Name
Rhys Llwyd Parsons

Date of Birth
February 18th 1982

Occupation
Trainee solicitor for Norton Rose in London

Languages
Welsh, French

What languages did you learn at school?
French to A Level

Have you used the language since leaving school?
Last year I decided to take a break after finishing my legal studies, and wanted to improve my French. Luckily my father had a number of contacts in various rugby clubs in France due to Caerphilly's campaigns in European club competitions. As a result, I decided to go to Agen Rugby Club in South West France for five months.

What did you do during your time there?
I was lucky enough to have accommodation with the Agen Academy players in a flat in the stadium, and worked in the offices of the rugby club. I did a variety of jobs, spending much of my time looking after the International players, especially Rupeni Caucaunibuca, the Fijian international winger, who does not speak any French. I also taught English in a local lycée on three mornings.

Do you think your French has improved?
I found it very difficult at the beginning, especially with the regional accent, but by the time I left I was pretty fluent. Reading 'Midi-Olympique' and the local press regularly helped to improve my vocabulary.

Did you make many friends in Agen?
Everybody was very friendly including Phillippe Sella, the club president, and I had a tremendous welcome throughout. Being Welsh was a big advantage since they still admire Welsh rugby. I am still in contact with many people in the club especially Colin Yukes, the Canadian international and Aaron Persico, the Italian international. Aaron came over to stay recently and very much enjoyed a night out in Cardiff!

What advice would you give to young people in Wales?
Spending time in a foreign country is a fantastic experience and will greatly help your language skills. Rugby is so important in the South of France that any young Welsh person would be very well received there. I'm just so glad that I've kept my languages alive.