Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf and Aberdare Community Comprehensive School have qualified for the national rounds of the Year 11 Champion Schools rugby league cup competition.

The draw for the last 16 has been made with Glantaf, whose players won the year 7 Final at Wembley Stadium in 2015, taking on Manchester-based St Mary’s Catholic High School in Loughborough on Thursday 17 January.

Aberdare will travel to Maidenhead to take on London-based Hinchley Wood School.

Wales Rugby League development officer Peter Tiffin said: “When I was given the opportunity to work on this year’s Champions Schools for WRL, I knew it was something we could really grow.

“From the beginning, it was well perceived from the schools, and this season’s entrants have seen an increase with over 10 schools competing over the four age categories.

“It’s great to see so many children involved within each school and we are enticing them all to continue within the sport by handing them information on their local community club.

“The first age group that needed to be in for the national rounds was Year 11. The other age categories for the Welsh rounds will continue in January.”

YEAR 11 NATIONAL ROUNDS

Glantaf Vs St Mary’s – Loughborough – LE13 3TU – Thursday 17th January – 1pm

Hinchley Wood Vs Aberdare Community – Maidenhead RFC – SL6 1BN – Tuesday 15th January – 12:30pm