C l u b H i s t o r y Ann Roberts discusses the history of Penclawdd RFC at length in the book "Estuary People - Penclawdd 1900-1970" published in 2001. This account is a summary of Ann's work. Ann Roberts is daughter to Willie Robert y Railway. Copies of the book are available from Ann Morgan (married name) at:5 Amberley Drive, Langland, Swansea, SA3 4PJ Telephone: 01792 368148 They are also on sale at the Chemist and the Post Office. Penclawdd Rugby Club officially formed in 1888, but rugby has been played in the village since 1880-81, the same year as the founding of the Welsh Rugby Union. In its formative years the club had no permanent pitch, but played on suitable available ground in various areas of the village. It initially used the Dunraven Field, later Cae Dono (Dono's field) on top of the Graig, and during the years preceeding the First World War, a field at Graig-y-Coed was favoured. Joe Austin became one of the first members to play first class rugby, representing Llanelli and Swansea. He was the captain during the 1905-06 season. In the same year Penclawdd were unsuccessful in its application to join the WRU. Despite this rejection players continued to improve their play. The club was disbanded during the First World War years. The club immediately re-formed after the war and quickly regained its strength. It was so successful it wasasked to withdraw from the Swansea and District league as it was gaining a monopoly of cups. In 1922 the club obtained its own pitch for the first time. It leased the Welfare ground known as the Rec., situated at the foot of the Graig, behind the Tabernacle Chapel. A pavilion was built on the land for the use of the Penclawdd Rugby and Cricket Clubs. 1927 saw Penclawdd receive Welsh Rugby Union membership, twenty two years after its initial application. 1929 and Penclawdd became one of the founder members of the West Wales Rugby Union. This enabled local clubs to play each other in competition, which subsequently became a breeding g ground for promising players. 1933, February 4th St Helens, Swansea. Wales v Scotland and a Penclawdd player gains his first cap. Bryn Evans, Scrum half was capped in this game. Bryn was captain of Penclawdd in the 1929-1930 season. During this season Penclawdd
experienced another first beating Ammanford United at Pontardulais to win the West Wales Championship. 1935, 28th September St. Helens, Swansea. All Whites v New Zealand in the team were two cousins Haydn Tanner and William Thomas Harcourt Davies, they were also school boys of Gowerton Grammar School at the time. The All blacks had defeated Swansea in 1905 and 1924, however 40,000 spectators were there when history was made. The Evening Post that night ran the headline 'History made at St. Helens 1905 and 1924 defeats avenged, "The brilliant Swansea schoolboy halfbacks sent their admirers almost delirious with joy... for Tanner and Davies made those perfect openings which are the joy of a Welsh Rugby football crowd. It was they that laid the foundation for Swansea's third try." The final score - Swansea, 1 con. Goal, 2 tries (11pts) New Zealand, 1 try (3pts). 1935 Decem Haydn Tanner ber and Born 9th January 1917 Haydn Tanner won his first cap aged 18yrs and 11months. Willie Davies went on to win his first cap at centre the following year. Willies went on to play for the All whites until 1939 when he turned professional playing for Bradford Northern Rugby League Club. He became a Great British International and winner of the Lance Todd Trophy - best player at a Rugby League Cup Final held at Wembley Stadium. 1938 Haydn Tanner toured South Africa as a British Lion. 1939 club disbands again during the war years. After the war years the club was reformed by Willie Davies Major Tom Rees, Albert John Jenkins, Tom Leyshon, Harry Howells, Ernest Davies, Willie Howells, Tom Stock and Les Jenkins. As a result Albert John Jenkins was elected chairman, Walford Jones secretary proceeded by Dai Evans, and John Rees treasurer. The first team were captained by Joe Jenkins.
1945 Phil Foote whilst serving on HMS Rodney in the port of Rosyth in the Fifth of Forth, received a letter from dai Evans requesting he play for the team. The letter was addressed from the West Wales Rugby Union - Phil showed his captain, and his captain replied - "well you better get your kit and go quick!" However Penclawdd lost. At this time Penclawdd Committee met in the Ship to pick the team for the forthcoming game on Saturday, team sheets were put up in Jim Howell's chip shop, Mrs Harry's chip shop and Robert John Davies' shop. Training was twice weekly Tuesday and Thursday. 1946-47 season saw the forming of the PRY, Penclawdd Rugby Youth. This was the coming together of the youth club and the rugby club, under the direction of D.G. (Dai) Howells, with Stan Howells as trainer. Morien Guy was the first captain. 1947 saw Penclawdd win the West Wales Championship again. 1950-51 saw the end of Phil Foote's playing career after a kick saw him need the removal of a kidney. The youth had also won the Swansea and District league a remarkable 3 years after forming. 1953 and David Parkhouse and WRC Davies gained caps for the Welsh Youth against France, David captained the side. 1956 saw David Evans win a cap against the German Youth, he went on to Llanelli and St. Helens Rugby League. 1963 and David Parkhouse played for Swansea against the All Blacks. 1964 Alan Parkhouse emulated his brother David when he gained his youth cap. 1968 Doug Rees, fullback, won three caps proceeded by J.P.R. Williams. 1968-69 and the club wins the West Wales Cup. 1969-70 the club wins the West Wales Championship for the third time. 1970's saw Roy Thomas play for Llanelli and reserve for Wales on no less than 25 occasions, never gaining a full cap. 1973 Clive Griffiths gained a Secondary School honours, he obtained senior honours against England in 1979 replacing J.P.R. Williams. The club also won the District Youth Cup in this year. 1975 the Club, having tried unsuccessfully to buy the Ship off the brewery finally built its own clubhouse on a site behind the Ship. It was opened by Cliff Jones.
