Abercrave RFC celebrates 125-year anniversary

Abercrave RFC will celebrate its landmark 125-year anniversary this season. It will mark it with a number of special events and presentations throughout the season with the support of its main sponsor Hale Construction.

The club, which was founded in 1884, has produced an impressive list of Welsh internationals during its long history including prop Adam Jones, who won 95 caps for his country, and Clive Rowlands, Wales’ youngest ever captain who went on to coach Wales and the British and Irish Lions.

Based at Plas-Y-Ddol since 1953, Abercrave RFC currently plays in WRU Division 3 West Central. It has planned several events this season including a series of concerts featuring local choirs and Welsh classical violinist Lucy Morgan; an international boxing event organised by the Wales Boxing Association; a princess and super hero day; and a 125-year anniversary ball which will also incorporate its senior presentation evening.

There will also be a number of events organised to raise money for charity including a charity fun run and bike ride, and a ‘It’s a Knockout’ children’s sports day. All the money raised will be split between the club and two charities: the Liz Baker Dialysis Unit and MIND Ystradgynlais.

The club’s main sponsor is Hale Construction, the Neath-based construction company that delivers major projects for local authorities, housing associations and the private building market.

Jonathan Stevens, minis and juniors chairman and coach of the under 16s, at Abercrave RFC, comments:

“The victories and accomplishments the club has achieved over the past 125 years are incredible. We are so lucky to be part of such a great community here in Abercrave and so proud to have produced so many fantastic players who have gone on to represent Wales at a senior level.

“We would like to thank every single person who has been involved with the club over the many years of its success – those who volunteer to keep our children active and safe, and those who have sponsored us. Not to forget the wonderful and talented players who have come through the ranks with the club since their rugby careers begun. Here’s to many more years of a successful high achieving club.”

Jonathan Hale, chairman of Hale Construction, says:

“We are thrilled to be able to sponsor the brilliant Abercrave RFC. The achievements and successes of the club is something Abercrave RFC should be incredibly proud of – not only for what they do for their own players, but for what they do for the community also. Not many clubs can say they have been around for 125 years and still going strong!”

Over the years, the club has produced some famous names who have learned their trade at Abercrave RFC. Eddie Morgan, Wales and British Lions player in the early 1930s, was selected as one of the 11 best sportsmen of his time, along with the great Jessie Owens – the incredible American athlete.

Other Welsh internationals produced by the club include Huw Richards, Alun Donovan and Dafydd Howells. Meanwhile, Craig Price has played for the Wales national rugby sevens team; and Joe Gage, has played for Wales’ Under 20s. Luke Price also played for the Welsh under 20s cap and is the current outside half with the Ospreys and head coach at Abercrave RFC.