Whilst there is documentary evidence that Cardiff Schools played rugby in the 1880’s, the first meeting of the present Union of Schools, as recorded in the Minute Book, was on Friday 5th December, 1902, in the Queen's Hotel, Mr. W.D. Phillips of the Cardiff Club presided. At this meeting, Dr. T. Wallace was elected President, Mr. A.W. Swash became Chairman and the Honorary Secretaries were Mr. W.A. Brown and Mr. S. Auckland. On this first committee were Mr. W.J. Old, later President of the Union, and the famous Mr. R.T. Gabe. The first schools forming the Union were:

Division 1 Adamstown, Court Road, Crwys Road, St. David's, Grange, Wood Street, Roath Park and Virgil Street.

Division 2 Metal Street, Tredegarville, St. John's, Eleanor Street, South Church, St. Peter's, St. Patrick's, Mount Stuart Square.

Division 3 St. Monica's, St. Mary's (Canton), St. Mary's (Bute Terrace), St. Paul's, St. Alban's, St. Cuthbert's and Ely.

 

Only St. Alban's and St. Peter's have maintained this tradition unbroken since 1902. The Cardiff RFC gave full support, issuing complimentary tickets and allowing Cardiff Boys to play on the Arms Park every Saturday morning. The first inter-town match was versus Pontypridd, away, on Thursday 21st March 1903 and the first home match versus Swansea a week later. Prices of admission were 9d (4p) [stand], 2d (1p) [field], boys half price. Tea at Maskell’s Restaurant cost 6d (2p) per head. Cardiff SRU took an active part in the formation of the WSRU in 1903. The first Chairman was Mr. Swash (St. Monica's) and the Secretary, Mr. Brown (Court Road School). The Cardiff Club made a grant of £50 and presented medals. Grants of 30s (£1.50) were made to schools in order to purchase jerseys, shorts and boots. In 1905, the Western Mail South Wales News made a present of a shield valued at £50. This shield was refurbished in 1987 following bomb damage sustained during the Second World War. It is currently valued for insurance purposes at £12,000.

 

Matches were played against Newport, Neath and Llanelli and in 1905 the first Rugby Union sports were held. In 1906, the St. David's Shield was presented by the Catholic Young Men's Society. In this season, an Old Boys' Union was instigated, with over fifteen teams divided into two sections, 14-16 and 16-18 year olds. Whitchurch, Cogan, Victoria and Hawthorn Schools joined the Schools’ Union. Up until 1913, records show the great work that went into sports organisation and the continual financial struggle. There were frequent protests against referees, touch judges, crowds and even owners of fields where matches were played. Between the wars, rugby football continued to develop strongly in Cardiff schools, particularly when high schools chose it as a major winter sport.

 

The years since 1945 have seen still greater changes. The Cardiff Boys' team play upwards of 20 inter-district matches per season. Tours have been made to Ireland, North Wales, Lancashire, Yorkshire and Scotland. In 1957, the Cardiff and District Schools’ Rugby Union, for the first time in the history of the WSRU, entertained two teams from Frankfurt, and in September 1958 two Cardiff boys' teams visited Frankfurt and Heidelberg. Return visits were made in 1960 and 1961. In 1973, Cardiff Schools once more made history when they entertained and visited the Avia club of Brussels. The remarkable part of this venture was that the games played in Cardiff and Brussels were between town teams across three age levels, that of Under 15, Under 13 and Under 11. The Tournoi Tom Morris initiated at this time was won by CSRU and was successfully defended annually until 1981, after this time Cardiff's fortunes in the tournament have been more mixed and unfortunately, owing to age variations on the continent, we ceased playing in the tournament in 1997. The 75th anniversary season, 1977-78, saw a more ambitious and prolonged tour by way of celebration. From Brussels, the party made its way to Paris, where several matches were played.

