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Rhaglen £2 Programme

Llanelli Warriors v Gwl@dRugby.com

Charity Rugby Match 22.11.14

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Today’s Opponents: Gwladrugby.com RFC

Above 2006: city slickers (red) and Valley Commandos (black)

The sides then joined forces to take on Magor veterans and then the Warriors and now play twice a year against these two teams. In 2011 the club registered with Cardiff & District RU. Although initially the game was set up to raise funds to keep the site running it has also now raised £1000s for various rugby related charities.

Despite the oft quoted Gwladisshit recently members have been active in trying to hold the current WRU regime to account and uncovered the Western Mail’s editorial policy of not criticising the WRU.

Gwilym Lewis and Mathew Billo Jones both featured for the City Slickers whilst Gareth Corcoran tured Scotland with the Warriors and has played for both sides in this fixture. Several Warriors helped Gwlad out last year including 200 match hero John Horwood – one of the few games he’s missed for the Warriors.

As well as rugby chat the forum has various other forums: social (The Banjo Lounge), Cooking, coaching, technical help etc. Not the place to think out loud, especially if you don’t have a thick skin and an appreciation of semantics is often required but there is also a lot of rugby knowledge, information and advice to be had.

http://www.gwladrugby.com

Gwl@drugby.com are a unique internet based side made up of members of the chat forum. In 2006 the members began holding rugby matches between themselves with self-allocation to either the City Slickers or Valley Commandos.

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Day Date Month Opponents and notes Sat 26 July Beach Rugby WalesThu 14 August Blaenau (A) L 76-14Sun 24 August Cae Maen Giants (H) L 61-41Sun 21 Septembe

rSwansea Gladiators (H) DSCS W 34-15

Sun 28 September

Loughor Lifeboat XV (H) W

Sun 12 October Croeserw RFC (A) L 66-35Sun 2 November Come and Try Development DaySat 15 November Tumble (A) (Wales v Australia) W 27-44Sat 22 November Gwlad, exhibition match (Wales v New Zealand)Sat 29 November Burry Port (H) Origin Cup (Wales v South Africa)Fri 26 December New Dock Stars Boxing Day Dai Spriggs Memorial MatchSun 18 January Croeserw RFC (H) TBCFri 6 February Wales v englandSat 7 February Bradford & Bingley Bumble Bee Barbarians (H) H Bomb CupSat 15 February Pontarddulais (A) TBC (Scotland v Wales)Sat 28 February Betws (A) TBC (France v Wales)Fri 13 March Sunday Wells Rebels TBCSat 14 March Clwb Rygbi Caerdydd (A) (Cardiff Trip)TBC (Wales v Ireland)Sat 21 March Cefneithin (A) Anniversary Cup (Italy v Wales)Thu 16 April Exhibition match in Cardiff for LD Nurses conferenceSun 20 April Swansea Gladiators (A) DSCS TBCSat 2 May 7s & Touch Rugby Tournaments

TBC = To Be ConfirmedOther possible fixtures: Penybanc, Narbeth, Ystradgynlais,

Teams after the match last season

Llanelli Warriors’ Results and Fixtures 2014/15

Next match: Burry Port RFC – The Origin Cup

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It’s with great pleasure that I welcome people to Cardiff Arms Park an exciting match between the Llanelli Warriors and Gwl@dRugby.com. Just to play at one of rugby’s most iconic yet modern grounds is something special in itself and will be an honour for the club and players alike.

Today’s match is special for even more than the venue though. Gwlad – the world’s only internet forum based team make unique opponents, the game will raise money for Dylan Rees and Owen Williams – people who have seriously injured themselves playing rugby (please check out the just giving options or at least by a welsh cake), it’s international day in Cardiff on THE international day with New Zealand in town, FINALLY, and personally most important – we hope that today’s match may be the catalyst for a side starting in Cardiff. If Llanelli & Swansea have teams then Cardiff should have (at least) one. I would like to thank Joe Davies from the WRU (and fellow ex Amman Utd player) for his interest and urge anyone interested in getting involved to contact him (jdavies@wru.co.uk). I can’t tell you how positive integrated rugby is – hopefully it will be obvious today, but it is fantastic! Of course it’s not just on the field but also back to FUEL later to watch the game. I must thank Magor who usually have Gwlad’s autumn fixture for being willing to swop and NNN & Ddreag for sorting.

