Club history
Established in 1883, Skewen RFC is one of the oldest clubs in the Ospreys region.
In 1885/86, the year Cardiff’s F.E. Hancock introduced for the first time the four three-quarter formation, Skewen won the Mills Challenge Cup against Melyn Rovers held in Neath. The match was described at the time as a “Battle Royal”.
Three years later, in 1888/89 the first reserve team was formed and played under the title of Skewen Seconds.
There were several relocations during this period, including a spell at a field on Cwrt-y-Clafdy Farm, and the ‘Skewen Juniors’ were formed.
Skewen RFC became members of the Welsh Rugby Union in the season 1896/97 but it is noted that in 1902/03 the Club was still without any source of revenue, the players had to fund their own kit and also subscribe towards buying match balls and medical kit. A year later, however, the Club secured a playing ground on Burrows Road called Cae Lynch. It was enclosed by hedges and the Club was able to charge a few pence for admission.
At the end of a very successful 1905/06 season (which saw yet another change of venue, to Cae Wathen) the first official dinner of the Club was held. It took place at the Colliers Arms and was followed by a concert.
Some of the leading players were ‘poached’ by more affluent neighbouring clubs. During the 1909/10 season, inside half Tommy Davies, who had played in Skewen colours for seven years, was lured to Huddersfield Rugby League for the princely sum of £100.
During the war years 1914/18 rugby in the area was kept alive by charity matches held between neighbouring collieries, for example, No.4 pit and No.7 pit, Skewen. After the war, rugby flourished again in the village and on 9th December 1920 Skewen beat Welsh champions, Bridgend, by a try to nil and with gate receipts that reached nearly £200.
On 24th September 1924 Skewen RFC left the Colliers Arms at 07.00 in an open charabanc bound for Swansea docks. Here they boarded a ship to take them to their first recorded game ‘overseas’ where they won 12 nil against Barnstable. After-match festivities were described as “memorable”.
In 1935/36 Skewen moved to its present home at Tennant Park. In the same season changing rooms were constructed on the site with the help of players and committee men. The Second World War period 1939/45 saw the abandonment of all WRU fixtures and Skewen RFC was one of the first clubs to re-form after hostilities ended.
In 1967, the facilities that had been constructed in the 1935/36 season were replaced by those that continue to be used today.
Skewen have twice been West Wales champions in 1951/52 and 1982/83.
These days Skewen RFC is a progressive Club and is an integral part of the local community.
Our first team competes in National League Division 3 South West. The athletic XV competes in the Swansea and District league. We have the full range of junior sides from Under 8's to youth. Our junior system is extremely successful and has been in existence for over 25 years.
We currently have over 250 junior players registered with the club supported by a network of coaches and managers. We have been particularly successful in developing junior international players and a number of Skewen "old boys" are playing regional and premiership rugby.
Paul James, Rhodri Wells, Gareth Swales, Kevin James, Ashley Beck and Craig Mitchell have all represented the Ospreys and were developed through our junior system. Paul is a full Welsh international. Jonathon Mills who has represented the Scarlets region was also developed through our juniors. We have a number of players who are junior Ospreys.
Managing the demands on our limited facilities and ensuring that we are able to continue providing rugby for all our players means a significant contribution from volunteers. Fortunately, we have very hard working senior and junior committees which work closely with the local community council. We, along with every other regional club, are heavily dependant on the generosity of patrons to survive and we would like to express our gratitude for their continued support.
Youth Success - Congratulations to the Youth who have had a truly outstanding 06/07 season. They won their league. They beat Baglan 13-0 in the League Champions Play Off FInals. They beat Trebanos 9-6 in the District Cup Final and as both league and cup champions were presented with the Presidents Cup. It is unprecedented for a team to win all 4 trophies in the same year.
Skewen RFC 1979/80
1997/98 Skewen past and present side which played Neath Council XV in memory of the late Geoff Davies
2005/06
