The morning of Friday 27th May 2011 saw the following question posted on the Friends of Newport Rugby Trust committee message board: "How about asking the club if FoNR can arrange a Hall of Fame?". Ten months later, the evening of Thursday 22nd March 2012 saw the inaugural Hall of Fame induction, in a packed Bisley Suite in the new Bisley Stand at Rodney Parade. Immense effort and contributions by many, resulted in a celebration of some of the heroes drawn from the history of Newport Rugby Football Club through to the present day.
Never intended to be an exclusive list, the initial 12 inductees represented a broad spectrum of contribution, on and off the field, throughout Newport's history. Such a "balance of merit" will be maintained as further names of equal standing are added in future years.
The evening was honoured by the presence of Mr. Dennis Gethin, former Secretary and, since 2007, President of the Welsh Rugby Union. A Welsh Secondary Schools International in 1963, Dennis won two rugby Blues at Cambridge, and played his club rugby as a fullback for Seven Sisters, Swansea, Neath, Cardiff and Glamorgan Wanderers. A qualified solicitor, he served as Chief Executive of Taff Ely Borough Council from 1982 until 1996. Not just a guest at the evening, Dennis responded to the induction of Richard Mullock, the first Honorary Secretary of the Welsh Rugby Union.
The evening was more than ably compered throughout with a mixture of gravitas, anecdotes and humour by Alun "Benny" Williams, who played for Newport RFC between 1986 and 1990.
The following records the citations for each inductee as they appeared in the printed programme for the evening in the order in which the inductions took place. The accompanying photographs endeavour to mirror that sequence.
Tony Brown
A one-man business started by his father in 1931, later bought out by his son in 1970 when his father retired. Its successor today is a group of companies, commonly known as "Bisley", occupying two sites, one here in Newport purchased in 1988, manufacturing office furniture. With two 'Queens' Awards for Export Achievement' in 1992 and 1997, the company is the largest manufacturer of office furniture in the UK and one of the largest in the European Community. Today the company is owned by that son, Tony Brown, his family and other directors.
An OBE and Honorary Doctorate from Newport University testify to his business acumen and the contribution of his company to the economy of South Wales. Phillip Beresford, compiler of The Sunday Times 'Rich List', tells us that his favourite is one Tony Brown, "he is prepared to sacrifice margin so he doesn't have to make people redundant. His loyal and skilled workforce have served him well in the good times and he is repaying them in the tough times". A measure of the man.
But it is his contribution to Newport RFC that we celebrate tonight. To quote author Steve Lewis "Tony Brown threw his hat in with Newport RFC in 1999, four years after the arrival of professionalism and two years after joining the club as a vice-president". Those first two years were troublesome for Newport RFC, coming to terms with professionalism, poor on-field performance, and declining support on the terraces.
Overseeing a conversion of the Club to a limited liability company in 1998 he became the first Chief Executive. The operations behind Newport RFC were modernised and much needed capital was injected by the take-up of share issues by directors with Tony Brown emerging as the major shareholder. On the playing field a transformation was wrought with international players signed. Marketing of games set new standards. Attendances improved many fold. The Cup was won!
The advent of "Regional" rugby at Rodney Parade was not without its hiccups but today still sees Newport RFC and Newport Gwent Dragons competing at Rodney Parade before the new "Bisley" sponsored stand and facilities in which we gather tonight with Tony Brown still on the Board of Directors.
Anthony Charles Brown OBE is inducted in the Newport RFC 'Hall of Fame' for an invaluable contribution in overseeing the unprecedented transformation of Newport RFC to better meet the demands of twenty-first century professional sport.
Arthur Gould 1864-1919
[On the night the response was made by Gareth Harvey family member, great grandson of Wyatt Gould]
Interviewed for the DVD "Century of Rugby" presented by Rob Andrew, Arthur Gould is described as the "Best centre three-quarter in the World" by Rex King of the Museum of Rugby.
The first great superstar of the rugby game, Newport and Wales’ greatest player of the Victorian era, his career spanned a period of sixteen years. Arthur Gould’s rugby career started at the age of fourteen when he played for and captained the Newport Juniors for two to three years. He went from the Juniors straight into the first team by accident. Weston were the opponents in November 1882 and as they had to go back by an early train the time of the kick off was altered to an earlier time, Newport were short handed and Gould played instead. He had never played fullback so ran everything which was entirely the opposite of what a fullback's role was at the time.
