We visited the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday, 12 April 2026, to photograph the Welsh Rugby Union Road to the Principality Championship Cup Final between Bedwas and Bridgend Athletic.
Bedwas kept their dreams of a historic league and cup double firmly alive as they claimed the WRU Championship Cup with a hard-fought 38-29 victory over Bridgend Athletic in a pulsating final at the home of Welsh rugby.
It was a second successive final defeat at Principality Stadium for Bridgend Athletic, but they will take heart from a spirited display in a see-saw battle that had plenty of drama from start to finish.
Bedwas made the brighter start, running in three first-half tries to establish a commanding platform. Wing Aaron Billingham was the pick of the bunch, racing over for a brace, with Mike Dacey adding the third to give the ‘Was a foothold they would never fully relinquish.
Bridgend Athletic, to their immense credit, refused to roll over. Wing McKenzie Grey produced a stunning individual display, helping himself to a hat-trick to keep his side very much in contention, while Gabriel Brown crossed for a fourth to make the closing stages a nervy affair.
But Bedwas held their nerve when it mattered most. Outside half James Dixon split the posts with a penalty, before a penalty try and a fifth score from centre Rhys Peters finally put the game beyond doubt and sealed a compelling contest.
You can browse the complete Bedwas v Bridgend Athletic Welsh Rugby Union Championship Cup Final image gallery our dedicated photography website.
Bedwas
Tristan Kugler; Adam Williams, Rhys Peters, Jake Lee, Aaron Billingham; James Dixon, Luke Crane; Brynley Toms, Mike Dacey, Jordan Rogers, Ben Sier, Harry Oliver, Rhys Morgans, Ben Eedy, Dale Rogers (captain).
Replacements: Arwel Hughes, Harri Dobbs, Rhys Hutcherson, Lloyd Jones, Owen Jones, Will Fishlock, James Hallett, Hamish Anderson.
Bridgend Athletic
Jonny Phillips; McKenzie Grey, Rhys Ward Jones, Gabriel Brown, Jakob Williams; Oliver Olds, Evan D’Adamo; Matthew Norman, Lee Murphy, Ben Owen, Adam Evans, Ben Cording, Kalafi Molitika, Hakeen Mumine, Iestyn Merriman.
Replacements: Oliver Donaghue, McKenzie Scales, Matthew Greenman, Tom Morgan, Dan O’Sullivan, Cameron Thomas, Charlie Hancock, Joe Patterson.
