News

Our most famous No 9 to come through M&J, Youth & played in a few Ath senior games while still in youth is of course British Lion & Wales scrum half Rhys Webb.

Rhys has always promoted the Athletic in interviews and willingness to present awards at both Age Group and Senior rugby, and when time permits assists coaching age group his son plays in.

He has presented the club with one of his Welsh jerseys and a British Lions jersey at a club function in his honour. Presented with an honorary BARFC Cap.

Tom Habberfield is another scrum half to leave the Ath youth and carve out a successful career with the Ospreys and now Cardiff. He played in the double winning Welsh Youth Cup and League Finals 2008-2009 and Welsh League Cup 2009-2010.

Tom has also been supportive of the Athletic at Events.

John Doherty

Made 1^ST XV debut back in 1992 and last complete season in 1^ST XV 2006-2007 fifteen seasons later. John who played through seasons 2001-2003 when unfortunately, no stats were recorded would almost certainly now see him in the rare 300 Ath Apps Club.

John’s 205 1^st XV Apps is the 11^th highest recorded and his 36 1^ST XV tries the 18^th highest recorded.

Long term half back partner of Stuart Morris which saw the clubs climb 5 divisions. John was a great passer and tactical kicker. He was always awake to openings and trying to speed up play with tap penalties.

Winner of many MOM and POY awards and one of 15 Ath players awarded a club cap.

Aled Thomas

Current long-term 1^ST XV incumbent at scrum half.

Aled won 3 Boys Clubs of Wales U16 Caps, being awarded MOM against Belgium Colts at the Heisel Stadium while alongside Ben Howe at Pencoed Juniors.

 Aled and Ben both joined the Athletic Youth in season 2008-2009. the most successful year in the history of the Ath Youth. The undefeated side winning a Welsh League and Cup double at the Millenium Stadium.

Aled made his 1^ST XV debut season 2009-2010. He is very lively scrum half with a good left foot always looking to get the Ath on the front foot with quickly taken tap penalties. His versatility has seen his great clubman qualities by being prepared to play any position in the back division if the need arises. He is a winner of the Daryl Dyke Memorial Award.

Aled’s 152 1^st XV Apps is the 12^th highest recorded and his 29 1^st XV tries is the 29 th highest recorded.

 Aled has been a regular Glamorgan County player making 12 County appearances and awarded a County Cap. He is also a Glamorgan County Silver Ball Cup winner – unfortunately not with the Athletic – playing on permit for Nantyfyllon who defeated Ystalyfera.

Stuart Kenny

1^st XV debut season 2005-2006 and last 1^ST XV App season 2011-2012, alternating in latter seasons between 1^ST XV and 2^nd XV.

A lively scrum half looking to get quick ball to outside half and always alert to any opening for a break.

Now coaching Junior section of club where his son plays.

Jakob Williams

Jakob played a few seasons with the Athletic while the team were in the Championship.

A tall and strong and very combative scrum half Jakob is quite a handful for any opposition.

He is currently with Championship side Maesteg Quins but did play some games for the Athletic in Div 1 East Central on permit during season 2018-2019. Unfortunately, a serious leg injury playing Sevens after the completion of season 2018-2019 saw him miss the 2019-2020 truncated season.

Dan James

Dan was part of the recent Youth side under head coach Lee Grabham that won the Welsh Youth Cup and the following season the Welsh National League play offs.

While still in youth scored a try on his 1^ST XV debut away at Bargoed. This set the tone for 21 tries in 53 Athletic games. Although small in statue he is very quick and has played several games on the wing for the Athletic.

In recent seasons Dan was dual registered with Bridgend Ravens and last played for the Athletic in January before joining Championship side Glamorgan Wanderers.

Matthew Hobby

Matthew a former Youth captain played his first season of senior rugby in the last shortened season.

Although mostly in the 2^nd XV when given a chance in the 1^ST XV whether in his favoured scrum half role or as an emergency wing he showed he has the potential to mount a challenge for a 1^ST XV starting spot. He has a good pass and is intelligent in his link play.