Congratulations to the team that defeated Tumble last week. Great to see Ben Kitson do well on his debut, Meredith Pugh make a comeback and John Horwood become the 1st Warriors to play 200 matches. 44 well scored points and a top day in the club afterwards – the review is elsewhere in the programme.

Our next match is the Origin Cup match against Burry Port, an annual thank you and celebration of the support we have received from them over the years. A great way to round off the Autumn series. There is also a Christmas Party in Burry Port on December 10th, £5 ticket, free grub.

As ever I make a plea to support the Warriors by joining the Pitchero & facebook groups and following on twitter (@gwilwarriors)

So good luck to Wales & all taking the field today, Ymlaen y Rhyfelwyr

Gwilym Lewis (Sie Gyfara)

Croeso Mawr

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Buses for the Warriors are provided by:

Carmarthenshire County Gwl@drugby.com RFC

15. Mr Zeph

14. rhysjonjones

13. Matt Watlin

12. ddraeg

11. Clunk

10. Fullermorg

9. postie Jnr

1. ShortandDumpy

2. postie

3. ChistopherFranccis

4. GeraintNash

5. NeefNeefNeef

6. Scud

8. CraigC

7. Poptyping

Subs: Zoli, Scott, GJ181, Nello, AlanS, DermotFA,

Warriors v Gwlad Results: (Warriors lead the series 4-2)

2008/09 Gwlad 22 Llanelli Warriors 29

2009/10 Gwlad 27 Llanelli Warriors 10

2010/11 Gwlad 38 Llanelli Warriors 0

2011/12 Gwlad 5 Llanelli Warriors 45

2012/13 Gwlad 5 Llanelli Warriors 21 (Charity Cup introduced)

2013/14 Gwlad 12 Llanelli Warriors 29

Keep up to date on the Warriors: www.llanelliwarriors.co.uk

Today’s opponents additional

Gwlad have suffered some late pull-outs with former Warriors tourist Inthebath very unlikely to play and Frodo having work commitments. The lure of Cardiff Arms Park seems to have done some good though with a full squad still available.

Magor boys Postie and Nello return with former Wales Youth player and pervious Gwl@d v Warriors Man Of The Match Nello surprisingly left on the bench.

No doubt Scud will feel he ‘has’ to take on Captaincy duties. Seeing as he’s not here the Warriors can admit to being pleased that decent player, older gentleman and Mike ‘Minime’ Seignot’s twainging fwend Kev Khana isn’t playing.

Thanks as ever to Gareth Ddreag and Dafydd NeathNeathNeath for organising and Marc Wakeman for reffering (thank goodness it isn’t Postie).

It’s never just about the on field stuff though, thanks to the various supportters, especially Zeph who will again be bringing Mam’s welsh cakes and LilythePink for having us back at Fuel and for donating me a baseball shirt ;)

Stat attackPlaying record 2014-2015: Played 6, Won 3, Drawn 0, Lost 3.Playing record overall: Played 223, Won 143, Drawn 14, Lost 66.

POSITIONAL RECORDSPosition Most prolific player No 2nd most prolific No Prop Colin Talcon 123 Chris Bonar 69Hooker Jason Jenkins 112 Eric Horridge 25Lock John Horwood 199 Roger Thomas 71No 6 Raymond Millet 35 Simon Jenkins 26 No 7 Gwilym Lewis 133 Lee Rowlands 16No 8 David Newson 106 Simon Jenkins 68No 9 Dean Gilasbey 63 Gwilym Lewis 40No 10 Jonathan Jones 77 Dean Gilasbey 28Centre Alun Stephens 117 Dean Gilasbey 31Wing Tony Whittaker 68 Meredith Pugh 62Full back Dai Spriggs 76 Lee Rowlands 25

