Cowbridge roots, Dragons dreams: The story of Barny Langton-Cryer

By Peter Ryan

There is something special about the kind of love the Welsh also hold for rugby. Profound, unwavering and timeless – a past full of treasured memories and golden eras. Yet, as of late, the love seems unrequited.

It’s important to celebrate the players who are chasing their dreams and turning out for their regions.

One of these competitors is Barny Langton-Cryer, who is plying his trade at Rodney Parade.

From Cowbridge to Newport RFC to the Dragons RFC, his journey is one to note.

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The start

Born in London on 26 January 2001, Langton-Cryer found his roots in Wales, where his love for rugby began early.

That love was formed at Cowbridge RFC. A grassroots club is so much more than a rugby team. It’s where bonds that last a lifetime are formed, and steadfast passion for the sport is born.

It’s where you learn the lessons of winning and losing, and an embryonic love for competition begins.

Langton-Cryer’s roots lie with Cowbridge RFC, and the club greatly benefited him. It’s clear he loves his grassroots club.

“Cowbridge will always be home for me,” he said. “It’s the club where I grew up, learned the game, and fell in love with rugby.

“I’ve made lifelong friends from playing there. No matter where rugby takes me, Cowbridge will always be the foundation that started everything.”

When the next chapter beckoned, Cardiff Met opened its doors.

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University rugby

Cardiff Met is a fantastic institution that has helped many internationals on their paths.

At Cardiff Met, he was a regular in their BUCS Super Rugby competition, where the best young talents shine on Wednesdays. Langton-Cryer talked about how uni rugby helped develop his game.

“My time at Cardiff Met was huge for my development, both as a player and as a person,” Langton-Cryer explained. “Being there taught me professionalism, and the environment really pushed me to be better.

“I was surrounded by talented players, which meant I had to raise my standards every day. It was the perfect stepping stone to prepare me for the next level.”

After acquiring a Business Economics degree, it was time to make the short trip to Newport RFC.

Newport RFC

Across this rugby-proud nation, clubs are abundant and have a rich history. Newport RFC undoubtedly belongs in this category.

Langton-Cryer joined Newport ahead of the 2023/24 season. Like at Met, he quickly became a vital member of the side, making 11 appearances that season.

Such was his impact that, by season’s end, he was honoured with Newport’s Arthur Boucher Award as the club’s Most Promising Player.

That team performed well all season before coming up short against Llandovery.

With maturity beyond his years, Langton-Cryer impressed at Newport RFC and caught the eye of the regional professional team.

Arrival in the professional game

Most children in Wales have dreams of being a professional rugby player. Langton-Cryer achieved the dream.

The date was 4 November 2023, when he stepped onto the stage for his Dragons senior debut in the United Rugby Championship.

Langton-Cryer came off the bench in Cork, facing Munster. The lock has achieved some significant milestones with the club, including making his European debut against Pau.

His start at Rodney Parade was more than a selection. It was proof of the trust his coaches were beginning to place in him.

After getting more involved last year, he will be looking to make an impact this season. Listening to him speak, you can tell he is excited to be a part of a talented squad.

He said: “There’s a real buzz around the Dragons at the moment. With the new signings coming in, there’s a sense of momentum and belief building within the squad.

“It’s exciting to be part of that and to know I can contribute to what we’re trying to build. The future looks really positive, and I’m just grateful to be involved in it.”

Ambitions

Even though Welsh rugby‘s future looks bleak, the Dragons, on paper, should be much improved.

A raft of talented athletes are coming to Rodney Parade. Tinus de Beer, Thomas Young and Wyn Jones will be hunting for wins.

Langton-Cryer will be looking to take another step forward, as he elaborates on his future ambitions.

“For me, it’s about continuing to develop and keep improving every single day,” he added. “I want to establish myself at the Dragons, contribute as much as I can to the team, and hopefully push on to higher honours in the future.

“Long term, I’d love to represent Wales, but for now my focus is on working hard, learning, and making the most of every opportunity that comes my way.”

Future

An athlete with a lot of talent, it will be fascinating to see what the future has in store for Langton-Cryer.

“Rugby has been such a massive part of my life for as long as I can remember,” he concluded. “It’s shaped who I am, taught me discipline, resilience, and teamwork.

“The friendships and memories you make through rugby last a lifetime, and for me, it’s something that gives me a real sense of purpose every single day.”

Looking at the quote above, it’s easy to see that for the Dragon, rugby is more than a sport.

It is a bond of friendship, a trove of memories, and a path marked with milestones.

READ MORE: Nottingham’s Gwyn Parks on his journey from BUCS Super Rugby to the Championship