Gethyn Cannon’s ambitions of one day playing for Wales

By Peter Ryan

“I am so blissfully unaware of everything.” This line from Sam Fender’s hit single Hypersonic Missiles really stands out.

In a world that feels increasingly tangled and uncertain, the lyric carries a truth that will echo with countless souls.

It’s also a reminder to remain present and take the good things when they come. Whether it’s worrying about mistakes made in the past or overthinking the future, appreciate what you have and capitalise on your talent.

For Gethyn Cannon, that’s his skills on the rugby pitch. From Cardiff Met to age-grade international, he’s already played at a high level, but Cannon is not stopping there as he looks to leave his mark on rugby.

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The Beginning

“Rugby means a lot to me as I get a lot of enjoyment out of it, and I’ve dedicated so much of my time to the sport, with no regrets.

“It’s helped me develop as a person through meeting new people and making friends who I can honestly say are my best friends.

“It’s also taught me core values that I now use in different parts of my life.”

Rugby is more than just a game; it’s a way of life. Across the nation, young people dream of becoming professional players.

Cannon is well on his way to achieving that dream. Rooted in the Gwent pathway, Cannon’s rise tells the story of a player forged in community rugby, with his journey beginning playing for Machen RFC and following in the footsteps of greats such as Malcolm Thomas, Paul Purdon, and Mel Rosser—over a century and a half of history in their clubhouse.

Cannon is proud to be a part of the club; he speaks about his love for the iconic team.

“Machen RFC is huge to me because it’s my home club. It’s where I played all my junior rugby, youth rugby, and even my first senior rugby.

“The club is fantastic to be a part of, and the people there make it such a great environment to play in.”

Along with learning his craft at the club, Cannon played for Newport High School and Wales U18s, preparing him for senior rugby.

From grassroots pitches to representing Wales, Cannon’s journey naturally led him into the intensity of university rugby.

Cardiff Met

At Cardiff Metropolitan University, his education and rugby ambitions grew side by side.

Quickly establishing himself as a regular, he became a key part of the team. The Welshman amassed over 50 caps in BUCS Super Rugby, whilst also experiencing the Welsh Premiership and the Championship.

His impact was felt in January 2024, when he powered over for a try in a commanding 54–19 triumph against Treorchy.

Then, in the Welsh Premiership, he put on an impressive display to help Cardiff Met topple Newcastle Emlyn 59–24.

The institution is known for helping players develop. Cannon talks about the impact Cardiff Met has had on him.

“Cardiff Met has been massive for me. Since joining, I’ve managed to develop myself physically with the support of the S&C facilities and gain experience of a high level of rugby through the Welsh Premiership and BUCS Super Rugby.

It has allowed me to play with and against outstanding players, which has helped me develop as a player.”

At Cardiff Met, his ability was impossible to ignore, and it soon brought him the honour of a Wales U20 call-up.

Wales U20s

From Cyncoed Campus to the international stage, Cannon’s rise was rewarded with a Wales U20 call-up for the 2024 Six Nations, playing in the famous red jersey again.

He came off the bench in a 27–15 win over Italy in Cardiff. Later on, he was named in the 2024 World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa. He talks about how special it was to play for Wales.

“Making my Wales U18 and U20 debuts was amazing—it’s such a huge honour to represent your country. It meant so much because all the hard work I put in on and off the pitch showed that if you work hard, it really does pay off.

“I was also privileged to play in the World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa in 2024, which was an unreal experience.

“Playing against Australia and South Africa is a highlight of my career so far.”

Playing for Cardiff Met and international age-grade rugby builds a steadfast foundation for a prosperous future.

“My future ambition is to play rugby at a professional level and hopefully represent Wales. But above all, my main goal is to become a professional rugby player and continue to live by the values that have guided me throughout my career.

“I hope that if I stay true to that, opportunities will come.”

His ambition is driven by purpose and hunger to enter the professional ranks. We began with Sam Fender, and so we end with him: “I’m only gettin’ started.”

For Cannon, those words from Getting Started ring true — the first chapters of his rugby story promise much more to come.

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