Tredegar RFC News
Season 2008/2009
Tredegar RFC were sad to learn of the death of former club captain Ryan Buckley, who passed away at the weekend. Our sympathies are extended to Ryan's family. Ryan was Captain of Tredegar in the 1989/1990 season.
Ryan's funeral takes place next Monday (8th June ) at 11.30 at St. Mary's Church,Caldicot
A video of Tredegar being presented with the League Trophy and celebrations have been added to our You Tube Channel. You can see the video by clicking here. The video contains strong language.
Highlights of the Mini's charity match can be seen here.
The Annual presentation night was held at Tredegar Rugby Club this weekend. For pictures, and a list of awards winners, click here.
Tredegar complete their season with a 14-11 win over Rhydyfelin.
Tredegar are defeated by Gilfach Goch by 33-8. The final league game of the season is away against Rhydyfelin on Thursday 30th April at 6-30pm.
Tredegar's achievement of becoming Second Division Champions has been recorded by the Gwent Gazette. The back page of the current issue can be seen by clicking on Champions, and further headlines here and here. Note: You will need Adobe Reader to view this image.
Tredegar are defeated by Bedlinog by 48 points to nil. Tredegar conclude the league programme this week with away games against Gilfach Goch on Tuesday 28th at 7pm, and against Rhydyfelin on Thursday 30th at 6-45pm.
Newbridge defeat Tredegar by 34-0 in the semi-final of the Ben Francis Cup.
You can see highlights of the game against Abergavenny by clicking here, and of the game against Llantrisant by clicking here.
Tredegar are Swalec Division Two East League Champions!!!
Tredegar secure the league title with a 95-14 victory over Fleur De Lys.
The re-arranged Rhydyfelin v Tredegar match on Wednesday 15th April is OFF. The new date is Thursday April 30th at 7-00pm.
Tredegar remain on course for the Championship with a 50-5 away win at Abergavenny.
Whether or not Tredegar RFC's promotion dream is realised this season, the Division 2 East team can look forward to a rosy future, as since the formation of the mini's section in 2003 the club now has players registered at all age groups from under 8s, right through to youth level.
Due to the huge gap between youth and WRU regional / league rugby Tredegar intend to introduce a Tredegar 2nd XV next season so that those youth players have a stepping stone to gain experience before venturing into the league system, hopefully in Division 1 with Tredegar. To complement the talented players coming through the ranks, Tredegar are looking for additional players to enhance the youth players forming a Tredegar 2nd XV for next season.
So any former players, any other players who fancy a game on a Saturday or any volunteers who would be prepared to assist in ressurrecting the 2nd XV would be made more than welcome. Complementing the formation of the additional teams Tredegar are well served on the coaching front where current club captain Paul Edwards, who has spent many hours coaching the youngsters, has sucessfully completed his WRU level 3 coaching course and will no doubt add his immense experience and enthusiasm for the game to the Tredegar set up for many years to come.
Anyone wishing to play or assist should contact Lionel Evans at the club or can ring 07850189947 for more details.
Tredegar run in eight tries in a 48-3 bonus point victory over Llantrisant. We next play Abergavenny away on Saurday 11th April, and have re-arranged the Gilfach Goch away game for April 28th.
Video highlights of the home game against Treherbert can be viewed by clicking here. Video highlights of the fixture against Abercynon can be seen by clicking here.
Tredegar run in nine tries in a 61-13 drubbing of Treherbert.
Three Tredegar players were part of the Welsh Academicals side that beat Japan Under 20 side at Mountain Ash. Jack Dawson had the honour of being captain and was joined in the second row by Wayne Simms with No 8 David Ford completing the Tredegar representation.
A highly entertaining game saw some dynamic rugby from both sides before the experience of the Welsh Academicals finally eased them to victory in the final quarter.
Japan struck first after only five minutes, with Kenta Nakasone bursting through for a try near the posts. The Academicals levelled with a Nathan Rees try midway through the half and took the lead following a searing run by Ryan Bayliss into the corner. Japan then benefited from high risk rugby by the Accies with a further two tries, before Mike Thomas crossed for a well worked try to keep his team in contention, 15 - 19 down at the break.
