Aaron Wainwright credits Cardiff Met rugby programme ahead of S4C feature

Cardiff Met’s influence across Welsh rugby will receive another national spotlight this weekend, with Archer alumnus Aaron Wainwright set to feature in S4C’s coverage of the Barbarians v Wales double-header at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

As part of the broadcast, S4C will include a feature looking back on Wainwright’s career so far and the teams, environments and people who have helped shape his journey. It is a story that includes an important chapter at Cardiff Met, where Wainwright was part of the University’s rugby programme during the 2016/17 season.

Wainwright played for Cardiff Met across BUCS Super Rugby and Championship rugby, developing in a performance environment that gave him exposure to two very different but equally valuable levels of the game. During his time at Cyncoed, he was part of a barnstorming back row alongside Alex Dombrandt, with both players going on to build outstanding careers at club and international level.

Reflecting on his time at the University, Wainwright said Cardiff Met gave him “the best of both worlds” as he balanced the physical demands of Championship rugby with the pace and intensity of BUCS competition.

“At Cardiff Met, I had a year playing BUCS Super Rugby and Championship, so I always said, you’ve got the best of both worlds,” said Wainwright.

“Getting beaten up on a Saturday playing against some crazy Championship teams, up to your knees in mud, and then playing BUCS rugby, really fast-paced. That rugby programme at Cardiff Met really set me up to push on then to play for the Dragons.”

For Wainwright, the rise has been remarkable. Since leaving Cardiff Met, he has established himself as one of Welsh rugby’s leading back-row forwards, earning more than 60 caps for Wales and becoming a key figure for club and country. His journey from Archer to established international is another example of the role university rugby can play in helping talented players grow through competition, education and performance support.

From current students and alumni involved in Wales Women’s squads, to stories such as Freya Bell’s rise into the senior international environment, the University’s connection to Welsh rugby continues to be felt across both the men’s and women’s game.

The broadcast will also carry another Cardiff Met connection, with S4C Head of Sport Sue Butler, a Cardiff Met School of Sport graduate, leading the channel’s coverage of the double-header. Speaking after S4C secured exclusive broadcast rights, Butler said the fixture was an important moment for audiences across Wales and beyond.

“We are delighted to have secured the exclusive broadcast rights to this double-header,” said Butler, with S4C’s coverage available across its platforms and offering both Welsh-language and English-language commentary.

The men’s fixture between Barbarians and Wales kicks off at 2pm on Saturday 27 June, followed by the women’s fixture at 5pm. Both matches will be shown live on S4C, S4C Clic, BBC iPlayer and S4C Chwaraeon’s YouTube channel, with coverage produced by Whisper Cymru.

From the players who have worn the Archer shirt to the graduates now helping shape how major sporting moments are broadcast to the nation.

Wainwright’s story is not only one of individual success, but of the environments that help athletes grow. From Cyncoed to the international stage, his journey continues to reflect the ambition, identity and impact of Cardiff Met rugby.