Cardiff Met’s Gus Patterson on becoming Bridgend’s next rugby star

By Peter Ryan

“For there’s plenty of gold, so I’ve been told, on the banks of Sacramento.” These words born of the sea, reminds us that treasure isn’t only found across oceans. It lies, too, in the heart of Welsh towns and the riches of their communities.

Bridgend, a town in Wales, is a community and a cradle for rugby talent. Over the years, it has nurtured many sensational rugby talents, including Lee Byrne and Gareth Thomas.

From Bridgend Athletic to Cardiff Met, Gus Patterson, a rising star, is the latest addition to this rich rugby heritage.

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Early foundations

“Rugby has always been a part of my life. My dad, brother, grandad, and the rest of my family have always loved the game. My grandad notably played at a high level for Bridgend and London Welsh before going on to captain the Zambia national team. So I’ve been brought up around rugby and have always loved it.”

From the quote above, it’s clear to see Patterson has a steadfast passion for rugby.

His journey began on the idyllic Newbridge Field in the green and gold of Bridgend Athletic. A club known for producing quality players, it was going to help his development.

In 2022, a teenage Patterson stood tall in Bridgend Athletic’s midfield, helping drive their run to the Welsh Youth Cup final beneath the lights of the Principality Stadium.

Patterson’s talent didn’t go unnoticed as he was a part of the Ospreys at the age-grade level. The Ath is where he honed his craft, and it’s clear how special the club is to him.

“Bridgend Athletic was my first — and only — club. It’s well known for producing talent from a young age that goes on to play at regional and international levels.

Playing for Bridgend Ath and Brynteg go hand in hand. Both offer high standards of rugby at that age, while still being fun and giving you the chance to play alongside your mates.”

Patterson made great memories for the club, but he was a part of a special Brynteg side as the quote above illustrates.

School days

A person’s time in school is so formative to their lives. All friends under the same roof, in similar stages of life.

More than a place of learning, it becomes a cornerstone in shaping a player’s journey. Many legends of the Welsh game graced the four walls of Brynteg. Patterson’s Brynteg side is a story of what could have been.

A team stacked with talent that was making a storming run in the Welsh Cup before Covid stopped them in their tracks. Headed up by Adam Rosser, the team could have taken home silverware.

Lining up beside him in that midfield was Ospreys’ Tom Florence, who recalls the brilliance of the team and offers glowing praise for Patterson and his teammates.

“I moved to Brynteg in sixth form to play rugby with my mates, and it turned out to be a great decision. The team I played with was full of talented players, including Gus Patterson, Harrison Morgan, Ethan Mawer, Michael Gillette, Jack Obbard, Dan Roderick, Euan Rees, Owen D’Adamo, Charlie Ashpole, and our captain, Ryan Neagle. Ryan was a natural leader — always setting the example and consistently one of our best players on the pitch.

“Our coach, Adam Rosser, played a massive role in our success as well. We all loved playing under him, and he taught me a lot. I still keep in touch with him now.

“That season, we reached the semi-finals of the Welsh Cup after a big win over Stanwell in the quarter-finals. Unfortunately, Covid hit, and we never got the chance to play together again.

“I’m confident that, had we been able to finish the season, we would have gone on to win the cup. We only lost one game all year — away to Ystalyfera — a team we later beat in the Round of 16 just a few months after.

“Brynteg gave me some of the most enjoyable rugby I’ve ever played, and I’ll always look back on that time with great memories.”

When it was time for higher education, Patterson swapped Ewenny Road for the Cyncoed Campus.

Cardiff Met

Patterson decided to go to Cardiff Met, an institution with a stellar reputation for helping talent take it to the next level. At university, he found a new stage with the Archers, becoming a key figure in both Welsh domestic leagues and the BUCS Super Rugby competition.

The centre was a consistent presence in the squad, racking up over 50 appearances. During his time at the university, the team was promoted to the Welsh Premiership.

Patterson crossed the try line twice against Penallta, which kept his side at the top of the Championship East.

The Welshman can score tries for fun. November 2024 saw Patterson light up the field with a hat-trick of tries, driving Cardiff Met to a 38–20 triumph away at Narberth. Whether on Wednesday or Saturday, Patterson delivers, and he will look to do the same again this year, spearheading his team’s push for success after a promising season.

Patterson will be hunting for more success with an establishment he clearly loves.

“Cardiff Met is the best rugby environment you can be in without being professional. The level of coaching, analysis, S&C, and overall support is on par with professional setups.

“It’s played a crucial role in my development across many areas of the game.

“Looking ahead, I hope to make a living from rugby — whether that’s by playing abroad or pushing to reach the highest level I can here in the UK.” Rugby is always going to be a massive part of Patterson’s life.

A finisher with flair and an athlete with fire, Patterson embodies the kind of backline threat destined to leave his mark on the future. One of Bridgend’s rugby sons, he has already made his town proud and now looks set to achieve even greater things in the sport he adores.

READ MORE: Netherlands international Vikas Meijer’s journey into rugby union