Haverfordwest RFC have come out on top of the SSE SWALEC Division 3 West A league, securing their place in Division 2 a year after they were relegated.

The Blues maintained an unbeaten season at home winning 12-9 and finishing on a high with an action-packed game against second in the table Cardigan on Saturday.

It’s been a hugely successful season for Haverfordwest as they climb up to next year’s Division 2, after losing just one match in their SSE SWALEC League campaign.

Captain Jonathan Mason said he’s looking forward to the challenge: “It’s been tough at times, but the boys have played well, we’re a really close bunch. This promotion means the world to us, we’re definitely a better team than we were at the start of the season. We’re looking forward to stepping up in Division 2.”

And it’s an emotional moment for Head coach Jason Davies, who’s moving away from the club due to commitments with the army: “It’s been a really good season, the guys are great, the fans are great and I’m sad to leave them behind. We’re in a much better place than we were at the beginning of the season. The typical Welsh weather has meant games have had to be called off, there’ve been some nasty injuries and, like all the other coaches, I haven’t been able to put out a consistent side. But the guys have done really well. There may be another opportunity for me to come back in a few years, so I’d love to throw my hat back into the ring.”

Players and coaches were presented with the trophy at the end of the match at Pembroke Road.

WRU Board Member Gordon Eynon said: “Haverfordwest RFC are to be congratulated upon winning the Division and gaining promotion to Division 2 West. They have played consistently well during the season and thoroughly deserve their success.”

SSE SWALEC is the national community partner of the Welsh Rugby Union and sponsors both the SSE SWALEC Leagues and SSE SWALEC Cup, Plate and Bowl competitions. 

Colin Banks, Head of Sponsorship and Reward at SSE added: “Grass roots rugby is at the heart and soul of every community in Wales and it’s amazing to see the passion, dedication and spirit of everyone involved in the teams, from the coaches and players to the volunteers and supporters. It has been another very strong season for Welsh rugby as a whole and we have seen some fantastic performances in every division. Many congratulations to Haverfordwest RFC on claiming the title. We look forward to seeing which teams will triumph in the SSE SWALEC Cup, Bowl and Plate at Finals Day at the Principality Stadium on Sunday, May 1.”