The early hours of Friday, 23rd March 2012 saw happy, contented, past players, officials and supporters of Newport RFC, drift homewards from the Bisley Suite at Rodney Parade, after the inaugural 'Hall of Fame' dinner and presentation. All agreed, the stage had been set, this was an event that sent attendees home with a warm glow of satisfaction that must be repeated. The result? Thursday, March 28th 2013 saw the second 'Hall of Fame' at the same venue, but with another nine individuals who had, in often very different ways, made their own important contribution to the story of Newport Rugby Football Club.
Back by popular demand to compere the evening was past player Alun Williams, and the evening was honoured again by the attendance of the President of the Welsh Rugby Union, Mr. Dennis Gethin. We were similarly honoured to be joined by the Right Worshipful the Mayor of the City of Newport, John Albert Guy, and his wife the Mayoress. Not with-standing our pleasure at being joined by such guests, to the delight of all, we were joined also by Rodney Parade's newest Welsh international, Andrew Coombs, along with his Six Nations Championship winning medal. Singled out for praise in the address by Dennis Gethin, Andrew in typically self-effacing style, mixed and chatted with all present, and joined with many in souvenir photographs to look back on with pride.
After an introduction to the evening by Kevin Jarvis (Secretary of Friends of Newport Rugby Trust and member of Newport RFC Committee) a warm welcome to everyone was offered by Will Godfrey (Director of Newport RFC Ltd.) who reflected on Newport RFC's proud history and the significance of the Hall of Fame event. There followed a short welcoming response by the Mayor.
Relaxed and content after a substantial meal and beverages we approached the climax of the evening. Five months earlier had seen the centennial anniversary of one of Newport RFC's finest victories. That over the touring South Africans on 24th October 1912 by 9 points to 3. With two of the impending inductees having played for Newport in that game, Godfrey Lee (History Officer for Friends of Newport Rugby Trust), gave a scene-setting introduction to that game and it's context in the wider world.
There follows the citations for each of 2013's inductees as they appeared in the printed programme. In turn, they or their family representative, were presented with an engraved commemorative crystal tumbler by Will Godfrey. Above you will find many photographs of the evening.
Walter John Martin 1883-1933
[The presentation was first introduced by Dennis Bennett (Team Secretary for Newport RFC). Walter's daughter Doreen Martin received the presentation and responded in delightful, entertaining fashion.]
Born in Woodford, Essex, Walter soon moved to Newport when his father James and mother Elizabeth (originally from Cardiff) kept the George Hotel, Maindee.
At Eveswell School, Walter won a scholarship to Newport Intermediate School where he captained the hockey team and the cricket eleven, and played tennis. Winning an exhibition at the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire he did not complete his studies, instead entering the office of a Cardiff firm of accountants. On leaving school, Walter played hockey for Maindee until 1903 whilst taking up rugby football with Newport in 1902, graduating through the ranks until making five first team appearances in 1904-05. Uncertainty of his first XV place was set behind him when his brilliant combination with Tommy Vile became established.
1912 was of great significance, Walter won his first cap for Wales, was named as captain of the club for the 1912-13 season and led his team to defeat the touring Springbok’s. ‘Dromio’ reviewing 1912-13 describes him as “one of the most popular players who ever assisted the team. ... he generally did some great work - some brilliant bit of running, some wonderful bit of covering work in defence, which helped to save or win a game. He showed a remarkable capacity to get to the place where he would be most useful. Many a man was stopped by him after the wing had been rounded, and several of the many tries he scored were the reward of following up a combined attack, (which he had started) and getting into position to take a pass". Making 316 appearances for Newport and 3 for Wales until 1920-21, subsequently he was Football Honorary Secretary and elected to Newport Rugby Selection Committee.
During the World War I, Walter joined the Newport Athletic Club Platoon of the South Wales Borderers. Holding the rank of Company-Sergeant-Major he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for Gallantry. Also known for a good speech and a good song and as a writer of humorous verse and comments. Walter later served Newport Dock Company, and was on the staff of the Great Western Railway as cashier-collector at Newport before his untimely death.
