Community Rugby Return Boosted By Tour de Scarlets Charity Cycle

From Kidwelly to Cardigan, Aberystwyth to Llangennech, it took just four days for representatives of the Scarlets Community Foundation to cycle the 350 miles around the region, calling into each of the 53 clubs along the way as part of the epic ‘Tour de Scarlets.’
Organised by Scarlets Community Foundation Officer, Rhodri Jones, the charity arm of the Scarlets aimed to raise much-needed funds for the community game as they embark on a return to rugby following the pandemic.
“We feel the need to support our Coummunity Clubs so all the money raised we aim to reinvest back into the community game,” Rhodri explained back at Parc y Scarlets at the end of the gruelling feat.
“ We know just how important the community game is for obviously the professional game.”
Rhodri, along with Scarlets Head Groundsman, Luke Jenkins, cycled the whole route, and were joined by Scarlets Board Member, All Blacks legend, Sean Fitzpatrick who dubbed himself ‘Head of Entertainment’ as he socialised around the clubs.

“I’ve had the most brilliant time!” admitted Sean, who had never been passed Llanelli with the All Blacks. “To get into these clubs – the scenery was nice and the people were so good to us, I just really enjoyed it.”

“It’s been one of the most enjoyable things that I’ve ever done,” agreed Rhodri. “To be able to connect with all the people in the Region, to visit every single club in all different counties and obviously having an All Black alongside us has been excellent.”

“It really brought me back to the grass roots,” Sean continued. “I think sometimes in the professional game that we’re all involved in, we tend to forget the community game. It is so important and probably the one thing that these four days really brought home to me.”

The support in the clubs was tremendous, with familiar Scarlets faces, Josh Macleod and Rhys Patchell among those lending their support along the way.
Luke added, “Just a shout out to everyone who has supported us as well because they were brilliant! It just spurs you on and reminds you why you’re doing it and why we’re trying to raise money for the Community Foundation, so that we can give back to these clubs as well.”

The Tour reached the final stage at Parc y Scarlets on Thursday evening where the cyclists were applauded home by staff, family and supporters before being showered with champagne!

To date, the total raised by their efforts stands at just over £7,000, but you can still contribute using the following link – https://justgiving.com/campaign/tourdescarlets