PENCLAWDD RFC; A BRIEF HISTORY

The founding fathers of Penclawdd RFC were determined characters and included the Reverend Tom Howell Hughes and Frank Lewis who reportedly walked across the Burry Estuary to Llanelli during low tide to purchase a rugby ball.

Apparently, the good Reverend provided spiritual guidance! Such stories bear witness to the commitment needed to provide rugby football as a leisure pursuit during these times.

During its formative years the club had its headquarters at the Ship and Castle Inn remaining there until 1974 when the current clubhouse was constructed.

The Ship and Castle Inn is represented on the club badge by the castle turret and will always be regarded as the “home” of Penclawdd rugby by the older generations.

The club initially played its games at Dunraven Field, before moving to Cae Dunno. Several other locations were also used for matches including Cae Ellis and Graig y Coed, the latter being used until the outbreak of WW1.

Following the First World War, the club reformed and moved its playing base to the Welfare Ground, also known as the Recreation Ground or “the Rec”. “The Rec” has remained the club’s home ground to the present day and is regarded as one of the best local grounds for viewing games due to its natural “bank”. 

In 1927, full membership of the Welsh Rugby Union was achieved following a hugely successful period of playing in the Swansea and District League. In fact they were asked to withdraw from Swansea and District due to their monopoly of trophies! 

Then, in 1929 the club became one of the founder members of the West Wales Rugby Union which resulted in the formation of the West Wales Championship.

Throughout its history, Penclawdd has produced some superb rugby football teams who have, more often than not, played in a very similar ‘style’. 

This ‘style’ basically involves a very fit, mobile pack of forwards accompanied by a skilful, cunning and fluent set of threequarters.

One such successful team was the side that won the West Wales Championship in 1933 – 1934 under the captaincy of Joe Jenkins and did so without losing a fixture. The title was gained at Pontarddulais where Amman United were defeated before what was then a record gate.

This was a truly magnificent side that produced no fewer than eight players who played ‘first class’ rugby and two Welsh internationals in Haydn Tanner and Willie Davies.

During this period Swansea, Llanelli and Maesteg were all defeated. In 1936 – 1937, the club also won the West Wales Challenge Cup for the first time, again under captain Joe Jenkins.

Following WW2, the club reformed very quickly and collected the West Wales Championship for the second time 1946–1947 under the leadership of former marine commando John ‘Bach’ Jenkins. Again, this was a magnificent achievement especially as the team played 42 games that season. Included in that side were Phil Foote and David John Hughes who both gave a lifetime of service to Penclawdd rugby. 

Another hugely successful period for the club came during the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. During this period the West Wales Challenge Cup was won in 1968 – 1969 under the leadership of Ken Lewis.  Following this the West Wales Challenge Cup was collected for the third time in 1970–1971.  A year later the West Wales Championship was again lifted, also for the third occasion, both under the leadership of scrum half Eiryn Lewis.

Furthermore, the West Wales Presidents Cup was also won in 1968–1969 and shared with Waunarlwydd in 1970–1971. As the club battled against local rivals on the field it also faced a very difficult financial battle off the field. Huge financial loss nearly saw the end of the club and but for the dedication of the committee at the time, rugby in thevillage may well have ended. 

With Honorary Secretary John Guy at the helm along with Chairmen – Conway Jones, Brian Evans, Talfryn Jones, Martin Bache and Gordon Jenkins, plus Presidents – D.F. Rees, Paul Howells and Byron Jones, the dedication of the ‘team’ off the field steered the club to financial security.In November 1980, Penclawdd defeated Newport RFC 4-0 in the WRU Schweppes Cup 1st Round.  This famous victory, which was sealed with a try by No.8 Kevin Dallimore, was the first time one of the top four sides in Wales had been defeated in the cup by ‘second-class’ opponents.  The team was captained by Ken Lewis who has led the club more than any other player.

The club enjoyed a more successful period when in 1988 and 1990, under the coaching of Terry Snell and Talfryn Jones, it reached the West Wales Cup Final, disappointingly losing on both occasions. In addition, in 1988 the Youth side, under the coaching of Royston Jones and Mel Hughes and Secretary Dennis Parkhouse, won the Swansea and District Championship when defeating Waunarlwydd 6-3 in the final at St Helens, Swansea. The side led by Mark Swistun also finished top of the league table but lost narrowly to Dunvant in the Cup Final. 

In 1990, following the sterling work of Honorary Secretary – John Guy, the local authority fields at Graig y Coed were opened. The subsequent purchase of floodlights by the club at the fields allowed evening games and training sessions to be held during the winter months. This modern facility is probably the most significant off-field development at the club over the last 30 years and has resulted in the continued prosperity in playing numbers, particularly in the Junior and Youth sections. The continued availability of this superb facility cannot be underestimated.In 1995, the world of rugby was turned on its head with the game turning professional.