Walter John Martin merits inclusion in the Newport RFC 'Hall of Fame’ for his record of outstanding sportsmanship and the spontaneous popularity he engendered with players and supporters.
Fred Birt 1886-1956
[On the night the presentation was introduced by Mike Dams (Newport RFC Historian) with Fred's great nephew, John Hodgett, making an interesting response.]
At school Fred captained the soccer, swimming, and cricket teams. Acting as ball boy to Arthur Gould during his regular kicking practices on the athletic grounds put him on the road to being one of the greatest goal kickers of the pre-war years. Leaving school he joined the Newport junior association football side, but soon switched to rugby joining the Maindee club playing at outside half. He early proved himself a prolific kicker, with 22 goals in one season, a feat uncommon at that level. As his reputation and career advanced he joined Cwmbran in the Monmouthshire league.
In 1906 he joined Newport RFC seconds as a fullback. Playing for Monmouthshire before making his first team debut against Watsonians, making only one other appearance that season. In 1907-08 he was promoted to the first XV. Fred was regarded one of the finest players to play in the custodian role for Newport before the Great War. His catching, fielding, unerring tackling and kicking, was of the highest order, although many people thought that his great footballing talent could be put to use in the three-quarters. Fate was to play a hand and he was called upon to turn out at centre in the game at Swansea in December 1908. Swansea undefeated and in one of their golden eras were beaten by a Tommy Vile dropped goal to nil at the St Helens ground. Playing a magnificent game he was chosen in the same position against the touring Australians. From 1909 till 1913 Fred was at the zenith of his form, one of the best centres in Wales, and the most prolific goal kicker in the British Isles. Capped by Wales 7 times, his finest hour came against the 1912 Springboks, scoring all nine points in a 9pts to 3 win for the Back & Amber’s. His Newport career total of 787 points was only to be beaten in the 1930’s when the scoring of penalty goals was more frequent.
Elected captain of Newport for 1914-15 season suspended by the outbreak of the war, Fred served in the Royal Monmouthshire Engineers. Post war he was re-elected captain for 1919-20 season, one of the greatest in the clubs' history and played by one of its greatest teams, of the 40 games played only two were lost. Returning to the fullback position Fred retired at the end of the 1920-21 season except for one game at Neath. He also turned out for Frome when on holidays!
A School Attendance Officer Fred spent many hours at Rodney Parade as Committee man and coaching. 1929 saw him awarded a Royal Humane Society award for saving a boy from drowning.
Fred Birt is inducted to the ‘Hall of Fame’ in recognition of his outstanding performances on the field of play for his hometown club.
Ian Ford
Ian was born in Cardiff on 6th June 1929 of English parents. He first played rugby at Bassaleg County School where he was encouraged to play by fellow pupil Malcolm Thomas.
He continued his rugby career at Nottingham University between 1946 and 1949. Known as "Gentle Giant” he joined Newport in 1946 and played in the ‘Extras’ and ‘United’ teams before making his first team debut on Newport’s Devon tour at Torquay on 24th April 1950.
He did not secure a permanent place until the early 1950’s and then went on to become Newport’s record appearance holder when beating Roy Burnett’s record of 373 at Devonport Services on 9th April 1962.
Ian made his 400th appearance at Wasps 9th March 1963 and went on to play 481 games and score 34 tries in a sixteen year career playing in his final game against Leicester at Rodney Parade 23rd April 1966.
He was vice-captain to Brian Jones 1959-60 and played in Newport’s great encounter with South Africa in January1961 and partnered Brian Price in Newport’s famous win against New Zealand in 1963. In the past he has listed both of these games as a proudest moment along with a game against Bristol at the Memorial Ground in December 1964, won by a Newport side, that included no less than 10 reserves, 3 v 25.
Ian was capped by Wales on two occasions, in 1959 in Cardiff against England, a match played in the Cardiff mud in which the Welsh forwards outplayed the English and the report of the great Vivian Jenkins in the Sunday Times included the observation “Ford—a splendid debut’’, and again at Murrayfield against Scotland. He has also represented the Barbarians.
