Thursday, 17th April 2014, saw past players, officials and supporters of Newport RFC, gather in the Bisley Suite at Rodney Parade for the third Newport RFC/Friends of Newport Rugby Trust 'Hall of Fame' dinner and presentation. Yet again the stage was set to recognise the contribution of another nine individuals and one special family who had, in often very different ways, made their own important contribution to the story of Newport Rugby Football Club.
Once again the evening was compered by past player Alun Williams, and the evening was honoured again by the attendance of the President of the Welsh Rugby Union, Mr. Dennis Gethin.
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.).
A highlight of the evening was the appointment of Brian Price as Honorary Patron of The Friends of Newport Rugby Trust being welcomed by John Evans, Membership Secretary of the Trust.
There follows the citations for each of 2014'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.
The Phillips Family
Without the Phillips family the history of Newport rugby club may have been quite different.
We need to go back to the market town of Highworth near Swindon in 1825 when a certain Thomas Phillips was born. Around 1856 he founded a Northampton brewery with his brothers, but in 1874 decided to sell his business and move to Newport to take over the smaller Dock Road brewery. By 1875 he had established the Phillips Wine & Spirit Vaults at the Star Hotel in Dock Street and by 1881 the family was resident at Palmyra House, Palmyra Place. Why Thomas decided to move to Newport is a bit of a mystery with family connections with the town a possibility.
His sons William and Walter Clifford had played rugby football and brought with them a rugby ball and Thomas Phillips was instrumental in setting up a meeting at the Dock Road brewery in September 1874 where it was decided to form a town football team. The original intention was to play “association” football but fixtures proved difficult and so it was decided to play rugby. This resulted in Newport’s first ever match on April 5th 1875 at Cardiff Arms Park against the Glamorgan Club. The match ended in a draw, the Newport team including William and captained by Walter Clifford.
…and so our great club was formed. William went on to captain Newport for five seasons until 1882 as one of the most successful captains ever with two unbeaten seasons in 1877-78 and 1878-79!
Subsequently many of the Phillips family played active roles in Newport rugby and athletic club including sons Edward, Fred, Mark and Owen. Many of their children also went on to play active roles.
Not only did the Phillips family play a significant part in the early days of the Newport rugby, cricket and athletic club. They also developed a considerable business in the town and many gave great service to Newport. Now Lt. Col., Walter Clifford Phillips became Mayor of Newport in 1903-04 and his brother Fred was Mayor in 1906-07. It would be unfair to pick out for special mention a single member of the family and so we have no hesitation for the first time in inducting a family into the Hall of Fame.
The Phillips Family is inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ for their formative initiative and cumulative activity in establishing and supporting Newport Rugby Football Club and their wider civic contribution to Newport.
Roy Burnett 1926 - 1998
Born 1926 in Abercarn, Roy attended Abercarn School and played for Abercarn youth. He then played for the Army during National Service in India and Burma, and captained the 2nd Battalion Welch Regiment.
Roy made his debut for Newport against Newbridge on 12th March 1945. He went on to play 373 times for the club scoring 91 tries, 6 conversions and 35 drop goals. He passed George Boots’ club record of 365 at Plymouth Albion in April 1959. Captaining the club in 1952-53 he had led the side in Ken Jones’ absence during the 1950-51 season.
Roy played for Newport against South Africa in 1952, New Zealand in 1954, and in the victorious Newport team against Australia in 1957.
During his Newport career Roy Burnett was undoubtedly the star attraction that brought thousands through the gates of Rodney Parade and many away grounds during one of Newport’s ‘Golden Eras’ of the nineteen fifties. Sometimes nicknamed ‘The Ginger Terror’ or ‘The Man With The Twinkling Toes’.
He was unlucky to only win one cap for Wales; playing during the same era of the great Cliff Morgan he got his only cap against England at Cardiff in 1953.
During his career he played for Monmouthshire, Crawshay’s and the Barbarians whilst staying loyal to Newport RFC for twelve seasons. Roy was also a good cricketer. He turned down an offer of £3,000 to join Huddersfield rugby league club to stay loyal to his club which he also served after his playing days on the committee. The end of his playing days being ceremoniously commemorated by a traditional casting of his boots into the River Usk!
Roy Burnett passed away in 1998.
Roy Burnett is inducted to the ‘Hall of Fame’ as an exemplar of club loyalty throughout a long distinguished playing career that inspired his fellow players and rugby supporters alike.
Gareth Lloyd Evans
Newport High School educated Gareth Evans was born in Newport in November 1952. He started his rugby career at Newport H.S.O.B. before joining Cross Keys where he made 104 appearances. His Newport RFC debut came at Leicester on 8th February 1975 scoring a try in a 10 v 6 Newport victory. Gareth captained the club in the 1979-80 season and made 232 appearances scoring 90 tries, one conversion and 4 drop goals. He made his 200th appearance at Blackheath in October 1981.