Scoring two tries during the game he remained in Newport’s first team for his career with the club. Remained at fullback for the next two seasons before switching to three-quarter in 1884-85, earning his first of his 27 caps for Wales against England the same season. A spell away playing for Hampshire, London Welsh and Richmond, he was only available to Newport occasionally.
1890 saw him go to the West Indies to work, returning in October 1891 where he re-joined Newport and played a major part in the clubs invincible season. Here he remained until retirement from the game.
His international career was remarkable for its time, 18 times as captain was only beaten in 1994, the most capped Welsh centre until 1980. For Newport his total of 37 tries in the 1892-93 season is still a record. His record of 11 drop goals in 1884-85 was not beaten until 1966-67 by David Watkins. He is Newport’s all time record try scorer with 159.
A consummate track athlete his brothers also played rugby at the club where his father Joseph was one of the founding members: brothers Bob and Bert were capped by Wales, Edward Wyatt captained Newport (and represented Great Britain at the 1908 Olympic Gamest), with Gus and Harry also playing for the club.
On retirement from the international rugby in 1897 a Testimonial fund was set up by his many admirers which was supported by the Welsh Football Union the proceeds paying for a new house, and leading to a schism in international rugby.
Joseph Arthur Gould merits his place in the 'Hall of Fame' for his superlative all round contribution to the game of rugby in its formative decades.
Daniel Griffiths
Newport’s all time record points scorer and one of the most popular players of recent years.
Dan was born in Carmarthen in 1979 and started his rugby career in west Wales at Ysgol Coed Cae, Trinity College Carmarthen, and Llanelli Youth; also making an appearance for the Llanelli first team.
From seasons 1999-2000 until 2001-2002 Dan played for the Whitland club (whilst also contracted to Llanelli Scarlets) and scored 1,118 points for them in three seasons. This was a formidable scoring feat which he was to continue with Newport RFC whom he joined for the start of semi-professional rugby in the 2003-4 season having been contracted to Gwent Dragons.
Making his Newport debut in the opening game of the season against Pontypool, he was an ever present until the end of the 2009-10 season.
In that first season he helped Newport to the league championship and for a brief spell at the end of the season joined Bayonne in France, assisting them in their Division 1 championship season finale. Returning to Rodney Parade for 2004-2005 he remained a key member of the squad until joining Bridgend RFC for 2010-11 with whom he continues his playing career.
Daniel’s prolific point scoring during his Newport career inevitably meant that club records would tumble and the totals accumulated by players of yesteryear would be passed on his way to his overall record of 1,551 points of which 1,354 were league points.
Milestones included 3rd May 2006 at Rodney Parade against Aberavon where he became the fifth player in the clubs history to reach 900 points. Thereafter, in less than two years, he surpassed Paul Turner’s record of 1,145 points at Maesteg on 8th February 2008.
Daniel Phillip Griffiths merits his place in the 'Hall of Fame' for his club loyalty, playing skills, sportsmanship and a ready, unassuming contribution to off field activities at a time of great change for Newport RFC.
Ken Jones 1921-2006
[On the night the response was made on behalf of Ken Jones' family by author, Steve Lewis]
A product of Blaenavon his rugby education started at West Mon. School, during teacher training at St.Paul’s College, Cheltenham and then Blaenavon and Talywain. A Welsh Secondary School’s international in 1940, he played briefly for Pontypool before joining Newport in 1946 for a career stretching to 1958.
The fleet-footed Newport winger provided Wales with the scoring punch during the 44 times he appeared in the red jersey. He played in two Triple Crown sides and scored some of the finest tries that have ever been seen on the international field. He was about the only player in Wales that could keep up with, and finish off, the lightning bursts and breaks by Wales’s brilliant outside half Cliff Morgan. His memorable try also defeated the All Blacks in 1953.
