News

Rhodri Jones covered in Captain’s section of Player Profiles.

With Wayne Fooks mostly tying up the tight head side of the scrum the past 20 years a succession of tight head props has accompanied him.

Present incumbents alongside Wayne are Matthew Muir & Matthew Norman, while youngsters Morgan Clemett, Callum Swinford & Matthew Greenman are also looking to stake a claim.

Wayne Fooks

The pandemic prevented Wayne reaching 400 recorded Appearances last season. (though with no stats 2001-2003 he has passed that mark.)

Having played in most of the club age group teams, Wayne played youth before 22 seasons ago in 1998 he made his first senior appearance.

 He has seen the club progress from the old Division 5 through to the Championship and currently playing in Division 1 West Central, holding off the challenge of many club props of far greater stature than him. Not many opposing props either have out scrummaged Wayne. Remarkably he came back from a double ankle and broken leg in a Championship game at Narbeth four seasons ago.

Wayne is an extremely popular player and person with everybody associated with club to which he has given so much. This was duly recognised when he was once awarded Clubman of the Year. He is also among a handful of 15 players awarded an Athletic Cap.

Wayne coached the Mini & Juniors tracking his son Brandyn who now just completed his final season with the Athletic Youth. It was a proud day for Wayne when he played alongside Brandyn in a 2^nd XV game at Kenfig Hill. Hopefully, there will still be a “Fooks” representing the Ath for the next 20 years – maybe even Wayne!!!

Matthew Muir

Matthew joined the club seven seasons ago from Beddau when the club were in the Championship and along with Wayne and Matthew Norman have formed a trio that can punch above their weight in scrums.

He has also developed into a useful ball carrier and strong defensive tackler.

His commitment to the Athletic has seen him over those seven seasons commute an estimated 13,00 miles for training and match days. This was recognised with him being awarded the Daryl Dyke Memorial Award at last season’s POY Presentation Evening.

Just before the pandemic his work took him to Plymouth – we will have to see if he can continue his rugby with the Athletic.

Matthew Norman

Matthew played alongside Rhys Webb and current 1^ST XV players Ben Howe, Nathan Holman & Aled Thomas in the 2006-2007 Welsh Youth Cup Winning side.

He went straight from youth into the 1^ST XV until 2014-2015 season when he joined Swansea returning end of season 2016-2017.

Now part of n excellent experience front row alongside Wayne and Matthew Muir.

Matthew was Nathaniel Car Sales Player of Month of November before an injury cut short his season. He has represented both the Welsh and British Fire Brigade Service teams.

Matthew currently assisting coaching last season’s M&J U7’s where his son plays.

Adrian Kelly

Debut for 1^st XV season 1990-91. Played mixture of 1sts & 2nds until 200-2001. No stats 2001-2003. From 20003-2010 played 2^nd team rugby. Was awarded a Club Cap for commitment over 20 years in the front row – giving equal commitment to whatever side he played for.

Though like Wayne relatively light for a prop made up with technique and a never say die attitude on the field.

Carle Gregory

Played prop seasons 2003-2009 for the Ath.

A regular choice and very tough front row forward – also good ball carrier and loose forward.

Left to play for his hometown side Nantymoel and is pictured playing against the Ath in a Cup Tie season 2016-2017.

Andrew Brown

Andrew played throughout 2003-2004 for the 2^nd XV alongside current Ath Player Team Manager Liam Griffiths, before being part of the 1^ST XV that gained promotion from the old Division 2 West to Division 1 West of the Swalec Leagues. During those seasons Andrew played with the likes of Simon Mustoe, Robert Coles, Stuart Morris, Gareth Bartlett, Carle Ellis, Lee Grabham, Ian Hemburrow, Tom Hearne, Grufydd Davies and still current 1^St XV stalwarts Wayne Fooks & Jonathon Stoker.

Andrew although semi-retired has always been willing to assist the club with front row emergencies.

He started with the Ath at U14 Age Group level and played for the Boys Club of Wales U16 team, before playing his Youth team rugby with the Ath and progressing to the senior sides.

In his prime Andrew was also asked to play a game for Llanelli against Llandovery in the Swalec Cup.

Lewis Davies

Lewis Davies son of former Chairman Mark Davies is one of 3 brothers to play with distinction for the Ath. The others centre Hywel and wing Rhodri will be covered later in profiles.

He played in the Webb Ellis cup and league winning team of 2009. The following 3 years at Uni in Bristol training as a Sports Therapist. Had a couple of full seasons but then did teacher training resulting in taking a step back from playing.

Played in 1^ST XV seasons 2015-2017. A mobile prop who crossed for 10 tries.

Jeff Bartle

Made 1^st XV debut 1999 and played mix 1^St & 2^nd XV rugby until season 2010-2011.

Punched above his weight in scrums and a committed player around the field. He and Wayne Fooks were props in BARFC Silver Ball Final v British Steel season 2001-2002.

Rhodri Apsee

Son of former Ath and Ravens player Simon and part of our longest sponsors J.H.Apsee & Sons Removal & Storage company.

Rhodri played 3 seasons 2012 – 2015 in the Championship with the Ath before becoming a regular prop for Bridgend Ravens. He has played the odd permit game for the Ath in recent seasons.

A strong scrummager and extremely mobile prop Rod won both the Player of the Year and the Daryl Dyke Memorial Award during his time in the Ath front row.

John Naisbitt

Played for the Ath season 2001-2006.

His physique meant the Ath scrum never buckled on his side and his solid scrummaging enabled the half backs to receive ball on the front foot. Played alongside fellow props Wayne Fooks, Andrew Brown, Tom Hearne & Carle Gregory with hookers Peter Barry & Simon Mustoe forming a formidable front row early 2000’s. Others in the pack included locks Chris Williams and Griff Davies, back row Lee Grabham, David Williams, Matthew Hearne & Daryl Dyke.

John has remained loyal to the Athletic sponsoring the club and his company employing many Ath players over the years

Tom Hearne

Very much a have boots will travel player. Following playing all age group rugby with Ath played in first Ath Youth side to reach Welsh Youth Cup final losing to Carmarthen Quins on Millenium Stadium. Capped against Scotland for Wales U18 in 2^nd year of youth. Sacrificed final youth year in 2003-2004 to play in Ath 1^st team. End of that season played 2 x Wales U21 games on tour in Argentina.

Joined Ravens but broke leg against Neath and played 2005-2006 dualled for Ath and Ravens. Played a season for Maesteg then left to play rugby in Sydney and Brisbane.

Finished his career by playing professionally in Basque Region for 1^ST Division side Ordizia.

Morgan Clemett

Morgan was Youth Clubman of Year 2015-2016.

He showed promise in a tough Div 1 East Central forward orientated league before suffering an injury setback. Has shared his playing time since between the 1^ST & 2^nd XV’s and has the potential to claim a 1^ST XV spot with the right application.

A mobile forward with good ball handling skills.