The game was still finely balanced until Rees and Thomas both completed their brace of tries, which were added to by further scores from Wayne Simms and Loughborough Student, Geraint Walsh, to complete an enthralling exhibition of fast open rugby
Video highlights of the home game against Bedlinog can be viewed by clicking here. Video highlights of the fixture against Ynysybwl can be seen by clicking here. We hope to add more videos to our YouTube channel in the coming months.
Following an extremely entertaining match when Division 2 leaders Tredegar RFC played a fund raising match against John Morgan's Select XV, Tredegar RFC secretary Tony Lewis was delighted to present a cheque for £425 to John Morgan to add to his mayors appeal during his term of office.
Lewis said " Whilst Tredegar RFC are endeavouring to bring the highest quality of rugby to Tredegar and encouraging youngsters from the age of eight years of age to hopefully represent their town at senior level, we wish to thank the council for the immense help and assistance it provides to us during these difficult times. It was a pleasure to hold such a match involving all rugby players, Tredgar born and bred and to raise such a sum for the Mayors appeal was a magnificent achievement and whilst we are hopeful of promotion this season we wish the mayor every success in raising as much money for his chosen cause."
Tredegar win the re-arranged home fixture against Abercynon by recording a bonus point victory 36-23.
Tredegar Rugby Club Mini and Junior Section began in 2003 and now have players registered to play at all age levels from under eight through to youth level. Due to there being a huge difference in youth rugby and WRU regional league rugby we are now looking to add on a senior Tredegar Second XV to our section. This will ensure that youth players will be able to advance for one or two seasons before they step up to senior WRU rugby.
Tredegar RFC are now looking for additional players to enhance the youth team products, who will be leaving youth rugby this year. These players will form the Tredegar Second XV and will commence playing at the start of the 2009-2010 season.
Any players interested in being part of this new exciting project are asked to contact Lionel Evans on 07850189947.
Obviously in addition to new players the club would also like to encourage anyone who can assist with administration and organisation of the new side. If you feel you have time to spare and would like to be part of the set up again please contact Lionel Evans.
TREDEGAR RUGBY SUPPORTERS CLUB
PRESENTS “COMEDY NIGHT”
HILARIOUS NIGHT OF LAUGHTER
with
ANDY RUDGE
INTERNATIONAL/ CRUISE SHIP COMEDIAN SUPERB ENTERTAINER.
COMEDIAN /VOCALIST /INSTRUMENTALIST.
WHITBREAD COMEDY ACT OF THE YEAR
and
JEFF ALVEY
OFF THE WALL VISUAL COMEDY ACT NOT TO BE MISSED
SATURDAY APRIL 4th
Doors Open 7-00pm at
TREDEGAR RUGBY CLUB
Your seats will be reserved
ADMISSION BY TICKET £7-00
INCLUDING REFRESHMENTS AND PRIZE DRAW.
Contact here for further details
Tredegar 27 Mountain Ash 24. Tredegar remain top of Division Two after recording a bonus point win over the old firm. Our next game is the re-arranged home fixture against Abercynon on Friday March 20th at 7-15pm.
Tredegar remain clear at the top of Division Two after winning away at Ynysybwl 25-18.
Tredegar win the top of the table clash against Bedlinog by 20-13.
With Tredegar RFC having a lengthy lay off due to the adverse weather recently, the Division 2 leaders now have to re-arrange 5 fixtures before the end of the season. With such a back log of fixtures Robert Johnstone has added Mike Rosser to the squad, signing him from first division Newbridge RFC Twenty six year old Rosser is an uncompromising, no nonsense back rower and will add further options to the talented back row already in situ.
With Tredegar officials and players appearing on BBC's Scrum V after the England match, the club wishes to extend grateful thanks to former player Geoff Cartwright for not only supplying the splendid "Sharpie " leisure tops that were worn on the programme but also to thank him for his help and sponsorship in also kitting out both the senior and youth teams.
You can watch Tredegar supporters appearance on the BBC's Wales v England Scrum V programme by clicking here. (Available in UK only, until Sunday 22nd Feb)
Howard Dwyer has forwarded the pictures below which shows him, and his brothers Maurice, and Dennis appearing for Tredegar in a game against Weston, and the Tredegar 7s team in 1976 at the Monmouth Sevens after beating Ebbw Vale. Tredegar lost to Bridgend in the final
You can watch Tredegar supporters appearance on the BBC's Wales v England Scrum V programme by clicking here.