TOP TEN APPERANCES1: John Horwood 2002: Gwilym Lewis 1913: Colin Talcon 1654: Lee Rowlands 1475: Dean Gilasbey 1326: Alun Stephens 1307: Richard Evans 1278: Jason Jenkins 1219: Dai Newson 10910: Simon Jenkins 106

Record win: 57-5 White Lion, 52-0 Llanelli Hospital.Highest total: 70 vs Kwik Save CrosshandsLongest unbeaten run: 18 matches, Consecutive wins: 11.Most points in game: 24, Jon Kerr vs CefneithinMost tries in game: 4 Jonathan Jones (vs Kwik Save Crosshands), Jon Kerr (Cefneithin),Richard Pegler (Cambrian), Luke Jenkins (Gwlad)Drop goal: 1, Dai Spriggs vs Betws and vs Llandybie, Rhys Bersley vs CartertonTries in season: Jonathan Kerr 15 (2004/05)Penalties in season: 5 David Spriggs (2000/01), Simon Jenkins (2013/14)Drop goals in season: 1 David Spriggs (twice), Rhys Bersley.Conversions in season: David Spriggs, 38 (2000/01)Points in a season: Jon Kerr, 134 (2004/05)Most tries to date: David Newson, 50 Most penalties to date: David Spriggs, 12Most drop goals to date: David Spriggs, 2Most conversions to date: David Spriggs, 142Most positions played: Lee Rowlands: 10 (of 11)

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John Horwood becomes the 1st Warriors to make

200 appearances. Pictured here in the Tumble match last

season.

7All of today’s first team are junior section products.

Tumble v Warriors Pictures from John’s 200th match

More pictures on the Warriors website: llanelliwarriors.co.uk

Burry Port RFC

sponsor the

WARRIORS!8

Today’s Sponsors;

Match Sponsor:

Match Ball Sponsor;

Man of the Match Sponsor: (Forwards)

Man of the Match Sponsor: (Backs)

Sponsorship packages are available for every budget. Llanelli Warriors RFC appreciates any contribution.

Llanelli Warriors V Gwladrugby.com Kick Off 12:00PM

Llanelli Warriors Squad 2014/15Meredith Pugh 1 Prop Richard EvansSteve Rees 2 Bachwr Jason JenkinsMark Lewis 3 Prop Colin TalconAndrew Davies* 4 Clo Darren PollittJohn Horwood 5 Clo Rob HughesLee Rowlands 6 Rheng ol Rhyd WilliamsBen Kitson 7 Rheng ol Gwilym LewisLiam Tobias 8 Simon JenkinsJamie Evans 9 Mewnwr Craig JamesLuke Jenkins 10 Maeswr Dean GilasbeySimon Day 11 Asgellwr David CarpenterAdam Fussell 12 Canolwr Ben WinstanleyAlun Stephens 13 Canolwr Dion M-LewisRyan Morgan 14 Asgellwr Liam CarpenterTony Whittaker 15 Cefnwr Ivan AlbrightonJon Yeomans Ailedd Mike JamesTudor Murphy Ailedd Mat SymesAled Richards Ailedd Luke ReesLuke Ruddal Ailedd Paul JJ DaviesHarri Aston Ailedd James Jefferys*Captain Missing todays Fixture: Ben Kitson, Meredith Pugh, Lee Rowlands

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Llanelli Warriors RFC ABOUT US

The club has follows three (sometimes contrary) remits:

1. To provide rugby and rugby related experiences for adults with learning difficulties, whatever their ability and to include them as much as possible in the game.

2. To be a ‘typical’/’normal’ rugby team, with a regular fixture list, training and a social scene. To maximise and focus on players ability making as few concessions to any disabilities as possible. To have the ‘normal’ humour and social scene associated with rugby, not patronise players by insinuating that they are a higher standard than they are but to not differentiate between players who may or may not be disabled.

3. To publicise and promote the concept of integrated rugby. To encourage people to join our club, other similar clubs or set up their own teams.

So to be as good as we can be but include anyone who wants to play. Treat our team as "just another" rugby club but promote that we include players with learning difficulties.

