Newsletter March 2024

Dear Fellow Supporter,

Welcome to the March 2024 newsletter. With a little over a month remaining of the 2023/24 season, we sincerely hope that you will be able to join us in supporting the mighty Blue and Blacks as they continue to compete in the Indigo Premiership.

On The Field

CRFC have been on a roller coaster ride this year on and off the pitch. With news of the WRU substantially reducing the budget to the Welsh regional teams, and the resultant cull of players from Cardiff Rugby, it was always going to have a substantial impact on the RFC. So it proved with the RFC having to provide many key players to prop up the regional team. This has obviously influenced results this season, though not the commitment from the players or coaches. February produced two games for the RFC due to the Six Nations and this was home to Llandovery and away to Pontypool and they lost the two games. The RFC are still in with a fighting chance of a top 4 finish to make the playoffs at the end of the season.

Cardiff suffered a 28 – 14 defeat to Newport in the latest instalment of this historic derby. Luke Pollock crossed the whitewash for his sixth try of the season. Despite a valiant effort in the second half, it was heartbreak for Cardiff as Newport claimed the victory.

Cardiff bounced back from their defeat against Newport by winning away 28-14 to Carmarthen. Alun Rees scored two tries with Morgan Allen scoring the other.

Club Takeover

The takeover of Cardiff Rugby has been confirmed with a general meeting of the club unanimously backing the deal. The deal sees Helford Capital taking a majority equity stake in the business, with a remaining minority interest for Cardiff Athletic Club which owns Cardiff Arms Park. Helford is an investment group headed by Welshman and entrepreneur Phil Kempe and financier Neal Griffith. As part of the deal, Sir Gareth Edwards has been appointed the new club’s president.

Ernie Jones

Cardiff RFC were saddened to hear the news of the passing of our great friend Ernie Jones. Ernie was a lifelong Blue & Black supporter who always had a smile on his face and a Lossin Dant sweet for anyone he met. 86 year old Ernie could always be found on the terraces at Cardiff games home and away, he will be sadly missed.

Call Ups

Several CRFC players have successfully made the leap to the Cardiff Regional squad, including Cam Winnett, Mackenzie Martin, Jacob Beetham, and Ellis Bevan. All the Cardiff boys did really well and have a bright future ahead of themselves.

James Beal

Congratulations to James Beal who played his 100th game against Carmarthen.

Upcoming Fixtures

21st March – Swansea (home)

30th March – Aberavon (away)

6th April – Carmarthen (home)

13th April – Merthyr (home)

Sponsorship Opportunities

Individual Player sponsorship

£100 per season

Business Player Sponsorship

£150 + VAT per season

Match Ball Sponsorship

£175 + VAT per game

Match Day sponsorship

£400 + VAT

Includes 6 guests

Opportunity to choose and present the man of the match award

Post match meal and refreshments

Meet the players

Photograph with the captain and the man of the match

Contact secretary@cardiffrfc.com for more information

Your Blue & Black 100 Club

The 100 club has been set up and is selling fast with the first draw being made in September.

A £10 minimum monthly donation enables you to choose 4 numbers between 1 and 99.

The total prize fund depends entirely on how many entries each month with an initial guaranteed prize of £100.

Each month a list of winners will be published on the RFC website. All winners will be notified by phone or email.

September draw numbers were 6, 23, 57, 62 – no winners

October draw numbers were 16, 38, 43, 56 – no winners

November draw numbers were 15, 65, 80, 81 – no winners

December draw numbers were 2, 41, 78, 81 – no winners

January draw numbers were 37, 63, 88, 90 – no winners

February draw numbers were 12, 14, 54, 57 – no winners

Prize money for the March draw will be £800.

Join this month to be in with a chance of winning. Forms available from Clive or Keith.

Club Raffle

CRFC has raised some much-needed funds for the team and we sincerely thank each and every supporter for their continued and valued support.