After a nationwide search where clubs were invited to nominate candidates in recognition of their tireless work in the community game, Clwb Rygbi Porthaethwy’s Darren Owen and Blackwood RFC’s Leanna Watkins were chosen as official flagbearers for the opening game of the campaign against Ireland while Old Penarthians member Nigel Williams and Llandaff RFC/Cardiff Chiefs’ Adrian Davies have been bestowed with the same honour for the clash against England.
This follows a successful autumn campaign where volunteers were also given the honour of being flagbearers for the four matches staged in Cardiff.
Darren Owen (Pic: Omega Photography)
Darren Owen is the current Chair of Clwb Rygbi Porthaethwy, a position he has held for 12 of the 28 years he has been at the club.
He is the heartbeat of the club, championing, creating and maintaining the club’s links within the local community. He also led the drive to set up the Llewod y Bont team at the club, which is a mixed ability team. Darren has undertaken every job at the club from working at the bar, cleaner, player, coach, welfare officer, director of rugby and grounds support.
He is still registered as a player for the senior team and Llewod Y Bont (as well as being the head coach). He also leads the club’s charity activities that raises money for local charities.
In 2022 he was one of 14 club members that completed the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge in under 15 hours, in the process raising funds for St David’s Hospice.
He also ensures that the local tag rugby festival for primary schools within the club’s catchment area is held at the club each year while also helping to referee at the festival.
Also, as the club doesn’t have a junior section at the club, he coaches his son’s under 16 ‘s team at Bangor rugby club.
Meanwhile, Leanne Watkins is another fine example of someone who goes above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the smooth running of Blackwood RFC Mini and Juniors.
She does a lot of unseen work at the club with regards to organising the entire Mini and Junior section’s games, organizing training facilities and supervising home teams at the club every Sunday.
Leanna Watkins of Blackwood Rugby Club
A lot of her work goes unrecognised and she fully deserves recognition of the vital volunteer role and work she undertakes.
WRU Head of Places, Angharad Collins said, “Today is another fantastic opportunity to recognise some of our unsung champions who have dedicated countless hours of volunteering to enable their club to thrive.
“This opportunity is a small way of saying a huge thank you from the Welsh Rugby Union for all of their efforts, which do not go unnoticed. There are many volunteering roles available in our clubs throughout Wales and if you would like further information, please email clubdevelopment@wru.wales and one of our team will be in touch to discuss further opportunities.
“I hope our flagbearers have a memorable day and enjoy every minute of the experience.”
