Harvey Thomas is going places in rugby

 
The performances of the team and individuals involved in the Pembrokeshire Schools under 16s
rugby team have been deservedly highlighted a number of times over recent weeks on this web site
but we make no apologies for that as we again mention one of the key players in Harvey Thomas,
who has played regularly with distinction in the second row.
 
But it is also good to mention the fact that he really enjoys taking part in other sports like football,
cricket and athletics, as well as bowls with other members of his family, but more of those sports
later.
 
As well as being a very good ball-winner in the lines out, where he uses his obvious athletic skills,
his other roles include being involved in scrummaging and claiming almost every return of kick-
offs from the opposition - and as an added bonus is that he loves being involved in midfield with his
team’s centres on long-range attacks from deep positions.
 

Early rugby start at Merlins Bridge

 
Harvey set out in rugby as a seven-year-old when his father Paul (a rugby player with
Haverfordwest) took him up to The Blues’ headquarters in Merlins Bridge and he was soon in the
thick of things as he enjoyed the coaching of Ady Smith and Steve Edwards.
 
At under 11 level, Ady was joined by Steve Williams, Lyndon Frayling and Gareth Williams as The
Young Blues won the age-group plate competition one season after just missing out against main
rivals Aberystwyth in the main competition.
 

County Schools’ involvement from aged 11

 
He started playing for the county school teams at 11 and played a year up under the watchful eye of
Aled Waters, Tom Meredith and Mike Jones, who were still coaching him this campaign and doing
a great job.
 
“In Haverfordwest High School we had a great season last year,” Harvey told
PembrokeshireSport.co.uk, “as we reached the under 15s final at The Principality but lost by two
points against Bro Morgannwg - but we did win the Welsh Schools’ Sevens, which were played at
Pontcanna Fields, in Cardiff.
 
“We won our four games in our group and then another three games to reach the final so it was a
tough day - but it was great that we beat Bassaleg School, from Newport, to take the silverware as I
played alongside current county team-mates Daf Williams, Niall Smith, Ollie Thompson, Caio
Jones and Iestyn Preddy.”
 

Prepared for future challenges
 

Harvey also played for the Scarlets (West) and was then selected for the main Scarlets’ squad; real
recognition because he was a year younger than the vast majority of those chosen - and he is hoping
for selection after Christmas for both squads.
 
Luckily, he is ready for the extra travel that entails but is a very hard worker in training sessions and
is ready for the challenge - after the final match with the Pembrokeshire Under 16s as they played
Rhymney Valley Schools to see which region was placed fifth place in this current year’s Dewar
Shield national placings.
 
That took place on Friday 13th December, and it proved to be another success as Harvey and Co
beat them 20-0, as he showed his versatility by playing as a blind-side flanker instead of second row
and featured with a couple of long-range runs as well as doing his usual graft in the forward
exchanges.





 

Family matters . . . Bowls

 
Harvey’s dad Paul has played second row for Haverfordwest for a number of seasons and although
well into the veteran’s stage is still available when needed, whilst mum Natasha plays bowls for
Haverfordwest BC and also represented Wales Under 25s. Mum also played in the Principality
Stadium for Haverfordwest RFC ladies and they won the Bowl competition in the 22/23 season and
also won the west league.
 
She and Harvey play alongside her father Stephen Davies, who encouraged both daughter and
grandson to take up the game - and will surely try to persuade Harvey’s younger brother Dexter
(13) to play alongside his main sporting interest of football for Merlins Bridge at some stage.
 
Harvey readily admits that he really enjoys playing what he regards as a competitive sport, but is a
bit less ferocious than the oval-ball game - and he joined Steve when the St Thomas team from
Haverfordwest won the Brain’s Cup in Saundersfoot as they beat Pendine to win the silverware.
 
“I played second of our quartet and really enjoyed being involved, as I did at one stage in football
before I needed to choose which was going to be my main sport.
 

Football and cricket are other sporting interests

 
‘I used to play in goal for Merlins Bridge under 15s as a goalkeeper but I just enjoyed taking part
and to be honest I would play anywhere I was needed to be involved
 
“We won the under 15s league in Pembrokeshire and played in the West Wales Cup for our age
group and reached the semi-finals - but lost to South Gower, who went on to win the competition.”
 
As well as his bowls in the summer, Harvey also enjoyed cricket for Haverfordwest CC, where he
went with a few school pals and his games teacher, Mr Mike Jones, was also available for some
advice.
 
Harvey played in the Ormond Youth Cup team and the club’s fourth team as a bowler who took a
few wickets, and as a developing batsman with a top score of 25.
 

Welsh international as a very versatile athlete

 
In his time at Haverfordwest High School, Harvey has also been involved in athletics - and
represented Wales twice in the SIAB Competitions.
 
“Because I was quite useful at a range of athletic events I was selected in the pentathlon, where our
events were 60 metres hurdles, long jump, 200 metres, shot putt and 800 metres. This year I was
selected again in the 100 metres and shot putt, which is quite an unusual mix but I enjoyed the
experience and am proud of my photos of me in my Welsh vests, which I plan to have framed
sometime soon.
 
“I also have a lot of medals for success in county and regional championships and they are nice
mementoes of just being involved in another sport.”
 

And finally . . .

 
Chat to Harvey for just a short while, as we did, and it is easy to see his genuine love of sport, with
rugby as the pinnacle, plus a terrific amount of support from his family, which he fully
acknowledges.
 
He is also quick to sing the praises of his rugby coaches, like Aled Waters, Tom Meredith and
Mikey Jones – and it seems that their appreciation of him is mutual because Aled told us,
“Harvey has immense promise because he has high skill levels which are enhanced by a willingness
to listen to advice and give total commitment to his training routines.”
 
We could pay Harvey Thomas no higher compliment but having seen his work ethic on the pitch we
can see him going from strength to strength in future years – and we wish him every success!