The re-arranged game against Gilfach Goch for the 7th February has been postponed. Our next game sees us entertain Bedlinog on Saturday February 21st. This fixture replaces the Rhydyfelin game as they are still involved in the Swalec competition. That game will now take place on Wednesday April 15th.
Tredegar record a bonus point victory over Gilfach Goch, winning 29-18.
Tredegar's cup run comes to an end, as Rumney inflict Tredegar's 2nd defeat in 23 games, winning 12-7 in the Swalec Cup.
Tredegar defeat Brynmawr by 16-10 to remain nine points clear at the top of Division Two East
The Ynysybwl game has been called off due to a frozen pitch .
With the icy weather forcing Tredegar RFC to call off their last two games their tilt at promotion has been temporarily frozen. However the cold conditions have not cooled the squad's thirst for promotion with the full squad attending every training session over the holiday time and cancelled games period.
Director of coaching Robert Johnstone remarked that in all the years he had been associated with Tredegar he has never experienced such a turnout on a regular basis even though games had been cancelled. Johnstone added that the squad is full of enthusiasm and competition for places is at its highest with the players attitude second to none. Johnstone confirmed that David Ford has now fully joined the club and brings a wealth of experience from his time with Newport RFC and Crosskeys and will provide another dimension to Trdegar's forward play.
Although ably served at scrum half by Matt Taylor & Robert James, the experienced Richard Jones has rejoined the club and will put pressure on these players ensuring that they are at the top of their game. Jones had a lengthy spell at Ebbw Vale and was only denied a regular team spot there by the talented Brian Shelbourne but the chunky scrum half can play anywhere in the backline and will prove to be a great acquisition for the club before the transfer window closes.
Johnstone added that traditionally Tredegar have always fared better in the second half of the season and although relishing a fifth round cup tie away against Rumney , Cardiff promotion is the main agenda. With the team playing attractive winning rugby more support is required on the terraces and all Tredegar suporters old and new will be made more than welcome at the Rec.
The away fixture against Gilfach Goch has been arranged for Saturday February 7th at 2-30pm.
The game against Abercynon has been called off.
Tredegar RFC ended 2008 sitting at the top of Division 2 after their final game against championship rivals Bedlinog was called off after a late pitch inspection due to a frozen ground.
Whilst Tredegar would have liked to have seen 2008 out with a bang the Team has remarkably only lost one game in the league and is savouring a fifth round cup clash with old adversaries Rumney Cardiff. With the second best attacking record in Division 2 at the half way mark the team is immensely proud of its defensive record only having conceeding 80 points so far.
Robert Johnston's squad has punched above their weight and through an all round team effort has allowed Jamie Henthorne to lead the try scorers with a massive tally of 16 tries scored in league and cup matches. Fullback Rob Smith has 8 tries to his credit and with Daffyd James, Matt Taylor and Damien Smith all scoring on a regular basis the seasons overall try scoring record could be under threat.
Greg Jones has kicked 43 goals, 27 conversions and 16 penalties in all competitions and is the leading scorer with the boot. Whilst the main scorers have been the talented backline, the Tredegar pack has been magnificent chasing promotion and keeping the cup dream alive. The Simms brothers havc settled in well and with a choice of quality props including Osborne, Sullivan & James the hooking berth has been shared by captain Paul Edwards and Daniel Horsman. Jack Dawson and Richard Clarke have ably supported numerous partners in the boilerhouse whilst Joe Campbell has inspired Chris James, Chris Orum and Steve Knight in the back row and number 8 David Ford will be a force to be reckoned with in the promotion campaign in the new year.
Traditionally Tredegar have always enjoyed a better second half of the season and if this is replicated then Tredegar could well gain promotion as well as having its best ever run in the cup.
The players, coaches and management team wish all supporters a very happy new year and look forward to seeing old friends and new at the Recreation Ground in 2009
Tredegar have been drawn away to Rumney in the 5th round of the Swalec Cup.
From us all at Tredegar RFC, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.
