After a nationwide search where clubs were invited to nominate candidates in recognition of their tireless work in the community game, Old Penarthians member Nigel Williams and Llandaff RFC/Cardiff Chiefs’ Adrian Davies follow Clwb Rygbi Porthaethwy’s Darren Owen and Blackwood RFC’s Leanna Watkins who led out Wales and Ireland respectively in the opening game of the championship.
Nigel Williams has been the lifeblood of Old Penarthians for more than 55 years and has played a huge role in maintaining the club’s standards, management and principles.
He started his rugby career with Old Penarthians in the mid-1960s as a second row in the first team. And as well as regularly playing over 30 to 35 games a season, he volunteered to take over the role of Honorary treasurer in 1971 and by that time, he had already been on the committee for a number of years.
During his time as treasurer, he has worked with five presidents, three secretaries, nine chairman, and 34 different 1st XV captains.
During his period as treasurer, the club has grown exponentially from a small rectangular, prefab building to the facility that now encompasses squash courts, gymnasium, newly refurbished changing rooms and shower area together with an enhanced lounge and bar area.
All of these changes have been developed under one man’s watchful eye on the finances ensuring that budgets are strictly adhered to and that the community and member’s interests are protected. He has also been instrumental in setting up and supporting their mini and junior section which currently has over 300 players.
Adrian ‘Coch’ Davies, who will lead out England, is central to everything good at Llandaff RFC.
He is the first aider, sets up the pitches every Saturday and Sunday, cleans the changing rooms afterwards (even deep cleans them once a month) and does all of the clubhouse maintenance as a volunteer.
He is the head coach of the Cardiff Chiefs, after 13 years coaching the Llandaff Mini and Juniors from the under 7s through to Youth. He successfully transitioned a record number of youth players through to the senior set-up at the end of his Llandaff coaching tenure (and that was during the covid pandemic). Adrian also manages to get sponsors every year and takes on fundraising efforts for both clubs. He also drives the mini bus to the Chiefs and Llandaff away games and is generally ever present at the club.
WRU Head of Playing and Retention, Chris Ower said, “We are delighted to welcome Nigel and Adrian to Principality Stadium today for Wales v England as a small thank you for years of volunteering and commitment they have both given their clubs.
“The Six Nations has given us another opportunity to recognise some of our community champions and with the inaugural WRU Community Volunteer Awards taking place on 14th April, we will recognise many more before the end of the season. If you wish to nominate one of your community champions, please click on the link for details of categories and how to nominate.”
Nominations close on Sunday 5th March.
