As the season moves beyond the halfway point, we caught up with Ystrad Rhondda Head Coach Dylan Jones to reflect on the campaign so far, assess the squad’s progress, and look ahead to what’s to come.

Q: Dylan, now that we’re past the midpoint of the season, how would you assess the campaign so far?

DJ: Overall, I’m pleased with where we are. There have been some really positive performances and clear signs of progress, both individually and as a team. There were a few games where we know we could have done better — that’s rugby. The important thing is that the group has stayed together, kept working hard, and continued to improve week by week.

Q: What have you been most happy with from the squad so far?

DJ: Training levels have been high, and the boys have bought into what we’re trying to do both on and off the pitch. Even when results haven’t gone our way, the response has been strong, which says a lot about the character in the squad.

Q: Have there been any particular challenges during the first part of the season?

DJ: Like every team, we’ve had our challenges — injuries, availability, and adapting to different opponents week in, week out. We’re in a competitive league and there are no easy fixtures. Sometimes it’s about managing those moments and learning quickly, which I think we’ve done reasonably well.

Q: Are there areas you’re looking to improve as the season continues?

DJ: Definitely. We want to be more consistent, especially in key moments during matches. Turning good performances into positive results is something we’ve spoken about. Like everyone else, we’re never satisfied — we’re always looking for things to work on — but that’s an ongoing process.

Q: How important has the support from the club and supporters been?

DJ: Massive. I’ve always said that the support we get, both home and away, makes a big difference. They give us a real lift. It’s something we don’t take for granted, and we’re determined to give them performances to be proud of. The club has been hugely supportive behind the scenes — we’re a village club punching above our weight, and we’re all giving it our best shot.

Q: Finally, what’s the message to the players and supporters for the rest of the season?

DJ: Keep believing and keep backing us. We’ll continue to work hard and be competitive every week. If we stick together and maintain that togetherness, I’m confident we can finish the season strongly.