 

By the end of 1975, with the change in structure of Schoolboy Rugby in Wales imminent, it was decided by both the Under 15 and Under 11 Groups that they should become separate bodies. In the 1980’s, the Intermediate Group (Under 15) covered new ground with two successful tours to Ireland, being hosted by the famous Garryowen club of Limerick. In season 1983-84, the CSRU toured Scotland, playing matches against the Border Schools and East Lothian. This venture was repeated in 1984-85 and again Cardiff boys were victorious, playing Preston Grasshoppers on the way home. In 1988, CSRU was invited to represent the Lord Mayor of Cardiff in the Challenge LeCointre played in Cardiff's twin town, Nantes. In 1992, CSRU and SNUC were formally twinned. In May 1993, SNUC made its first visit to Cardiff with four teams. In season 1989-90, a successful tour was made to Italy and in 1990-91, to Canada; the first time that a Cardiff boys' team had travelled to the North American continent. This was repeated in the 1992-1993 season when the boys travelled to the western seaboard of Canada to visit Vancouver, and Seattle in the USA.

 

The 1997-98 season saw CSRU play two County teams, Cheshire and Lancashire, whilst on tour in the north of England. This tour has now become a permanent feature during the February half term with Yorkshire replacing Cheshire. At Easter 2000, we embarked on an ambitious tour to Ireland, for the first time playing three specially assembled provincial XV’s. The rugby was hard but the welcome, as you would expect, typically Irish. On all these tours, the Cardiff boys have proved themselves to be worthy ambassadors of the Capital of Wales, and in the process have gained many friends both on and off the field.

    

With the re-organisation of schools and the raising of the school leaving age to sixteen in the early 70’s, domestic leagues were introduced at Under 16, Under 15, Under 14, Under 13 and Under 12 levels. Twenty-three secondary schools are affiliated to the Cardiff Schools' Rugby Union [Intermediate Group], offering some one hundred teams at various age groups the opportunity of playing competitive rugby. This is in addition to games played within individual schools.

 

The town team (Under 15) has at all times reflected the high standards of rugby played in the schools, and in the national inter-district competition for the Dewar Shield it has made a record number of appearances in the final, 34 in all, being successful on 23 occasions. Since 1904, two hundred and thirty-three Cardiff boys have represented Wales at full schoolboy (Under 14, Under 15 or Under 16) international or ‘A’ schoolboy level. In 1992-93, following the move of international rugby to Under 16, Andrew Grabham (YG Glantaf) gained international honours for a third consecutive year. During the 2003-04 and 2004-05 seasons Corey Hearne (Kings Monkton) set a record of fifty-seven appearances for the CSRU, also going on to represent Welsh Schools’ Under 16’s.

 

Season 1971-72 will stand out as a memorable one. The town team was invincible, winning 26 out of its 27 matches and drawing the other. It won the Dewar Shield for the thirteenth time and the Welsh Schools' seven-a-side tournament for the third time. It amassed 887pts for whilst only conceding 97pts. Steven O'Donaghue (Llanrumney HS) set an individual points scoring record of 254 points, which has not been surpassed. In this particular team was a certain scrum half by the name of Terry Holmes, who went on to play for Wales and the British and Irish Lions later in his career. The try scoring record of 32 tries in one season set by Matthew Williams (YG Glantaf) in 1992-93 was surpassed in season 1997-98 by Martin John (St. Illtyd’s HS) with 33 tries. In the same season, the team set a new points scoring record of 1,087, whilst in the process of also winning the Dewar Shield for the nineteenth time. In 1982-83, Cardiff won the Morgan Griffiths Trophy for the first time and repeated this achievement the following season.

 

In 1988, Corpus Christi High School became the first winners of the WSRU National Under 16 Cup competition. In 1992, Ysgol Glantaf won the WSRU National Under 14 Cup competition. The same team won again at Under 16 level two years later. In 1995, South Glamorgan Schools' Under 15’s won the Welsh Schools’ County Championship for the first time in its history. Fourteen Cardiff boys represented South Glamorgan in the final.

