From Beddau to Cardiff Met to Wales U20s: The Path of Dylan Scott

Image Credit: Cardiff Met Sport/ Carl Robertson

“I have played rugby since the age of seven, and I couldn’t imagine not playing it. It has been a huge part of my life and has helped shape who I am today. Rugby, to me, is more than just a sport. It has taught me key values such as discipline, resilience, and teamwork. Over the years, it has given me great memories, strong friendships, and a real passion for winning every time I step on the field. I love the competitive nature of the game and the feeling of victory.”

A game that Dylan Scott couldn’t be without. A game that the winger has put blood, sweat, and tears into becoming the best player he can be.

Beddau

Every journey in rugby has a starting point. For Scott, those first steps were taken at Beddau. Following in the footsteps of internationals like Steve Fenwick and Gethin Jenkins, his game was shaped on the pitches of Beddau. Memories were formed at the club. From youth success to an enjoyable senior debut, it's clear that the club means a great deal to Scott.

“Beddau RFC will always have a special place in my heart. I have so many memories growing up there. I remember going to training with my best mates, getting absolutely soaked and running around without a care in the world. The club has played a huge role in shaping who I am today and has taught me important values that every person should have.

“I also have great memories from winning the Youth Plate with my best mates and making my first senior appearance in the promotion game that took Beddau into the Premiership for the first time in its history. Looking back, it is really special to know that I was part of that moment and that history. It is also great to see them pushing the top teams this season and currently sitting first in the Welsh Premiership. Not many people would expect a small village like Beddau to be doing so.”

His game continued to grow; after some disappointment, Scott forged a steadfast resilience, and a love was reborn on Cyncoed Campus.

Cardiff Met

“Cardiff Met has been crucial for me. Without going there, I probably wouldn’t have had the opportunities I’ve been given. I’ve loved my time at Met over the past two years. I’ve made friends from all over the world, including English, Dutch, American, and Irish players. Without going through Met, I probably would never have met some of these boys.

“Before coming to university, I was in a pretty dark place. After not getting a contract with Cardiff, I was ready to give rugby up. But Met reignited my love for the game. The environment I am in now, and how close it is to the professional game, has really helped boost my game and my confidence.”

Cardiff Met has proven to be a place where young players can prove their worth and showcase their talent. Scott has done just that while at university. Competing in Super BUCS and the Welsh Premiership is bound to sharpen one's craft. The winger has scored fantastic tries against the likes of Neath, Cardiff University, and Bath University. Furthermore, he has played at iconic grounds such as the Arms Park and the Rec.

However, he has not just played for his university but also for his nation.

Wales U20s

“Making my Wales U20s debut will always stick with me. As a kid, I always told my parents that one day I would play for Wales, so actually living that moment and stepping onto the field for the U20s was unbelievable.

“It was probably one of the best nights of my career, especially scoring on my debut in front of all my Beddau family. Having my best mates from university and back home there, along with my family and friends, made it really special. It is a moment that will take a lot to top.

“What also sticks with me is remembering how some coaches in the past told me that I would not be good enough. To then represent the U20s was special in its own way because it proved to me that they were wrong.”

There is something special about Wales; even through tough times, the famous red jersey still holds tremendous weight. Scott got the opportunity to represent Wales U20s in this year's Six Nations, making his debut against Scotland. The Archer made an immediate impact. Carwyn Leggatt-Jones’ perfectly weighted kick cut through the Cardiff night air, finding Scott, who finished to the delight of the Arms Park crowd. He started the following games against Ireland and Italy. Looking ahead, Scott hopes more big moments are on the horizon.

“Looking ahead, I have a few ambitions, but the main one is to earn a professional contract. I would love to play rugby professionally because it is something I truly love, and I want to challenge myself at the highest level possible.

“Another big goal of mine is to make the Wales U20s squad for the Junior World Championship in Georgia again so I can test myself against the best players in the world.”

Driven by the ambition to turn professional, Scott continues to build a compelling case with every performance. With a sharp eye for the try line and belief behind him, the next chapter feels full of possibility.

---

Curious about who’s behind the content? Check out our About Us page or visit our Join The Team page to get involved.

“I Just Want to Keep Learning and Improving”: Tom Florence’s Journey

Credit: Majestic Media Ltd / Alamy

Noah Kahan’s “Everywhere, Everything” unintentionally echoes the emotions of Welsh rugby fans through the years. Originally about a romantic renaissance, the stanza now encapsulates the euphoria and pride coursing through Welsh rugby for decades. Past successes seem distant, but while results have dwindled, the passion remains. Ospreys’ Tom Florence embodies that relentless drive. His journey is interesting from start to finish.

Born and bred in Bridgend 

Florence’s hometown of Bridgend was where he built the bedrock of his career. In Bridgend, rugby isn’t just a sport; its history is woven into the town, producing generations of top-class players. The Bridgend Ravens are the team most associated with Bridgend. However, the Brewery Field isn’t where the young back took his first steps in rugby.

Instead, you must look to Newbridge Fields, just three minutes down the road. His love for the game began with Bridgend Sports. By 12, he had moved to the Athletic. That step would shape his rugby path. Whether it was for Bridgend Sports, Bridgend Athletic, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd, Brynteg, or Bridgend, Florence’s journey is synonymous with the county of Bridgend. He talks through his early rugby life.

“It’s really special to have played for the Sports, the Ath, Brynteg, and now the Ravens, all clubs and teams that mean a lot to me and to everyone in Bridgend. My dad first took me down to play for Bridgend Sports when I was seven, alongside a few of my mates, which was really enjoyable.

