Our History

St. Julian's High School Old Boys' R.F.C.

 

The exact inception date of St. Julian's High School Old Boys' R.F.C. is not clear, but apparently, following the success of the 50th year anniversary in 1974, a centenary celebration was arranged soon after.

 

The club was situated in Malpas Road as a section of St. Julian's Old Boys' Social Club.  As the youngest recorded chairman at 21 years, Bob Garvey led the breakaway in 1970, after the clubhouse closed, when the club went to Palmyra Place via a brief encounter at the Tavern and Star public houses.

 

The development of the character of the club was, thereafter, achieved through various hostelries and meeting venues including the King William, the Actors Club, the Aqua Club (Bell and Saracens for meetings), the Hanbury and the Hereford Arms.

 

With the support of the Sports Council, Courage Brewery and the determination of the members under the current chairmanship of Brian Charles, the present club premises were built at the Glebelands Stadium in 1982 and, despite threats of redevelopment, the club still strides on.

 

Many characters of note have passed through the club in the past, some who are remembered with affection, and a close affiliation to the "Old School" has been maintained over the years. Notably, Bob Sadler was declined as a club chairman for he was not one of the old school - how times have changed. He was however noted for his comment in selection that "well he looks good on paper, the only problem is we play on grass".

 

The Invincibles under the stewardship of John Harper made their mark overcoming a ban on Sunday fixtures.

 

The past characters, to mention only a few, included Tom Jones, Charles Williams "the black sausage trick", Ivor Hudson "the Robin", Dick the Vicar, a punchy front row who always forgave Bob Gale, who dressed up as a vicar, Big Jim O'Connell "the entertainer" and, more recently, much loved and sadly missed following a defection to Pill Harriers, Ernie "Mars Bar" Davies.

 

Many past players have achieved acclaim and progressed to the first-class game with such clubs as Abertillery, Cardiff, Cross Keys, Newbridge, Neath, Newport and Pontypool. The future is bright and the club colours now depend upon the status of sponsors, but we will go forward with commitment determination and, most importantly with character.

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