One of the Ravens: Luke Price’s Rugby Career

“Rugby has obviously been massive for me, even from an early age. I used to go out and watch my brother playing for Abercrave RFC, and I started playing myself when I was around five or six years old.

“I carried on playing for Abercrave all the way through until I was 16, when I was brought into the Ospreys Academy.

“It’s been a huge part of my life from a young age, and now, going back and working as a hub officer in schools—while still doing some community coaching—is massive for me.

“It really shows how much the sport means to me and how much I enjoy both playing and coaching rugby.” This is what rugby means to Luke Price.

The 2010s were the best time to be involved in Welsh rugby. When the clubs were thriving and the national team was soaring, some genuinely talented players quietly slipped through the cracks of memory.

One of those players is Luke Price.

He is a player with bags of talent, and his skill set has taken him far in the game. He has played for teams with a storied history and has even earned international honours at the age-grade level.

At a time when Welsh rugby is in desperate need of positivity, it is essential to celebrate exceptional players like Price, who have a remarkable story.

The Beginning

Price’s rugby roots can be found running through Abercrave RFC. It is a club with a formidable spirit. Abercrave RFC has had a long presence in the domestic leagues.

Born in 1894 from the grit of local miners, Plas y Ddol has since welcomed many who would go on to wear the red of Wales.

The likes of Adam Jones, Clive Rowlands, and Eddie Morgan have gone on to receive the highest honours in rugby.

Looking towards the SRC, Price competes against fellow Abercrave alum Joe Gage, who plays for Aberavon.

Local grassroots clubs are special: they’re where a love for the game blossoms, where a rugby ball is first thrown, and where lifelong friendships are formed. Price reflects on his love for his boyhood club.

“Abercrave was massive for my development. I have a lot of appreciation for the people who gave up so much of their time within the club—both in the junior section and as I progressed into the seniors. It’s a club that’s really close to my heart.

“There are some genuinely good people involved, and there’s a rich history too, with players like Adam Jones and others who’ve gone on to represent Wales and the British & Irish Lions. It holds a very special place for me.

“In 2019, I went back and coached the senior team, which was an amazing experience—especially coaching alongside some of my friends.

“They really bought into what we were trying to do, and the support the club gave me then, just as they did when I was playing, meant a lot. I’m massively thankful.

“For the seniors to go on and secure two promotions back-to-back was huge for the club.

“One thing I always remember about Abercrave is coming through the junior section—there was always a marquee for the end-of-season presentations and Player of the Year awards. The club did regular fundraising to make that happen.

“At the time, there was a team at every age group from under-8s all the way up to under-16s, youth, and seniors. That just shows the strength of the club and how much people are willing to give and volunteer to keep it all going.”

Time as a Professional in Wales

Coming from the Ospreys region, Price enjoyed a fruitful stint with his home pro club. It was in 2014 that Price first donned the Ospreys jersey, facing Exeter in the LV= Cup—a moment that would spark a seven-year journey with the club.

At the age of 21, the fly-half signed his professional contract with the Swansea-based outfit. He went on to make 53 appearances for the team.

Price had his share of big games in an Ospreys shirt, but his showing against Bristol, at the ground he now calls home with the Ravens, stands out.

It was one to remember. Ospreys came to the Brewery Field looking for their 11th consecutive victory.

They achieved a 20-14 win against their English counterparts. In a match that hung in the balance, Price’s steady boot delivered 10 vital points.

The 2019–20 season was the first in which Price played in all six games of the Champions Cup. In December 2019, Price crossed the whitewash in the La Défense Arena.

Even though the Ospreys suffered a 40-27 defeat, Price scored in the 68th minute. His talent not only led to him representing the Ospreys but also earned him a spot on the Wales U20 team.

The year 2014 was a breakthrough, as he gained selection for the U20 Six Nations and the Junior World Championship.

Following a memorable chapter with the Ospreys, the Welshman turned the page in 2021, heading for a new challenge in France.

Looking back, Price recalls his early days with the Ospreys and the vital foundation his school gave him, both on and off the pitch.

