Men's rugby team ends 20-year wait to be crowned PSUK winners

29 April 2026

Dyfed-Powys Police men’s rugby team have ended a two-decade wait for silverware after lifting the Police Sports UK (PSUK) Shield.

It followed a superb 45–27 victory over Scottish Thistles in the final at Sale FC.

Club secretary Sergeant Darren Morgan estimated it’s been 20 years since Dyfed Powys Police’s last trophy success, making the achievement even more special.

“Yes, we finally did it!,” he said “It’s been 20 years coming since we won the last trophy.

“When I joined the job, we won three years on the bounce, but we haven’t lifted it since 2005 so this one means a lot.”

 

Dyfed Powys Police with the PSUK Shield

 

The Dyfed Powys Police side combines experience with emerging talent, and Darren said they produced a confident and well-organised performance to cap a successful season.

He said: “The boys committed big time to it this year and we’ve recruited well

“We’ve had players have come through their police training, and they’ve all made themselves available, which makes a massive difference.

“To lift the trophy shows the strength of our development and that the future of the club looks really bright.”

Emotional victory

Having narrowly missed out in recent seasons, often by the smallest of margins, victory brought about a number of emotions, Darren said.

“It was a combination of elation and relief,” he said. “For the last few years post-Covid we’ve come close and lost by a point or in really tight games.

“To finally reach the final and secure the win was fantastic.”

“The boys were outstanding. Scotland are a quality outfit but we played basic rugby well and brought it home.”

Planning ahead

Darren is already planning ahead, not least with the retirement from policing of hooker Phillip Thomas leaving big boots to fill.

Darren said: “We’ve lost one of our most experienced players to retirement, so now it’s about bringing others through.

“That’s part of keeping the club moving forward.”

The PSUK Shield triumph is expected to be followed by a busy summer for Dyfed Powys Police players on representative duty.

International rugby

Several officers are due to travel to Parise for British Police Rugby’s game against France Police, while the Force also boasts a large contingent for the Wales Police game against Scotland Police at Sale on 6 May.

Scrum-half Lewys Cooke is due to captain his country that day, and is set to be joined in the starting XV by forwards Tom Price and Sam Davies, and backs Shaun Pearce, Aled Rees, and Geraint Llywelyn. Aaron Cruikshank and Ben John are named on the bench.

Darren said: “We’ve got eight boys included in the Wales Police squad, which is massive for us.

“It shows the strength of the group and the standard of rugby being played.”

Get involved

Darren said that the club continues to encourage officers and staff to get involved.

“We’re always looking for players,” he said. “Anyone interested is welcome.”

Dyfed Powys Police Federation chair Delme Rees congratulated the team on their win.

He added: “I’d encourage any officer or staff member who’s thinking about getting involved to do it.

“Friendship, camaraderie, and support for colleagues extends beyond the job, and the Dyfed Powys Police Rugby team have really taken the opportunity to run with that and convert it to such a magnificent achievement.”

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