During his playing days he worked as a market gardener on his father's farm in St. Mellon’s Cardiff and emigrated to the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand as Advisory Officer, Department Of Horticulture from 1967-1971. When he returned home he coached and served on the Newport committee.
Ian Reginald Ford is inducted to the Newport RFC ‘Hall of Fame’ for consistent performances of quality throughout a record breaking playing career followed by off-the-field service to the club.
Brian Price
Born in Deri near Bargoed in 1937 Brian studied at St Luke’s College, Exeter representing the college's rugby team and also played for Cardiff College of Education, where he gained a teaching qualification, before teaching in Tredegar and Caldicot.
After leaving education he played briefly for Cross Keys before joining Newport in April 1960 making his debut in April 1960 at Leicester after playing for Newport in midweek at Tredegar in an unofficial game. In early 1961 Price was part of the Newport team who narrowly lost to South Africa. Less than a month later he was selected to play for the Barbarians against South Africa, beating them 6 v 0, their only defeat on tour. Uncapped at the time, his performance for the Barbarians saw him selected to make his debut for Wales against Ireland just a month later.
He attained 32 caps for Wales including Triple Crown wins in 1965 and 1969 and was captain on six occasions in 1969. He toured South Africa in 1964 as vice-captain and New Zealand and Australia in 1969 as captain. He toured with the British Lions to Australia and New Zealand in 1966 playing in all on seventeen occasions including four test matches.
Brian captained Newport in the 1963-64 and 1968-69 seasons, the latter a championship winning season. And most notably captained them in the victory over the 1963 New Zealand All Blacks their only defeat on tour and the greatest win by a club side against a touring side to these shores.
He was part of the 1961-62 championship winning team. He made 262 appearances, scoring 16 tries for Newport in all and played his final game against London Welsh at Rodney Parade exactly nine years to the day of his debut on 7th April 1969. His career also saw him play eight times for Monmouthshire and a total of ten appearances for the Barbarians these games including matches against South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Canada.
Later becoming a journalist and a sports presenter for radio and television he became President of the Former Newport Player’s Association in 2006.
Brian V. Price’s induction to the ‘Hall of Fame’ represents the credit brought to Newport RFC by the high esteem he earned throughout his playing career and subsequently in broadcasting.
Colin Taylor
Born in 1945, a native of Risca previously employed at Howells Steel Stockists Newport, Colin joined Newport RFC in August 1964 as a Clerk and was to serve Rodney Parade for forty years until October 2004. Finishing as Accounts Manager, Colin witnessed good times and bad times, hundreds of clubmen as well as top international players, and many memorable games.
Originally interviewed by then General Secretary, Bill Everson, at his home he then had to endure an interview by the full Newport Athletic Club General Committee. But it was worth it! He has worked under such well-known figures in Newport’s history as Vincent Griffiths, Nick Carter, Doug Ackerman, Campbell Black, Alf Panting and David Watkins.
His career saw huge changes from an Athletic Club with sections ranging through hockey, bowls, rugby, tennis, cricket, archery and badminton through to the recent setup of professional rugby and bowls. Amongst his favoured memories of games are the two cup final victories over Cardiff and Neath and the enormous logistical demands of the games against tourists and the Welsh Lawn Tennis Championships that used to attract the top Wimbledon stars. Of the changes in 2003 Colin takes a pragmatic view that the final solution was probably the best that could be achieved. In more recent times he recalls the Irish supporters singing at a Heineken Cup game against Munster and the defeat of Bath in that competition.
Colin pays tribute to the hundreds of players that he has dealt with in his time at Rodney Parade for their gentlemanly nature; the buzz that was created by Tony Brown, and the signings of such as Gary Teichmann; he remembers Percy Montgomery’s tea making skills!; and the invaluable work of the late Jean Evans in the office. Of current figures at Rodney Parade Colin singles out Stadium Manager Mark Jones and Jim McCreedy for special mention amongst many others. Other names cropping up are Colin Smart, Keith Poole, Shane Howarth, Franco Smith, Rod Snow and Gareth Rees—frankly far too many to mention here. But no-one gets more mention than his wife Carol and sons who throughout his career had to put up with endless hours of unpaid extra time put in at Rodney Parade and to whom the club should be equally grateful.
