OUR HISTORY
The South Wales Police side came into being in the June of 1969 following the amalgamation of the forces of Cardiff City, Glamorgan County, Merthyr Borough and Swansea Borough. The four former forces each had their own rugby teams which played against other police forces and mid week charity matches in their own areas.
For the 1969/70 season South Wales Police R.F.C. Was formed using the combined strength of players from their former force sides. This team fielded a formidable side of first class rugby players and made their Headquarters at Waterton Cross; their current home. The first match was played away against Pontypridd which the Police won. Matches against the strongest sides in Wales followed with victories against Swansea and Cardiff which the Police won 21 to 12.
At this time players continued to represent their local clubs as well as the Police team. However, in the club's second season, regular Saturday fixtures were being played and in June 1971 the club was elected to the membership fo the Welsh Rugby Union. Under these rules playing for more than one club was not allowed and as a result players were given the choice to either return to their civilian clubs or remain with the police. Some left but many stayed leaving a nucleus of talent which enabled the club to thrive and fulfill a first class fixture list.
Subsequently the club was invited to participate in the Wester Mail Championship and the Snelling Sevens which marked that the club had truly arrived. Since that time numerous players have gained Wales A and full Welsh Caps whilst playing for the club indicating the quality of rugby. One notable ex player was Bleddyn Bowen who Captained Wales and who got his cap directly from the club.
All club players play as amateurs and are rewarded for their loyalty by frequent end of season tours. As ambassadors for the club, South Wales Police and Wales they have visited Canada, USA, The Far East, Hong Kong, Singapore, The Netherlands and South Africa and left all these countries with a 100% winning record.
International Players Who Played For South Wales Police
Bleddyn Bowen (23 Caps 83/89), Richie Collins (28 Caps 87/95), Richie Donovan (1 Cap '83),
Alex Finlayson (3 Caps '74), Ian Gallagher (1 Cap '74), Ian Hall (8 Caps 67/74),
Mike Knill (1 Cap '73), Martyn Morris (12 Caps 85/92), Rowland Phillips (10 Caps 87/89),
Steve Sutton (9 Caps 82/87), John Wakeford (2 Caps '88),
Hugh Williams Jones (17 Caps 89/95), Stuart Parfitt (3 Caps 90).