As Wales prepare to face the world champions in New Zealand, a new team of rugby stalwarts unite under the title of the WRU’s official ‘FABXV’ of grassroots volunteers.
The stars of the community game were crowned as members of the FABXV as part of a campaign to shine a light on the volunteers at the heart of Welsh rugby.
The initiative invited rugby communities to hail the men and women of all ages who give up their spare time for the good of their club, via @WRU_Community using the hashtag #FABXV or by contacting the Club Operations team directly.
As well as recognition across WRU’s digital channels, the winners get an invite to watch Wales play Japan in the Under Armour Series on Saturday 19th November, along with a guest, in recognition of their vital support of the grassroots game.
More than 60 candidates representing the range of volunteer roles at rugby clubs were nominated; from the parent-coaches boosting participation across the minis and juniors sectors to those in the medical profession working evenings and weekends to ensure a high-standard of player welfare.
The FABXV campaign also identified rugby administrators with more than 50 years’ service to their club and highlighted the link between club and country when Ken Owens made a personal nomination as part of national Volunteers’ week (ending this weekend).
With the weight of an international hooker behind him, Carmarthen Athletic’s volunteer Brian Powell made it into the FABXV for his services to the club which include coaching the team to success as well as the upkeep and running of the club.
Also in the mix is former Principality Stadium volunteer Weldon Davies. The 75-year old from Bedwas helped to launch the FABXV campaign when Wales beat Italy in the RBS 6 Nations and he called time on his role as WRU Ball Team Manager, with 206 international matches and 50 years’ service to rugby to his name.
In the Blues region, Old Illtydians volunteer John Manders, Ystrad Rhondda’s Jason Cook and Tylorstown’s Lionel Langford received praise and recognition from the WRU Community.
Former player and coach John Manders received praise for his multiple-roles including chairman, team manager, club auditor, club safety officer and first aider as well as being the “heartbeat of the club”.
John is well-known to the WRU as a driving force behind the renovation of Cardiff’s oldest library in Splott which includes rugby changing facilities, boosting membership at the club in excess of 500. The revamped venue is an excellent community hub, with office spaces, community meeting rooms, a fully equipped kitchen and a performance area.
Ystrad Rhondda coach Jason Cook joins the two thirds of rugby union coaches in Wales who support players under 16, where the emphasis is on the development of the player and not on the final result of the match.
His life-long involvement in the game from player to coach saw him get multiple nominations on Twitter. The original nomination states: “He treats every child with respect and puts massive emphasis on the point that enjoyment is more important than winning ensuring every kid is given the same opportunities regardless of ability.”
Members of Tylorstown, joined forces to show their support for long-serving club auditor, funding coordinator, club secretary and club coach coordinator Lionel Langford. Micky Mainwaring stated:
“During his time with the club Lionel has overseen the general running of the club and its playing facilities and has also been a good ambassador and mentor to all players. We at the club think that this is a fantastic opportunity for us to show our appreciation and for Lionel to be given the recognition he truly deserves.”
In the Newport Gwent Dragons region, it was nostalgia that clinched it for RTB Ebbw Vale’s longest-serving administrators Haydon Richards and Phillip Swan, who join Bedwas’ Weldon Davies in the FABXV.
Chairman Haydon Richards and secretary Phillip Swan have worked together for more than half a century. The duo showcase the ‘off the field’ roles performed by rugby volunteers to develop and shape their rugby club.
Former club captain Haydn turned to club administration after his playing days, clocking up 55 consecutive years’ service. Former player, Phillip celebrates his 50th season at the club next season. Over the years his roles have included club auditor, funding coordinator, webmaster, fixtures secretary and youth secretary.
Two volunteers from the Ospreys region and two from the Scarlets, to join Brian Powell, enter FABXV with a variety of accolades.
John Hyde from Kenfig Hill represents the vital role of the club safeguarding officers within the community, as well as being a junior volunteer, club auditor and providing support to the secretary. The nominee was described as the “lynch pin of club activity”.
Further West, Ystradgynlais’ club president Glyndwr Rees is hailed as the ‘ultimate volunteer’ for 55 years’ service at the club. The former fixture secretary and club secretary joins the likes of RTB’s longest-serving administrator for a spot in the FABXV. He is not afraid to roll up his sleeves, according to the nomination: “You won’t see him in a blazer on a Saturday because he is happier marking fields, cleaning changing rooms and collecting jerseys. No job is too big or too small for Glyn. He is a leader and example to us all.”
At Ammanford, Richard Williams puts player welfare on the top of his agenda providing first aid support as well as being the club’s ‘go-to man’ who ‘can’t do enough’, according to the nomination. Alongside looking after the health and safety of the players, Richard’s contribution extends to kit man, cook, junior’s tea man, cleaner and committee member.
Jennie Davies gets the plaudits at Carmarthen RFC. In her role as Volunteer Coordinator, she is a role model and motivator to all aspiring volunteers in the area. Her enthusiasm and passion is a boost for the successful West Wales Female Rugby Hub, which encourages women and girls to get involved in alternative forms of the game.
According the nomination, Jennie is also the club auditor, funding coordinator, junior secretary and team manager: “Her enthusiasm, professionalism and dedication to the junior rugby of Carmarthen is second to none.”
In the north of Wales, the female representation is boosted by Mold’s Kathy Hellen and Dolgellau’s Clare Jones. They join stalwarts Keith Parry and Howie Roberts to represent Rugby Gogledd Cymru in the FABXV.
Mold’s club secretary Kathy Hellen is a shining example of the volunteers who contribute to the rise in participation among minis and juniors. WRU figures show more than 30,900 children and their families are involved in the minis and juniors game, an 8% increase on the number in 2014/15 and a 38% increase from 2010/11. Mold lead the way with 339 Under 16s playing rugby. Kathy is a Minis and Juniors Team Manager working hard behind-the-scenes, according to the club: “She may be in the background but her spirit and work ethic is most definitely not!”
Former Dollgellau player Clare has turned her passion for the game into increasing rugby participation among children in the north in her role as juniors’ secretary. She also provides wider club support as the funding coordinator for the thriving club.
Keith Parry has been with Caernarfon for over 30 years, with many roles under his belt from player to programme seller to president. At the age of 73, he still takes to the field as the coach for Under 11s and Girls Under 10s and Under 18s and referee for the Under 10s. He even laces his boots for the club’s veterans team.
Keith’s input at the club inspired the following nomination: “He’s undoubtedly an inspiration and a key figure at the club. He’s inspired other parents to take on coaching training and encouraged children to take part in the sport.” He also goes above and beyond “giving lifts to and from training and games for kids whose parents aren’t able to drive.”
Another Rygby Gogledd Cymru ‘legend’ with a string of volunteer roles to his name is Llandudno’s club president Howie Roberts. The nomination states: “He lives and breathes Llandudno RFC and has dedicated his non-working life to the club and rugby and inclusion within this award scheme would be a fitting recognition and would make him extremely proud.”
The FABXV will meet as guests of the WRU to support Wales against Japan in the autumn, which also brings Australia, Argentina and South Africa to Principality Stadium.
The WRU is grateful to everyone who got in touch to celebrate volunteers on social media or via the Club Operations department. For information on the recruitment, retention and rewarding of rugby club volunteers, contact Club Operations: cluboperations@wru.wales