Upon completing his forty years Colin was presented with a treasured inscribed glass bowl and given the unique privilege of being made an Honorary Life Member of both Newport RFC and Newport Gwent Dragons.
Colin Taylor is inducted to the ‘Hall of Fame’ for his outstanding service to rugby and other sports at Rodney Parade over forty years and as representative of the essential service of all non-playing servants of the Club.
Colin Smart
[On the night the award was collected by family member Robert Beale, Director of Rugby Newport Gwent Dragons]
Born in Highbury, north London on 5th March 1950 Colin was educated at The Skinners school, Tonbridge Wells. His first club was Tonbridge Wells and he represented Kent at the age of 19.
He joined Newport RFC whilst attending Cardiff College of Education and made his debut against Penarth on 1st September 1973 at Rodney Parade.
A school teacher at Hartridge High School, Newport, in all he played 306 games for the club scoring 12 tries and 48 points in total.
Colin played for Wales students, captaining them, and also played for the British students, but declined the chance to represent his adopted country to play for the land of his birth after being selected for the squad to face New Zealand in 1974. Getting noticed increasingly, Colin played for London Counties against Australia in 1975.
He played for England under 23’s and made his full England debut against France at Twickenham in 1979, one year later he was part of an England grand slam season. He toured the Far East with England in 1979 and was a member of the England touring party to Argentina in 1981.
In total he played for England 17 times to make him Newport’s most capped Englishman. His last cap was at Lansdowne road in 1983.
Captain of Newport in 1975-76, he led a season in which Newport RFC re-established themselves as a top rugby club worthy of their history, finishing as runners-up in the Unofficial Welsh Championship but winning the Welsh Merit Table and Anglo-Welsh Merit Table. Colin again captained Newport for 1982-83.
Perhaps Newport supporters’ most cherished memory of Colin’s captaincy is him lifting the Welsh Cup at the National Stadium in 1977, during David Burcher's absence because of the impending British Lions tour, when memorably defeating Cardiff. The Times report of the game starting “So steadfast and sure was the control exerted by Newport’s front eight on this sunlit Welsh Cup final, that it would have needed some of Cardiff's traditional behind-the- scrum magic to round off their centenary year with the greatest prize of all”. The South Wales Argus observing “Colin Smart’s leadership was magnificent and he got the performance out of his pack that was essential for that particular game”.
Colin made his final appearance for Newport at Pontypool in 1983.
Colin Edwin Smart enters the ‘Hall of Fame’ for his quality of leadership in captaining Newport back to the top table of rugby in Wales and his prowess on the international field.
Glenn Maxwell George
Born in Newport on 30th September 1964 Glenn was educated at Lliswerry High School Newport. Playing for Wales Under 15’s and Under 16’s he went on to play for Pontypool United youth and was awarded a Welsh youth cap in 1983.
He joined Newport in 1984 and made his debut in Newport RFC’s record 96 v 0 victory over Penarth in October of that year, scoring two tries. Glenn gave great service to the Newport club captaining them on no less than five consecutive seasons 1988-89 to 1992-93.
Recognised by supporters as a wholehearted flanker the club will be forever grateful for his leadership in 1990-91 in the inaugural season of the Heineken League during which Newport secured the First Division title, and promotion back to the Premier League and the top table of Welsh club rugby.
After consistently good performances for Newport he captained Wales B, subsequently making his full international debut alongside fellow Newport back-rower Alun Carter against England in 1991 and was awarded his second cap that season against Scotland.
He made 294 appearances and played his final game at St Helen’s against Swansea in October 1993. In his book “Seeing Red” Alun Carter wrote of his playing with Glenn “As flankers and as personalities, Glenn and I were opposite and complementary. While I could blow hot and cold, he was Mr. Consistent and never seemed to have a bad game. While I often played with emotion, he offered stability, an even keel”.
Glenn also played for the Barbarians, Crawshay’s XV, Public School Wanderers and Monmouthshire.
After leaving Newport he played for and coached Rumney (Cardiff) and Fleur de Lys.
Glenn has worked for the Royal Mail for over 30 years.
