Penallta scrum half Matthew Flanagan will feel at home when he runs out at the Principality Stadium on Sunday to play in the SSE Swalec Plate final against Bedlinog.
It will be the third time in as many years that the teenage No.9 has won his way to the home of Welsh rugby having featured in the Penallta team in the last two Welsh Youth Cup finals at the stadium.
But Sunday’s clash with their SSE Swalec Division 1 East title rivals will be his first outing as a senior player on the hallowed turf. And if he needs any extra advice on how to approach the big match he won’t have to turn very far.
The latest in a long line of quality players from the Flanagan clan, Matthew is the younger brother of former Wales Under 16, 19, 21 and Sevens international outside half, Dai. He won the SSE Swalec Cup twice with Pontyrpidd at the stadium, nailing a last-gasp drop goal to clinch the victory in 2006.
On top of that, Matthew’s father, another Dai, made more than 350 appearances for Penallta during a career that achieved legendary status at the club.
“Because of my family history with the club I’ve always wanted to play in the Penallta 1st XV. I came to Principality Stadium in 2014, when we won the Welsh Youth Cup by beating Gilfach Goch,” said Fanagan.
“That was an unbelievable day. Then I was back a year later as captain of the team, which was a feeling that surpassed the one from the previous year even though the result didn’t come with it on that occasion and we lost to Pontypridd.
“But it was a great feeling to lead the team out, and something I’ve always wanted to experience. I’ve grown up seeing the likes of Ryan Jones and Sam Warburton doing it at the same venue and it was amazing to get the opportunity myself.
“I don’t think you can ever get used to playing there and this time will be a big step up on previous years as it’s with the senior team. There will be a bigger crowd on the day and the big screens will be switched on, which will be a new experience for me.”
Penallta have already lost twice to Bedlinog in the league this season, but will go into the Plate final full of confidence after their dramatic semi-final triumph over high-flying Skewen.
“At one stage in the semi-final I didn’t think we were going to make it. There were a lot of emotions running around in my head at the final whistle,” admitted Flanagan.
“We built a good lead and it was 21-6 to us at half-time. But then we let them back into the game, and it went down to the final minute.
“Luckily, Matthew Brewer kept his cool to slot the winning penalty and make it 24-21. It was definitely the most dramatic game that I’ve been involved in.”
Flanagan was present in the crowd with his family when Penallta last lifted the SSE SWALEC Plate back in 2012. The Pitmen beat Nant Conwy 21-15 that day, to continue their strong record at the venue after they also won the Worthington Cup at the venue in 2001.
He now wants to repeat that experience as a first-team player for the club, and cap a memorable debut season with silverware.
“I remember watching up in the stands and it was a great feeling watching the club do so well. It was the second time Penallta had played there and the whole day was a celebration,” he added.
“The club booked a pub opposite the stadium and all the players came in afterwards. There was a real buzz after the win.
“I’d love to feel that from the other side now, as a player. I never thought a few years on I’d be the one on the pitch. It would be a dream come true to win here.”
