16/06/2026
Last night, after fifteen years at the helm, the legendary Michael Rein stood down as Honorary Secretary of the Welsh Schools’ Rugby Union, only the second person to hold that post in our fifty years’ history.
Cardiff born and Cardiff bred, Mike started his teaching career in 1975 in St Albans, quickly establishing them as a force within the Cardiff schools’ setup. He was soon invited to help coach the Cardiff District side where he also took on the role of their District Secretary. By 1980, Mike was elected to the WSRU Executive Committee.
In 1989 Mike’s unstinting work on behalf of Cardiff SRU and the Executive, led to him being elected as Honorary Assistant Secretary to the Welsh Schools’ Junior Group. In that role he forged his long-term friendship and highly successful working relationship with Mr John Rees. Under their leadership, Welsh Schools went from strength to strength.
When John passed away in 2011 Mike took over the helm as Honorary Secretary, a task which would have left others more than daunted.
The times since have not been the easiest to navigate for our Group but, under Mike’s strong, calm leadership, the Group has continued to not only survive, but to expand its provision by introducing ever greater levels on participation and competition. Both the National Schools’ Ten-a-side and Seven-side Festivals have been expanded to each offer six opportunities for continued engagement and attainment after the initial group stages have been completed; the D.C. Thomas Bowl has been re-established and, with the Plate Final, has joined with the D.C. Thomas Cup Final to produce a thrilling day of finals, played out on a major stage; a National Girls’ Seven-a-side Festival has been set up, and has now run for five successful years; and the Sam Warburton ‘Spirit of the Game’ Trophy has been introduced to recognize all that is positive within our Group.
Mike may be the first Hon. Sec. to resign from the Group but, as he leaves the post he has made his own over the past fifteen years, his expertise and leadership skills will not be lost to us. In his new role as Group President, Mike is sure to continue to input positive and innovative ideas and ensure that the Group maintains its unique position in Welsh rugby.
Diolch am popeth, Mike.