In 12 seasons with Newport he scored 146 tries and played in the Newport side that triumphed 11 v 0 over Australia on 1957. He captained Newport in the 1950-51 and 1954-55 seasons; the team under his first term of captaincy was one of Newport’s greatest sides. They won 37 out of 40 games, drawing once and losing only twice. They attracted great crowds wherever they went and in February, 1951 pulled in 48,500 people at Cardiff Arms Park – a club attendance world record at the time.
Ken toured New Zealand with the British Lions in 1950 playing in three tests and scoring sixteen tries in seventeen appearances. He played for the Barbarians against South Africa in 1952 and New Zealand in 1954.
On the athletics track, in 1948 he won a silver medal at the London Olympics for the 4x100m relay. He was Welsh AAA 100yards champion seven times between 1946 and 1953, 220yards champion eight times in the same period. He won a bronze medal in the 1954 Empire Games in Vancouver and silver in the 4x100m relay in Berne the same year.
In 1954 he led Newport to victory in the first Welsh seven-a-side tournament in the same year he became the BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year. He retired from rugby in 1958 and was the mystery runner in the Empire Games at Cardiff where he presented a scroll to the Duke of Edinburgh after a lap of honour round the stadium. He went to Buckingham Palace in 1960 and there received the O.B.E for his services to Welsh rugby football. A career in journalism followed.
Kenneth Jeffrey Jones OBE merits his place in the 'Hall of Fame' for his all round sporting ability on both the rugby field and the athletics track in the service of Newport RFC and Wales.
Bryn Meredith
Bryn Meredith is without doubt one of the greatest hookers produced by Wales and to have played for Newport. Educated at West Mon. Grammar School, he played as a prop until chosen at hooker for the Welsh secondary trials gaining a Welsh schools cap in 1949. Joining the Royal Navy under national service, Bryn carried on his career at Devonport Services. In 1951, and already a Welsh trialist with Devonport Services, he joined Newport after striking up a friendship with Malcolm Thomas, also at Devonport at the time. Advising club officials that he would like to be considered as a prop it was in that position he played from the 1951-52 season. Three years at St.Luke’s College, Exeter prevented him from playing regularly for Newport but during his time there he gained valuable experience hooking for the college and the Devon county side.
Bryn played in the match against the All Blacks in January 1954, the New Zealanders beaten decisively in the scrums for the first time. On the basis of this game Bryn was selected to make his debut for Wales in Dublin at hooker! His debut started disastrously when he gave away three penalties at the first three scrums, a quick learner, after this set back he proceeded to dominate the scrums. He went on to make another 33 appearances in a brilliant international career.
He played an important part in Newport’s championship winning side in 1955-56 before missing the whole of the 1956-57 season playing for London Welsh while on teacher training. He returned for the 1957-58 season to help Newport defeat the touring Australians. Bryn captained Newport in the 1958-9 and 1961-2 seasons and played a major role in one of Newport’s greatest performances against the mighty Springbok’s in 1961. He toured South Africa with the British Lions in 1955 and 1962 playing in eight tests, and New Zealand in 1959.
Bryn was also a brilliant sevens player, a key figure in Newport winning six of the first nine Snelling seven’s tournaments. Despite the occasional game up until 1965 completing a total of 194, Bryn retired from rugby in 1962, subsequently being one of the first coaches appointed y Newport RFC.
He became BBC Wales’ Sports Personality of the Year in 1961.
Brinley Victor Meredith merits his place in the 'Hall of Fame' for his excellence throughout his career in a specialist position on the rugby field to the benefit of Newport RFC, Wales and the British Lions.
Rhys Morgan
Born in Southerndown in 1954, Rhys Morgan was one of the most loyal and respected players who have pulled on the famous Black & Amber jersey.
Educated at Caerleon School, Rhys joined Newport youth, whom he captained, and made an incredible impact in his first season of top-class rugby. His debut in first team rugby came at The Gnoll, Neath in September 1973. Incredibly for a prop forward he finished his first season as top scorer due in part to his kicking prowess with penalties and conversions aplenty.
A stalwart of over 500 games he was a mainstay of the Newport front row for sixteen years. During his time at the club he was a key part of one of Newport’s most formidable front rows alongside Colin Smart and Mike Watkins. A veritable "Mr. Reliablity" who's appearance gave confidence to players and spectators alike.
