Risca RFC kick-off 150th anniversary celebrations with thriller against Monmouthshire County

Risca RFC have kickstarted their 150th year as a club in style, raising more than £800 in just one match for two charities.

The Cuckoos welcomed the current Welsh Inter-District champions Monmouthshire County to Stores Field earlier this week, where a thrilling 33-33 tie played-out.

It was “one of the best” matches Risca have played in some time according to secretary Louise Jenkyn, with all of the money split between the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust and Baby Lucian Appeal.

Risca are preparing to begin their league campaign on Sunday September 8, with more anniversary celebrations “in the pipeline” according to Ms Jenkyn.

History

Risca RFC was founded in 1875, and has one of the more interesting stories as to how the club came about.

According to the club, a group of workers at Risca Quarry each put six pence a week from their pay to a kitty until they had enough cash to start a rugby club.

They purchased jerseys and a ball, then got permission to play on the Church House Field, opposite the Church House Hotel (since rebuilt as the Darran Hotel).

The landlord agreed they could change at the back of the pub and wash in tin baths. He also provided the sawdust to mark out the pitch. No formal records were kept of the few games played against some scratch sides assembled for each occasion, so the match results are unfortunately not available.

A memorable day in the history of the club was the October 21, 1961. This date marked the official opening of the new social club, sited at the ground. As well as their new clubhouse, the Cuckoos also unveiled new dressing rooms, showers and all the conveniences associated with clubs much richer than Risca.

The 2013/14 season saw Risca win the WRU League Division three title and therefore gained promotion. However, with the restructure of the leagues, Risca RFC now play in Admiral East Division 2, the fifth tier on the club rugby pyramid.