Ystrad Rhondda RFC

History

Foundation and Early Years

The club was founded in 1884 and has become one of the leading Rhondda Valley and Mid District clubs.^[3] The earliest recorded match between Ystrad Rhondda and Pontypridd RFC took place on 24th September 1885, at Ystrad Rhondda, with Pontypridd winning by a goal, a try, and two touches down to nil.^[4]

Willie Llewellyn began his rugby career at Ystrad Rhondda before moving to other clubs.^[5] He played for Wales and was part of the team that defeated the All Blacks in 1905.^[6]

Modern Era

Mike Griffiths is described as a product of Ystrad Rhondda RFC who returned to coach the club after his playing career.^[7] He toured with the British & Irish Lions in 1989.^[8]

Another product of the club is Alex Webber, who was on the World Sevens circuit with Wales between 2012-15.^[9] After a period with Pontypridd RFC where he made 120 appearances and scored 69 tries,^[10] Webber returned to Ystrad as player-coach and has made a significant impact both on and off the field.^[11]

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Current squad and structure

Summarize

Perspective

The club currently runs a second XV plus two youth teams which attract talent from across the valley. They also have an excellent mini and junior section.^[13] The club has junior teams, a youth side and a second XV.^[9]

Notable long-serving players include Nathan Hughes, who played 420 times for Ystrad and retired at the end of the 2023-24 season after being with the club since he was 18.^[9] Prolific outside-half Rhys Truelove has appeared in excess of 250 times and scored more than 1,000 points for the club.^[14]^[9]

Current squad

^[15] Note: Flags indicate national union under World Rugby eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-World Rugby nationality.

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Honours

Domestic

WRU Division One East Central:
- Titles (1): 2017–18^[13]

WRU Division Two East:
- Titles (3): 2004–05, 2007–08, 2011–12^[13]

Welsh League Division 6 Central:
- Titles (1): 1994–95^[13]

WRU Championship Cup:
- Runners-up (1): 2022–23^[16]

WRU Swalec Plate:
- Winners (1): 2014–15

Glamorgan County Silver Ball Trophy:
- Runners-up (1): 2014–15

Mid District Cup:
- Winners (3): 1993–94, 2000–01, 2022–23^[17]
- Runners-up (1): 2013–14

Notes

All titles listed are at senior level unless otherwise stated
Seasons shown reflect the Welsh rugby season format (e.g., 2022–23 represents the season spanning 2022 to 2023)