During a long career he played for the Barbarians, Crawshay’s XV, Wales B and eventually a well deserved full cap for Wales against Scotland in Cardiff in 1984, although he had toured Japan with the national team one year earlier. Rhys could justifiably count himself unfortunate that his career coincided with Pontypool’s Graham Price, in any other era he would have added to his international appearances.
During his long service to Newport he captained the club in the 1987-88 season and he is the only Newport player to play in three Welsh cup finals – the victorious 1977 year, 1978 and 1986. He also played in Newport’s 1980 match against the touring New Zealanders.
Rhys became Newport’s then record appearance holder when passing Keith Poole’s total of 486 at Swansea in January 1988. His last appearance coming against Gloucester at Rodney Parade in December 1989.
After retiring from playing Rhys coached Newport United.
Rhys Gerwyn Morgan merits his place in the 'Hall of Fame' for his club loyalty and consistency of form throughout an outstanding playing career with Newport RFC.
Richard Mullock 1851-1920
[On the night the response was made by Mr. Dennis Gethin, President of the Welsh Rugby Union]
Born in Newport in 1851 to parents Henry, a successful Newport printer and stationer, and mother Henrietta, originally from Southampton, Richard Mullock was by 1871 a bookseller in the family business. In 1874 he married Emily Phillips, daughter of the landlord of the William IV Inn, Commercial Street. By 1881 he was living on Fair Oak Avenue with his family and described as a Master Printer; by 1891 at Daisy Lawn, St. Woolos, still working as a Printer and Stationer. It is the role he played in the momentous events of the intervening years that we celebrate tonight. Firstly, with Newport RFC, and secondly, with Wales.
Richard, amongst others, was a driving force that established Newport Rugby Football Club in 1874 from the Victoria Cricket Club that played on the Marshes at the time. He became joint secretary when the new ground and present site was purchased from Lord Tredegar in 1877. Unbeaten in the first four seasons Richard strove to improve playing standards and vary the opponents. Famously Blackheath came to Newport in 1879 - providing a shock to the system with a massive victory over the home side! But by 1883 Newport could defeat Blackheath! A measure of the progress being made.
As a representative of the Newport area, he acted as secretary of the South Wales Football Union. The manner of the Blackheath defeat in 1879 led to the realisation that standards in Wales must be improved by regular contests against the best teams in England, and with his role with the South Wales Football Union in mind, a game against England itself. His desire to form an international Welsh team was realised when a game with England was arranged and played at Blackheath in February 1881, the Welsh side weakened due to unavailability were well beaten, and much criticised. But the seed was sown. At the Castle Hotel, Neath in 1881 the Welsh Rugby Football Union was formed, he becoming the first Honorary Secretary.
Business difficulties leading to a time abroad, by 1901 he was living in Cardiff as an Artist/Sculptor, finding himself as a Stationery Clerk in Acton by 1911, ending his days in Lambeth in 1920.
Richard Mullock is inducted in the 'Hall of Fame' for his foresight, initiative, organisational skill, and his lasting legacy as a forefather of Newport RFC and the Welsh Rugby Union.
Dai Pattison
Born in 1980, Dai Pattison has become a stalwart of Newport Rugby Football Club since the inception of semi-professional rugby at club level in 2003.
On the Rugby side of things Dai started out with Cardiff Youth before joining Bristol RFC academy. Eventually wanting to get back into the Welsh playing setup, in January 2001 he joined Newport RFC, later making his debut for the first XV against Newcastle Falcons in January 2002. That was one of the highlights of his career, recalling that the then coach Ian MacIntosh had “put the fear of God into him, Mac was one heck of a personality.” The other highlight was the Rodney Parade victory over Neath that sealed the Premier League Championship.
Since the 2003-04 season he has become an integral part of the Newport front row alongside other stalwarts such as Andy Brown and Gethin Robinson.
After eight years of outstanding service to the Newport side, which he captained in seasons 2006-07 and 2007-08, he is still an ever present and looks destined to play a part in future for the club. He reached milestones of 100 appearances against Bridgend in September 2006, 200 appearances against Gael Force in the British & Irish Cup in February 2010 and of 250 appearances at Llandovery in October 2011.
