Lions coach sees son named in Welsh rugby squad for new season

Sarra Elgan's son, Ffredi, has been selected for Cardiff Rugby's under-18s squad for the forthcoming 2025/2026 season. The young talent, who is the offspring of television presenter Elgan and Lions coach Simon Easterby, has been showcasing his skills at Cowbridge RFC.

The 16-year-old has been chosen alongside his Cowbridge teammate Harry Hamlett to compete in the WRU Academies U18 Championship. Currently a student at Ysgol Bro Morgannwg in Barry, Ffredi now has the opportunity to make his mark in a professional environment.

This isn't Ffredi's first time in the spotlight, having previously had successful performances at the Principality Stadium in cup competitions.

In March 2024, Bro Morgannwg clinched the Year 10 Cup after defeating Haverfordwest High 20-18 at the home of Welsh rugby.

Ffredi delivered a crucial performance, scoring a try in the second half and leading as team captain. His father Simon was on water duty for the team, a stark contrast to his role as defence coach of Ireland.

The family resides in the Vale of Glamorgan and Simon had been rumoured to be in the running for the vacant Wales head coach position following Warren Gatland's exit earlier this year.

However, former Scotland defence coach Steve Tandy has since been appointed as the new Wales boss.

Last year wasn't Ffredi's inaugural success at the Principality, though.

Three years prior, as a year eight student at Bro Morgannwg, Ffredi led his team to a 31-19 victory over Penweddig in the final.

Father Simon lent his expertise on the coaching side of things on the day, and shared his thoughts after the match.

"It's brilliant and the boys have been fantastic. I've only jumped in at the last minute off the back of the Six Nations," he said.

"They have been brilliantly coached and they are a great bunch of boys who work really hard for each other. It is a challenge coaching your own son and I was more nervous today than on most international days.

"It was a great occasion and the WRU put on a really good show. It is something the boys will remember for a long time.

"They played some tough games to get here and the team they were up against a very good side in Penweddig. I'm sure we will see a few of them in the future running out here again in a red jersey."

The enhanced WRU Academies U18 Championship will span from August through to February 2026, culminating in the finals.

Home and away fixtures will now feature, with the champion determined through a play-off between the leading two sides.

The opening round of matches continues until mid-September before recommencing in January. "We've made a number of changes to the pathway in recent seasons and the Academy managers were all of the opinion their players needed more games at this age level. That's why we have expanded the programme," said John Alder, head of player development at the WRU.

"The two blocks will come at either end of the nine-week WSC U18 Rugby programme for the top 16 schools and colleges. We have also increased the opportunities for the best players to experience representative rugby this season with more uncapped U19 and U20 matches.

"The Academies U18 competition is a vital stepping stone for these players to earn their first taste of playing for Wales in the U18 Six Nations Festival. From there it is a short step to Wales U20 and, hopefully, full professional careers."

Ffredi's grandfather, Elgan Rees, played for Neath, Wales and the Lions, while his older sister Soffia is also a successful sportsperson and plays hockey for Wales.

As a player, Simon notched up over 150 games for Scarlets and went down as a fan favourite in west Wales. This was when he met Welsh TV presenter and wife Elgan, with the couple tying the knot 20 years ago.

Despite being born in England, he chose to represent Ireland - the country of his mother.