News

On Nov 8^th Lee Byrne visited Bridgend Athletic RFC, the club where his rugby playing career as an 8-year-old began for a book signing of his Autobiography “The Byrne Identity”. The event was organised by Julie Thomas with assistance from Club Chairman Andrew Tellem and committee persons David Davison and Jannean Obbard.

Lee played all the way through the mini & junior sections of the club, before playing two seasons with the Athletic Youth and finally two seasons with the Athletic 1^st XV before moving on in 2002 to further his rugby ambitions via Tondu, The Scarlets & Ospreys Regions, Clement Auvergne and finally the Dragons Region where a recurring shoulder injury forced his retirement from the game. He made 46 appearances for Wales after being thrown in at the deep end for his first cap against the All Blacks in 2005. By the time his Welsh career finished in 2011 he had scored 50 points for Wales. He also won a place on the 2009 Lions tour to South Africa when he was generally acknowledged as the best fill back in World rugby. Unfortunately, injury on the tour limited his Lions appearances to a single cap.

Lee said “When thinking about my book I had plenty of time to reflect on my very happy playing time both on and off the field with the Athletic and the many players, officials and supporters I am still friendly with today. This I have written about in the book. I am very proud to turn up at the club when time permits at Award ceremonies, Fundraising dinners and social occasions. If my achievements starting off at the Athletic can inspire just one of the current crop of mini & juniors to follow in my footsteps I will be very happy.It was pleasing to see so many youngsters here tonight.” Many young representatives of the different age groups were delighted to be photographed in a group with Lee. The Mini & Juniors continue to thrive, but wish to point out there are vacancies in the U11 age group. Anybody interested contact Lauren on 077142382823

 5 players from Lee’s era Jonathan Stoker, Wayne Fookes, Carl Towzer, Carl Ellis & Gareth Bartlett are still playing for the current Athletic 1^st or 2^nd XV’s. Lee’s Athletic outside half Stuart Morris who Lee mentions in his book as being involved in many of his 22 Athletic tries in 51 1^st team Athletic appearances currently coaches the 1^st XV.

On the night Athletic Club Chairman Andrew Tellem, Lee’s uncle who also played at Ath with Lee, presented Lee with an Athletic cap. This Award is normally reserved for 300 appearances at senior and youth level. However, as was the case with fellow Lion Rhys Webb it was decided that achieving Lion’s recognition when both started as 8-year olds and played through the Athletic mini &juniors ranks, then youth and some senior appearances, they had brought great distinction not only to themselves but also to BARFC to merit the award.

As a thank you gesture to the club for arranging and helping promote and sell his book Lee agreed to sponsor the next home fixture against Resolven at the Morganstone Brewery Field on Friday 17^th November k.o 7.15pm. He said he is delighted in general with the interest shown in his book which is now on its third print.