Our History

The Era 1875-1940

Book Available: The Old Firm's Proud Past

Mountain Ash Rugby Football Club, known as “the Old Firm”, was formed in 1875 and is based in the former mining town of Mountain Ash in the heart of the Cynon Valley in South Wales. It quickly grew to become one of the strongest Clubs in Wales, and during the years up until the start of the 2^nd World War, took on and beat all Wales’ “first class” Clubs and some in England. Eight players from the Club were capped by Wales. During this era of rugby, “the Old Firm” was a match for any side whatever their so-called “class”.

This book details a proud era of rugby for the Club. Each season is summarised, the matches played, score and scorers listed, and the original match reports from the newspapers of the time are reproduced to describe some of the greatest moments in the Club’s history. The book also details the Club’s two “golden eras”, its Glamorgan League record and triumphs, the players who were capped, and those who left to play professional rugby. For anyone with an interest in Mountain Ash RFC or the history of Welsh rugby clubs in general, this hard back book comprising 600 pages is for you. Cost £17.

Purchases can be made from Mountain Ash Library or by E-Mailing your name and address to info@mountainashrfc.com and someone will get back to you.

The Era 1940-1990

New Book Available: The Old Firm's Proud Past, Volume 2, 1940-1990

Mountain Ash RFC, known as “the Old Firm”, beat every “first class” Welsh rugby Club and had 8 players capped by Wales up to the start of World War II. After a break of 7 years, which left the Club with no officials, players, money or kit, the Club reformed and run out in September 1946. This book gives a season by season account of the years from 1940 to 1990, including the 1975/76 Centenary Season, and ends with “the Old Firm” triumphantly lifting the Mid District championship in 1989/90 to take Mountain Ash RFC into the WRU National League in 1990/91. Written by Martyn Ham, it is hard cover, A4 size, and 516 pages long. It costs £17 and is available from the Mountain Ash RFC clubhouse (telephone number 01443 472918), Mountain Ash Library, author Martyn Ham, or by E-Mailing your name and address to info@mountainashrfc.com and someone will get back to you.