A dinner to celebrate the impact of the grassroots rugby star* Scheme recently took place in Cardiff’s Parkgate Hotel.
In conjunction with sponsors Puffin Produce, the fundraising evening – the first hosted by star* – shone a light on the impact the scheme has had within the Scarlets region, in partnership with the Scarlets Community Foundation.
Some of the greats of Welsh rugby attended the evening, including Gareth Edwards, former Scarlets Jonathan ‘Foxy’ Davies and Rhys Priestland, Paul Thorburn, Brynmor Williams and Tom Shanklin.
The guest panel included Robert Jones (British & Irish Lion), Lou Reed (Scarlets & Wales second row), Tonia Antoniazzi MP (Scarlets Board Member) and Jonathan Griffiths (star* Scheme Regional Manager).
The event was hosted by another Scarlets great, former captain and Wales international Rupert Moon.
All funds raised from the evening go towards the scheme, which looks to remove barriers and provide trained trusted adults to support young people and families at their local rugby club.
In the Scarlets area, star* are currently partnered with Ammanford RFC, Crymych RFC, Felinfoel RFC, Haverfordwest RFC, Kidwelly RFC, Milford Haven RFC and Stradey Sospans Girls Hub.
star* was first established in 2020 at Chew Valley Rugby Club in Bristol in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. Scarlets were the first club in Wales to team up with star* in 2024.
Jonathan Griffiths, star* Regional Manager, said: “We are delighted to have the support of Scarlets to ignite and grow the impact across Wales and support thousands of young people and their families.”
Scarlets Community Foundation Manager Paul Fisher added: “The Scarlets Community Foundation are proud to be supporting star* Scheme in Wales. We’re dedicated to making a difference across the communities of West Wales and this initiative is a fantastic example of helping children and families overcome adversity and thrive.”
Watch the video below to learn about the impact of the star* scheme at Felinfoel RFC
Pictured top is the Scarlets Community Foundation team, Sam Collins, Rhys Davies and Foundation Manager Paul Fisher with star* Scheme regional manager Jonathan Griffiths, Scarlets Board Member Tonia Antoniazzi MP and former Scarlets and Wales second row Lou Reed