This year’s Betfred Challenge Cup will see a new team enter the first round, and South Wales Jets have ambitious visions for their future in rugby league.
Based in the Welsh town of Pontypridd, the Jets were founded by Liam Price, a former rugby union prop, who has a remarkable back story in how the South Wales Jets came to be.
Speaking openly, Price discussed tough times and mental health struggles which took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, after he had been placed on furlough and semi-retired from rugby union.
“When COVID-19 hit, it was a hard time for a lot of people. I was a workaholic and it felt like it was all being taken away.
“I knew I wanted to get back into rugby somehow.
“The idea was to start a social team, and we’d get together once or twice a year to have that social aspect back in our lives.
“I would say to them (players) come and play for my team, remember why you enjoy it, and there’s no pressure - we go and play for fun.”
Price’s aim was to be a non-profiting charity side which would have a huge emphasis on the mental health aspect, promoting men’s mental health and breaking any stigmas.
During this time, South Wales Jets have raised an impressive £12,000 for charity so far, whether this be raising money for local mental health charities or participating in challenges such as the Welsh Three Peaks and National Three Peaks - their latest being the Walk 40 miles from Brecon to Cardiff challenge.
“We are completely non-profit, and everything goes straight to charity. They (the players) enjoy the aspect of that.”
Through this hard work, it is clear to see the emotions involved for this important cause and club itself, with a passion for the sport of rugby league and its community feel.
Although a charity side first and foremost, South Wales Jets are a force to be reckoned with in Welsh Men’s Rugby League, as they maintained a 100 percent record in their regular 2023 season.
Unbeaten in 2023 having won all nine games, they also hold the record for the highest winning margin ever by any team in the 20-year history of the WRL Men’s League.
As an entirely self-funded team consisting of both rugby union and league players, including former League One players from the now disbanded West Wales Raiders, as well as ex Welsh international Paul Emanuelli, and a set of promising youngsters, the Jets are looking forward to the opportunity to represent Welsh rugby league in the Challenge Cup, and showcase their pride of the club.
With their Betfred Challenge Cup debut nearing, Price commented on his hopes of a decent cup run:
“Going into the Challenge Cup for us is massive in trying to grow the sport. If you look at the last few years of Welsh participants in the Challenge Cup, they haven’t really done that well.
“I’m quite confident we can make the second and third round.”
The Jets are also hoping for a home draw in the First Round, as Price speaks of the potential plans he already has in place, should this happen.
“We’re hoping for a home draw, because I want to make something big of it. I’ve been in contact with Cardiff Arms Park, and they’d be keen to host us, so we would have a decent venue. I want people outside of rugby league to see that this is possible.”
Aiming higher, Liam Price also spoke of his drive and ambitions to take South Wales Jets into the English Leagues in the future, if the sustainability and funds were there.
“The Southern Conference League is the one I was looking at taking us in to.
“I believe in this club, and it is going to work. There’s an opportunity to massively build the game in South Wales.
“I think we’ve got an opportunity now to build on last season and take it to the next level.”
The First and Second Round draws of the Betfred Challenge Cup will take place on Tuesday 5 December on BBC Radio Manchester, live at 6:40pm.
Tickets for the Betfred Challenge Cup Final on Saturday 8 June 2024 are on sale now, with 25% off all ticket prices for a limited time only! Available to purchase here.
