Pete Ryan: Bridgend Athletic ready to write their next chapter in Welsh grassroots rugby

“Playing for Bridgend Ath is like being part of a big rugby family. It’s serious when it needs to be, but there’s always loads of laughs too.

Whether you’re in the 1sts or running out for the 2nds, everyone’s in it together.” This quote from Dan O’Sullivan elegantly paints the picture of what playing for Bridgend Athletic means.

A great club with a fascinating story.

Bridgend is a town synonymous with the national game. Few towns love rugby like this one; teams span the county, and the local landmarks speak volumes about a place where the sport is stitched into everyday life.

As time passed, the settlement changed a lot, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the spirit of the clubhouse.

One of those hubs can be found on Ewenny Road, a gateway to the town. Bridgend Athletic have a rich and endearing history.

In a packed rugby landscape, they have truly stood out. With a history shaped by international talent, the club has become a lasting presence in the fabric of Bridgend rugby.

The Beginning

The club we know today was formed in 1972. Yet the club’s roots trace back to 1939. The Ath has gained a stellar reputation for producing quality young talent.

Poetically, the revival came from a successful Bridgend Youth team. Instead of going their separate ways at the end of youth rugby, members decided to stick together and raise the Athletic from the ashes.

They spent most of the 1970s laying the foundations, which led to full WRU status in 1982/83.

A clubhouse is vital to a rugby club. People laugh. People drink. People reminisce. It’s a place where people congregate after a match to be together.

As stated before, the clubhouse can be found on Ewenny Road, a stone’s throw away from Newbridge Fields.

Adding a special touch to the occasion was the return of Dr Jack Matthews, the former Wales captain, who came back to open the building he had once called home.

It was the start of a journey that would leave a mark on Welsh rugby.

On the Field

Ever since the league structure was established, the club has been steadily climbing the rankings. However, it wasn’t just in league action that they made their mark.

Evident in their rapid ascent, they reached the Glamorgan County Silver Ball final in 1988/89, taking on a formidable force in Llantrisant RFC.

The match was staged just down at the Brewery Field, the historic hub of Bridgend rugby. The fans didn’t have far to travel to witness the action.

It was a bittersweet day for the Ath fans, with a disappointing 35-12 loss, but it showed how they could compete on the big stages.

Over a decade later, they would take to the Brewery Field once again, where they narrowly lost to British Steel RFC, another final defeat.

Even though they tasted defeat on that day, it was a memorable season. Winning the WRU Division Four East Championship that year was more than silverware.

It was a statement of purpose, as promotion marked their rise through the Welsh rugby ranks. Promotions came in the following season, and by 2004, they were competing at a higher level. Quite remarkable, thinking how far the reformed team had come.

Throughout the decade, some moments burn bright in the minds of their fanbase. A spirited cup run added to the club’s momentum.

Their 2006–07 WRU Challenge Cup campaign was a memorable one, with a fantastic 26-17 victory over Fleur de Lys and a valiant effort against Premiership opposition in Maesteg RFC.

In the 2008–09 season, Bridgend would add another piece of silverware to their trophy cabinet, yet this time in the West—capturing the Division Two West Central title, kickstarting another boost up the ranks. Whether in the West or the East, the Ath rose to the occasion.

At the same time, the UK was preparing to welcome the world to the Olympics. In Bridgend, the Athletics were preparing for a new challenge: the Championship. Returning to the community leagues in 2014–15 didn’t break them; it built them.

Ten years later, they’re back, ready to rise to the same Championship challenge again. We’ll return to that shortly.

The club has had an influence far beyond Newbridge Fields.

A Historic Factory for Talent

There have been many awe-inspiring talents to come out of Bridgend. The roots of JPR Williams, Scott Gibbs, and Gareth Thomas run through the county.

Bridgend Athletic has a long history of producing great players. Welsh internationals such as Rhys Webb and Lee Byrne learnt their trade in the green and gold.

Of course, they would go on to represent the nation and tour with the British and Irish Lions.

Many of the products of the Athletic have made their mark internationally, along with minis, junior, and youth sides relishing success over the club’s tenure.

Yet, don’t just hear from me; hear from Ospreys centre Tom Florence, who paid tribute to his former club:

“My time at Bridgend Athletic was also one of the most enjoyable periods of my rugby career. We had great players and rivalries with teams like Porthcawl and Maesteg Welsh.

“I owe a big thank you to our coaches, Chris Thomas, Huw Lewis, Jon Davies, and Mike Rees, who played a massive role in making my time with the Ath so memorable.

During my time with Ath juniors, we reached the semi-finals of the Ospreys Cup in U15s and then made it to the final in U16s, though we sadly lost to Gowerton on both occasions.

One of my teammates and good friends now, Cam Jones, who plays loosehead prop for the Ospreys, was part of both those games playing for Gowerton and never lets me forget about it.

Our youth team also had a strong season, finishing unbeaten and winning our league before Christmas. Sadly, our momentum was halted by the Covid pandemic, and the season was cut short.

The last game I played for the Ath was against Bryncoch Youth in December 2019. Although our time together as a youth was short, it was special, and I’m hopeful that one day, I’ll have the chance to represent the seniors.”

Florence’s words captured the deep connection players feel to the club and the pride that comes with wearing its colours.

The Club Today

Over recent years, the club has dealt with a rollercoaster of emotions, from fighting for survival to promotion. Winning Division 1 West Central by a seven-point margin will give them confidence to compete in the Championship.

They competed on all fronts this season, not just in the league. With buses bound for Cardiff, the squad arrived at the Principality Stadium for a day they’d never forget. In a high-stakes clash, Bridgend Athletic were narrowly defeated 30-29 by Caernarfon RFC.

It was quite an achievement to make it to the Principality Stadium but not bringing the trophy home would have been disappointing.

The season ended with silverware at the clubhouse, as they defeated a potent Heol-y-Cyw side in the final game to claim the District Cup.

It was a phenomenal year for Bridgend Athletic, and they’ll aim to replicate that success next season.

“What makes the club special is the people—there’s a proper mix of talent, banter, and heart. Everyone backs each other, it’s a great club.” O’Sullivan’s words speak volumes.

The Athletic is a cornerstone of rugby in Bridgend. More than a team, it’s a symbol of pride, passion, and promise. They are ready to write their next chapter in grassroots rugby.

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