History
The name Croesyceiliog, the Cross of the Cock, is said to derive from a large sculptured crowing cock on a tump in a field near the Upper Cock Inn, and is said to be a medieval reference to St Peter's denial of God. It is rumoured to have been destroyed by Cromwell's troops in 1664 during the pillaging of the country.
Croesyceiliog RFC was founded in 1881 and the first known Club Captain was one G. Morgan who led the side in the 1883/84 season. For obvious reasons, the side are known locally as the Cockerels, and it is the Cockerel that is depicted on the clubs crest. The club has played at several locations during their long history including at one point in a farm-field owned by Jack Walker, a former player, chairman and president of the club. But thanks to Torfaen Borough Council, the Cockerels have enjoyed the use of the excellent facilities at Woodland Road since the mid 60s.
During the early 1970s, the club was a very successful Junior Union Side, featuring regularly in the local Ivor Jones Cup and Pontypool District Seven-a-side Finals and also winning the Welsh Districts Seven-a-side.
Their free-flowing brand of rugby was recognised by the Welsh District Rugby Union and four of their players won caps in internationals against Belgium. One of those players, Clive Burgess, went on to play for Ebbw Vale and provided the club with its greatest honour when he was selected to play for Wales and was later made a Life Member of Croesyceiliog RFC.
During 1975, under the chairmanship of Mr Jack Walker, the Rugby Club amalgamated with Croesyceiliog Cricket Club and established headquarters at the cricket ground. In 1976, the club applied for, and was granted membership of the Welsh Rugby Union.
The club currently fields a Senior team which is currently in Division Three East of the National Leagues, a Youth team and Mini/Junior teams from Under 7s to Under 16s, also confirming our policy of investing in young players to secure the future of the club.
RSS Feeds