Brecon RFC’s 1st XV held their annual awards evening to mark the end of the season and say goodbye to their coaching team.

Head coach Dale McIntosh, along with Gavin Dacey and Owen Sheppeard, stepped down after three years in charge. The trio said an emotional goodbye at the evening, which was hosted by Phil Buck and Sunnybarn Investments, the team’s main sponsors over the three-year period.

During their tenure, the team played 76 matches, winning 54, drawing 2, and losing 20. Highlights included two successive promotions, notable wins against Pontypridd, Neath, and Cross Keys, and finishing fifth in the WRU Premiership.

Team captain Alwyn Lee thanked the coaches, support staff, and sponsors, specifically naming team manager Huw Davies, physios Rory and Dane, fitness coach Darren, groundsman Tucker, and match day helpers Mark, Tapper, and Ieuan. He acknowledged his players with gratitude for their commitment and the way they rose to the challenge of Premiership Rugby, a first in the club’s history. He also thanked Phil, describing him as the engine behind the journey. In conclusion, he expressed his excitement about the new challenge ahead, with a new coaching team under the direction of Kristian Dacey.

On his retirement, Dale McIntosh wished Kristian well in his new role for the coming season. He acknowledged the challenge ahead but said it was one Kristian could meet with the support of the entire club. In an emotional address, he thanked his fellow coaches and everyone involved, including Phil, whose support had enabled him to lead the club on an exciting and successful journey.

“It has been a privilege to work with you all and with the players who have supported me so well,” he said.

“The local lads stepped up to the challenge and matched the commitment of those who joined the club and were proud to wear the Brecon shirt.

“Also a thank you to the young guns who I believe have a big future in the game.”

Awards were presented on the evening, with Sam Jones recognised as both Players’ Player of the Year and joint Management Player of the Year, alongside prop Chris Phillips, in his first year at the club. Sam scored 20 tries this season, to add to his 24 scored in the 2023/24 season.

Emerging Player of the Year was awarded to Huw Jones, who, in his first season out of youth rugby, became a regular starter in the 1st XV as the season progressed.

Ioan Edwards received the Clubman of the Year award. He played with passion and was a regular fixture in the team, captaining whenever Alwyn was unavailable.

In a special award, Phil Buck thanked the retiring coaches for their commitment over the three years with a box and hospitality at a Dragons game next season. In response, the team and coaches presented Phil with a framed pair of Brecon shirts displaying the Sunnybarn logo.

The climax of the evening arrived when Owen Sheppeard presented Aneurin James with a Brecon club shirt. Aneurin has been an ever-present and important member of the team over the past three years and is respected by fellow players and supporters alike. He will be missed in the future as he steps up to Super Rugby with Pontypool. He leaves with the thanks and good wishes of all at Brecon.