Cardiff RFC’s Steffan Crimp on his Welsh beginnings and move to America

By Peter Ryan

From Penarth’s grassroots to professional rugby in America, Steffan Crimp has come a long way. Peter Ryan caught up with the ambitious fly-half to talk about his passion for the game and what’s next.

“Rugby has always been important to me ever since I started playing when I was around five or six,” says Crimp. “I was always one of the smaller kids, but it didn’t matter because rugby is such an inclusive sport.

“I played other sports growing up, but when I turned 18, I decided to really give rugby a go – and now I’m lucky enough to call it my job.”

Everyone has a dream. There’s something innate in our DNA that drives us to achieve our goals.

Crimp has transformed his passion into a profession. To him, rugby is not just a game; it’s a way of life. His quote mirrors an unwavering commitment to the sport, a symbiosis that defines his very being.

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Initial stages

Across the valleys and cities in Wales, there are budding rugby players who look to leave their mark on the game that has given the nation so much.

That bond is forged at local clubs. For Crimp, that was Old Penarthians, where he developed his talent that led to memorable moments, which we will return to later.

In 2021, his journey at the club came full circle. He stepped into Old Penarthians’ senior side after being nurtured through the club’s ranks.

Crimp talks about his childhood club warmly, and it’s clear the team means a lot to him.

“Old Pens is my home club and has a very special place in my heart, not just for me but for my family too,” he said. “My house backed onto the playing fields, so during school holidays or whenever I was bored, I was out on the pitch running or kicking.”

When it was time to attend university, Crimp made the move to the historic Cardiff Met Institute.

Cardiff Met

The university has garnered a stellar reputation for helping young athletes on their rugby journey.

Following in the footsteps of admirable players such as Aaron Wainwright, Alex Cuthbert, and Alex Dombrandt, Crimp ran out for the university.

The fly-half competed in BUCS Super Rugby as well as Welsh domestic leagues. Notably, Crimp played a vital role in Cardiff Met’s monumental comeback against Bath last season, where he slotted two penalties and two conversions.

Throughout his time at university, he became a consistent presence in the squad. Crimp discussed how Cardiff Met contributed to his development.

“Cardiff Met played a massive role in my development, not just as a player but also in helping me become a good person,” he added.

“I had to work my way up through the teams when I first arrived, starting on the 7th team. However, by the end of my first year, I was starting for the 1sts, which I was pretty proud of.

“It’s a great programme and about as close as you can get to being in a pro club set-up at the moment, with the facilities, the schedule, and the standard of rugby each week. I also made some friends for life there.”

After hunting for new opportunities and closing a fruitful chapter at the Cyncoed campus, he crossed the Atlantic to chase the American Dream.

Going to America

May 2024 marked a milestone, as he penned his first professional deal with Anthem Rugby Carolina, the fresh face of Major League Rugby in Charlotte.

It was a tough run of form for the team as they went winless, but Crimp did earn praise for his performance, which earned him a deal with the San Diego Legion.

Once his studies wrapped up, he moved to California. Crimp delivered for the club, putting points on the board and orchestrating the backline.

He put on some standout performances for the San Diego team. In May 2025, he steered the side from fly-half against the Miami Sharks, a month later scoring a try and penalty against Old Glory DC.

It must have been a fantastic experience playing in the MLR. Crimp articulates what it was like: “My first professional contract was with Anthem in the MLR, which was a real pinch-yourself moment because playing rugby at the top level had always been the dream since I was a kid.

“Last season, I played for San Diego Legion, one of the biggest teams in the MLR, with plenty of world-class players who have worn that jersey.

“When I was 18, I also spent a couple of months training with San Diego, where I got the chance to train with Ma’a Nonu and Chris Robshaw.

“Having grown up watching them play in World Cups, that was a surreal experience.”

Experience

Crimp has not only competed in club rugby stateside but also represented the USA U20s, as well as being selected for a senior squad.

He talked about what it meant to represent the USA: “Playing in the World Trophy qualifiers was a great experience.

“My mum was born and raised in America, and I’ve been a US citizen since birth, so to be able to represent the country at an international level was a very proud moment for me and my family.”

Crimp has already done some notable things in rugby, and there’s no doubt more are to come. Now, he heads to Cardiff RFC looking to make an impact at the Arms Park.

“The goal is to play professionally for as long as I can,” Crimp explained. “I am enjoying learning from top coaches and players who have been doing it professionally for years, and I hope to keep adding to my game.

“I want to keep getting good pro minutes, keep building my armoury, and then hopefully get picked up somewhere professionally in Europe.”

From Penarth to America, the game he loves has taken him far. Crimp plays with hunger and heart, chasing growth with every step and striving to be the best he can.

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