bryncoch
The Castle Hotel Neath dates back to the 17th century and was the
principal coaching inn of the area. It has a rich history and its links with
rugby go back to 1881 when 11 clubs from all over Wales met at the
Hotel to form the WRU. The WRU has held commemorative meetings at
the Hotel ever since, the last being in 2011 to mark the 130th anniversary
of the WRU. Many visiting rugby teams have stayed at the Hotel when
playing local clubs and the hotel has been proud to sponsor rugby in the
local area especially grassroots clubs like Bryncoch RFC.
Proprietor, Robert H. Rees took the time to tell us more, saying, “Being
in the centre of the hotbed of Welsh rugby since the game was started in
Wales over 130 years ago has certainly benefitted the Hotel. It has been
run by a local rugby loving family for the last 18 years which has helped to
create a warm and friendly welcoming atmosphere and we see the same
teams stay with us year after year.
“I’ve lived in the area all my life (I’m 43 now) but started going to the
club when I was 17 to watch some friends of mine playing in the youth
team. Bryncoch is a very small club so it needs all the support it can get.
So when my friends ended up coaching at the club and approached me
for sponsorship I was more than happy to oblige.
“Also, having sponsored Neath RFC I realise how important small clubs
like Bryncoch help to develop young players at grassroots level. I feel it
is vital to support clubs like Bryncoch to secure the future of our national
sport. I try to go to as many games as I can but unfortunately due to my
work commitments it is far fewer than I’d like too.
“Being linked with the club raises the profile of the Castle Hotel within
the local area and members of the club often come to drink and eat in the
hotel bar and restaurant. We sponsor the first team kit so they get new
kit every season which is key for the image of the club and especially to
attract players in a very competitive area. The cash saved by the club can
then be used in other areas. We hope to continue our sponsorship for as
long as possible and hope it brings more success to the club.”
We’ve had varying degrees of success over the years, and
recognise that we have no divine right to play at any particular
level in the Welsh game. What is important is that we keep a good
spirit amongst all of our players, volunteers and supporters.”
Youth
“Youth rugby is vitally important to the future of the club.
Having a youth squad helps guarantee the existence of the senior
team for the next 10 years, whilst running a Second XV helps the
club through the current season.
Over the years we have helped develop numerous players who
have gone on to full international honours. In recent times one
of our players has gone on to represent Wales 7 and the Blues
region. At the moment one or two of our younger players are
showing promise, but you never know!”
Challenges/Ambitions
“Over the coming years our challenges will be many and varied.
Changes in society have already had an impact, retention of
players and volunteers will be key, we need to recognise and
embrace the part that digital communication will play, we need
to offer a variety of options with respect to the game itself and
how, when and where it is played in order to keep things fresh.
We want to be as successful on the field as we can be whilst
maintaining the existing standards and values and spirit within
the club. It is our ambition to continue to provide a familyfriendly environment to which players and non-players will
want to contribute.”
RUGBY GETAWAYS
At the birthplace of the Welsh Rugby Union
Tailor made group packages
Tickets to the 6 Nations (t's & c's apply)
Legendary guest speakers
Dinner in the famous Centenary room
Live rugby on big screens
Free secure parking for coaches
2 minutes walk from Neath train station
40 minutes from the Millenium Stadium
www.castlehotelneath.co.uk - 01639 641119
Castle Hotel, The Parade, Neath, SA11 1RB
www.bryncochrfc.mywru.co.uk
www.sportip.biz
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