News

Rhydyfelin Rugby Club are pleased to announce the appointment of our new head coach Gerry Roberts for the upcoming 2019-20 season and beyond.

Gerry steps into the shoes of possibly the most decorated coach ‘The Village’ has had in our 114-year history, Gareth Studley, who has stepped down after eight seasons as head coach having taken over in the summer of 2011.

Gareth has overseen the evolution of our current squad culminating in promotion to the WRU Championship in 2016-17.  During Gareth's tenure we won the Division 1 East title, followed by a playoff win over Division 1 East central winners Treorchy as well as the 2017 Glamorgan County Silver Ball, beating Tondu at the Brewery Field.  Gareth also guided the club to the Swalec Plate final at the then Millennium Stadium back in 2012-13 and the Mid District cup final in 2018-19.     

The club would like to thank Gareth for all his hard work over the past eight years.

Incoming head coach, Gerry Roberts, comes with an impressive CV.  Having been working within the WRU for over a decade Gerry is now the Coach Development Manager.  Gerry’s previous coaching experience includes the Wales age grades, Welsh amateur Club XV and as coach at Bedwas RFC.  

As part of the new coaching set up Gerry will be assisted by forwards coach Kieron Phillips and backs coach Ross Lucas.  Both Keiron and Ross are part of the current playing squad and will continue playing in the upcoming season.  Kieron has been part of the coaching staff under the last regime while Ross brings a wealth of knowledge from his playing career with ‘The Village’ and local rivals Taffs Well.  Also joining the team will be team manager Gary Lucas.  Gary has been involved with Rhydyfelin in numerous roles over the years and will bring with him his vast experience of mid district rugby.

Our 1sts will compete in either division 1 east or east central during the 2019-20 season, to be confirmed by the governing body in the coming weeks.  Meanwhile the 2nds will be looking to retain their Rhondda and East Glamorgan Championship title following this seasons success in the competition.  

When asked about his appointment Gerry stated that his aim was to 'maintain the community feel of the club' while ‘looking to play an attractive game’.

Preseason will begin for senior player on Tuesday 9th July at Hawthorn Recreation Ground.  New players are welcome to attend, for further details please contact rhydyfelinrfc@hotmail.co.uk or via social media.

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We are also pleased to announce our Youth section are reforming for the 2019-20 season, under the guidance of head coach and former scrum half, Gareth Downes.  The youth team start preseason training on Wednesday the 3rd of July at 6:30pm at Hawthorn Recreation ground.  All players, former mini/juniors as well as any new faces are welcome to attend and become part of the future of the RRFC family.