Colwyn Bay, Llandudno, Glan Conwy, Rhos-on-Sea, Caernarfon,is stunning. It keeps you grounded and thankful to coach here.

“When I arrived, I wanted to learn about rugby and regional history. North Wales is a proud region. Everyone I’ve met here is proud to be from North Wales.

“It's a unique challenge. Mindsets differ, which pushes me as a coach. Players want to represent RGC, their region, and national age-grade sides. Our job is to help them achieve that.

“Now, I’m focused on building foundations for the next generation of North Welsh players. I’m excited and proud to help shape their future.”

Fish’s words show how much he values the area and wants to help RGC succeed. The team is playing well as they head into the playoffs, where they will face Llandovery.

A massive game lies ahead

RGC has had a great season, especially in the later stages. The North Wales team is fifth in the league with 55 points, scoring 585 points and winning eight games. They have recently had strong wins away against Aberavon, Carmarthen, Ebbw Vale, and Bridgend, with winning margins of 27, 18, 8, and 43 points. Players like Billy McBryde and Caio Parry have been making a big impact. With everyone looking forward to the match against the Drovers, Fish looked ahead to the big game.

“Since I’ve been there, it’s been a great group of players. They’ve been on a real journey, and Jon Collard and Josh Leach have done a fantastic job with them. They play a great brand of rugby, and they’re excited to play.

“We’ve had some strong results against Ebbw Vale and Bridgend, but those results mean nothing if you don’t back them up. What I like about this group is that they thrive on pressure and enjoy being underdogs.

“Going down to Llandovery is a huge challenge. They have a great record in this competition and in Welsh rugby generally. There’s history there.

“But we hold no fear. We go there focused on ourselves and excited to test ourselves. We were unlucky in the final against Swansea, but we’ve been on a journey, and we’re looking forward to this clash. I think it’ll be two teams playing good, exciting rugby and really going at each other.”

As Fish prepares for another important match, his coaching career has already shown that he is up to the challenge.

Coach philosophy

“What I find most rewarding about coaching is seeing people grow, not just as players, but as individuals. Rugby is the vehicle, but it’s really about developing confidence, resilience and self-awareness. Helping athletes push through challenges, understand themselves better, and realise what they’re capable of as people is what makes those connections meaningful.”

For Fish, coaching is about more than just results. He wants to help people grow and reach their potential, and he hopes to leave a lasting legacy.

“A head coaching role. That’s a clear ambition.

“I’ve also always wanted to challenge myself at an international level, whether in national age-grade coaching or senior international rugby. I’ve long had ambitions to coach overseas, whether in America, Japan, or elsewhere in Europe.

“Testing yourself in different league structures, cultures, and environments shapes you not just as a coach, but as a person.

“That’s my medium- to long-term ambition. In the short term, I’m focused on creating opportunities for the young players coming through at RGC.

“I believe in leaving a legacy. We speak to players about that, but it applies to coaches too. Sometimes you can’t control how you leave, but if you can leave some kind of legacy, however small, then you’ve done a good job.

“Whether I’m at RGC for six months, one year or ten years, it’s about making a positive impact and leaving something behind.”

The phrase ‘we hold no fear’ stood out to me throughout this conversation. The reason for this is that it embodies Fish’s career. A story of taking risks and diving into new opportunities. Not letting fear get in the way whilst hunting down a dream.

Built on character, conviction, and a body of work that speaks for itself, Fish has all the makings of someone who can leave more than an impact, he can leave a legacy. The game may yet feel his influence for years to come.

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