Gareth was capped by Wales on three occasions coming on as a replacement in Paris against France in 1977. Started the game against France in Cardiff the following year and played in one test on Wales’ 1978 tour of Australia. France in Cardiff in 1978 was to eclipse anything in his career. In the South Wales Echo in 2005 Gareth recalled the game "It was definitely the biggest game of my career," "It is one game I remember of being aware of the crowd. They were just so noisy and were definitely worth a couple of extra points.”
Selected for the British Isles 1977 tour of New Zealand he was forced to sit out Newport’s Welsh cup final success in 1977. He made 19 appearances on the tour playing in three tests and scoring seven tries, also playing for the Lions against Fiji at Suva on the touring party’s return journey, and had the distinction of playing for the British Lions against the Barbarians at Twickenham in the Queens Silver Jubilee match in September 1977. In 2009 the Daily Mail listed their top 30 British Lions of all time: Gareth came in at No. 27 as “Played on the wing three times in Tests against New Zealand in 1977. Despite it being a losing series Evans did enough damage to earn his spot in this list of legends.”
At the start of the 1982-83 season he joined Cardiff only playing in six matches, one of which was against the New Zealand Maoris. A serious injury forced him to retire and eight years later he jointly coached Newport with Nev Johnson in their promotion winning team of 1990-91.
During his career he also represented Clifton, East Wales, Monmouthshire, Barbarians and played for a World Invitation XV against France in Paris in October 1977.
Gareth Lloyd Evans is inducted to the Newport RFC ‘Hall of Fame’ for his richly entertaining and successful career in the colours of Newport, Wales and the British Isles and his subsequent contribution as a coach.
Geoff Evans
Geoff was born at Pentwynmawr near Newbridge in 1949 and first played for Newbridge prior to joining Newport .
He made his debut against Leicester at Rodney Parade on 2nd September 1970. Captaining Newport for five seasons 1972-73, 1973-74, the Centenary season of 1974-75, 1978-79 and 1980-1 equalled William Phillips’ near hundred year old record of captaining the club on five occasions between 1877-78 and 1881-82. In all, he played 313 times and scored 55 tries for the club.
Amongst his games Geoff captained Newport against New Zealand in 1973 losing by just five points, defeating Tonga in 1974 (14 v 6) and also against New Zealand again in 1980.
His recorded proudest moments were leading Newport on tour of South Africa in 1972-73 and the two matches against the ‘All Blacks’.
In the match programme for Newport v Cardiff Harlequins in February 1993 under the series “Moments of Rugby Pride”, written by Willis Huntley, Geoff was referred to as “rated one of the most popular captains that Newport have ever had.” “But it was not only as a leader that he proved an outstanding personality in Welsh and English rugby. He was highly respected for his sportsmanship, particularly when things were not going well for his team, and, of course, his playing ability; qualities which prompted the Barbarians to call upon his services.”
Throughout his career Geoff also played for Welsh Youth, East Wales, Monmouthshire, Gwent and, as referred to above, the Barbarians. He was in the victorious Gwent side that defeated the 1969-70 Springboks at Ebbw Vale. He played for Monmouthshire U25 against Canada in September 1971, scoring a try.
When he gave up playing, Geoff continued to give Newport unstinting service. He filled a number of administrative offices, including as Newport rugby club's honorary treasurer.
Geoff Evans is inducted to the Newport RFC ‘Hall of Fame’ in recognition of his sterling qualities of leadership and sportsmanship throughout his career with Newport RFC.
Brian James Jones
Born in Cwmcarn in 1935, Brian Jones attended Pontywaun Grammar School. He played for Cwmcarn United, Abercarn and also for Newbridge and Cross Keys. During National Service in the Royal Marines he played for Royal Navy, Devonport Services, and the Combined Services.
Brian made his debut at Rodney Parade against the Harlequins on 19th December 1953. In only his sixth start for the club he faced New Zealand in January 1954 aged eighteen. He captained Newport in the 1959-60 and 1960-61 seasons he played in a total of 330 games and scored 101 tries, including 5 v Devonport Services in1960, 61 conversions, 33 penalty goals and 14 drop goals. He left for Tredegar in 1964-65 where he proved himself a popular player, but returned to Rodney Parade in 1966-67.
During his playing days he achieved the unique distinction of becoming only the second Welsh player to defeat all of the three major touring sides on Welsh soil. Equalling Percy Bush’s feat he was in the victorious Newport team against Australia in 1957, for the Barbarians against Avril Malan’s Springboks in 1961 and for Newport in the clubs finest hour against New Zealand in 1963.
