By Pete Ryan
“Not the best place, but there’s diamonds in the mud.” Gerry Cinnamon’s lyrics capture the muddy, uncertain Welsh rugby landscape; even in the most demanding terrain, diamonds glint hidden in the grassroots clubs that keep the positivity alive across the nation.
When discussing Wales’ iconic rugby settlements, it’s easy to overlook Cowbridge. Pontypridd, Bridgend, and Llanelli often steal the spotlight.
However, nestled in the Vale of Glamorgan, Cowbridge boasts a unique rugby heritage: a quiet, enduring legacy deeply rooted in tradition.
Originating from Roman times, it developed along a major road connecting military sites. In medieval times, people travelled from far and wide, as it was renowned for being a thriving market town.
From a formidable foundation at Cowbridge Grammar School, where early pioneers of Welsh rugby, such as Edward Treharne, honed their skills, rugby became a significant part of the town’s identity.
By the late 19th century, Cowbridge RFC had been established, setting off a rugby tradition that would endure through generations.
The Early Days
The 1880s marked the club’s entry into the Welsh Rugby Union. They rapidly built a reputation as one of the stronger sides in Glamorgan.
In those early years, Cowbridge RFC regularly faced fierce opposition. The squad often lined up against Cardiff RFC’s reserves and welcomed the senior side to town each season — a tradition that continued until approximately 1910.
Cowbridge didn’t just face Cardiff. Fixtures with Bridgend, Tondu, and Newport Reserves were standard. The competition flowed over the River Severn, as Cowbridge faced teams like Bath.
Many memorable encounters marked Cowbridge RFC’s early years, but one in particular stands out: a match played on the fields of the capital, which became etched in the club’s history.
A Trip to the Arms Park
In 1904, Cowbridge travelled to the Arms Park to face the Blue and Blacks. A crowd of 30,000 spectators packed the ground following an international school match.
The Cardiff side, captained by Gwyn Nicholls, delighted the Arms Park faithful with a 16–0 victory. Led by R. ‘Birdie’ Morgan, the Cowbridge team returned home to applause and admiration.
In the years that followed, Cowbridge built a reputation for combining toughness with flair, developing a style of rugby that captivated spectators.
For a time, it seemed nothing could stop their rise. However, the outbreak of the First World War changed everything.
Interruption and Revival
When war swept across the world, rugby was suspended. In Wales, as elsewhere, rugby was put on hold. Clubs like Cowbridge lost a generation of young players who answered the call to serve a greater cause.
Rebuilding would demand resilience and perseverance forged through years of patience and persistence.
In the aftermath, the club kept a low profile. The decline of rugby in the town was evident in the low participation at the school.
Although the grammar school and rugby club remained essential institutions, the fact that rugby was not the primary sport meant growth was always likely to be challenging.
This changed when Idwal Rees reinstated rugby as the school’s primary sport, leading to renewed success. Yet, rugby was once again interrupted by the outbreak of the Second World War.
League competitions were suspended, although the community’s spirit remained strong, organising charity matches to support the war effort.
After World War Two
After the Second World War, the club embarked on a rebuilding phase. Cowbridge RFC’s resilience during these challenging times inspired a new generation of players and supporters, cementing its place in Welsh rugby history.
Out of a sombre period, the club revived, re-establishing a fixture list to reignite a passionate community. In 1950, Cowbridge welcomed Cardiff RFC for a high-profile encounter. After almost four decades, the two clubs met again — a fixture, rich with nostalgia.
Although Cardiff emerged victorious, Cowbridge earned profound respect once more. With renewed enthusiasm and a commitment to expansive play, Cowbridge appeared to be back on course, reigniting the passion within the community. The team’s style of play kept fans coming back for more.
A Cup Run
Many Welsh rugby fans regard the 1970s as a golden era. Numerous notable moments occurred during this period, such as Bridgend welcoming New Zealand to a 15,000-strong crowd at Brewery Field in 1978.
Meanwhile, a short distance along the A48, Cowbridge were writing a new chapter of success, kick-starting a remarkable run in the Welsh Rugby Union Challenge Cup.
Cup competitions bring a unique sense of urgency; every match becomes a must-win encounter. This allows smaller teams to overcome more established opponents.
In the 1978–79 season, Cowbridge entered the competition as underdogs. Yet, during an unforgettable campaign, they defied expectations, overcoming Penarth and Llandaff — two historic sides.
The Penarth clash especially stirred the supporters’ commitment, strengthening their bond with the team. When Cowbridge travelled to Bishop’s Field, it was reported that their fans outnumbered the home faithful — a testament to the loyalty and pride that followed them everywhere.
A club’s youth system must be strong to ensure lasting achievement. Cowbridge’s is among the best, producing many professionals.
Youth Development
The club’s strong sense of togetherness is evident in its commitment to youth development.
A robust community spirit fosters a family-like environment in which players thrive, with many players first picking up a rugby ball in Cowbridge colours.
This is a testament to the club’s exemplary system that has produced outstanding talents since its inception.
Over the years, Cowbridge has benefited greatly, with much of the senior squad progressing through the junior ranks. The club takes considerable pride in this achievement.
One example is Ioan Williams, who returned to the club after a period across the Irish Sea. The Cardiff Met alumnus began his rugby journey on the fields of Cowbridge and reflects on what returning means to him:
“Playing for Cowbridge means a lot to me. I have been part of the club since I was young, and I have been fortunate to have had excellent coaches who helped me develop as a player and person.
Along the way, I have met some of my best friends — teammates since the Under-9s — and those friendships have lasted ever since.
I have recently rejoined the senior team, and the environment is the main reason for my return.
The people at the club and the players in the squad create something special. It is a place where you genuinely look forward to training and playing each week.”
Williams’ statement shows how much the club means to the players who grace their clubhouse. It’s easy to see why the camaraderie at Cowbridge RFC today is high.
Cowbridge Today
Today, the team demonstrates an exciting rugby style, moving the ball swiftly across the backline.
Cowbridge battles in League Two East Central. Promotion was a realistic goal, but the team narrowly missed out as the season progressed.
Nonetheless, the side achieved notable victories, including an impressive away win against St Albans RFC, bouncing back with a 19–15 victory after a home defeat.
Cowbridge notched another big win on the road, overpowering Taffs Well with a dominant 41–10 scoreline in September.
As the autumn air turned sharp and daylight grew scarce, the travelling faithful were treated to a performance worthy of their journey.
Although missing out on League One was disappointing, the club should be proud of its accomplishments this year.
Regardless of the scoreboard, the pride and passion behind the Cowbridge jersey remain unmistakable — a sentiment perfectly captured by Ben Jones:
“Playing for Cowbridge is something I have always aspired to. Ever since I first pulled on the jersey for the Cowbridge Under-8s, my goal was to one day represent my hometown club at the senior level.
It represents the culmination of 16 years of playing the game I love alongside lifelong friends who have become more like family over time.
Sharing the pitch with my brother for the club my father once represented and doing so in front of my grandparents, who still live in Cowbridge, is a privilege I will never take for granted.
Cowbridge is, and always will be, my home — and Cowbridge will always be my club.”
“Awn Rhagom” — the club’s motto, meaning “let us go on” — perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Cowbridge RFC.
Welsh rugby faces mounting obstacles, so the need to return to the basics is more pressing than ever. The nation must rekindle its love for grassroots rugby.
Cowbridge, tucked away from the iconic clubs, quietly paving its own way, shines bright like a diamond.
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