Several rugby clubs from across Caerphilly County Borough have set up fundraisers after their pitches and clubhouses flooded during Storm Dennis.
Bedwas RFC has appealed for volunteers to come and help with the clean up after the playing field and clubhouse were flooded when the nearby Rhymney river burst its banks.
In a statement, the club said: “If volunteers are able to bring with them any cleaning equipment: mops, buckets, cleaning fluids, bin bags, etc it would be truly appreciated and be a big help.”
The club said its lounge, function room, bar, cellar and rugby pitch “have taken extensive and serious damage” due to the flooding, and has been “closed until further notice”.
The club has also said its insurance does not cover flood damage, and has set up a fundraiser. To make a donation, visit obv.sr/besd.
Meanwhile, Cross Keys RFC was badly affected by the flooding, with their game against Bargoed being called off.
The club has set up an online fundraiser to help fund repairs to the club’s clubhouse, which was flooded. The club is aiming to raise £5,000.
In a statement, the club said: “We would be grateful for any support you can give towards the clean up operation and enable the club to reopen.
“Without your support we do not know when we will be able to open our doors again.
“All donations will be used to restore the clubhouse.”
To make a donation to the Keys’ fundraiser, visit obv.sr/cksd.
Blackwood RFC has also set up an online fundraiser, aiming to raise £5,000.
The club said: “Due to storm Dennis and the foot of water, our local rugby club has been devastated, with all the interior and exterior damaged and mini and juniors area ruined.
“We are very grateful for the hundreds of volunteers who have helped today, but we are still in need of mops and buckets. Any help would be grateful, including donations to get our beloved club up and running again.
“All monies raised will go to the mini and junior section.”
To make a donation to Blackwood RFC’s fundraiser, visit obv.sr/blsd.
Meanwhile, Risca RFC has announced that the clubhouse and pitch “will be closed until further notice” after heavy flooding in the area.
New Tredegar RFC also experienced flooding, but said it was “one of the lucky clubs” in a social media post.
Nelson RFC’s Division One East clash with Bedlinog was called off due to the weather. The club has set up a fundraiser to help its players who have been caught up in the floods.
The club said: “A few of the Nelson RFC players have been caught up in the floods and have lost an awful lot of property and belongings.
“Some of the players have young families and children on the way. This is now a difficult time for those affected.
“As a club we are trying to do all we can to help and would ask that anyone who is in a position to help, please dig deep. Every little helps and every bit will be appreciated.”
To make a donation, visit obv.sr/nesd.
Machen Cricket Club has also been affected, with their playing fields flooded.