In 1967-68 he became coach with Ian McJennett leading Newport to the 1968-69 Welsh Championship and the second victory for the club against South Africa in 1969. He played an instrumental part in bringing in the squad system to Welsh Rugby. Brian was capped for Wales in 1960 against Ireland and France. He played for the Barbarians (being the only uncapped player in South Africa in 1958), Monmouthshire and Crawshay’s.
‘B.J.’ or ’Mr. Newport’ served for many years on the Newport committee becoming Chairman in the centenary season of 1974-75 and for five years during the 1980’s. He was vice-president of Crawshay’s and secretary of the Snelling Sevens tournament.
Brian James Jones enters the ‘Hall of Fame’ for both his rugby playing prowess and the unparalleled combination of service to Newport RFC on and off the field.
Roger Powell
Born in Blaenavon on St David’s day in 1957 Roger Powell played for Blaenavon Forgeside and Welsh youth before joining Newport in 1976-77.
In total he played 341 times for Newport throughout which he scored 44 tries. Roger made his 200th appearance at Cardiff on October 6th 1984 and his 250th appearance in April 1986 in the Cup Final against Cardiff, followed by a 300th appearance against the Barbarians 1988.
He played for Newport against New Zealand in 1980 and the Fijians in 1985 and in the 1986 Cup Final versus Cardiff.
Roger also represented Monmouthshire against New Zealand Moaris at Rodney Parade in 1982.
Roger’s consistent style of play and standard of performance is summed up in Alan Roderick’s ‘Newport Rugby Greats’ published in 1995 in words that cannot be bettered: “On a Wednesday night at the Park, one image stands out: Roger Powell standing off the back of the scrum, waiting to repel the coming Pontypool attack as a good wing forward should. As a player, Roger was brave and courageous. Fearless to a fault, he would go down on the ball in situations where other flankers would fear to lay their heads. Not for him, the glory hunting of other, less committed back row men.”
He was a Newport Coach during the 1990-91 season. He later coached Aberavon, Newbridge and Llanharan in 1990’s.
Roger Powell enters the ‘Hall of Fame’ for his exemplary indomitable courage and reliability, in a position on the field demanding of both qualities, throughout a commendably long playing career with Newport RFC.
Charles Meyrick Pritchard 1882-1916
Born in Newport in September 1882. He was educated at Newport Intermediate School, and Long Ashton School, Bristol. Charles joined Newport in the 1901-02 season making his debut at Swansea in January 1902. He kept his place in the team virtually until his retirement in April 1911. Captaining the club over three seasons between 1906 -1907 and 1908 -1909, he also took over the captaincy early in the season of 1905-1906. In total he made 217 appearances, and scored 21 tries during his Newport career.
Although only standing five feet and eleven inches and weighing thirteen stone six pounds, ‘Charlie’ had the strength of a giant and the heart of a lion. His International career for Wales started as a third reserve for the game in Belfast against Ireland in 1904. His finest hour came against the all conquering All Blacks in 1905 at Cardiff where he was the star of the pack in a 3 v 0 victory. ‘Charlie’s’ final appearance came at Twickenham in 1910. The next game against Scotland in Cardiff he withdrew to give his fellow Newport player Ernie Jenkins a cap. He made 14 appearances for Wales scoring one try.
When war broke out in August 1914, Charlie was one of the early ones to volunteer, joining the 12th Battalion, South Wales Borderers. One month into the Battle of the Somme, now holding the rank of Captain, on the night of 12th- 13th August 1916 he led a raiding party into German trenches with the object of securing prisoners. Entering the enemy trenches at the head of his party, he was almost immediately wounded, but nevertheless continued to direct and encourage his men. He himself took one of the enemy prisoners, and forced him to climb over the parapet. Following directly behind the prisoner he was wounded in the thigh. He handed the prisoner over to one of his officers, and was carried back in exhaustion. His last recorded words were “Have they got the Hun?” yes was the reply, “Well I have done my bit”. He died the following day and is buried in Chocques Military Cemetery.
Charles Meyrick Pritchard’s induction in the Newport RFC ‘Hall of Fame’ recognises the honour brought to the club by his leadership and unsurpassed bravery on both the field of play and the field of conflict.
Alan Robert Francis Thomas
‘Algy’ Thomas was born at Beckenham, Kent. He attended Alexander School, Beckenham and later Pontlottyn and Bargoed Grammar Schools.
He was evacuated in from London in 1941 to Fochriw near Merthyr Tydfil.
He began his playing career at Tredegar before moving to Pontypool.
Thomas made his Newport debut alongside David Watkins and Dennis Perrott against Penarth at Rodney Parade on 2nd September 1961. He appeared in all 44 games that season and went on to make 213 appearances and score 42 tries.
