Big footed boy can play rugby again

In October I reported about a teenager forced to quit rugby because his feet were too big is playing again, thanks to size 18 boots from America.

Carl Griffiths' feet grew while taking life-saving medication for leukaemia and the 14-year-old was relegated to water-carrier for his team.

Well-wishers helped by bringing Carl, from Trimsaran, Carmarthenshire, large boots and trainers from the US.

The 6ft 4in teen, who was given the all clear last month, said: "I'm just glad to be out there again. I'm chuffed."

Rugby-mad Carl, whose feet are now nearly size 19, was forced to quit playing for the Trimsaran under-15s team for a year because he could not find boots to fit him. "It was frustrating because I couldn't play with all my friends on the pitch," said Carl, whose team face Ystradgynlais on Sunday.

Carl still struggles to fit into size 14 socks - the biggest his parents can find.

His mother Michelle Griffiths, 34, said: "They're the biggest available, but we have to replace them all the time because his heels go through them. We can't find any others.

"The hospital has said he's coming to the age where his growth should be slowing down, but there's no sign of that happening yet."

Carl's 11-year-old sister Shannon takes size eight women's shoes and his brother Matthew, who is 6ft 1in, has size 13 feet. Their father Wayne is 6ft and takes size 12 shoes and Mrs Griffiths has size nine feet.

Trimsaran Under-15s team coach Martin Evans welcomed Carl's return to the team.

"His very presence in the line-out, being head and shoulders above the rest, is intimidation itself," Mr Evans told the South Wales Evening Post. "His boots can winkle the ball out of a maul like a JCB."