On Air Now

Through the Night

2:00am - 6:00am

Now Playing

Crowded House

Don't Dream It's Over

Download
Listen Live Listen Again

Rugby community rallies after Penarth fire

Monday, 1 December 2025 13:03

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

Rugby clubs have been offering their support to Penarth RFC in the wake of the Athletic Club fire.

Meanwhile, a fundraising appeal has been launched to help rebuild the clubhouse on Lavernock Road, which suffered significant damage in the early hours of Monday morning.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service say an investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

Penarth, who are currently top of Division One East Central in the Admiral League,are due to play their next match at home to Lampeter Town in the WRU Division One Cup on Saturday.

The Welsh Rugby Union said it had been in direct contact and visited the club on Monday morning to offer their support.

A WRU spokesperson said: "We will continue to provide this support during the club’s rebuild and will be doing all that we can to ensure it is returned to its former glories."

An online crowdfunder, which is aiming to raise £10,000, had already reached £1,075 as of 2pm on Monday.

Alison Jones, who set up the appeal, said: "Penarth Athletic Club has always been so much more than the place where we play rugby, cricket and hockey — it’s the heart of our community, a home for generations, and a shared space filled with stories, pride and belonging."

"A devastating fire has taken our clubhouse and with it, years of irreplaceable memorabilia: shirts, trophies, honours boards, photographs and memories that told the story of who we are and what this club means to Penarth. We are heartbroken. But we are not giving up."

"Our teams still stand strong, from the minis running out for rugby on cold winter mornings, to the cricket juniors spending their summers on the outfield, to the hockey players who proudly represent our town. The spirit of the Athletic Club lives in its people, not its walls."

Offers of support have also been pouring in from rugby clubs across the Vale of Glamorgan and South Wales.

Old Penarthians said the club "stands ready to support our neighbours, and as a committee, we have been in touch and offered our support in any way we can."

Sully Sports said its thoughts and sympathy are with Penarth RFC's players, committee and members, adding: "As a fellow rugby club and neighbour, we stand ready to give any help and support we can offer."

A Barry RFC spokesperson said: "This is such a tragic event because as we all know our clubhouses are our homes and a lot of a rugby clubs history is physically attached to the walls of our bars and lounges."

"Penarth RFC is a club with a massive history we hope that they can re-build and recover from this as quickly as possible."

"No doubt other rugby clubs nearby will perhaps be in a position to offer the use of facilities on a temporary basis if required and that certainly applies to Barry RFC if Penarth RFC need to reach out for help."

Cowbridge RFC said it would also offer any support needed to the club, adding it was "deeply shocked and saddened by the events that unfolded overnight at Penarth Athletic Club".

Share

Do you have a story to share? Email News@broradio.fm 

 

More from Bro Radio Newsroom

Vale Weather

  • Mon

    21°C

  • Tue

    24°C

  • Wed

    24°C

  • Thu

    22°C

Local events

Follow Us On Socials

The Vale's Local Radio Station

© Copyright 2026 Vale of Glamorgan Broadcasting CIC. Powered by Aiir.