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Lloyd Ashley was capped at Wales U18 level with our Youth before forging a career still playing for the Ospreys, He was also in the youth team that won successive Welsh League Cup Finals beating Merthyr & Glamorgan Wanderers seasons 2008-2010.

Jonathan Stoker

Jonathan made 18 2^nd XV appearances in season 2000-2001. Unfortunately, no records exist for seasons 2001-2003. In season 2003-2004 he was a regular in the 1^ST XV making 22 appearances that season and crossing for 3 tries. Along with current 1^st XV prop Wayne Fooks and Club Backs coach Stuart Morris, Jonathan helped the club that season gain promotion from the old Division 2 West to the old Ist Division League. The club also reached the 4^th Round of the Konika Minolta Cup (currently Welsh Cup) won by Neath that season and open to all clubs in Wales.

Since then Jonathan has been a regular 1^ST XV player and his 319 Appearances to date is 3^rd on the All Time recorded Ath appearances table.

Twenty years on he is still one of the fittest players in the club and a strong ball carrier who shows no sign of wanting to relinquish his place in the 1^st XV.

Jamie Doherty

Jamie made his senior 2^nd XV debut in season 2006-2007. At the end of his first season 2008-2009 in the 1^ST XV he was awarded the Daryl Dyke Memorial Shield as the most improved player of that season.

Jamie added considerable bulk to the pack – especially helpful in boosting the scrum. Also, it helped him to ball carry effectively setting up possession for our back division. In recent years he has suffered ankle problems limiting his 2^ND Xv appearances.

John Hughes

John had two stints with the Athletic 1986-1992 then 1998-2001 alongside Chris Williams.

John was a good front of line jumper and great thinker of the game.

He was also very vocal on the field as a wind-up merchant with opposition getting under their skin. Also, not short of assisting the referee.

A character on and off the field.

Chris Williams

Chris played all his 112 recorded games between 1998-2006 (more with no stats 2001-2003) in the 1^st XV. An excellent line out forward and ball carrier Chris played in the boiler house alongside John Hughes, Grufydd Davies & Jonathan Stoker. He was also renowned for entertaining the team with his singing on the team bus.

Chris has remained loyal to the Athletic through his Company Spring Consultancy becoming a regular Club Sponsor.

Neil Thomas

Son of former committeeman Keith Thomas.

Neil was very quick for a lock forward and one of fastest players in the team A good line out jumper. Most proficient seasons in 1^ST XV 2005-2007 before moving from area with work.

Paul Jones

Paul “Stretch” Jones was capped for Wales Youth when he was in our youth team. He left the club after youth to join Neath, then went on to Llanelli then Leeds and Newport followed that. Played for Caerphilly and then Maesteg.

Returned to play some games during seasons 2011-2014. Also sttod in as Forward Coach when David Williams took a year’s sabbatical.

Chris John

Chris now the son in law of club sponsor Simon Apsee joined the club in season 2016-2017 after a break from rugby. He was equally effective at lock and 2^nd row.

He made a great impression that season with line out prowess and ball carrying and tackling that led to the players awarding him the Players POY Award at the Presentation Evening in June 2017.

Unfortunately for the Athletic the Ravens also noted his progress and Chris became an integral part of their squad.

Last season a neck injury curtailed his playing. Maybe after the enforced break he will one day return to the Athletic – he would certainly be very welcome.

Ben Cording

Present incumbent lock. Broke into the 1^ST XV from impressive 2^Nd XV performances at the tail end of season 2016-2017.

His willingness to learn and dedication has seen him harness his feisty aggression to become an integral part of the 1^ST XV squad being trusted with line out calls. He received the accolade of his fellow players by being awarded the Nathaniel Car Sakes Players Player of the Year at the 2019 Presentations Night at the Heronston Hotel.

He carries well and his fitness guarantees that he is never far away from the ball. Hopefully, he has many years to further improve and help the team achieve its ambition of a return to the Championship. He is an example to Athletic youngsters and 2^nd XV players that with the right attitude and dedication there is a pathway into a strong 1^ST XV Squad.