Tredegar's next fixture is the top of the table clash against Bedlinog on Saturday 27th December at the Recreation Ground. The game kicks off at 2-30pm.
Tredegar advance to the 5th round of the Swalec Cup with a 41-5 victory over Pill Harriers
Due to the lack of floodlights at Pill, the Swalec Cup game on Saturday away at Pill starts at 2pm
Tredegar defeat Fleur De Lys away from home by 16-9.
Tredegar record a bonus point win over Abergavenny (33-11) to remain top of Division Two East
Tredegar defeat the Mayor's Select XV 29-10 in this evening celebration game.
Tredegar Town Clock 150 years Celebration Game.
Tredegar's town mayor John Morgan has assembled a bumper squad of players with strong affinity with Tredegar RFC to take on the Division 2 leaders at the Recreation ground on Friday , KO 7pm.
Selecting players who ply their trade from Trefil to Crosskeys and Merthyr to Bargoed the mayor's squad is made up as follows:
Backs; Dan Morris, Rhodri Jones, Craig Lewis, Ioan Lane, Chris Thew, Lee Pidgeon, Oliver Jones, Matt Penny, Shaun Thomas, Da Davies, Kevin Rees, Jeremy Lloyd, Gareth Kearney, Dai Kearney, Paul Young, Simon King, Shane Pinch, Richard Jones and Jamie Parry.
Forwards: Leigh Taylor, Rhys Miles, Stu Jarman, Wes Fisher, Steve Evans, Jon Evans, Mark Curtis, Ben Watkins, Matt Williams, Jamie Noble, Shane Evans, Chris Edwards, Mark Greenaway, Ian Jones Brett Mountney, Ryan Davies, Robbie Young, Ryan Williams and Luke Harwood.
The Select XV will be captained by Ross Jones who currently plays for First Division,Bargoed. The match officials will be Tredegar's Mr Reg Hughes as the man in charge whilst Gerald Phillips and Martin Edwards will police the touchlines.
Tredegar's director of coaching Robert Johnston is delighted that such an impressive line up has agreed to participate in this celebration game marking 150 years of time keeping in Tredegar. Johnston said " this is an important game for us as we look to resume league action next week at home against Abergavenny . The squad includes a host of talented players who have worn the Tredegar shirt with pride at some time or another and we are anticpating a hard fought encounter in good spirit whilst raising money for the Mayors Appeal."
Tredegar have been drawn away to Pill Harriers in the 4th round of the Swalec Cup.
We have been sent the following picture by Karen Drury (from Australia) containing pictures of David and Arthur Price who played for Tredegar RFC and Tredegar Utd. If anyone has any further information on the other players in the team, please email here.
Tredegar RFC are proud to announce a special fixture between themseves and a Tredegar Town Mayor's Select XV to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the town clock, to be held on the Friday night prior to the Wales v Australia international.
John Morgan the Tredegar Town Mayor will select a team to take on the division two leaders made up entirely of Tredegar born or based players some of whom play in the Premiership and First Division as well as the local teams in Blaenau Gwent
Cardiff's Kristian Gay and Bargoed's Ross Jones have already indicated their willingness to support the mayor's cause and former Tredegar stalwarts Stuart Jarman, Ian Jones, Simon King , Steve Evans and both the Kearney brothers have agreed to play.
All proceeds will go the Tredegar Town Mayor's charity appeal and John Morgan said he was delighted that Tredegar were staging this unusual fixture to celebrate 150 years of time keeping in Tredegar whilst fundraising for his appeal.
The game takes place at the Recreation Ground at 7.0pm on Friday 28th November and it is hoped a good turnout will be thoroughly entertained supporting such a worthy cause
Tredegar advance to the fourth round of the Swalec Cup with a 63-3 away win at Porthcawl.
The Minis sections of the website has been updated with lots of information regarding the Teams at all levels. Click Here to read more, or visit at any time by clicking Rugby on the top menu.
Tredegar go to the top of Division two East with a 18-3 away victory at Llantrisant.
| Division One clubs enter the SWALEC Cup at this stage and there are three all-Division One clashes in the third round of the competition, with the ties to be played on November 15. |
Merthyr are top of One East
and they travel to the Dairy Field where Llanharan, from the same division,
will be confident of success after already claiming a 25-19 league victory
over the leaders this season.
|
Tredegar have been drawn away to Porthcawl in the 3rd round of the Swalec Cup.
