On Saturday afternoon Cardiff RFC take on Llandovery RFC, but the Super Rygbi Cymru contest will also see Alun Rees play his 100th game for the club.
“It means a lot to have reached a 100 games,”began Rees.
“It’s an achievement to be able to reach a milestone with any club but feel particularly proud in having achieved it for a historic club like Cardiff.
“It’s equally as nice for my parents who have not far off been at every game I’ve ever played.”
The Swansea product made his debut for the Blue and Blacks back in October 2013, this was after coming through the Ospreys Academy.
Then after five years at Bedwas RFC he returned back to the Cardiff Arms Park for the 2021-22 season. From there, he has scored 39 tries and is only five points away from 200 points in the Blue and Black shirt.
“The history of the ground ties in with the history of the club really,” he continued.
“Feel really fortunate to get to train and play at the Arms Park. It’s a special place to play and suppose it does make it a little sweeter that the 100th game falls as a home game.
“It’s difficult to pick out one moment as we’ve been very lucky with success over the last few years.
“It’s easy to look at the League and Cup victories but certain games like winning away in Llandovery last year and some good trips back from RGC would be up there.
“Had some memorable socials along the way too.”
Since making his debut to playing only last weekend against Pontypool, where the hooker scored, he’s gone from a newcomer to one of the most seasoned players in the Blue and Blacks squad.
“I think it’s only natural that anyone’s role changes as you gain experience in a team. But I’ve always just tried to do my job and what’s needed for the team.
“I’ve been lucky to have played with good leaders along the way like Morgan Allen, Fishy, Tom Habberfield and then Sean, Jason and Craig from the current group who make it easy to support them,” Rees added.
Table-toppers Llandovery are the visitors tomorrow afternoon (KO: 2:30pm) in what will be the sides’ fourth meeting of the year, with Rees expecting his 100th appearance to be a “great game” against the Church Bank outfit.
“Llandovery are always up there and have been the team to beat over the last few seasons enjoying a lot of success.
“It’s quite well documented how they like to play but stopping it is very challenging. But on the other hand, if we play to the best of our ability we’re also one of the top teams in the league so it should be a great game,” said Rees.
Also on Rees becoming the next centurion since Morgan Allen in 2023, head coach Dan Fish said: “Want to make a big shout out to Alun Rees who will play his 100th game for Cardiff.
“A massive achievement and one I know him and his family will be proud of.
“100 games shows the level of commitment and performance, it also shows that not only is he a quality rugby player, he’s an amazing person and we are hoping we put on a performance for him Saturday.”
For those unable to make it to the Cardiff Arms Park tomorrow afternoon, you can stay up-to-date with live updates across all Cardiff RFC social media channels (X, Facebook, and Instagram).