HISTORY
The name and overall content belong to ©2006 Abercynon RFC, and all rights are reserved. Pictures are ©2006 Abercynon RFC, and all rights are reserved.
THIS IS ABERCYNON RFC
Situated at the foot of the Cynon Valley and founded in 1886 Abercynon RFC firmly established themselves as a playing force in the early 1970’s. After moving from one local hostelry to another since their formation, the opening of the first clubhouse in the town, a converted shop, acted as a springboard for success and provided an identity for a number of fine players. In the following two decades the club went from strength to strength winning the Mid District Championship 10 times, the Knock–Out Cup on 5 occasions, the Glamorgan County Silver Ball twice and gained an unprecedented hat-trick of wins in the Inter-District Castlemaine XXXX Trophy. The re-location of clubhouse into a custom-built building at Y Parc in 1986 provided the inspiration for a second ‘golden era’ on the field. In season 1990-91 the team secured Heineken League status and in their first year at a higher level won promotion to division 3.
Throughout the 1990’s Abercynon continued to impress, mainly with former youth team players and were twice Division Two champions. In season 1994-95 they just missed promotion to the Premier Division (then the First Division) on try count. Fortunes have ebbed and flowed since then with the club being relegated in 1997 and then bouncing back as champions of div 2 in 1999. However relegation ensued once more in season 2001-02. Presently, Abercynon occupy 3rd position in Division 2 East having been denied promotion to division one on try-count last season.
While the achievements of the 1st XV is the shop window of any club Abercynon RFC pride themselves as being the focal point of the community where junior and youth rugby is thriving. Two former Abercynon youth players who are currently playing at the highest level are Gareth Bowen, starring at outside half for the Llanelli Scarlets and Rhys Thomas who packs down at hooker for Cardiff Blues and Wales. Indeed, it was a proud day for Abercynon RFC when Rhys was selected for his first cap back in the summer of 2005.
From very humble beginnings in terms of facilities Abercynon now boast a modern, purpose-built clubhouse coupled with playing amenities comparable to those in the premier division. A grandstand, terracing and floodlights plus and two excellent pitches have enhanced the club’s status and ensures their continued presence as a playing force in Welsh Rugby.