Tredegar advance to the third round of the Swalec Cup with a 56-10 win over Cwmgwrach. We next play Llantrisant in the league, away on Saturday November 1st.
The League table makes good reading for Tredegar supporters. Our next game is against Cwmgwrach in the second round of the Swalec Cup, on Saturday October 25th at the Recreation Ground.
Supporters are reminded that the game is All Pay. Admission £4 Adults, £2 Concessions. Programmes £1.
Tredegar defeat Treherbert 29-17, securing a bonus point victory.
Tredegar record a bonus point victory away at Mountain Ash winning by 28 points to nil. Match report available here, team details available here, and the league table has been updated here.
Tredegar Rugby Club has made its best league start in recent years with three victories in the first four games played. However the club are not sitting back on these victories, but are seeking to build on them to challenge for promotion to Division One.
As part of the strategy to improve performances, the club are seeking an experienced outside centre. Ideally the player they are looking for will have had experience at the higher level of the Divisions and prove to be an asset to the club.
If you feel you can fill this role with the necessary experience and commitment the club is looking for, please contact us. Squad training takes place each Tuesday and Thursday between 7-00 pm and 9-00 pm at the Recreation Ground under the supervision of Coaching Director Robert Johnston, forwards coach Gareth Johnston and Jason Hill.
If you are interested in joining this progressive side please contact the club team manager Martyn Williams at club house direct on 01495 722879 or e-mail the club web site here.
Tredegar defeat Rhydyfelin by 8-6 in this afternoons league game.
Tredegar have been drawn at home at Cwmgwrach in the second round of the Swalec Cup to be played on October 25th. Cwmgwrach play in Division Five South West.
Tredegar record the biggest winning margin in the club's history with a 90-0 defeat of Pontllanfraith in the first round of the Swalec Cup.
The Tredegar team to face Pontllanfriath in the Swalec Cup is: Rob Smith, Damien Smith, Jamie Henthorne, Ian Marsh, Richard Orzell, Greg Jones, Rob James, Ian Evans, Paul Edwards (Capt), Jon Osbourne, Wayne Simms, Richard Clarke, Chris James, Jack Dawson, Joe Campbell. Replacements: Daniel Horseman, Matthew Taylor, Brenson Sullivan, Ryan Thomas.
Tredegar are defeated at home, losing to Brynmawr 31-24, but gaining a losing bonus point.
This seasons first League Table is on site.
Tredegar record an away win against Abercynon by 25 -16. Team Details and a match report are available on this site.
Ryan Transport Sponsors Tredegar RFC.
Tredegar RFC are proud to announce that Ryan Transport Ltd are celebrating their 20 year association with the club and their Managing Director Tony Davies has confirmed a lucrative sponsorship deal with the Swalec Division 2 side over the next 5 years.
Celebrating their 60th anniversary this year, Ryan Transport has had strong links with the South Wales mining community since 1948.Founded by Canadian Larry Ryan and originally based in Merthyr Tydfil, Ryan Transport became the biggest bulk haulier in South Wales during the 70s and 80s.
In 1985 Tony Davies joined the company and with the decline of the coal industry saw this as an opportunity to diverse into stevedoring and with Tony's influence have expanded their port activities to include Swansea, Port Talbot, Barry, Newport and Cardiff where the firm is currently based.
Ryan's continued expansion and success has seen the company make astute acquisitions along the way providing job security for its extensive South Wales work force. Investing in people and plant and machinery has paid dividends and contributed to the success of the company.
Davies said "I am proud to head up such a successful company here in South Wales and have a marvellous team supporting me. However I am also proud of the fact that we have supported Welsh rugby through our connections with Tredegar RFC over the last 20 years and will endeavour to continue to offer such support as long as we are able."
On behalf of Ryan Transport , Davies wished Tredegar every success both on and off the field and acknowledged the hard work put in with Tredegar RFC now fielding teams right through from under 8s to youth level, as well as the senior side.