To this end our successes are various: In 2001 we played the 1st match by an integrated team in England. We are very proud of the part we have played in the formation of The Clan and The Bumbles (and grateful that this has consistently been recognised). We also encouraged the brief existence of Saracens Brave Herts and were integral in the formation of Ability Rugby International.

As well as playing 13 plus fixtures a season we hold an annual 7s and touch tournament. We have made tours to England, Scotland and New Zealand, have a regular trip to Cardiff during the 6 Nations, hold a fund raising day for local charities and run a monthly disco. On the one hand we would like to tell you that members of the Warriors have; won the Welsh Cup, been capped for Welsh Students, Welsh U16s & Welsh U20s. More importantly though, several ‘disabled’ players have gone on to play for local sides. The club is a wholly dependent entity with no external funding and no set allegiance to any other club. New Dock Stars have provided a home base and the club is indebted to them and the small group of volunteers who support them. All sponsors are attracted to the club directly.

For those considering joining the Llanelli Warriors: You will be encouraged to play to the best of your ability and helped to develop rugby skills and understanding.

You will be given the opportunity to play in one of the toughest, but team orientated sports around.

You will have the opportunity to travel around the UK playing/watching rugby, sometimes further.

You will be able to immerse yourself in rugby culture: the banter, teasing, dedication, camaraderie, singing, dancing, eating and drinking.

You will be able to join in with the fundraising events, presentation nights and discos.

You will not be patronised or taken pity on, you will not be treated like a child. You will make friends, get out and about and find new experiences.

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An impressive win achieved through running rugby despite the conditions: 200 Hundred Hero John Horwood Helps Warriors defy conditions and Tumble

John Horwood marked his landmark 200th appearance for the Llanelli Warriors with a Man Of The Match performance that helped the Warriors secure a win over Tumble. Despite the heavy conditions both teams were determined to enjoy the game and move the ball and so the tries flowed throughout. The Warriors welcomed Ben Kitson to the side and he played well on the wing whilst veteran Meredith Pugh completed his comeback with a fine game at prop. Tumble used the opportunity to experiment, Richard Evans led a team showing a mixture of 1st, 2nds and Youth team players with many experimenting with positions.

Not surprisingly then, the Warriors looked more cohesive and James Jefferies got them off to the perfect start with a run from deep to under the posts with Simon Jenkins neatly improved. Live wire Captain Andrew Davies tore loose to follow and the Warriors already had a healthy lead.

Tumble began to settle with half back Steff Owens and James Stephens determined to move the ball they began to look dangerous Edwards doing well from full back. The next score though was another Warriors effort as Nathan Lawson scampered over and then prop Mark Lewis went over from a line out move. Sion Williams opened the Magpies account as he finished off a flowing move and Ifan Davies followed shortly after in the home teams best period. Richard Evans improved both scores to keep Tumble within sight. The Warriors had the last word when Gwilym Lewis just made the line, Rhydian Williams unlucky not to notch the conversion

With both sides having dominated a quarter each of the 1st half, the 2nd was a much more even affair. The Warriors showed plenty of grunt up front with Dai Carpenter, Darren Pollitt and Davies rucking well. Tumble continued to look to go wide and were unlucky on several occasions as Steve Rees, Dafydd Humphries and Carl Hardy all did well.

Jamie Evans sieved through for a neat try whilst Liam Tobias strong running initiated a great Warriors sweep that saw Tony Whittaker cross with his second involvement. Despite some good defence from Horwood and Day Tumble matched the Warriors in the second half. Kieran Morgan, who had looked a potent threat all game flew over in the corner and the last word went to Tumble skipper Richard Evans, the home side's best player he crashed over for the final score of an exciting match.

