It was great to see an impressive turnout at the Supporters Club Christmas Lunch to honour three Bargoed RFC legends on Saturday before the game against Brecon RFC.

The three gentlemen in question are Noel Phillips, Haydn Jones and Bernard ‘Spud’ Murphy.

It was great to see family and friends present alongside our loyal supporters.

Noel is 90 years old and was a nuggety hooker in his day playing for Bargoed for many years.

He was followed by his son Gareth who was also a fine player in the 80’s and 90’s.

Noel continued his support for Bargoed RFC and was Treasurer of the Supporters Club for many seasons.

Haydn is also 90 years old and the father of the Jones dynasty with his four sons Ian, Huw, Hywel and Stuart all playing for the club.

Haydn was a stalwart of the youth side in the 80’s as Team Manager, Coach and Mentor of many great players who have come through the Bargoed RFC pathway.

They were then followed by five grandsons who all currently play or played for Bargoed RFC.

Steffan retired two years ago, and Calum retired earlier this season and now coaches the Warriors.

His younger brother Ben is Captain of the Warriors. Following them are Stuart’s two boys Tomos and Harri who are currently with the under 16’s.

The Jones Boys what a conveyor belt of talent as the Jones Dynasty continues….

Bernard Murphy known by all as Spud started his career with Bargoed as an 18 year old and he went on to become Club Captain, Vice President, and Life Member. He was also a Patron of the club for ten years.

He is a legend who was known as a tough as teak forward who played with some of the Bargoed RFC greats like Dick Hurd and Emlyn Forward, who both had Welsh trials from Bargoed RFC.

He was Club Captain for three consecutive seasons and was a member of the Bargoed team that won the Mid District Cup.

Spud also played alongside two players who had international honours at Bargoed RFC in Welsh Captain Brian Price who represented Wales with 32 caps and 4 caps for the British Lions and John Mantle who was a dual code international representing Wales in league and union and also representing Great Britain in league.

Both Bernard and Noel were tour members when the club travelled to Canada on tour in 2006 and more than held their own with the youngsters on the social side of things.

In total these three fantastic servants of Bargoed RFC have given a total of 270 + years of service to the club.

Best wishes to all three from everyone at Bargoed RFC.

Photographs of the day and the Jones Dynasty