Kian’s hoping to convert studies into rugby career
A COLLEGE learner from Aberdare is one step closer to achieving his goal of becoming a professional rugby player, thanks to the specialist support he has received at Coleg y Cymoedd.
With the help of the WRU National Rugby Union Academy, which is based at the college’s Nantgarw Campus, Kian Evans, 18, has learnt to dream big and has set his sights on representing Wales internationally.
Having completed his Level 3 BTEC qualification in Sport and playing rugby for 12 years, Kian is now set to study a degree in Sports Conditioning, Rehabilitation and Massage at Cardiff Metropolitan University in September.
Kian picked the course because the university is renowned as one of the best for a combination of sport and a high level of education, with his timetable including playing for the university’s rugby team.
Playing rugby with the university team will give Kian the opportunity to compete in several leagues, such as British Universities and Colleges Sport (first team) and Premiership (second team). This will continue to open the door to professional rugby as scouts for professional contracts will attend these games.
While his ultimate goal is to play rugby professionally, Kian also plans to develop the skills for an alternative career path as a strength and conditioning coach, a plan that could potentially see him working internationally.
The rugby player from Aberdare is no stranger to juggling several commitments. Throughout his time at college, Kian worked part-time at McDonalds, which he is hoping to continue seasonally when his studies become more intense.
Not shy of commitment, Kian also captained the Coleg y Cymoedd rugby team and continued this role for the last academic year, due to Covid-19 disruption.
Kian said: “The lecturers were very helpful when it came to balancing sports and studies. They would help us by compensating with studying instead of training sessions, so we had the opportunity and encouragement to do well in both areas. During the pandemic, the lecturers were especially supportive and understanding.
“The BTEC course was recommended to me by several others and has provided me a good foundation for university. I’ve even had the opportunity to play for Cardiff Blues due to the college’s connections”.
Coleg y Cymoedd serves more than 9,000 learners from the boroughs of Caerphilly, Rhondda Cynon Taf and surrounding areas. In addition to vocational training the college also provides the largest choice of A-levels on one site to over 300 learners. The college has 850 staff working across four campuses - Aberdare, Nantgarw, Rhondda, and Ystrad Mynach.