It perhaps sums up Dai's commitment to the game in the recent quote by his coach, Sven Cronk, who said "It’s been hard playing without a recognised tight-head but Dai was straight over the other side when he was asked without any complaints," ….. "I admire him massively for the way he has approached it because it is a totally different position but Dai has just done what he always does – he digs in deep and works his socks off."
It is that work rate that has endeared Dai to the supporters of Newport RFC throughout the last nine or so seasons through good times and some not so good. But his appearance always engenders a greater confidence and anticipation of success when he has played.
David Pattison merits his place in the 'Hall of Fame' for his club loyalty, endurance, and versatility in a specialist position for Newport RFC, throughout a period of great change in Welsh club rugby.
Tommy Vile 1882-1958
[On the night the response was made on behalf of Tommy Vile's family by author, Phillip Grant]
Tommy Vile, the greatest scrum half the Newport club has ever had. Internationally known for half-a-century as a player, the world’s foremost referee, and an administrator at the highest level. Outside of the world of rugby, he was famed for his individual qualities and his willingness to serve wherever he could.
From his Newport debut in November 1902 until April 1921, Tommy Vile brought Newport fame as an inside half that introduced new tactics designed to put more attack into the game. One of Newport’s greatest captains, not very tall and slight of build, he suffered from many injuries and was often out of the game for long periods. In 1904 his form was recognised by his selection for the British Isles team in Australasia. He won three caps in Australia and played in all five games in New Zealand.
He established himself firmly as halfback partner to Walter Martin, this wonderful partnership played together consistently from 1905 until 1914. During that period they faced the 1905 New Zealander’s, the 1906 Springbok’s, the 1908 Australians and Billy Millar’s Springbok’s of 1912 whom they defeated.
During the 1908-9 to 1913-14 period Tommy Vile played in 186 first team games, Walter Martin partnered him in 180 of those games. Captain of the club in the seasons 1909-10, 1910-11 and 1911-12. Newport played 117 matches won 87, drew 17, and lost only 13. Tommy played eight times for Wales, making his debut against England in 1908. Seven of his caps were between 1908 and 1912. He captained his country against France at Rodney Parade in 1912 and was recalled as captain in 1921 against Scotland at Swansea, aged 38 years and 5 months.
When his playing days were over, he became an International referee, here again; he introduced individual ideas, which improved the game for players and spectators alike. In 1937 he was elected vice-president of the Welsh Rugby Union; in 1955-56 he was president of the Union. He was chairman of Newport Rugby Club in 1939, and for many years was a trustee of Newport Athletic Club.
In the World War I he served as a Captain in the Royal Artillery and in peacetime was President of the Newport branch of the Royal Artillery Association. Off the field a successful business man with many public appointments he was appointed as a Justice of the Peace, and in 1944 High Sheriff of Monmouthshire. For many services he was awarded an MBE.
Thomas Henry Vile MBE merits his place in the 'Hall of Fame' for his achievements on the playing field, both as player and referee, and his wider contribution to the community.
David Waters
Known to everyone at Newport as ‘Muddy’, David holds the club appearance record with an incredible total of 702, a total which with the sparing amount of games in the professional era will stand for many years to come if not for all time.
Coming from Magor, David made his debut for the club on Boxing Day 1974 against the Watsonian club aged nineteen. He went on to become a regular name on the team sheet at second row for twenty two seasons.
Caerleon Comprehensive School educated David during his long and loyal service to the club played in both Welsh cup finals against Cardiff in 1977 and 1986. He played a part in Newport’s heroic struggle against the All Blacks in 1980 and also again in 1989. He has also played for the Barbarians, Monmouthshire and Crawshay’s XV.
As one of the most respected players in rugby in England as well as in Wales he played for Wales B before being called up twice for Wales in 1985 against France and England when the weather intervened to prevent the much justified cap. However, David finally got his well deserved cap when he played in all Wales’ Five Nations games in 1986 with victories over Ireland an Scotland.
