**Jac Lloyd Steals the Show as Newport Clinch Historic Super Rygbi Cymru Title**
A new era has dawned at Newport RFC after the club’s impressive 27-18 triumph over Ebbw Vale saw them crowned champions in the inaugural Super Rygbi Cymru final. The Black & Ambers delivered an outstanding performance at Eugene Cross Park on Sunday, capping off their 150th anniversary season by seizing their first second-tier title since 2004.
At the heart of this milestone victory was 22-year-old Jac Lloyd, whose dazzling display at fly-half earned him the Player of the Match accolade. Lloyd’s rise to prominence has added a fresh chapter to Newport’s storied history, as the club navigates a period of transition on and off the pitch.
The match itself offered no shortage of drama, with tries from Dafydd Buckland, Lloyd himself, and Carwyn Penny propelling Newport to a well-earned win. Lloyd was pivotal not only in attack, but also kept his nerve from the kicking tee to seal the result—and in the process, became the talk of Welsh club rugby.
The young outside-half, who is the younger brother to Wales and Scarlets star Ioan Lloyd, has made his mark after joining Newport in 2023. Prior to moving to Wales, Jac Lloyd came through the ranks at Bristol Bears before a stint with Sydney University in Australia’s Shute Shield. His journey reflects a growing trend of ambitious Welsh players seeking diverse experiences before making a homecoming impact.
Lloyd’s emergence as the leading man at number ten coincides with the gradual departure of club stalwart Matt O’Brien from the starting line-up. O’Brien, a legendary figure at Newport and now involved with the Dragons’ senior coaching staff, has praised Lloyd’s performances, admitting that the incumbent is now ahead in the pecking order for the famous black and amber jersey.
Speaking after the game, O’Brien reflected: “It’s been a brilliant journey. The supporters have been phenomenal, and with Jac in such outstanding form, I don’t expect to get my shirt back anytime soon. This really does feel like a passing of the torch for the club.” O’Brien also dedicated the win to the late Brian Jones, affectionately known as ‘Mr Newport’, who passed away last month—a poignant moment for the entire Newport community.
Head coach Ty Morris was equally effusive in his praise for Lloyd, stating that his young fly-half has developed into one of the most complete players in the league. With O’Brien’s coaching commitments increasing and his playing time set to diminish, Morris acknowledged that Lloyd has relished the opportunity to prove himself and grow as both a playmaker and a leader.
“We knew Matt’s availability would reduce with his new responsibilities, so we prepared for this transition,” Morris explained following the final. “Jac maybe didn’t get as much game time last season as he wanted, but this year he’s grabbed the role with both hands. He’s not just a talented player, he’s also matured into a real organiser on the field.”
Lloyd’s journey from academy hopeful to integral first-team member has not been without its challenges. Last year, he shared fly-half duties, but over the course of this campaign, his increased exposure has seen his confidence blossom and his influence on matches grow. Despite occasional mistakes—a natural part of the learning curve for any young talent—Lloyd has rebounded stronger each week.
It is the combination of skill, resilience, and a burgeoning understanding of leadership responsibilities that set Lloyd apart this season. By leading Newport to glory in such a significant final, he has cemented his legacy as a pivotal figure in the club’s new generation, much to the delight of both coaches and supporters.
With the anniversary celebrations running high and the club paying tribute to the figures who helped shape its past, the future now appears firmly in the hands of Jac Lloyd and his teammates. For Newport RFC, a campaign that began with questions about succession has ended with emphatic answers—the next chapter is well under way.