“I moved over to Bridgend Athletic at under-12s and stayed there through to youth rugby. I loved my time with the Ath, playing alongside my mates every week and learning from some brilliant people. We had a great run as a team and reached the Ospreys under-16s final, where we lost to Gowerton. I played against one of my Ospreys teammates and now close friends, Cam Jones, that day. He still reminds me of it now.

“We had some top players in that team, with Ryan Neagle setting the example as captain, and some brilliant coaches who made a real impact on me. We finished that season with a tour to Amsterdam, which I’ll never forget.

“I started my school rugby in Llangynwyd, and I’ve got great memories from that time, especially in Year 11 when we went on an unbeaten run until the quarter-finals with Owain Tudur and Josh Hughes coaching us.

“Moving to Brynteg for sixth form was another amazing experience. Playing under Adam Rosser, we played a really exciting brand of rugby, and I got to be part of a team full of quality players, again captained by Ryan Neagle. Gus Patterson and I had a great centre partnership, and we reached the Welsh Cup semi-finals before COVID hit. We all believed we could have gone on to win it, and we were gutted when it got cut short.

“Playing for Bridgend Ravens at 18 was a huge moment for me and my family, especially my dad. Making my debut and scoring in the corner away at Llanelli is something I’ll never forget. We had some great wins that season, and being able to play alongside boys like Harri Deaves and Morgan Strong made a massive difference. Representing my hometown club and wearing that jersey means a lot. I’m really proud to come from Bridgend and to have come through all those teams along the way.”

After establishing a steadfast foundation in Bridgend, Florence reached a key transition point as he moved on to university life. Swansea University was the next chapter in his journey.

Swansea University 

Nowadays, many of the country’s young talents compete on Wednesday for their chosen university. Swansea University is where Florence studied Sport Science and played in Super BUCS. It was a fruitful time for the university, which included a varsity day victory. Swansea beat rivals Cardiff University. Florence elaborates on his time in university and gives a shout-out to Nottingham’s Gwyn Parks.

“My time at Swansea Uni was a great experience and a really important part of my development. Playing BUCS rugby in my first season was a big learning curve. You’re up against quality teams and players every week, so it definitely helped me improve my game. Playing alongside boys like Gwyn Parks was brilliant too; he’s a top player and a great person.

“Winning Varsity at the Swansea.com Stadium has to be my favourite moment from my time there. The atmosphere, the build-up, and getting the win made it a day I’ll never forget.

Following his university years, Florence continued his development and earned a call-up to Wales U20s, signifying the next step in his rugby career.

Wales U20s

The 22-year-old was a constant figure throughout his time with Wales U20. He participated in three Six Nations championships. He cut his teeth against the finest young talent in the game. Playing for Wales U20s puts Florence in some esteemed company. The centre talks about how much it meant to him.

“Representing Wales U20s was a massive honour and something I’ll always be proud of. My first campaign was during COVID in 2021 at the Arms Park. Playing in an empty stadium was strange, but still a great honour, and it was brilliant that my parents could attend. I’ll always be grateful to Ioan Cunningham for giving me my first cap, which came against France. That whole campaign gave me some great memories.

“Getting the chance to go to the Junior World Cup in South Africa was another huge honour. To play against the best players in the world at that age, represent my country on that stage, and experience that environment was something really special.”

After his tenure with Wales U20s and rising through the Ospreys pathway, Florence made his senior debut in Durban against the Sharks in November 2022, marking the beginning of his professional club career.

Ospreys 

“Playing for the Ospreys means a lot to me, especially getting the chance to play down the Brewery Field, the same ground where I grew up watching rugby. I’ve really enjoyed playing for the region I supported growing up. It’s a bit surreal running out there in an Ospreys jersey.”

Florence is a deeply proud member of the Ospreys family, as the quote above illustrates. There is a wealth of talent in the Ospreys’ midfield. Kieran Williams, Owen Watkin, Evardi Boshoff, and Phil Cokanasiga are phenomenal talents. Florence had to bide his time. The Welshman has shown he has all the tools to perform at the highest level. 

His start in the fiery Welsh derby against the Dragons was a moment to remember. Then came a crisp October evening at the Brewery Field in 2024, where he helped the Ospreys overcome a star-laden Edinburgh side. The centre’s quality was on full display at Kingspan, where he sent the ball through the bitter Northern Irish wind into Keelan Giles’s hands (check out 04:06) , setting up a picturesque score against Ulster. Florence’s future shines with promise. More recently, he started against Glasgow Warriors under the Brewery Field lights. It wasn’t the result the Ospreys wanted, but for Florence, it was a special moment, playing for the Ospreys in his hometown. He discussed the game and reaffirmed his love for the club. 

“Playing against the likes of Sione Tuipulotu for Glasgow was a great experience, a real test, and a brilliant learning opportunity. I love being part of this group too. Some of my best mates are at the club, which makes coming into training every day something I really look forward to. Players like Owen Watkin have been a massive help in my development. Learning off an international centre like him has been great, and he’s always willing to help me.”

With an eye towards the future, Florence’s mindset is straightforward: he plans to pursue improvement and relish every moment.

“My goals are to keep learning from the players around me, keep my head down and work hard, while enjoying the experience of playing professional rugby and improving every season.”

It will be fascinating to see what the future holds for Florence.

“Rugby means a lot to me as it’s something I love playing and that I’ve grown up with. My grandad and dad both supported Bridgend and loved going down to watch them at the Brewery Field. I’ve always been around the game. Some of my earliest memories are of watching matches there with my dad and friends on a Saturday. Just being part of that atmosphere meant a lot.” Florence’s journey is full of passion and hunger to be the best version of himself. His story is still being written. Florence’s drive is formidable as he looks to make his mark on the game.

---

Curious about who’s behind the content? Check out our About Us page or visit our Join The Team page to get involved.