1976 saw David Humphreys - cousin to David and Alan Parkhouse- win his youth cap against England at Stradey Park. Flanker Glyn Hyndman won his cap against France. 1980-81 CENTENARY Celebrations took many forms and special guests were invited to a club dinner. During the speeches at the dinner, Dai bach Rees so entertained the audience with his tales of how the club was formed the guest speaker stood up to do his bit said "I can't follow that" and promptly sat down. The guest speaker was Max Boyce! During this year Penclawdd won its highest accolade to date. Saturday 15th November 1980, coached by Roy Thomas, Penclawdd beat Newport 4-nil in the Welsh Cup Competition. This was a major achievement recognised by the reporting press. Penclawdd had beaten a first class side, and were awarded Rugby World Magazine Phillishave Award - Team of the Year, presented to the side by Dennis Thatcher, husband to then prime minister Margaret Thatcher. The plaque is up on the clubhouse wall and reads:this plaque was presented to Penclawdd RFC by a jury of Sports Journalists on behalf of Rugby World Magazine in recognition of their defeat of Newport RFC in the Welsh Cup. To be continued... 2001-2002 Captains : Leigh Ratti 1st XV, Kevin Hughes 2nd XV and Rob Richards Youth. New coaching staff start - Paul Penhale, Alex Lawson and Leigh Ratti. Owen Williams moves up to Dunvant, Richard Francis who is currently playing for Neath is released to play a few games for Penclawdd. Club gets its a website! Youth team plays Cardiff in the cup and loses 6-22, but a spirited performance is recognised by all. Graham Henry resigns after a 54-10 loss at Ireland. 1st XV beat Llangefni 25-24 in a tight play off game to win qualification to Division 4 West for 2002-2003 season. Club Player of the Year - Richard Deakin, Players Player of the Year - Paul James Clubman of the Year - Paul Isaac, 2nd XV Player of the Year - Steven Isaac 2nd XV Players Player - Kevin HughesChairman: Martin Bache, Secretary: Andrew Davies, Treasurer: Jacko 2002-2003 Captains: Owen Williams 1st XV, Kevin Hughes 2nd XV and Ceri Davies Youth. New coaching team - Leigh Ratti and others. Not a very successful season, but much to talk about in Welsh rugby. Eventually after months of negotiations the league structure changed and Wales introduces 5 regional sides. Llanelli Scarlets, Neath Swansea Ospreys, Celtic Warriors, Cardiff Blues and Gwent Dragons. Wales wins wooden spoon that included a defeat by Italy! The introduction of the new regions meant a restructure of the other leagues, and so there were no demotions or promotions, just re-arrangements. 1st XV Player of the year - Stuart John, 2nd XV Player of the Year Alex Young 1st XV Players Player of the Year Stuart John, 2nd XV Players Player of the Year Alex Young Clubman of the Year Richard Guy,
Coaches Award Rhodri Evans, Chairman: Martin Bache, Secretary: Andrew Davies, Treasurer: Jacko 2003-2004 Captains: Owen Williams 1st XV, Kevin Hughes 2nd XV. New coaching team Kevin Davies and Mike Isaac. A difficult season, however the final outcome of the season was the 1st XV stayed up in Div 4 by avoiding relegation. The two teams relegated below us were Gowerton and Pontarddulais. Wales win 2 out of the five games and Steve Hanson is replaced by Mike Ruddock. Martin Bache steps down as chairman on the last day of the season, and a big thank you is extended to Martin by the membership. Kevin Davies is elected to replace Martin for the forthcoming season. Club Awards 1st XV Player of the year - Paul Isaac 2nd XV Player of the Year Mike Davies 1st XV Players Player of the Year Andrew Nicholas 2nd XV Players Player of the Year Alex Young Clubman of the Year Dewi James Coaches Award James Mabbett Most Improved Player Andrew Howells Most Promising Player Phillip TuckerChairman: Martin Bache, Secretary: Andrew Davies, Treasurer: Jacko 2004-2005 - Came 2nd in division three west. Richard Francis rejoins the fold. Owen Williams Capt. 2005-2006 - Won division three West and the Tovali Bowl. Semi-finalists in the Silver Bowl losing at Glynneath 33-33 against Abercynon. Owen Williams Captain. Anthony Bennett and Gareth Jones Coaches. 2006-2007 - First season in Division 2 West. A hard season. Anthony Bennett and Gareth Jones Coaches. 2007-2008 - Second season in divison 2 West Another hard season. Richard Francis Captain. Anthony Bennett and Gareth Jones Coaches.