 

In season 1969-70, Mr. V.C. Phelps became President of the Welsh Rugby Union. ‘Viv’ first became an officer of the CSRU in 1935 and continued in the Office of Honorary Secretary until 1955, and was Chairman of the Union in 1957-58. In 1951, he was elected to the Office of Honorary Secretary to the Welsh Schools' Rugby Union, a post he held until 1973. At the end of season 1980-81, G.J. Donovan was elected Honorary Secretary to the Welsh Schools' Rugby Union. Consequently, he resigned as Honorary Secretary to the Cardiff Schools' Rugby Union, a post that he had held for fifteen years, following on from four years as Treasurer. He had also been Chairman twice, in 1965-66 and in our 75th anniversary season (1977-78). Sadly, in 1991, Gerry died following a short illness. To many he personified Cardiff Schools' Rugby Union, and all those who knew him; boys, teachers and parents are most appreciative of his efforts on their behalf. In 1996 Reg Knight, the South Wales Echo Schools’ Rugby correspondent passed away following a long illness. Reg was a great friend to Cardiff Schools, and his articles in the Echo and Western Mail were always eagerly read by teachers and players alike. From 1991 until 1994, Martin Truran, formerly of Howardian High School, held the position of Assistant Secretary to the WSRU Intermediate Group. Martin was a former Chairman of Cardiff Schools during the 1975-76 season, and a selector for the international Under 15/16 team during the 1980’s and early 1990’s. He was also instrumental in setting up the ‘200 Club’ in the 1970’s, which has proved to be such an essential source of finance for the running of this Union. In 2004, he was elected Treasurer of the WSRU Under 16 Group, a position he held until 2005.

 

During the 1989-90 season Roger Goode (Cantonian HS) and John Griffiths (Willows HS) were appointed senior and assistant coaches, respectively, to the Welsh Schools Under 16 International XV; thus bestowing on Cardiff Schools’ Rugby Union the unique honour of having both national coaches. Suddenly, and tragically, John Griffiths died in May 1995, thus depriving Cardiff and Welsh Schools of a great talent. Beyond his coaching, 'Shwn', as he was affectionately nicknamed, also possessed a great sense of humanity and selflessness that marked him out as a truly outstanding individual. His memory will live forever in the hearts of all the boys he coached in the Cardiff, South Glamorgan and Welsh Schools’ teams. During the 1991-92 season, Roger Goode was elected as a selector to the Welsh Schools’ Under 16 team, thus achieving the dual distinction of being an international coach and selector. Roger's contribution to Cardiff Schools, South Glamorgan Schools and Welsh Schools has been quite immense and schoolboy rugby owes him a great debt of gratitude. In 1998, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to schools sport, Roger was chosen as the Welsh Sports Council Junior Coach of the Year. Disappointingly, Roger failed to be re-elected as coach to the WSRU Under 16 team at the end of the 1999-2000 season, thus bringing to an end an envious international record of having played twenty-six, won twenty-two, drawn one and losing only three matches. Held in the highest regard by his peers, it was fitting that Roger, who has made a major contribution to schoolboy rugby within the city, was elected Chairman of CSRU for the Centenary Season. To show the esteem in which Roger is held by the rugby fraternity within the schools of our city, Roger was elected to the position of President of the Cardiff Schools’ Rugby Union in 2006.

 

In January 2003 Peter Cronin (Fitzalan HS), who had made an immense contribution to the development of schoolboy rugby within the city, sadly died. He was a former chairman in seasons 1969-70 and 1973-74, and was elected President in 1989, a position he held until ill health forced him to stand down in 2000. He will always be remembered by past teachers, players and parents during his years of involvement for his total commitment, loyalty and enthusiasm, which is the embodiment of all that is good in schoolboy rugby.

 

In 1985, Cardiff RFC presented a trophy in memory of Mr. Hubert Johnson, to be awarded to the outstanding player in terms of character and commitment. The first recipient was Matthew Lloyd (Lady Mary HS). In 2002, British Telecom presented this Union with a trophy to be awarded to the outstanding CSRU A team player in terms of character and commitment.

 

Owing to work and family commitments, Phil Davies (Fitzalan HS) had to stand down in 1996 as Secretary of this Union. Phil took up this position in 1981 and we thank him most sincerely for all his efforts on our behalf. In 2000, Cyril Evans was elected as our President, a position he held until 2006. Cyril will always be regarded with great affection owing to the great humility and friendliness he shows to everyone he meets.

