The club was founded in 1884 and has become one of the leading Rhondda Valley and Mid District clubs.[3] The earliest recorded match between Ystrad Rhondda and Pontypridd RFC took place on 24th September 1885, at Ystrad Rhondda, with Pontypridd winning by a goal, a try, and two touches down to nil.[4]
Ystrad Rhondda RFC squad, taken for the 1931-32 season
Willie Llewellyn began his rugby career at Ystrad Rhondda before moving to other clubs.[5] He played for Wales and was part of the team that defeated the All Blacks in 1905.[6]
Modern Era
Mike Griffiths is described as a product of Ystrad Rhondda RFC who returned to coach the club after his playing career.[7] He toured with the British & Irish Lions in 1989.[8]
Another product of the club is Alex Webber, who was on the World Sevens circuit with Wales between 2012-15.[9] After a period with Pontypridd RFC where he made 120 appearances and scored 69 tries,[10] Webber returned to Ystrad as player-coach and has made a significant impact both on and off the field.[11]
Ground
The club plays at Gelligaled Park. First laid out in the 1920s, the space includes playing fields for rugby and cricket, a children's play area, a skatepark and bowling green.[12]
Current squad and structure
The club currently runs a second XV plus two youth teams which attract talent from across the valley. They also have an excellent mini and junior section.[13] The club has junior teams, a youth side and a second XV.[9]
Notable long-serving players include Nathan Hughes, who played 420 times for Ystrad and retired at the end of the 2023-24 season after being with the club since he was 18.[9] Prolific outside-half Rhys Truelove has appeared in excess of 250 times and scored more than 1,000 points for the club.[14][9]
Current squad
[15]Note: Flags indicate national union under World Rugby eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-World Rugby nationality.
↑ "Division One East Central - Ystrad Rhondda RFC". Beddau RFC. Retrieved 13 August 2025. Mike Griffiths, the former Wales and British Lion, is a product of the Club. After retiring from the game he returned to his roots and coached Ystrad through a very successful period in their proud history
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