History

Wattstown started as a pub side back in 1976, when a few men decided they were bored of the routine of sitting in the bar of Tommy John’s and wanted some better excitement.

In the first year they played local pubs sides losing more than they won because opponents were more disciplined and better coached than they were.

As the months elapsed, some people who had actually played the game before joined the ranks and games started to be won, leading to them joining the Rhondda & East Glamorgan District RU, where Wattstown have become one of the strongest clubs in that area.

Wattstown’s proud record includes 11-times Ifor Williams District Cup finalists, winning twice, league winners eight times and Coleman District Cup winners four times.

In their first Welsh Districts final, Wattstown lost 26-19 after extra time to Birchgrove in 1993. Ceri Connolly was skipper and fly-half Dale Williams landed three penalties and a drop goal and converted wing Mark Southcombe’s try.

In 1994 came the win over Hartridge HSOB 15-6 as Williams kicked a penalty hat-trick and fly-half John Southcombe dropped two goals.

It was a loss to St Alban’s 15-12 in 1996 as No.8 Kim Harris skippered and John Southcombe placed three penalties and a drop goal, before a 1997 loss by 18-11 to Cambrian Welfare as John Southcombe kicking a brace of penalties with the try coming from lock Russell Owen.

It is 1994 that remains the biggest year for the club with the winning side being: Dale Williams; Robert Rowe, Gareth Bents, Archie Thorburn, Mark Southcombe; John Southcombe, Ian Connolly; Steve Williams (capt), Ceri Connolly, Tyrone Harris, Kim Harris, Gareth Newhams, Kelvin Rees, Scott Eggar, Russell Evans.

Indeed, playing in all four finals were Mark Southcombe, Archie Thorburn, Ian Connolly, Tyrone Harris, Ceri Connolly, Russell Evans and Kim Harris.

Wattstown have also been semi-finalists on four occasions and now will hold the record as being the only club ever to get to the final five times.

The only Wattstown player to gain international honours for the club was No.8 Scott Eggar, who, then with Neath, replaced Jason Forster to gain a Wales A cap against Argentina at Pontypridd nine years ago.

The club does hold the record for the number of players gaining Welsh District caps. There have been 12 players, with Dale Williams and Archie Thorburn captaining Wales.

This season has so far been Wattstown's best in regards of being unbeaten in all competitions and promotion to Swalec's Division Five being their ultimate aim. By getting promotion, Wattstown intend to push for full membership of the WRU – a dream they have been aspiring to achieve for many a long year.