The game will be remembered though for John Horwood becoming the 1st Warrior to make 200 appearances. Despite being autistic and not playing until the Warriors were formed in 1995, by which time he was already in his 30s, John has been an ever present fixture and a mainstay of their lineout. Despite being 53 he shows no signs of slowing down and will be one of the first names on the team sheet next week when the club run out at Cardiff Arms Park for a prestigious match before Wales face New Zealand (Kick Off 12:00)

Llanelli Warriors: James Jefferies (Ivan Albrightson), Ben Kitson (Dylan Harris), Ben Winstanley, Alun

Stephens, Ryan Morgan (Simon Day/Tony Whittaker), Jamie Evans, Gwilym Lewis, Meredith Pugh (David

Carpenter), Steve Rees, Mark Lewis, John Horwood (Darren Pollitt), Andrew Davies (Cpt), Nathan Lawson (Rhydian Williams), Simon Jenkins, Liam Tobias

LAST TIME OUT: Tumble 27 44 Llanelli Warriors

All Match reports and stats: www.llanelliwarriors.co.uk

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Previous Match Report: Gwlad 27 42 Llanelli Warriors

WARRIORS END 6 NATIONS ON A HIGH (Sat 15/3/14 – taken from www.llanelliwarriors.co.uk)

The Llanelli Warriors managed to end their own 6 Nations period on a high when they secured a comfortable victory over Gwlad.com RFC. Strengthened by members of Scottish side The Clan who the Warriors had played the night before, the ever popular Cardiff

Though both sides were obviously keen to run the ball rather than kick, the early exchanges saw the teams testing each other out. Surprisingly it was Gwlad who settled quicker, strong at half back, fly half Jamie Morris showed some sublime touches and an effective step so it was no surprise he opened the scoring with a neat try.

The teams seemed pretty even at this stage, well matched in the backs. The Warriors almost opened their account on 20 minutes but knocked the ball on over the line. They quickly put this right though by regaining possession from the subsequent scrum and scored.

The Warriors next score was out of nothing when Liam Tobias burst through a tackle and then set off on a storming run all the way to the line. Derrick Morgan added the conversion to give the visitors a 12-5 lead which was reduced just before half time as the Gwlad backs swept through some lacklustre Warriors tackling for an unconverted score.

Playing with the wind in the second half the Warriors were able to gain more territory but it was from a scrum on half way and another storming Tobias run that they got their next score.

The game was effectively settled mid-way through the second half when the Warriors scored two quick tries. The Warriors played to the forwards with Pollitt and Evans working hard at rucks. This led to Nathan Lawson dabbing down after several rumbles (Tobias converting) and then from the kick off veteran Derrick Morgan went on an extraordinary run down the flank reminiscent of Scott Quinnell against France, breaking several tackles and somehow making the line.

Gwlad continued to press with Kieron Earle and Gareth James’ strong running a feature whilst Liam Carpenter looked determined for the Warriors. Kieron Morgan almost crossed for Gwlad but there were no further scores and so the Warriors proved triumphant with Morgan named Man of the Match.

Follow the Warriors on Twitter: @gwilwarriors

CLUB MEMBERSHIP Llanelli Warriors Honours Board Since 1997

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Following the AGM we are pleased to announce there will be no increase in membership fees for this season.

Members to get 30p off a pint!

