By Peter Ryan – @PeterRyanSports
“The fact of being an underdog changes people in ways that we often fail to appreciate. It opens doors and creates opportunities, forcing you to improve.”
Malcolm Gladwell’s words resonate with the fine people of Brackla RFC, whose journey in the Welsh grassroots game has not been easy.
It is a team that has had to be resilient through tough times and is now well on its way to making a name for itself as a hidden gem in the congested rugby landscape of Bridgend.
Bridgend has a rich rugby landscape that spans the county. Many teams have sterling reputations, with the likes of the Ravens, Pencoed, and Tondu known for their storied histories.
However, if you go east of the county, you will find a team located in a prosperous tract of Bridgend.
To its fellow teams in the area, Brackla is the new kid on the block; with its dynamic blend of tradition and inseparable outlook, they have the potential to stand out.
As a rugby club, it has had its ups and downs, but its commitment to community and sense of togetherness set it apart.
Rugby is a game for everyone, and talking to key figures at Brackla is vital to the club’s spirit.
“Rugby has always been for everybody. That’s our ethos here—rugby is for anyone.”
It is a fascinating history to delve into, as they are looking to climb the league tables sooner rather than later.
The Rugby Landscape of Bridgend
As stated before, rugby is bred into the bones of the county’s cohort, with a rich history woven into the fabric, with Bridgend witnessing many fantastic rugby monuments.
The town’s identity is strongly linked to the game, as many loyal supporters call Bridgend home. There is a passionate sense of community when you walk into any rugby club in the area.
Many teams are embedded in their communities, and it gives the feeling that everybody knows everybody, which is why rugby is vital to the area and has produced many iconic clubs in Welsh rugby history.
Of course, Bridgend RFC, now known as Bridgend Ravens, is the town’s flagship club and the team people associate with rugby.
There have been many great moments throughout the history of the side, such as winning the league in 2003 and welcoming international sides, including New Zealand and Australia.
The game against the ‘All Blacks’ won’t be remembered for the scoreline but rather for the game’s intensity and brutality.
Wales saw JPR Williams’s toughness on full display when John Ashworth stamped on the legendary fullback, leaving him needing 30 stitches.
The thousands in attendance were in awe when Williams returned to the contest after receiving medical care. Bridgend secured a monumental win against the ‘Wallabies’ three years later.
The great sides of the past have given the team that plays at the Brewery Fields a formidable reputation that has stood the test of time.
Many great rugby teams compete outside the Brewery Fields across the county. Going directly north of the iconic ground, you will find yourself at the infamous Pandy Park, home to the mighty Waterwheelers.
Tondu is known for its excellent rugby style and welcoming atmosphere. Like the Ravens, they have had many phenomenal talents pull on their blue and red shirt.
When considering notable alums from the Sarn-based club, Lee Byrne, JPR Williams, and Glen Webb come to mind.
Other famous clubs in the area include Pencoed and Heol-y-Cyw, perfect examples of the county’s historic rivalries.
There are many iconic clubs in Bridgend, so it is no wonder that Brackla RFC can get overlooked, but they are quietly building a stellar reputation for themselves.
Brackla is a prosperous sporting area, and there is a massive emphasis on having a robust relationship with the community to stand out.
“Although we haven’t got our own home, we have a place in the community. It doesn’t come overnight. It comes from the growth of people getting to know you and associating you with the club.”
History of Brackla RFC
Brackla’s story began in 1987 when Peter Kane and Calvin Bird decided to form a team together after the Ford rugby team dissolved.
The Ford showroom is where the team put in the work on the training ground, and Corntown is where they welcomed their opposition.
The club’s first chairman was Dennis Lewis, who handled the business off the field.
On the field, Keith White and Brian Evans led the team in its debut season, laying the foundation for the team to progress up the leagues in the grassroots game and relish multiple successful cup runs.
Integral to a team’s success is financial backing and sponsorships, and one person who was vital to the club in this aspect was Keith Miles, who contributed massively to securing sponsorships and kits for the local club.
Most notably, Gareth L. Edwards became a major sponsor for the ‘Magpies’, yet the club would continue to face significant challenges.
For a rugby club to maintain success and longevity, there must be a constant flow of young talent working through the ranks.
Bridgend is fortunate to have many clubs known for developing young players, with Tondu and Pencoed supplying many athletes to the professional game.
The lack of youth involvement eventually caught up with Brackla RFC in the late 90s and early 2000s, forcing them to withdraw from competitive leagues.
Steve Marsh and Steven Penny stepped in to lead the club, emphasising the social aspects a rugby club can offer.
The club went on to compete in friendly games with a new slogan of “a drinking team with a rugby problem”.
This ethos has remained with the club, and they are now known to be very welcoming and to put on good social events for members.
In 2002, while films like Spider-Man, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and Ice Age were hitting the box office, Brackla was busy assembling a regular team that travelled across the English Channel to France, making a name for themselves as a touring side.
Nothing warms the heart like a good comeback story, and in the 2009/10 season, Mark Payn and Mike Punter took the helm and started Brackla on track back up the ranks of the domestic leagues.
Brackla re-emerged as a destination for players in the area looking to get their rugby fix. Nigel and Jackie Jones took on the chair positions, and Richard Avery took charge of the initial sessions for the club’s return.
Brackla made its mark in the grassroots game, reaching the district plate final, where they took on Heol-y-Cyw.
Fast forward a few years, and with Sinclair Audi brought in as a major sponsor, the club achieved several wins under the captaincy of Shane Farmer.
Brackla’s trajectory rose as the 2016/17 season marked their arrival in Division 3 West Central.
Today
Brackla plays rugby in Division 4 East Central to improve its standing in the competition.
The most significant difference between the club now and in its early days is its junior programmes, which will ensure longevity and future success for the club.
The ‘Magpies’ have strong community backing and support from local businesses.
Their main sponsor, Compact Car & Van Hire, has supported the junior ranks, ensuring the club has players for the future. Having an eye towards the future is crucial, and the ‘Mini Magpies’ give the club hope.
“The mini rugby is giving that future belief… it’s the longevity of the club.”
Even though their legacy may not be as significant as some of the teams around them, the team in East Bridgend has a solid foundation to grow its name further and become an emerging force in the local scene.
Brackla RFC has a captivating history, and with Bridgend being a significant market for the game, the ‘Magpies’ have a bright future ahead.
Brackla’s sights should be set high with an eye towards the future. The club has many impressive attributes that could make it an attractive destination for rugby enthusiasts down the line.
Brackla is a welcoming club, and they are always looking for new players; if you fancy giving rugby a go, head down there.