Pictured making the presentation ( Left to Right ).Tony Lewis ( Hon sec Tredegar RFC ) & Tony Davies ( MD Ryan Transport Ltd )
In the first game of the League season, Tredegar defeat Ynysybwl 24-7 at The Recreation Ground. Team Details and a match report are availbale on this site. Tredegar 24 Ynysybwl 7.
Following two comprehensive pre-season wins over Markham and Rumney, Tredegar's Director of Coaching, Robert Johnston has assembled a quality squad that is aiming for promotion during the forthcoming campaign. Newcomers to the squad include wingers Damian Smith, Lee Pidgeon and Craig Lewis.
Whilst Pidgeon and Lewis return to the fold after dropping down a division, Smith brings a wealth of experience gained at Pontypool and Newbridge. Smith's former team-mate Jessie Farthing will add an abrasive force in midfield accompanied by former Caerphilly centre Jason Hill who has also taken on the role of backs coach. Promising utility back Jamie Lyons joins from Trinant whilst impressive scrum half Robert James adds a wealth of experience in the pivotal position.
Up front the pack has been bolstered by a mix of youth and experience and with Ryan Davies being the first player to step up from Tredegar's youth academy, the youngster will learn his trade under the guidance of Ian Evans a former Tredegar stalwart in the front row returning from Rhymney. Also returning to the fold is prop Brendan Sullivan and if he performs as well as he did during his last spell in the Tredegar front row then Tredegar should have yet another formidable pack.
Hooker Daniel Davies is trying his luck at Division 2 level coming through the ranks of Pontypool Utd and is joined by former team-mate Richard Carter who will add bulk to the second row. Flankers Chris Orum and Chris James who have also featured for Talywain and Newbridge will complement the sublime skills of Jonathan Evans who has also returned to fold after a spell in the lower divisions.
Completing the squad is former Pontypridd flanker Geraint Evans and with the forwards now under the watchful eye of Gareth Johnstone Tredegar look forward to hosting Ynysybwl at the Rec for the first home game of the season.
Tredegar's director of coaching Robert Johnston added "I am delighted to welcome these new players to Tredegar but would also take this opportunity to thank those players that have moved on and would remind them that the door here at Tredegar is always open"
Tredegar's pre-season preparations are on song with comprehensive victories over Markham and Rumney. With Lee Pidgeon and Jonathan Evans returning to the fold, the squad has also been strengthened by the acquisition of 19 stone second row Richard Carter who will certainly beef up the pack and Chris James in the back row has also gained first division experience with Newbridge. Jason Hill has taken on the role of player / backs coach and will bring experience gained during his time with the Wales Amateur rugby league team.
Robert Johnston's squad took part in two away pre-season friendlies and defeated Markham by 37 points to nil in attrocious conditions. Joe Campbell, Lee Pidgeon and Jonathan Evans stood out in this performance and caught the eye whilst the coaching team ran the rule over the other newcomers.
Tredegar faced a much sterner test away against old adversaries Rumney and ran out winners by 19 points to 15. With the first division outfit relying on their wealth of experience, Tredegar never took a backward step and if this form can be shown in the forthcoming campaign then Tredegar can more than push for promotion, a feat that has so cruelly aludded them over the last 3 seasons.
Tredegar kick off the season with a home fixture against Ynysybwl on Saturday 6th September
Tredegar's pre-season friendly against Markham on Saturday August 9th is cancelled.
Having recruited well over the Summer Tredegar RFC are pleased to announce another 4 signings to strengthen the Division 2 side in their quest for promotion during the forthcoming season.
Winger Damian Smith brings a wealth of experience having had spells with
Pontypool and Newbridge. Damian has also excelled at Boxing and is a former
Welsh Light Heavyweight champion.
Jesse Farthing compliments his centre skills with the added bonus of being
a cage fighter and also brings a wealth of experience from the first division
having previously played also for Pontypool and Newbridge.
Promising hooker, Daniel Horseman has signed from Pontypool Utd with the
21 year old looking to gain experience at this level and no doubt will challenge
Paul Edwards with the club being fortunate to have two such competitive players
Ryan Davies will enjoy his first year of senior rugby stepping up from the
youth team and will provide fierce competition for the tight head spot whilst
winger Criag Lewis has returned from the Ironsides.
