Bridgend Athletic RFC

(Reformed 1972)

A potted history

Following a Bridgend Youth Tour in March 1972, team spirit was so high that so as not to go their separate ways into senior rugby; the idea arose to form their own senior club.

A Bridgend Athletic side had existed up until 1939 and now the reformation process was to begin.

The problems confronting the founders were immense but the young Committee with the experienced assistance of Jeff Jenkins and Clive Easterbrook and combined with solid support from Bridgend RFC, were determined to succeed.

The early years following reformation saw many troughs including the loss of a ground for two years. Despite the setbacks, the ambitious committee continued to develop the club, lay the foundations of an energetic youth policy that continues today, and decided that independence was required.

As always, fortune favoured the brave.

The legendary Dr Jack Matthews officially opened the clubhouse in September 1982. This was a nostalgic event for Dr Matthews as the building was his family home during the time he was a record breaking athlete at Bridgend Grammar school. This before he joined Cardiff to become one of the most famous of Welsh Internationals and British Lions of all time.

In 1983/84 the club was admitted to full membership of the Welsh Rugby Union.

During the 1980s and 1990s club coaches included Malcolm Jelfs, Lyn Davies (Bridgend & Wales), Wayne Hall, (Bridgend & Wales) Keri Townley (Llanelli & Wales A) Alan Griffiths (Tondu) and Paul Yardley (Bridgend)

A mini/junior section was started in 1991 and has developed over the years into a thriving and successful section of the club. These days over 250 youngsters regularly play on a Sunday morning, proudly wearing the green and gold of the Athletic. The dedication and commitment provided by the organisers of age grade rugby, including the quality of qualified coaches, first aiders and referees is impressive. The standard of mini/junior rugby at the Athletic is recognised throughout Wales and the British Isles and is reflected in the number of tournaments invited to and subsequently won.

The Youth (U19) set up is still strong and this season the side were winners of the Welsh Youth Cup and District Cup.

Tours include visits to Hawaii, California, Canada and Japan with a re visit to Japan planned for next year. Age grade tours are planned to Ireland, France, Spain, South Africa and Canada

The majority of our senior squad have progressed through Junior and Youth rugby at the Athletic; in fact a few started rugby at under 8 level and have played at all age levels up to Senior rugby.

Regional and International honours have been achieved along the way; the most recent being Rhys Webb, Luke Hathaway, Philip Price and Tom Williams included in the FIRA World Cup squad with lock Kyle Maiden on reserve. Previous seasons have seen Lloyd Ryland, Tom Hearne and Jon Jones all represent Wales at U18/19 level and Chris Davies who played in all matches of the 2005 Wales U21 Grand Slam side. Many have gone on to play premiership rugby with former full back, Lee Byrne becoming the first full Welsh Cap from the Athletic having played Mini, Youth and Senior rugby for the club.

For a full list of Club Internationals – see separate column – Welsh Internationals.

Former Captain, outside half Stuart Morris (son of stalwart club servant Barrie Morris – currently Fixture Secretary) led the senior Bridgend Athletic side through successive seasons of promotion. Promoted from Div 5 Central in 2001, Div 4 East champions in 2002, promoted through reorganisation in 2003 from Div 3 to Div 2 West and in 2004 promoted to Div 1. Unfortunately the time in Div 1 coincided with the loss of several experienced players and demotion followed to Div 2 West. The club chose its youngest ever captain in 21 year old Simon Mustoe, who has been with the Club since the age of nine. The very young side rapidly developed to earn promotion straight back to Div 1, finishing in a credible 4^th position last season.

Current Senior Coaches, Huw Hathaway and David Williams along with Team Management Wayne Yardley, Tony Griffiths and Steve Lyons are 'home grown', all being ex players of the Athletic. Last season saw the coaching team complemented with the return of Paul Yardley as a senior coach and recently retired hooker, Peter Barry as a 2^nd XV coach. The Youth management /coaching team consists of Phil Rees, Anthony Woodward and Mark Davies

The ambitious ‘inclusive’ Committee with representation from all rugby sections is currently determined to match the playing achievements, at all rugby levels, with the provision of improved training facilities, in line with the level of rugby activity. This includes a feasibility study on relocation to a new clubhouse.

In these days, the future of any Rugby Club is uncertain but for Bridgend Athletic it appears to be as sound as one could hope for