As well as the upsides of a long and illustrious career for the club there was the downside of being sent off twice in nine days during Newport’s tour of South Africa in 1979. He passed Rhys Morgan’s then club appearance record of 538 at Rodney Parade against Beddau in the Welsh cup on 18th November 1989. He retired from the Newport club at the end of the 1995-96 season but that was not the end of his rugby career as he finished his playing days at Merthyr where he became much respected for his willingness to bring on the younger players at the club and was granted a Testimonial game
In his book, "Newport Rugby Greats", Alan Roderick praised David as "A talented sevens player, when occasion demanded, he could double as a Number 8 and give many specialists in that position a run for their money. … When the legs were still there his covering tackles, positional sense and reading of the game have been a joy to behold".
David Ralph Waters is inducted in the 'Hall of Fame' for his unprecedented club loyalty, sportsmanship, and consistency of form throughout an outstanding playing career with Newport RFC.
David Watkins
Born in Blaina to a coal mining family Dai did not play rugby until the age of 15. When he left school he joined Cwmcelyn youth where he won six caps in the Welsh youth side. In the 1960-61 season he played in the maximum permitted games for a youth player with Abertillery, Ebbw Vale, Pontypool and Blaina.
David joined Newport in the 1961-62 season and although still inexperienced at the time Newport won the Welsh championship in his first season. He would prove to be one of the greatest players the famous club has produced. With exceptional speed and quick instinctive reactions, he had a brilliant outside break and side-step. He was also a brilliant defensive player, a good tackler and coverer.
He played a significant part in Newport’s greatest day in October 1963 when they defeated Wilson Whineray’s All Blacks 3 v 0 and played in the drawn game against Australia in 1966. Vice-captain in 1963-64 he captained the club in 1964-65, 1965-66, 1966-67 and 1967-68. David set a new drop goal record of 14 in the 1966-67 season beating the joint record of 11 held by Gethin Evans and Arthur Gould.
Capped 21 times for Wales, captain in 1967, David toured with the British Lions in 1966 to New Zealand and Australia playing in six tests, captaining them in the second and fourth tests in New Zealand.
He was probably the greatest sevens player of all time, never in a losing side as Newport dominated the Snelling Sevens.
In October 1967 David signed for Salford rugby league side. His time in League was as glittering as anything in his Union career, by 1969 he had played in the challenge cup final at Wembley, helped Salford to win the 1975 BBC Floodlit cup, and made 16 appearances for the reformed Wales team. He played in six test matches for Great Britain and went on the 1974 tour to Australia and New Zealand. He was also player coach in 1977 reaching the world cup final. He is the only player to captain and coach Great Britain in both codes. Later stints at Swinton and management with Cardiff Blue Dragons followed.
He finally came back to his Union roots when he became team manager of Newport in 1992-93 since then he has served as chairman, president and a director. David was awarded an MBE for services to rugby.
David Watkins MBE merits his place in the 'Hall of Fame' for his outstanding playing record and wider contribution to the world of rugby.
Jeff Watkins
Durable second row Jeff Watkins played for fourteen seasons with Newport and his total of 381 appearances is the fifth highest in the clubs history behind Ian Ford, Keith Poole, Rhys Morgan and David Waters.
Jeff joined Newport from Cwmbran in 1967, making his debut against Penarth, and played a part in Newport’s outstanding championship winning side of 1968-69. He was a member of the Newport team that defeated South Africa in 1969.
One of the proudest moments in his long playing career with Newport was scoring a try against a powerful overseas team who had previously beaten Wales and England. That was against the 1973 New Zealanders who were made to battle all the way by a determined Newport side. In the Newport v Hereford match programme of 1992 Jeff recalled "It was a great moment for me when I crossed the All Blacks' line, and I shall never forget it". Nor will many of the 21,000 who were there watching the game.
Jeff also played for Newport against the touring Australians in 1976.
Other honours to come his way were selection to play for the Barbarians, including a Barbarians tour to Canada, winning a Monmouthshire cap, and taking part in 1976 in the Welsh international trials. Jeff also played for the Crawshays XV.
Making his final appearance in Newport colours in October 1980 against Newbridge, after retirement he became chairman of the club between 1992 and 1993.
One other possible claim to fame by Jeff is as a model for a roadside hoarding brewery advertising campaign.
Jeffrey Watkins merits his place in the 'Hall of Fame' for his club loyalty, consistent playing skills, and sportsmanship representative of so many former players wearing the Black & Amber colours of Newport RFC.
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