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One of the oldest clubs in Wales – predating the WRU by ten years – Machen RFC is celebrating its 150th anniversary this season.

In 1871 the first Machen side was formed by locals and some migrant English workers. With some rather random rules and various numbers of players on the pitch, they played local works’ teams including Pontypool and Cardiff.

From Frank Purdon – the ‘natural’ leader of that early side during the 1870s, who went on to play for Wales, to Malcolm ‘Buster’ Thomas, who played for both Wales and the British and Irish Lions during the 1950s – local talent has helped pioneer the way for this great rugby club both on the pitch and off it.

Many homegrown heroes from years gone by returned to the club in October last year for a reunion event – the oldest attendee being 92-year-old prop Terry Gridland – with some reduced to tears according to current club chairman Paul Crowley.

Mr Crowley said: “A great occasion for all involved – it was great to see all the old faces together and they really seemed to enjoy meeting each other again.”

While the club’s history and heritage is undoubtedly important, especially in this 150th year – its focus is firmly on its future.

With semi-professional and professional clubs on its doorstep competing for players, Machen RFC has to rely on other pulls to attract players.

Its community-focused approach aims to bring youth through to senior level and then on to management and operations. Everyone at the club has bought into this vision of sustainability and it is currently paying dividends.

Machen’s club secretary, Peter Vaughan, explained how the youth side fields eight players that represent Dragons Rugby U18s.

He said: “For top players to choose to play for us while situated between paying clubs such as Bedwas and Newport speaks volumes.

“We know we have a good set-up here when players that play at our junior and youth level go away to university and choose to come back to play for our seniors.”

While the club is celebrating its 150th anniversary this season, the threat of Covid has loomed large for the best part of two years.

As revenue from its clubhouse dried up, the club came close to closure. However, the strength of its community base – it relies mainly on volunteers – saw it through the challenge.

“Blood, sweat and tears go into this place. It would be nothing without volunteers – we only have one staff member on the books,” added Mr Crowley.

More than just a rugby outfit, the club is at the heart of the community.

Due to its community ethos, the club allows use of the function room for the cricket team and football team, as well as playing host to weekly events such as bowls.

The club has plans to expand what it has on offer. Mr Crowley said: “You have to offer something for everybody. Sometimes you enter a club and it isn’t the right environment, but everyone is welcome here.”

Plans for the future include a coffee shop and a look at how the club’s space can be used by other community groups.

Paul added: “We’d love to start using more of the club more regularly. There are large parts of the day where it’s unused.”

Bringing people together is something the club has been doing for decades – particularly in September last year when £13,500 was raised for Velindre and the British Heart Foundation.

The 24-hour fundraising challenge, which saw people attempt to walk, run, or scoot 2km every two hours, was held in memory of two valued members of Machen RFC who died last year.

Robin Bignell, 57, passed away after a cardiac arrest, while Becky Littlewood died aged 45 from cancer.

Becky’s husband Darren, who is the club’s vice chairman, said: “It was great to see the community come together for these charities. We have done similar events in the past, but we plan on doing this every year from now on.

“We also have a ‘donate a boot’ scheme in place to help those that might need equipment along with free first year membership and no subs for any of the players to pay.”

With regards to the 150th anniversary itself, the club has big plans. To mark the anniversary, a game was played under the floodlights last bonfire night, while retro throwback kits were unveiled to mark the occasion alongside a commemorative badge combining Machen’s oldest crest with their newest.

Despite losing to a very strong Monmouthshire side, the match was close throughout. A large portion of the village showed up in support of the club, even though it was a bitterly cold night.

The club has arranged to take three sides representing Machen RFC to Hannover, Germany, in April.

Mr Crowley said: “It’s the first time in my memory that we have three sides playing across different age groups – youth, senior and veteran; which is great to see. There are at least 90 of us booked to travel at the moment and I’m sure that’ll increase”.

A formal celebration at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff is booked in for May, with hopes of the Presidential Suite hosting Machen’s stars and staff, past and present.

Before then, further events are pencilled in, including another reunion with a more recent set of players.

Paul added: “It’ll be a completely different crowd and set of players but I’m sure it’ll be another great night.

“To be honest I’m in disbelief that it has been 150 years. I just hope that in another 150 years time another chairman is sitting here talking about the club’s success.”

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