Cardiff RFC host Ebbw Vale RFC at the Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday afternoon (KO: 14:30) in a top-of-the-table clash in Super Rygbi Cymru.
This fixture will also be a special occasion for Joe Goodchild, who is set to make his 100th appearance for the Blue and Blacks.
“Reaching 100 appearances for Cardiff RFC means a huge amount to me,” said Goodchild who joined the club in 2022.
“The club has been a massive part of my life for just over 4 years, not just for me as a player, but for my family as well.
“Although I’m not from Cardiff, the club and the people around it have made me feel so welcome that it has become a second home to me.
“I’ve built some great relationships and memories here, and I’m incredibly proud to have represented the club 100 times.
“It’s a milestone that means a lot to me, and I’m grateful to everyone at Cardiff RFC who has played a part in making the last 4 years so special,” he added.
Speaking on Goodchild becoming the most recent player to reach the milestone, head coach Dan Fish added: “It’s a massive achievement on the weekend for Joe Goodchild who will play his 100th game for Cardiff, which is a massive honour for himself and I’m sure his family are proud of him.
“We want to make sure we put on a good performance so it’s one for him to remember.”
Goodchild came through the Dragons academy, playing for Garndiffaith, Cross Keys and Saturday’s opponents, Ebbw Vale. He also played for the Dragons Premiership Select team and had one solitary outing for the Dragons senior side.
Four years ago he joined the Arms Park side, where he played 25 games during his first campaign as a Blue and Black. He scored 55 points for the club, with the most memorable score coming when it mattered the most.
In typical Goodchild fashion, that supporters have been used to seeing, a spectacular diving effort in the closing exchanges of a nail-biting Welsh Cup final at Principality Stadium saw Cardiff put aside Newport RFC, 13-10.
When asked if there is one match or moment that stands out the most from his 99 other appearances, Goodchild said: “One moment that stands out for me is when I scored the winning try in the Cup final against Newport in the Principality stadium.
“That will always be a highlight of my rugby career. Another is having my first born baby at his first game to support me this season.”
On this season, the Blue and Blacks have made an impressive start to their sesquicentennial season, winning six of their opening seven games. For Goodchild he’s appeared in all seven games scoring twice.
Since joining the club, Goodchild’s role will undoubtedly have changed now, due to becoming one of the more senior and experienced figures in Fish’s squad.
“I think my role in the team has definitely changed and so has my age,” jokingly Goodchild added.
“Obviously I have a lot of experience and hopefully I’m able to show that and help the younger boys coming up through.”
Saturday’s encounter against the Steelmen will bring an end to the opening block of Super Rygbi Cymru, as the side from Blaenau Gwent will be vowing for revenge.
This comes following suffering a thumping 59-14 loss on a sun drenched afternoon, as Goodchild scored one of nine tries for the Blue and Blacks.
Having faced Ebbw Vale on numerous occasions, Goodchild knows the challenge that awaits on Saturday and what his side will need to do to come away with a positive result.
“With the challenges that Ebbw Vale present, we have played them enough to know what they bring,” he said.
“We are looking forward to the challenge, but we need to be squeaky clean with penalties, just stick to our game plan and play some rugby.”
For those unable to make it to the Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday afternoon, make sure to follow Cardiff RFC’s social media channels (X, Facebook, and Instagram) for the latest updates.
