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Efforts are underway to raise £3,000 to fix the damage caused by vandals at Caerphilly Rugby Club.

On Tuesday, May 18, vandals trespassed onto the club’s Virginia Park pitch, causing “irreparable” damage to seating and setting fire to advertising boards.

The rugby club, which plays in the WRU Division Two East Central, took to social media on Tuesday to share photos of the damage and vent their frustration.

The club tweeted: “Disappointed to turn up at the club tonight to find five boys in the stand vandalising the seating.”

They added: “It’s just so disappointing that after such a tough time for us financially that we are now faced with footing the bill for thousands of pounds worth of mindless damage.

“We hope that they will be held accountable for their vandalism.”

The club also posted pictures of the suspects, and thanked people who came forward to name them – including some of their own parents.

Club committee member Beci Newton said: “Thanks to the club’s CCTV and the power of social media, the young people were identified and their details passed to Gwent Police. We extend our thanks to the police and the number of parents who came forward in support.”

Ms Newton highlighted the difficulties faced by the club over the past year due to the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, saying the club had “only just survived” thanks to the “dedication of the club’s many volunteers and the wonderful support of our local community”.

Ms Newton added: “Caerphilly FRC is a community-focused club that provides a safe place for children, young people and adults to play the sport they love.

“As well as rugby, we also provide a space for parties, community events and charity fundraisers. In order to continue providing this service we have to ensure that our grounds are safe and fit for purpose.

“It’s for this reason that we have established a Crowdfunding page to raise money towards the repairs so that we can be ready for the much anticipated return to rugby.”

In March, the rugby and football field at Bargoed Park was vandalised – with the railings around the pitch damaged and smashed glass – believed to be from broken bottles – left strewn across the stand.

A spokesperson for Gwent Police said: “We received a report of damage caused to the seating area at Caerphilly RFC at approximately 5.45pm on May 18.

“Officers are carrying out enquiries. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting log 410 18/05/21.”