While the club embraced this openly under new Honorary Secretary Andrew Davies, who took over from David Foote, it found itself languishing in the bottom division of the National Leagues. This situation was quickly reversed when, under coach Keith Eaton and captain Jeremy Parkhouse, promotion was gained to Division 7 of the National leagues. In 1996, led by Kevin Bennett, the Gower Cup was captured for the first time when Waunarlwydd were defeated in an exciting final.

The club made further progress when in season 1998–1999 it won the National League Division 6 title with some outstanding rugby under coach Phil Sterio and captain Leigh Ratti.  Flanker and former captain Mark Davies, scrum half Paul James, full back Rhys Williams and outside half Wyn Banfield all scored over 20 tries each, reflecting the open and exciting style of play exhibited throughout the season. 

Season 2001-2002, under captain Leigh Ratti, Llangefni were defeated 25-24 at Ammanford in a play-off game to ensure promotion to Division 4 West of the WRU National Leagues. A restructure of the National League saw the club playing in Division 3 West, where under the captaincy of Owen Williams, it remained for three seasons.

In 2004–2005 flanker Richard Francis returned to the club after captaining Swansea the previous season, to become player-coach and would captain the club in 2007-2008 and prove to be a tremendous servant. In 2005–06 the club celebrated its 125th anniversary by winning Division 3 West under captain Owen Williams, coaches Anthony Bennett, Gareth Jones and Richard Francis and also lifted the West Wales Bowl. 

The club has spent a number of seasons in Divisions 1, 2 and 3 West, gaining promotion from Division 3 West in the 2011-12 season under captain Anthony Griffiths and again in 2013-14 under captain Lee Gunnell.  The same year the 2nd XV also won the Swansea and District Cup final under the leadership of Stuart John. 

In 2018-19 the club were unfortunately relegated, but the following season bounced back in style, winning promotion as Division 2 West Champions and by lifting the Wales Bowl.  During this period the club were served administratively by President – Conway Jones, Chairmen – Dorian Caudy, David Foote, Peter Hughes, Kevin Davies and Anthony Bennett, Director of Rugby – Terry Snell, Honorary Treasurer – John Guy and Honorary Secretary – Jeremy Parkhouse.   

The club has been captained by outstanding scrum half Lee Gunnell for the last 7 consecutive seasons, a club record for consecutive years as captain.  He is supported by a committed squad which is a blend of youth and experience and the team currently sits in a mid-table position of Division 1 West after winning five of their last six fixtures with excellent victories over Yr Hendy, Newcastle Emlyn and Gowerton.  Those victories were team performances based upon determination and grit. 

The current coaches are Ben Hall and Sophie Spence, who have recently been supported by Richard Deakin.  Off the field the club is led by President – Conway Jones, Chairman – Andrew Williams, Honorary Secretary – Alison Evans, Director of Rugby – Jonathan Davis and Honorary Treasurer – John Guy who are supported by a dedicated committee of volunteers.  The club also runs a very successful junior section with teams from the Little Ruggers at aged 5 to players transferring to the Youth Team at aged 16, providing its future stars. 

The Youth Team, captained by Bradley Steele-Davies has also been very successful, winning the Ospreys C West League and players have already represented the First and Second teams this season.  A number of players have recently developed through the Junior Section and have progressed to win international honours and represent the club, including Will Jones (Wales Under 18, Under 20 captain and Ospreys), Morgan Morris (Wales Under 18, Under 20 and Ospreys), Rhys Davies (Wales Under 20 and Bath), Rob Dudley-Jones (Wales Under 16), Richard Francis (Wales Under 16 to 21) and Steffan Gibbon (Wales Under 16). 

In addition, Ben Whitehouse is a former Penclawdd player who is making rapid progress through the ranks as a professional referee.  The club is very proud of all their achievements!Club Coach Ben Hall said “last year was a tremendous season for the club we were promoted and won the Bowl.  This season we had a tough start, but we are finding our feet and targeting a top 5 finish which is in our own hands.  If we win our games in hand, we go fourth in the league table, which for a club the size Penclawdd is great.  We don’t pay players and we are punching above our weight as we always have done.”

Penclawdd Youth Coach Gwilym Ayre said “We had a successful 1st half of the season winning the Ospreys C West league and will be looking to build upon this by winning the league again as it starts afresh in the New Year.  We are involved in 3 cup competitions and are looking to rebuild the squad for next year. Anyone is welcome to join, just get in touch with the club.”

Anyone interested in joining Penclawdd RFC please phone the club on 01792 850 607 or via the contact details on the website.  The club has teams starting from Little Ruggers up to seniors, so if you want to play, support or help as a volunteer, come down and you will receive a very warm welcome!