Tredegar director of coaching Robert Johnston said " There are a few
more exciting players showing an interest in joining us and I hope to announce
a few more names shortly.
With Daniel Davies currently responding well to treatment I am confident that
we have assembled a squad that will do Tredegar proud.
Having a squad that mixes union with league, athletics with boxing when we
start our league campaign we will draw on the attributes of all these sports
to strive for success."
Tredegar meet Markham in a pre season friendly on Saturday 9th August.
Tredegar have been drawn at Home against Pontllanfraith in the first round of the Welsh Cup.
Pre-season training has started at Tredegar RFC under the new coach Gareth Johnston. Training takes place each Tuesday and Thursday at 7-00pm.
On Thursday 24th July, Welsh International Matthew J Watkins will be in attendance at the Recreation Ground to take a squad session.
Watkins, who has 18 Wales caps, has scored 33 tries in 123 appearances since joining the Scarlets in 2002. In May this season he signed a two-year deal with English Premiership side Gloucester.
It is hoped he will pass on his experience and knowledge of the game he has gained with Wales, Wales 7’s and the Magners league to the Tredegar squad in preparation for the coming Division Two season.
An invitation is extended to all new and current players.
Tredegar' s director of coaching Robert Johnston is putting the final pieces of the jigsaw together in assembling his squad for his tilt at promotion next season. Having already secured the services of scrumhalf Robert James who has experienced life in the first division with a spell at Blackwood. Coming from good rugby stock, James' father is an established coach and captained Cross Keys for several years.
Abrasive flanker Christian Orum has joined from Talywain but also plays rugby league for Torfaen Tigers. Another dual code newcomer is Jason Hill who has figured in the centre for Caerphilly and has gained international honours representing Wales at amateur rugby league.
Completing the new signings so far Rhymney's player of the year for the last two seasons Ian Evans has rejoined and Johnstone is delighted at the looseheads return "with Gareth Johnston appointed as forwards coach we feel we have the talented squad to ensure a succesful season for Tredegar". Johnston has arranged a friendly away to Markham on 9th August and Rumney - that date to be confirmed
Tredegar RFC recently held their annual dinner and awards presentation. A full report can be found here.
Tredegar's first game of the season will be a home encounter against Ynysbwl on Saturday September 6th, 2008. The full fixture list will be added to the Fixtures page shortly.
Tredegar RFC have announced that pre-season training will commence on Tuesday 8th July at the Recreation Ground.
Director of coaching Robert Johnstone said " We have retained most of
the squad that finished off last season on a high and are looking to strengthen
the current player base.
We have signed quality scrum half Robert "Jesse" James who will
no doubt add another dimension to our play and there are several other quality
players who have indicated that a move to Tredegar is on the cards. However
all players old and new are more than welcome to attend pre-season training
With an enhanced squad we aim to hit the floor running in September with promotion
being the ultimate aim"
With playing and social facilities probably the best in the league and Tredegar's
youth development policy, running teams from under 8s right through to the
senior team rugby in Tredegar is assured.
There are marvellous sponsorship opportunities available to local companies and organisations to support Tredegar RFC in its quest to seek WRU Division 1 status during the forthcoming season.
This is an oportunity to forge mutually beneficial links between the leading rugby club in Tredegar and the local business community.
Tredegar RFC is steeped in Welsh rugby history spanning well over 125 years and currently feature in Division 2 of the Asda League just narrowly missing promotion to Division 1 over the last two seasons, finishing 4th and 3rd respectively.
Providing a competitive rugby environment for a senior squad of 30 players, the club prides itself in being one of a select few WRU clubs providing sporting facilities for over 250 youngsters running teams right through from Under 8s to Youth level.
Whilst state of the art floodlights were installed last year and available for use by the community at large, the club is actively engaged in improving sporting facilities in Tredegar and are constantly seeking the improvement of sporting facilities in Tredegar to develop our aims and aspirations.
With the help of the business community, no matter how small or large, Tredegar RFC can return to its former glories and there are various sponsorship packages available.
If you require any further details or wish to join us as sponsors please contact MONTY GITTINGS to discuss or meet with you to forge a mutually beneficial partnership. More details can be obtained by emailling here.