As Ystrad Rhondda RFC prepare for their final game of the season, it also marks the end of an outstanding playing career for one of the club’s most influential figures — Alex Webber.

From breaking through as a teenager to representing his country and returning home to lead the club into the Premiership, Webber’s journey is one that has left a lasting mark on Ystrad Rhondda.

We caught up with Alex ahead of his final appearance.

Alex Webber — Final Interview

Q) You broke through from the youth team into the Ystrad senior side at just 18 during the season of the “Great Escape”. What was that early experience like for you?

AW) Breaking into senior rugby at 18 was a massive learning curve for me. It was a decent standard and definitely a wake-up call to the physicality and demands of senior rugby.

What I remember most from those early years though was the belief people at Ystrad Rhondda RFC had in me. Even when I made mistakes, the boys and coaches backed me and allowed me to play my game and develop into the player I wanted to become.

Looking back now, that support was massive for my confidence and development.

Q) You went on to represent Wales in Sevens rugby at the Commonwealth Games and World Cup. Can you tell us about that journey?

AW) The Sevens journey was probably a shock to the system at first and, if I’m honest, something I maybe wasn’t fully ready for physically or mentally at that age.

The demands of being in a professional environment were completely different, but I learned so much from it. Being around top-level players and coaches opened my eyes to the standards required at the elite end of the game.

To represent Wales while coming from Ystrad made me really proud, and the experiences and memories from that time are something I’ll carry with me forever.

Q) You became a prolific try-scorer at Pontypridd. What did you learn from your time there?

AW) My time at Pontypridd RFC was unbelievable. It was the club I supported growing up, so to pull on that jersey meant a lot to me personally.

I was lucky enough to play alongside players I looked up to, like Dafydd Lockyer and Rhys Shellard, who set incredibly high standards and demanded the best out of everyone every single week.

I learned a huge amount there — not just about rugby, but about professionalism, consistency and what it takes to compete at the top level of the Welsh game.

Q) Since returning to Ystrad Rhondda, what have been your personal highlights?

AW) I’ve loved my time back at Ystrad Rhondda RFC. There have been some brilliant moments over the last few years — the battles with Pontypool, beating Neath and Pontypridd last season, and just competing week in, week out against some of the biggest clubs in Welsh rugby.

We’re a little village club going toe-to-toe with Welsh giants, and whether we win or lose, the boys always leave everything out there. That gives me a huge sense of pride because Ystrad is my club.

Q) You’ve made the decision to retire. Was it a difficult one?

AW) It definitely wasn’t an easy decision because rugby has been such a massive part of my life for so long. But I’m 34 now and the body is starting to creak a little bit.

In the position I play, once the legs slow down it becomes a bit more difficult! My family is also growing, with another little boy on the way, and I feel now is the right time to put more of my time and energy into family life.

Rugby has always come first for me and I can honestly say I’ve given everything I had to the game.

Q) Finally, is there anything you’d like to say to the club and supporters?

AW) It’s hard to put into words how grateful I am to Ystrad Rhondda RFC and everyone connected with the club. I’m a product of Ystrad Rhondda.

There are so many people — coaches, teammates, volunteers and supporters — who have been part of the journey with me over the years, and I’m thankful to every single one of them.

The club has played a huge part in shaping who I am, both as a player and as a person, and the memories and friendships will stay with me forever.

A Lasting Legacy

From the “Great Escape” to representing Wales, from Pontypridd success to returning home and helping lead Ystrad into the Premiership — Alex Webber’s career is one that reflects talent, dedication and pride in the jersey.

As he takes to the field for the final time, everyone at Ystrad Rhondda RFC thanks Alex for everything he has given to the club.

A player, a leader — and always one of our own.