As ever the Warriors used the break in league fixtures to arrange a number of fixtures. The Warriors include players with learning difficulties and this concept has increased in popularity over recent years. From there being just two clubs in West Wales there are now teams across Europe and there is now a governing body: Ability Rugby International formed last March.

The first ARI competition is the Participation Trophy, competed for by all affiliated clubs it reward’s participation as well as winning with more points for holding a game than actually winning. The 6 nations actually saw the debut games to two new teams: The Sunday Wells Rebels and The Edinburgh Clan which added an Irish dimension to the league.

Warriors coach Gwilym lewis explained “It rewards the clubs rather than the team. The club that plays the most fixtures has the best chance of winning the trophy, but winning is still important, as it should be in sport. For integrated sides like ours, it really is about taking part first, and winning second. Once we’re on the field all our players have joined the rugby family, they can start to earn respect for being there and more respect as they show off their skills and determination. If we win then that’s even better. We don’t pretend that our players are world beaters or Olympic athletes, but they are rugby players and this cup rewards the club that does that the most.”

The Warriors take a massive lead into the final part of the season; they have accumulated 790 points whilst leading their local rivals the Swansea Gladiators and English counterparts the Bumble Bee Barbarians are tied in second place on 450 with other English, Scottish and Irish teams trailing behind. The Warriors not only boast the most matches played but also the best win/loss ratio and have beaten both 2nd placed teams.

Warriors Captain Andrew Davies explained, “It’s fantastic to be involved in a competition alongside Italian, French and Irish teams. Our 6 Nations campaign had an air of familiarity about it: we managed 4 wins but had one disappointing loss in Cardiff.”

Unlike the national team the Warriors defeated their English rivals. They also secured silverware with the Bumbles victory securing the H Bomb Trophy and the win over Cefneithin the Anniversary Cup.

Although well placed the Warriors are not resting on their laurels are now finalising their final run in to ensure they take the title. The highlights to end a very busy 20th season will be a return match against the Swansea Gladiators and their 7s competition on May 2nd.

Beyond that there is the 20th anniversary season which will start with the Mixed Ability World Rugby Tournament in Bradford where they will then take on their various European rivals over the course of a week-long tournament.

“That will be a much tougher challenge” said Davies, “But hopefully by then we will already be European Champions”.