 

Easter, 1999, saw CSRU take part in the International Festival of Youth Rugby held in and around Edinburgh, Scotland. The final was played on the hallowed turf of Murrayfield, where a very fine victory was achieved against Worcester RFC. The whole venture was a resounding success and something that we as a Union would dearly wish to repeat if the opportunity arose again in the future. In 2000 a Cup was presented to Cardiff Schools, to be played for at Under 12 level, in honour of John Nelson, the then Cardiff RFC Secretary, who tragically passed away earlier in that year. John was a true gentleman and a great supporter of schools rugby within the city. Season 2001-02 saw Les Good become Chairman of the Welsh Schools’ Rugby Union Intermediate Group. Les is a tireless worker for schoolboy rugby and it is fitting that he should have held this prestigious office in Cardiff Schools’ centenary season, since the very first Chairman of the WSRU, Mr. A. Swash, was also from this Union. Les was also instrumental in setting up the CSRU A team, which performed outstandingly in its first season (2001-02) to reach the semi-finals of the Dewar Shield. Owing to family commitments, Les had to stand down as Treasurer of this Union in 2003, a position he held with distinction since 1995. The 2002-03 season witnessed the Centenary of Cardiff Schools’ Rugby Union. To mark this splendid occasion several events were organised, including a dinner in the City Hall on the Friday 6th December at which over four hundred guests, former players and teachers attended. Further, two matches against Welsh Schools’ President’s XV’s in May were played, and finally a two week Centenary Tour to South Africa in July which comprised nine matches played by the Cardiff Schools ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams in Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.

 

Sadly and tragically during the 2005 Easter holidays, Selwyn Wyatt passed away whilst in the south of France. Selwyn had held many posts in the Welsh Schools’ Senior Group; he was an inspiration to many young rugby players both in Cardiff and in other parts of the Principality. Selwyn also coached CSRU in the mid 1990’s. His funeral in Llandaff Cathedral was an outstanding tribute to the high regard and affection in which he was held by colleagues, friends and former pupils alike. To perpetuate his memory the Old Boys’/Girls’ Association of Howardian High School donated a cup, which was presented to the winners of the Under 14 competition by his widow, Jeanette, at the annual Presentation Evening in 2005. At the end of the 2004-05 season Carl French stood down as Secretary, a position he had held since 1996.

 

President, Roger Goode, [June 2008]:

Carl became Secretary after a difficult period in the life of the Union and his vision and stewardship were instrumental in putting CSRU back on track. He organises the annual Cardiff Schools’ Golf Day at Llanishen Golf Club, which raises much-needed funds for the Union and his tireless organisation of all the rugby within Cardiff’s schools is an example for all to follow. To mark his contribution to the Union the officers presented him with an inscribed plaque and he was made a life member.

 

At the end of the 2007–08 season, Dai Rees stood down as Secretary and Treasurer. Dai’s contribution to CSRU cannot be overstated and his Herculean efforts in managing the two posts must be thoroughly applauded. Dai is a very humble individual, whose quiet and unassuming demeanour concealed the huge amount of effort he put into the administrative running of the Union.

Neil Hennessy was elected Chairman in 2007 and Chairman/Treasurer for the 2008-09 season; his energy and vision has brought the Union very much into the 21st century. Added to Neil’s unsurpassed organisational and coaching skills is his affinity with the local Referees’ Association, which has considerably eased the constant pressure of finding suitably qualified match officials for the increasing number of domestic and inter-district matches. Neil was elected WSRU Under 16A Team Manager for seasons 2008-09 and 2009-10 and it was a further privilege for this Union when Les Good was elected as Honorary Treasurer of the Welsh Schools’ Rugby Union for the 2009-10 season.

It is a very long time since the inaugural meeting of the Cardiff Schools' Rugby Union took place in December 1902. Those twenty gentlemen inspired the boys to play the game the "Cardiff Way.” They started a tradition in which memories live and their policies endure. We, both masters and boys, who are now custodians of this tradition and heritage, need to say "Diolch yn fawr iawn" and express our thanks by continuing to play the game of rugby in the spirit and enjoyment of our forebears.

 

Carl French, August 2009

(The full version of this article may be found in the CSRU Handbook)