SEASON CAPTAIN PLAYER OF YEAR

PLAYERS’ PLAYER

SPORTSMAN MOST IMPROVED

TOP POINTS SCORER

TOUR CAPTAIN

1997/98 Raymond Millet

Dean Gilasbey

Dai Newson

Colin Talcon John Horwood

Edward Williams

1998/99 Dai Newson

Robert Bevan

Dai Newson

Darel Watkins

John Horwood

Dai Spriggs

1999/00 Dai Newson

Des Williams

Gary James

Chris Bonar Jason Jenkins

Dai Spriggs

Edward Williams

2000/01 Dai Newson

Dai Newson

Edward Williams

Nigel Merrick

Colin Talcon

Dai Spriggs

Jason Jenkins

2001/02 Dai Newson

Meredith Pugh

John Horwood

Mike James Roger Thomas

Dai Spriggs

2002/03 John Horwood

Dai Edwards

Roger Thomas

Alun Stephens

Gareth McKibbon

Dai Spriggs

2003/04 Jason Jenkins

Dai Newson

Dai Newson

Richard Evans

Colin Talcon

Simon Jenkins

2004/05 Colin Talcon

Simon Jenkins

Jonathan Kerr

Dai Edwards Tony Whittaker

Jonathan Kerr

Dai Edwards

2005/06 Roger Thomas

Roger Thomas

Simon Jenkins

Chris Spriggs Dai Edwards

Simon Jenkins

2006/07 Jason Jenkins

Alun Stephens

Simon Jenkins

John Horwood

Richard Evans

Simon Jenkins

Richard Evans

2007/08 Tony Whittaker

Jonathan Kerr

Richard Evans

Darren Pollitt

Joshua Crowther

Jonathan Kerr

2008/09 Jonathan Kerr

Anthony Randall

Darren Pollitt

Neil Parker Rob Hughes

Jonathan Kerr

Joshua Crowther

2009/10 Simon Jenkins

Rob Hughes

Simon Jenkins

Jason Bennett

Nathan Lawson

Simon Jenkins

2010/11 Simon Jenkins

Darren Pollitt

Colin TalconSimon Jenkins

Derrick Morgan

Rhydian Williams

Simon Jenkins

2011/12 Darren Pollitt

Eric Horridge

Eric Horridge

Chris Hancock

Ryan Morgan

Simon Jenkins*

Rhydian Williams

2012/13 Eric Horridge

Graham Mossa

Ryan Morgan

Jamie Evans Gareth Ladd

Simon Jenkins*

Ryan Morgan

2013/14 Graham Mossa

Richard Evans

Darren Pollit

Mark Lewis Andrew Davies

Graham Mossa

Andrew Davies. Nathan Lawson

Captain 95/96 & 96/97 – Raymond Millet * - Top Try scorer

Cardiff Arms Park - History.13

Following the AGM we are pleased to announce there will be no increase in membership fees for this season.

Members to get 30p off a pint!

Cardiff Rugby Football Club was founded in 1876 following a meeting at Swiss Hall, Queen St the amalgamation of two clubs, Glamorgan and Cardiff Wanderers, was agreed. The first competitive game was played against Newport at Wentloog Marshes on 2nd December of that year. The first home fixtures were played at Sophia Gardens. However, the club soon relocated to its famous ground at Cardiff Arms Park, named after the local Cardiff Arms public house and on the grounds of the old Cardiff Hotel.

The Arms Park has seen many developments; originally home to both Cardiff cricket and rugby matches, the venue is among the most famous in the world. In 1912 the first stand was erected and since that time several stands and terraces have stood on the famous ground. Until 1969 Cardiff and Wales played their home matches on the same pitch but a sea change came in the 1969-70 season. As a result of an agreement between Cardiff Athletic Club and the Welsh Rugby Union, the National Ground project established a new stadium for international matches with club rugby fixtures switched to the original cricket ground on the Arms Park site, still the current site for Cardiff RFC.

There have been numerous Welsh and Cardiff victories at the Arms Park with Cardiff RFC hosting touring teams since 1888 when the NZ Maoris visited. In 1907 Cardiff defeated South Africa 17-0 and the All Blacks lost to Cardiff in 1953 (8-3). New Zealand have also lost to Wales at the Arms Park starting in 1905 – the countries 1st meeting when Wales took the tourists unbeaten record, Hen Wlad Fy’n Nhadau was sung 1st a rugby international for the 1st time and Wales began its 1st golden era. The next New Zealand tourists (1924) beat Wales at St Helens but Wales triumphed again in 1935 (13-12) and 1953 (13-8) at the Arms Park, giving it and the Welsh fixture mythical status in New Zealand. New Zealand recorded narrow triumphs in 1963 (0-6), 1967 (6-13), 1972 (16-19) and 1978 (12-13) and it wasn’t until 1980 that they recorded a convincing win (3 -23). The Cardiff club defeated all 6 Australian sides it has faced between 1908 and 1984 although the Blues lost a fixture at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Obviously the Cardiff club’s own achievements are too numerous to list here (and in a Llanelli produced programme)

Today’s Charity: Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust

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From the Just Giving Page set up by Dafydd ‘Neef Neef Neef’ Oliver

Gwlad (http://www.gwladrugby.com) is a Welsh rugby website.  Each Six Nations tournament and each Autumn International series sees a Gwlad fundraising rugby match - ALL the money we raise will go to a good cause i.e. none of the money goes to Gwlad itself.

