Machen RFC is a Welsh rugby union team based in Machen. Machen RFC plays in the Welsh Rugby Union, Division Four East League and is a feeder club for the Newport Gwent Dragons.
In 1870 groups of men met in public houses and discussed the growing game of rugby. Amongst them were 'new' English workers who had played or watched a few games. This interest led to the establishment of a team which played several fixtures in 1871 against neighbouring, mainly work's sides, like those at Pontymoile (Pontypool) and Tredegorville (Cardiff). These games were played to uncertain rules and varying numbers of players. The natural leader and captain in these early games was Frank Purdon who went on to play for Wales and, some say, for Ireland. By the 1880's the Machen team was well known and established. The Welsh Rugby Union had been formed by now and standards raised. Several visiting teams complained about the slope of the Ffwrrm field on which Machen played. These grumbles ended when, in 1891, Welsh Athlete reported, "Machen's new pitch is equal to any within a 20 mile radius".
Website: http://machenrfc.275mb.com/ Machen RFC Commercial Road Machen 01633 440685 |