We can now confirm the players and coaching staff that will be departing the club this summer. We would like to thank them all for their contributions to the club and wish them all the best in their new ventures.
Hugh Gustafson ‘Gus’ – Head Coach
Arguably our biggest loss this season is Hugh Gustafson, or ‘Gus’ as he’s better known. Gus started his journey with the All Whites as a player coach – legacy number #2838 – and made his debut in 2017 against Carmarthen Quins. He then took over the mantle from Richard Lancaster to rise to the rank of Head Coach in 2019. Gus has also managed the Swansea University team simultaneously, and has overseen the transition of many players from university, academy, or grassroots players onto professional contracts and even the Red jersey of Wales. He has guided the squad through COVID, cup semi finals and our 150th anniversary season, which culminated in our game against the Barbarians. Although this season was difficult for many, he managed to make history to oversee the All Whites’ first win against Llandovery in almost 10 seasons. His presence will be greatly missed by all at Swansea RFC but we have no doubt he will still be keeping an eye on things from afar.
Ben Lewis – Defence & Skills Coach
Ben is another member of our team who has been with us for many, many seasons. His dedication both as a player and coach is second to none. Like Gus, he began his journey as a player way back in 2004 and made 64 appearances and scored 70 points before retiring from playing in 2011. A true Swansea hero, he also made appearances for Mumbles and the Ospreys, and also switched alliances to rugby league to feature for Wales RU U21s, U19s and U18s. He transitioned into coaching and has led our team alongside some very well known All Whites for many a season. He leaves a hole in our coaching team after so many years but we have doubt he will join us as a fan in the stands next season.
Sam Parris-Williams – Forwards Coach
Sam joined our backroom staff following his retirement from rugby at Aberavon. He took charge of our forwards whilst simultaneously heading up the rugby programme at Llandovery College. He has been well regarded for years as an exceptional player, and transitioned seamlessly into coaching. He has provided leadership and consistency for all our forwards for many seasons, and we will be sad to see him go. We wish him all the best of luck in his next chapter.
Carwyn James – Strength & Conditioning Coach
Carwyn began his All Whites journey this season, and came in with extensive S&C experience. He previously worked with Cardiff & Vale College, Neath, Bridgend District and Ospreys U16s. He has trained up our squad and provided crucial consistency and support so that our players can be prepared for whatever challenges are sent their way throughout the
season. You probably spotted him running the show pre-match on the field. He will be greatly missed by our team and wish him all the best of luck in his next chapter.
Owen Thomas
Owen is a player who joined us from Bridgend Ravens 6 years ago, and has been with us ever since. Joining his cousin Gareth Rees, Owen made his debut in 2019. Since then, he has made 88 appearances and scored 21 tries. He is a formidable player, and it is a testament to his character that he has now captained the side multiple times. He has consistently lead from the front, and has shown his versatility playing both hooker and back row throughout numerous games. He also recently welcomed his first child with his partner this past season, and his daughter joined him alongside Sam in the guard of honour at our final home game. He will now return to his home club of Kenfig Hill.
Sam Pailor
Sam, or ‘Pailor’ as he’s better known, is a huge character within our squad. Some have said he has more clubs than Tiger Woods, having made appearances for Neath, Cardiff, Aberavon, Pontypool and various clubs in the English Championship. He made his first appearance for Swansea way back in 2013, and has made 40 appearances since. He is a constant character within the team, and keeps everyone involved motivated and happy, even when results haven’t gone our way. He also welcomed his first child with his partner this season, and his daughter joined him during the guard of honour in the RGC game alongside Owen. Sam will now retire after an incredible professional and semi-professional career spanning decades. We have no doubt he won’t be a stranger at St Helen’s.
Cai Davies
Cai was brought in through the University system, and made his debut for Swansea in 2019 when he was still a student. He has grown massively as a player throughout his time at St Helen’s, and has gone on to make 39 appearances. He is a huge hitter, and has consistently appeared in our starting XV for many games this season and past seasons. He will be greatly missed as a very powerful number eight. We wish him all the best of luck in his new chapter.
Tom Edwards
Tom joined us this season alongside his fellow Pontypridd teammate, Josh Phillips. Still a very young player, Tom immediately made a huge impression on our supporters with his rapid speed and whip-smart rugby brain. He had also made appearances for Cardiff and Wales U18s. He has made 17 appearances this season and scored 6 tries. He now starts his new chapter training to become a marine.
Chris Davies
Chris joined us this season from our nearest neighbours Aberavon. He made his debut even before the season began, having 2 appearances in the 23/24 season towards the latter end.
He also has many appearances for clubs like Newport, Neath, Merthyr, Brecon and even switched alliances with appearances for Wales Rugby League. He provided exceptional power in our front row this season but unfortunately an injury cut his season short. He now retires from his semi-professional rugby career and will transition into coaching.