Glenn Maxwell George’s induction in the Newport RFC ‘Hall of Fame’ recognises his importance in leading Newport back to the top division of club rugby in Wales and his consistency of form throughout his playing career.
Shane Paul Howarth
Born in Auckland, New Zealand in 1968 Shane was educated at Auckland Grammar School and St Peter's College, Auckland. He played for the Auckland Marist club and Auckland. He made his All Black debut against South Africa in 1994 and played in three tests in the series. In all Shane gained four caps and scored 54 points for New Zealand.
In 1996 he switched to rugby league, signing with the North Queensland Cowboys in Australia. He played twelve games for the club and scored forty nine points, including three field goals. Thereafter he returned to rugby union, playing three games for the Auckland Blues during the 1997 Super 12 season. Howarth also played for the New Zealand Maoris against Fiji twice and against Tonga.
Moving to England to play for Sale RFC at outside-half he was chosen to play for Wales under Graham Henry. Moving to Newport RFC in November 1999 as a key international component of the Tony Brown “revolution” he stayed until 2003 making his final appearance against Ebbw Vale at Rodney Parade on 17th May 2003. In all Shane made 108 appearances for Newport RFC and scored 1,035 points consisting of 18 tries, 165 conversions and 11 drop goals and helped the Black & Ambers win the WRU Principality Cup in 2001.
An outside-half or full-back, he was a prolific goal-kicker and a fast elusive runner. He scored 23 points for Wales including a try in the famous 32 v 31 win against England in 1999 played at Wembley whilst the Millennium Stadium was under construction in Cardiff.
For Wales he made 19 appearances in all between 1998 and 2000 scoring 23 points. Upon leaving Newport he returned to New Zealand and commenced a coaching career that has included appointments with Auckland, Pacific Islanders, and New Zealand and now London Wasps.
Shane Paul Howarth merits inclusion in the Newport ‘Hall of Fame’ for his contribution to the reinvigoration and raised profile of Newport RFC and his outstanding contribution on the field of play.
Mark Workman
Mark was born in Machen on 26th July 1973 and educated at Bedwas School. He made his debut for Newport RFC against London Welsh in 1993. From 1992-93 to 1999-2000 he made 150 appearances for the first XV, scored 25 tries, and was awarded the Arthur Boucher Award in 1994- 95. Continuing his career with Caerphilly RFC from July 2000 he returned to Rodney Parade for the 2005-06 season.
Mark’s 150th appearance in Black & Amber came in South Africa against Natal Sharks in June 2000, his 200th appearance in 2007 against Ebbw Vale and his 250th in the Cup against Bridgend in 2009. After announcing his retirement from playing Mark made his 287th appearance for Newport RFC against Swansea at St. Helens in 2010.
Capped by Wales at Youth and Under 21 levels Mark also played for Wales A. His club career includes playing for his “hometown” team Machen RFC.
Ever popular at Rodney Parade and a familiar visitor since his playing retirement a resume of his time “on Parade” cannot be bettered than in his own words as posted as a thank you on 'Talk Newport’ the message board forum run by the Friends of Newport Rugby Trust:-
“I am very proud of my association with Newport RFC and sad that I won’t be pulling the Black & Amber Jersey on again. During my time at Rodney Parade I have played with some fantastic players. Early days there was Muddy, Moseley, Goodey, Gareth Rees then came Goughie, Voyley, Snowy followed by Howarth and Teichmann and latterly Dai Patts, Pooley and Hilly to name a few.”
“I’ve worked under some great coaches, Roger Powell who signed me from Machen. The one and only Junna who had a massive influence on me, Steve Fenwick, Pierre Villepreux, Allan Lewis, then Dai Rees, Hembrow and Sven all with different qualities and ideas.” "I played in the first ever professional Newport v Aberavon in 96 I think, but feel I have had the best of both worlds experiencing the old traditional rugby environment and today’s professional era.(I think preferring the former)”
Mark continues to serve Newport Rugby as a Committee member.
Mark Workman merits his place in the 'Hall of Fame' for his consistent performances and outstanding commitment to Newport RFC both on and off the field throughout a period of great change in Welsh rugby.
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