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For much of 2000’s present incumbents Sean Williams with 314 Apps and Ben Howe 152 Apps have occupied both of the flanker slots. Their contributions were covered in the Captain’s Section of Player Profiles.

David Williams

Position Flanker or No 8, David has been involved at senior level – either playing or as 1^ST XV forwards coach or assistant for 34 years since his first XV debut in season 1986-1987.

He was always a great thinker of the game as well as a tenacious forward and has kept abreast of developments in the game throughout that time. His experience shines through during games when his eagle eye and brain can quickly assess how Ath players are performing and remedy any shortcomings during a game situation.

David is among a select band of 15 players to be awarded Athletic caps and at the POY Presentation Ceremony in 2015 was awarded Club Person of the year as well as the ultimate Athletic honour of becoming a well-deserved Life Member of BARFC.

Chris Whitcombe

Position Openside Flanker. Played seasons 2003-2004 (maybe missing season 2001-2003) until season 2010-2011.

Like current club captain Ben Howe though lacking stature he was very quick around the field and an excellent defender. Extremely popular off the field, where he and our current oldest supporter Glan Hitchings would enjoy friendly clubhouse banter.

Lloyd Evans

Made his senior debut at openside wing forward season 2010-2011 and made a big impression to win a regional Ospreys contract in 2013. He was POY in his first season.

Lloyd went on to become for 5 seasons part of the Wales 7’s World Circuit, before in 1919 moving to Premiership club Ebbw Vale, before joining Aberavon last season..

Luke Williams

A former youth team captain Luke made a few 1^ST XV appearances before drifting from the game. He made a return in season 2018-2019 but again failed to settle, which is a pity as he has potential as a strong ball carrier. The door remains open.

Will Petchell

Will moved to the Area in 2017 to take up a Veterinary Position and joined the Athletic initially as a flanker.

Will played Age group rugby with Grimsby RFC in Lincolnshire and captained his school team King Edward V1 Grammar School. He went on to captain the University of Nottingham Sutton Bonnington team for two seasons.

Will made a total of 26 Athletic senior appearances (25 for 1st XV) crossing for two tries. His versatility saw him play at lock, flanker or No 8 for the club and he was a determined ball carrier as well as an excellent tackler. His job sometimes on call on a Saturday or working Saturday afternoons curtailed the number of games he could play.

He left following the season being curtailed to take up a new position at Liverpool University.

Joe Grabham

Joe in his first year in the Ath youth side was a part of the side that won the Welsh Youth Cup. The following season he captained the side coached by his father Lee to the Welsh Youth League Championship.

Along with Caine Woolerton Joe was awarded an Ospreys Development contract, playing in the newly formulated Celtic Cup. He has also played for Bridgend Ravens.

Joe captained a Wales Select U19s team scoring a try in a 33-12 victory against Japan High Schools at Taffs Well.

 When available he has played 5 games for the Ath 1^ST XV.