“Playing for the Ospreys was a dream come true—it was the perfect start to my career. I made my debut at 18, down in Exeter.

“I was actually only the third person to make a senior Ospreys debut while still in school. At the time, I was in sixth form at Maesydderwen, which, funnily enough, I’ve now returned to.

“The school played a massive role in my development, both academically and in rugby. When I was in sixth form, their support during my A-levels and my rugby commitments was incredible.

“They rearranged exams for me, provided extra time outside school hours to get my work done, and always offered help.

“I was training and playing with Wales U20s at the time, which was more or less full-time, so the way they went above and beyond to help me succeed academically really meant a lot.

“Running out for the Ospreys—my local region—was an unbelievable feeling, something I’d dreamed of. The years I spent there were brilliant, and I’m so grateful for that time.”

Going to France

By the time 2021 came around, it was time for a new challenge. Price headed to Valence Romans Drôme Rugby.

His time in France allowed him to enrich his rugby experience and showcase his skill set to a new audience.

The out-half had a brief stint with the French outfit but made an impact, putting in notable performances. Against Dax, he proved his class with a 40-metre penalty, calmly striking it through the posts to demonstrate his pinpoint accuracy.

Playing rugby in a different country added another dimension to Price’s development—a wealth of experience he would bring to the Brewery Field. Price elaborated on the experience of playing in France.

“France was a bit different, but equally amazing. I loved immersing myself in a new culture. The passion for rugby over there is incredible.

“We’d get around 5,000 fans every home game, and the atmosphere—with the drums and the flags—was just brilliant.

“I really enjoyed it. After the matches, you’d go into a big tent and have a drink with the supporters. They were honest—if you played well, they’d tell you, and if you didn’t, they’d still tell you! Their passion was something else.

“It was an unbelievable experience, and I’m so glad my wife and I went out there and gave it a go. I’m just incredibly grateful we had that opportunity.”

Bridgend

Looking across South Wales, there is an endless treasure trove of clubs with a storied history. One of those clubs is Bridgend, which has seen legends like JPR Williams, Gareth Thomas, and Steve Fenwick wear its colours.

In 2022, Price made the move to Bridgend permanently. He quickly established himself as an influential player in the team.

The fly-half has performed in vital moments for his side—for example, when the Ravens travelled to the Gnoll in 2023.

Facing his former club, Price tallied 16 points to help secure Bridgend a 26-19 victory.

Sixteen was also the number of points involved in another memorable match. There was a buzz of anticipation around the Brewery Field as Swansea came to town.

In the wild-card playoff game, the Ravens had to overcome a 16-point deficit. Price rose to the occasion, leading from the front and delivering the moments that sparked Bridgend’s comeback.

Price talked about the run Bridgend went on and the supporters who rallied behind the team.

“Yeah, we had a good run down in Bridgend towards the end of the season. We probably weren’t at our best around mid-season, but we built some momentum late on and went on a decent little run.

“The support we had in those final few games was fantastic. I think it really helps when you have those nail-biting finishes and manage to sneak a couple of wins right at the death, especially at home. You look at the Llandovery game—we won it with a kick at the end after being 12 points down. Then against Swansea, we came back from 17 points behind with just 10 minutes to go.

“That fighting spirit the team showed really brought the town and the crowd behind us. We were the underdogs in pretty much every game we played, and to come back and win with that bit of grit and character really got everyone backing us.

“When we played Cardiff in the playoff game, the support was unbelievable—not just the number of people who came, but the noise and the energy. The cheering and atmosphere were incredible, some of the best we’ve had. We were unbelievably grateful for it.

“It was a great moment to take a photo with everyone at the end and thank them for coming. The support towards the end of the season was absolutely brilliant.”

It was a decent season for Bridgend in the initial season of the SRC, and they will look to build on this for next season. Price will be aiming to help steer the side towards silverware.

In a jersey steeped in tradition, the out-half has carved his legacy, emerging as one of the finest Ravens of recent times.

By Pete Ryan

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