abercarn
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Abercarn
A
bercarn RFC is a terrific example of the important role that a club can play in the local community. Head Coach
David Price took the time to give us an insight into the success that they have been achieving on the field in recent
times.
He told us, “I have been involved with the club since 2011 as a
coach. I have always been associated with the club as many of
my friends and family members have played for them at some
Roy Hill has been club sponsor with GRC Refrigeration
time. It is also the local club to where I live.
for over 20 years. He recently spoke to Rugby Club Magazine,
“I have always been attracted to the club as it has always had
“Abercarn are the one and only club I have played for. I started as
an 18 year old youth player in the position of wing forward and was
a strong tradition and reputation in both the senior and junior
privileged to be the youngest ever captain at 20 years old.
game. It has also been central for the local community hosting
My involvement with the club has taken me from player to forwards
weddings and events.
coach and team manager. I was invited to join Newbridge but
“In previous seasons my challenges have been to recruit and
decided to stay with the club, at the time I had just been made
sustain a side that could compete in the league we were in.
captain. Rugby has changed a lot over the years and I still think
My challenges this season have been keeping the motivation
some of the old ways had a lot of merit when we had a battle on
of all players within the squad due to the additional number
the pitch and all went for a few drinks afterwards.
of players, structuring training sessions that will engage the
I remember that there was more of a laid back approach to the
squad and are not repetitive and managing the expectation of
team in those days, maybe too much sometimes. I recall on one
occasion I ended up being put back on to the field of play with a
the squad and the club.
broken ankle. Later the coach came to my house whilst I was sitting
“The biggest rewards are seeing success come to those players
resting my leg in a stookie whilst watching the High Chaparal with
who stuck with us in the previous two years when times were
my then wife and said, ‘I didn’t think the injury was that bad Roy I
not so good along with seeing the new players enjoy the new
thought you were doing great running around out there’ you have
challenges we have set ourselves this season.
to laugh.
“Seeing the squad grow off the field as a group and how the
Certainly I would say I am a big advocate of not paying players
club has supported it is great to see as is seeing the work we put
and I think that those clubs that do are risking losing players to
in in training being delivered on the field and our performances
the highest bidder and of course there is little loyalty for the club.
It’s great to see the club enjoying such a good season and even
improving from the 1st game to the last.
though I don’t get down there as often as I would like the Abercarn
result is the first result I look for and I always enquire after their
plans for the future.”
62 Issue 55
“There’s a happy atmosphere here and it’s definitely a united
club on and off the field. The introduction of three or four
experienced players has brought the less experienced players
on around them. A good strong
management team on and
off the pitch has also
been key. Mainly