Llandovery RFC


Llandovery RFC is a Welsh rugby union club based in Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, Wales. The club is an inaugural member of the Welsh Rugby Union, currently play in the Welsh Premier Division and is a feeder club for the Scarlets, a Pro14 club.

Early history

Prior to 1878 written evidence exists of a Llandovery rugby team, though in these reports it is not clear if this was a town or college team. On 22 February 1878 a report in the Carmarthen Journal refers to a rugby game between 'Llandovery' and other local teams but these were specifically named as college teams while Llandovery was not. In 1879 Llandovery College, played their first recognised official match against Christ College, Brecon. This was a college and not a town side as the match report indicated it was the first time the two schools had met. are nowadays recognised as an inaugural member of the Welsh Rugby Union at a meeting held at the on 12 March 1881 in the Castle Hotel, Neath. It is not certain however whether C. P. Lewis, a master at the college was representing the town as well as the college. In 1894, Llandovery was one of ten clubs who became affiliated to the Welsh Rugby Union, but gave up this status in 1910.

Inter-war period

Rugby was not played in Llandovery from 1914–1919, during the Great War, but commenced again in 1920 and the club continued until 1935, but due to a lack of fixtures ceased to function in that year.

Post World War II

In November 1948 Llandovery RFC officially reformed, and began laying down the foundations that would give it future stability. Llandovery RFC moved their club headquarters to the White Hall and in 1956 the town's Improvement Committee purchased Barlow's Field which was levelled and reseeded. In the subsequent two years improvements included the building of changing rooms. In 1956 Llandovery RFC reapplied for membership to the WRU which was granted in 1957.

Club honours

Notable former players