News

Lee Grabham already covered in Club Captains Profiles.

Grufydd Davies

As well as No 8 Grufydd played at both lock and flanker. Senior debut season 1998-99. Moved away to Reading early 2000’s but still on occasions turned out for the Athletic on home visits. Returned to Bridgend in season 2009-2010 and one of first names on team sheet until retiring at end of season 2016-2017 when he led the team out with his two daughters in hi9s final game against Trebanos.

A vital member of our team during its 4 Championship seasons. Enjoyed many local derby battles with his brother Hywel Captain of Tondu.

As well as MOM and POY Awards Gruf awarded the Daryl Dyke Memorial Award and one of only 15 players to receive an Athletic Cap.

Dan Apsee

Dan the son of Ath Head Coach John played flanker and lock as well as No 8. Made senior debut season 2005-2006. Joined Raven before returning and playing key role in our Championship seasons. Won many Mom and awards at POY Presentation Evenings.

A good line out forward with excellent ball handling skills. Last few seasons has moved to Glamorgan Wanderers, but still plays odd game on Permit for the Athletic.

Tom Penry-Ellis

Son of Bridgend No 8 Steve Ellis Tom also equally at home in a flanker or lock forward shirt. Made senior debut in season 2007-2008 before leaving for a few years in USA.

Again, a vital cog in the Championship years with good line out and ball carrying skills. Won MOM awards. Moved away to Cardiff area and like Dan has spent his last few seasons with Glamorgan Wanderers. Played two games last season on Permit for the Athletic.

Gareth Bartlett

Gareth “Bailey” Bartlett first appeared sharing appearances between 1^ST & 2^nd XV in 1999-2000 season. No stats between 2001-2003 but in season 2003-2004 was a regular 1^ST XV player making 29 appearances in the back row that season. He disappeared following season 2005-2006. However, when the 1sts had a lock crisis in 2017-2018, he came back making 4 appearances before a serious bicep’s injury curtailed his comeback.

Gareth’s aggressive running and ball carrying struck fear into the opposition and one of the characters of the game, he is extremely popular with players and supporters alike.

Stuart Edbrook

Made senior debut in season 2015-2016.A very steady and reliable player with god attacking and defensive skills.

Made position his own for three seasons before deciding to take up a player coaching roll at his hometown club Llantwit Major.

Ian Hemburrow

Following a long-distinguished career with South Wales Police at the top table of Welsh rugby Ian joined the Athletic for 3 seasons from season 2001-2004. Unfortunately, no stats for his first 2 seasons.

He was hugely influential for the team. His size enabled him to take 3 players to tackle him allowing time for half backs John Doherty and Stuart Morris to clear in defence and create space out wide to launch attacks.

His final game at Newcastle Emlyn saw the Ath gain promotion ahead of their hosts, and promptly saw Ian announce his retirement by despatching his boots into the river alongside the ground.

Ben Davies

Current incumbent at No 8. Part of Ath Youth team that won both the Welsh Youth and Welsh League Cups. Was Players Player of Year with Youth before going straight into the 1^ST XV where for last 3 seasons he has played alongside experienced captain Ben Howe and former captain Sean Williams in as good as any back row seen in both Division 1 East Central & Div 1 West Central.

Ben excellent at picking up from back of scrums and his speed has seen him cross for 13 tries in his 55 games to date. Winner of first new last season Nathaniel Player of Month for September.