His greatest day came against Wilson Whineray’s fifth All Blacks in October 1963. ‘Algy’ playing at openside but wearing the number six jersey made one of the most famous tackles in Newport’s long history – in the dying moments of the game with Newport hanging on to their 3 v 0 lead and New Zealand pressing in Newport’s ‘22’ the All Black wing R.L. Davis seemed certain to get in at the corner and level the scores but was denied by a tremendous last ditch tackle by Thomas. As soon as Davis was knocked into touch the game ended and Thomas and his team mates entered into the history books.
He won two caps for Wales against New Zealand in 1963 where he was concussed early in the game and against England at Twickenham in 1964 in a 6 v 6 draw.
Breaking his leg at Blackheath in February 1967 he joined Neath for a season in September 1967 before returning to captain Tredegar. Alan also played for Western Counties, Wales U23, Crawshay’s XV and the Barbarians. In 1980-81 Alan was part of the Newport coaching team and also coached Newport Saracens.
Alan Robert Francis Thomas is inducted to the ‘Hall of Fame’ as representative of many wholehearted players who brought honours and respect to Newport RFC.
John Richard Uzzell
‘Dick’ Uzzell hails from Deri, Bargoed. He attended Bargoed Grammar School and played rugby for Welsh Schools. Before joining Newport he played for Cross Keys.
Made his Newport RFC debut at Newbridge on 4th September 1961 and played at Rodney Parade through to the 1966-67 season. ‘Dick’ made a total of 108 appearances for the club scoring 22 tries and 4 drop goals. A student at St Luke’s, Exeter, ’Dick’s’ early Newport career was curtailed to holiday times only.
It was when still a student at St. Luke’s that one of his four drop goals was to enshrine his place in the history of the Newport club. On a damp Wednesday afternoon in October 1963 his dropped kick was the only score of a famous victory over New Zealand. Commemorated in Alan Roderick’s 1995 book ‘Newport Rugby Greats’ as follows: “Newport had a team of all the talents out that day, including that supreme artist—will o’ the wisp fly half David Watkins—but it was John Uzzell’s boot which launched that never to be forgotten dropped goal which sank Wilson Whineray’s touring All Blacks 3—0 and earned the man from Bargoed his own, very special place in the Black and Ambers’ ‘Hall of Fame’.”
He was selected for Wales against the 1963 All Blacks (being presented with his cap after the game by Wilson Whineray) and the whole of the 1965 ‘Triple Crown’ winning Championship against England, Scotland, Ireland and France.
In January 1967 he joined Cardiff playing for seven seasons making 54 appearances.
John Richard Uzzell enters the ‘Hall of Fame’ for providing one of the single most memorable moments in the long history of rugby at Rodney Parade by successfully completing a drop goal that secured the only defeat of the touring New Zealanders on their six country tour of 1963-64.
Stuart John Watkins
Newport born Stuart attended Caerleon Secondary Modern School.
Originally playing for Cross Keys, where he played 137 times and scored 71 tries, he built a reputation as a strong running wing which led to a Welsh trial.
During his career at Newport he scored hat-tricks on seven occasions, four tries against Llanelli in 1965 and five tries in a game against Penarth in 1967. In the 1967-68 season he set a club record with fellow wing Peter Rees scoring 48 tries between them. In all Stuart played 162 times and scored 115 tries between his debut in 1961 and his final season in 1968-69. Notably he played in the historic victory over the 1963 All Blacks, providing the cross kick that set up the eventual match winning drop kick by John Uzzell. He also played in the 1966 draw with Australia. In 1970 Stuart joined Cardiff where he made 34 appearances, scored 17 tries and gained to more Welsh caps.
Turning to his outstanding Wales career he played on 26 occasions between 1964 and 1970. The WRU’s official history “Fields of Praise” by David Smith and Gareth Williams records “… from 1964, the pulsating runs of Newport’s statuesque Stuart Watkins—none more pulsating than his 1966 match and championship-winning eighty-yard race down the right hand touch-line to the Taff end after intercepting a French three-quarter movement inside his own 25.” Later described as “a thundering interception” enabling Wales to squeeze home 9pts. to 8.
Such performances could not be ignored and 1966 saw selection for the British Isles tour of Australia and New Zealand where he played in three tests. He also toured South Africa in 1964, and Australia in 1969 with Wales.
During his career he also played for Crawshay’s XV and the Barbarians.
Later in 1989 he was to become Newport’s first ever team manager.
Stuart John Watkins is inducted to the ‘Hall of Fame’ in recognition of his outstanding performances for Newport RFC, Wales and the British Isles including memorable individual contributions in historic victories for both Newport and Wales.
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