Haverfordwest’s Rhys Abbruzzese during a Cymru Premier media session with Haverfordwest County A.F.C Football Club at Bridge Meadow Stadium, Wales
Rhys Abbruzzese is gearing up for another European campaign with Haverfordwest County, but football on the continent is already something he’s accustomed to.
The Bluebirds will take on Maltese side Floriana in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League over the next fortnight, with the wing-back set to a key part.
As a youngster, he came through the academy at Cardiff City and was selected for Cymru at age-grade level. In total, he earned 29 caps from under-17 to under-21 level, playing under Geraint Williams and later future senior team boss Rob Page.
Flashback to September 2017 out in Chaves, Portugal and Abbruzzese lined up against players who have gone on to become some of the biggest stars in world football. Cymru lost 2-0 but on the scoresheet that day was Ruben Neves, now of Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, and Goncalo Guedes, who later joined up with Neves at Wolves.
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Haverfordwest County v Floriana
Thursday 17 July, 18:00, Parc y Scarlets
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Renato Sanches, who had a spell in Swansea City but is more remembered for his spells in Germany and France with Bayern Munich, Lille and PSG was also on the squad list, whilst Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot was an unused substitute.
The most high profile of names however was Ruben Dias, who has cemented himself self as one of the best defenders in the Premier League with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Dias, along with the other named superstars, recently won the UEFA Nations League, and now seven years on, Abbruzzesse is hoping his experience lining up opposite them can help forge his own success.
“I remember a little bit about it, they weren’t too bad,” he joked. “They are some of the best players in world football and playing against those kind of players was going to benefit me.
“Remembering the game, I think we lost 2-0 but it was a good experience playing out in Portugal. It was a different atmosphere, a different kind of culture and the preparation was different. Those experiences helped.”
Abbruzzese in action during Haverfordwest’s European play-off final win over Caernarfon Town
Given that those Portuguese superstars were just starting out, swapping shirts wasn’t in the mind of then-Cardiff City youngster, his focus was instead on getting a result, a model professional.
“Back then I think I was a bit more focused on trying to do as best as I could and win games really, you probably don’t think about those things when you’re a bit youngster. It would have been nice to maybe have one of them.”
It wasn’t just star-studded opponents that Abbruzzese got to experience playing against, he also has some familiar names that he can count on as teammates.
When he was emerging as a talented young prospect, the wing-back was in the same age grade teams as the likes of David Brooks, Dan James and Joe Rodon. The trio have all gone on to cement themselves as regulars in Craig Bellamy’s squad with the dreams of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
Wales' Joe Rodon, Wales' Connor Roberts, Wales' Sorba Thomas and Wales' David Brooks during a training session at the Vale Resort ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group J fixture against North Macedonia at the Toše Proeski Arena stadium, Skopje city, North Macedonia on the 25th of March
Rhys Abbruzzesse played in the same Wales team as Joe Rodon and David Brooks
“Playing with the best players around me is always a benefit,” Abbruzzese said. “Most of those players that were in that squad are now in the first team for Wales looking to qualify for things and I hope they do.
“It’s always good playing with those kind of players and training with them. You learn different bits here and there, and just experiencing how they go about things. You pick up little bits here and there.
“I still keep in touch with a couple now. I’m good mates with Mark Harris who is at Oxford United, as well as Nathan Broadhead. We chat time to time, but not so much about football sometimes. It’s good to see them doing well and qualify for the World Cup hopefully.”
Haverfordwest County's Rhys Abbruzzese during the JD Cymru Premier 24/25 - European Play Off match between Haverfordwest County AFC and Caernarfon Town at Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium in Haverfordwest on the 18th May 2025
Abbruzzese’s close friend Lee Jenkins has departed Haverfordwest for Newport County this summer
Such is the success of this Haverfordwest side which has Abbruzzesse at the forefront of it, the club have seen several key players depart the Ogi Bridge Meadow this summer. In particular, the majority of the backline that boasted the best defensive record in the league last year have moved on to pastures new.
Goalkeeper Zac Jones and defender Luke Tabone have signed for English National League North sides AFC Fylde and Southport respectively, while Jacob Owen was snapped up by 2024/25 JD Cymru Premier champions The New Saints. The most high-profile move came at the end of June as Lee Jenkins agreed terms with EFL League Two outfit Newport County.
“I’m good mates with Jenks, it is sad to see him go,” Abbruzzese said. “We would have loved for him to stay but that’s what happens when you have some of the best players in the league. They go on to newer experiences, I wish Jenks all the best. I’m sure he will get his game time and he’ll impress.
“With players departing it means there are spaces to be filled, Alaric (Jones) and the rest of the boys I’m sure are looking to make that place theirs.”
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