This year we are raising money for the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust to support Dylan Rees, the Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd player who was very badly injured in a match last year and is still in hospital in Cardiff now. We are also raising money to help support Owen Williams, the Welsh International player who was badly injured earlier this year - again via the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust - though our primary focus is on Dylan, as his profile isn't as high as Owen's.  Please note that the money raised will not be 'ring-fenced' for either Dylan or Owen, therefore the fund could help other injured players as well - no bad thing. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity, together with Gift Aid where appropriate (Gift Aid will give charities up to an additional 25% - typically about 18% after Justgiving's admin fees). 

So please dig deep and donate now. https://www.justgiving.com/GwladWarriorsCAP/

You can donate there or via text:

Send GCAP69 £5 to 70070 to donate a fiver

Send GCAP69 £10 to 70070 to donate a tenner

Send GCAP69 £3 to 70070 to donate £3 etc

At time of press on Thursday over £250 had been

raised. You can also give money here today or

even just buy a rugby ball, wristband, or Welsh

cake.

WHY BIG AL SHOULD THANK GWLAD – Not many people get called a “legendary rugby player” by CBS News but 1 Gwl@d player (at least) has that distinction

Steven ShortandDumpy Clee wins ageism battle (From W. Mail 22.3.12)15

Daf suffering for the cause

Rugby players in Wales have been told they can play on until 65 after the WRU extended its upper age limit.

The announcement followed a two-year campaign by a grandfather from the South Wales Valleys in response to previous rules which said no-one over 55 could play. The Union confirmed yesterday it had raised the limit from the start of the season, and clubs across the country have been informed.

Stephen Clee, 57, from Tonyrefail, raised the issue in 2010 when he was told he was “too old” to make up the numbers at his local club. The club first-aider had been out of the game for 20 years when he played a full half of rugby after coming on as a replacement for a depleted visiting 2nds side back in 2009. On the back of that appearance he offered to make up the numbers on several occasions when the squad was hit by injuries but was turned down on the grounds the club couldn’t get insurance from the WRU.

Mr Clee – who turned out for Gilfach Goch RFC in his younger years – waged a two-year battle against the rules, writing to the Equality and Human Rights Commission Wales and highlighting no age limits applied in England or Scotland. He was backed by the charity Age Cymru who said assumptions about the physical ability of individuals on the basis of their age was wrong.

Mr Clee yesterday said he had won a “moral victory. I sort of resigned myself to never playing again,” he added. “I thought the WRU shouldn’t dictate what age people can and can’t play. They encouraged people to do the jobs of linesmen or first aid but don’t particularly want them playing at that age group and they have turned round and changed it.”

Mr Clee – who became a grandfather last week – turned out on the weekend to play a charity match but says he is unsure whether he will play regularly again. However, he is proud of his fight to highlight the problem to legions of other older players.

“The way I look at it is I’m convinced there were people as old as me or older and didn’t know they weren’t covered,” he said. “My fight was to let these people know: ‘Be careful because you might not know you aren’t insured.

“They haven’t said to me: ‘You have won’ or anything but the fact they have changed their policy around feels like a moral victory for me.”

Iwan Rhys Roberts, from Age Cymru, said the charity welcomed the decision. He said: “We welcome the announcement that this restriction has been lifted. “With an aging population it’s inevitable that society will change its attitudes to age and ageing and we hope that this development will inspire older people who want to keep playing rugby the opportunity to do so.”

A WRU spokeswoman said: “The age limit has now been revised and was changed to 65 at the start of the 2011/12 season. All clubs in Wales were informed that the age limit had been changed and in doing so all players would have been made aware of this. Before the season 2011/12 all players had to be no older than 55 in order to be covered by insurance.

Steve who will take to the field alongside his sons today

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