The Old Arcade Rugby Team
The Old Arcade RFC Reunion is taking place on Friday 24th October starting at 7pm in the Back Bar
In the Beginning
The Seventies had been a feast of running Welsh rugby on the international front; a golden era of success at a national level. However, towards the end of the decade, it was becoming less enjoyable, particularly at the Parks level.
A chat in the back room of the Old Arcade pub in early 1979 led to a friendly Sunday game being organised and the eventual formation of the Old Arcade RFC. There were several like-minded people in that initial meeting, and a very supportive landlord in Paul Graciz
As the interest spread, the Old Arcade RFC was formed and we all agreed to embrace the fundamental idea to enjoy open rugby, in whichever position you were picked, and all subscribed to the adventurous target to tour America, although that was always thought of as a long way off.
Atmospheric Pressure rules OK
The Old Arcade is the Cardiff social HQ for Welsh rugby debates, where detractors and advocates alike form the backbone of the pub community. It was not difficult to spread the word of Sunday rugby to the locals, at least those drawn to the pub after their games on a Saturday afternoon. Numerous players from several diverse clubs became interested in the concept, which developed into a fantastic spirit. The Old A attracted all sorts of players; some nearing the end of their career and others just starting, drawn together through the social and rugby challenge and the location.
The Club Badge had been designed with the attendant “Atmospheric Pressure Rules” motto, the meaning of which will forever be debated. The Old Arcade RFC had already come a long way and now we were ready for the first season.
There was never a dull moment – on and off the pitch. Nobody cared if we were not the best, but we certainly had a positive attitude. There is no question, however, that none of this would have been possible without Paul and Josette (and family) who put up with a lot. The rugby team revolved around the Old Arcade public house as its base and, of course the then landlord, Paul Graciz. It was with and through Paul that we agreed to play out of the Old Arcade and adopt the pub name.
This central Cardiff pub has a colourful history, standing within a few hundred yards of Cardiff Arms Park and is still adorned with rugby memorabilia, particularly framed shirts often the focus of quiz questions. One of the Old Arcade RFC shirts still hangs on the wall
First Season
We played 20 Sunday fixtures mostly against other Cardiff Pub sides, winning 12. There were many memorable games against sides such as the Welsh College Music and Drama and the Woodville Groiners – some of them still come to our reunions
We also played the Gower, Westgate, Horse and Groom, Fox and Hounds and Carrefour and ventured further away to play the Park Barry and Slough RFC
At Xmas we played the Old Arcade Women XV in a Charity game and raised £600 for Ely Hospital. The boys had to wear wellies and be tied together, but we came close
We also played Cheltenham RFC and London Transport in the first year
In years to follow the Six Bells and Troedyrhiw became intriguing fixtures, and we also toured Bournemouth (although the fixture against Weymouth was called off)
The idea of an American tour was discussed when the team was formed and would always be a primary aim. Towards the end of the first season, we met up with Mike Burton and John Hall of Gulliver’s Travels, to negotiate the Old A RFC tour to California
It may seem a normal event these days, but in 1980 it was a comparatively new venture for even a senior district side to tour the US, and unheard of that a pub side should embark on a tour of California. Over the next couple of months, we finalised the details of the six match Californian tour – to include the Santa Barbara Tournament
Tour of California April 1981
Unfortunately, the Tour Party was missing several of the regulars (and key) players, for various reasons, leaving only 19 players available for the six matches we were going to play over an 11-day period.
The day had come and by 06-30am there were a string of bags and bodies littering Cardiff central station. A surprisingly uneventful bus trip to Heathrow followed, where we were greeted by John Hall who handed out a bunch of goodies including free alcohol tickets to be redeemed in the departure lounge – All aboard
Paul was busily recruiting new Club members on the plane, returning 100 Drachma, 2000 lire and several US Dollars to boost the Club funds.
Spending the initial night in a Los Angeles Hotel, we headed out in the morning down the Pacific Coast highway for Santa Barbara. When we arrived, everyone wanted to go to the Santa Barbara pre-tournament meeting (and party) on Friday night, not realising at that time, that we had to play our first game at 7-30am the next morning. Last to arrive, first to make an impression
Our first tournament game was against Newport Beach Sharks where we were narrowly beaten 3-0
Next up was Alaska with the shortest rugby season (something like 10 days), so we felt reasonably confident, but that was short lived. We managed to lose 6-0. We then got our first win against Costa County San Francisco 6-4, through a converted Dai Saunders try
The game against the US Marines was perhaps the highlight of the tour. The Marines were warming up with running human pyramids before the game, with the majority of us on the touchline enjoying the sun (and cider in some cases). We were then told that we were on next and playing the Marines. A stone per man lighter in the forwards and probably more in the backs, we conceded a first half try but came back strongly to win 12-6 (with some ease), and even had a push-over try disallowed
We lost the last two games against Santa Cruz and a return tie against Newport Beach Sharks, but by then we were struggling with injuries and the aftermath of celebrations
On reflection, we had done very well, playing six games in a hectic 10-day schedule with only 19 players. California was probably the apogee for the Old A RFC and the end of Sunday rugby for some, although the Team played on for a few more seasons
The Tour was excellent, but unfortunately, we were without some of those who had made it all possible, and they had to put up with these stories for several years to follow.
Move to the Bluebell, Insole and Back to the Old Arcade
The end of the second season (1980-81) now became a watershed for the rugby team. The American Tour was over, Paul had moved to the Bluebell and there was much discussion about whether we should play out of the Old Arcade or the Bluebell. Barry Nelmes became the new landlord of the Old Arcade, and we decided not to change the name to the obvious. Instead, the Old Arcade Exiles were born
When Barry became the Old Arcade landlord, he and Pat inherited the team, and he also became our first English international!!
At the beginning of the 3rd Season (1981-82), several new faces had joined the team, however, fixtures became more irregular as Sunday rugby waned, and some of these fun games seemed to become additional Saturday games. There were social attractions with an organised central Cardiff treasure hunt and even a Skittles team – and we were well known for our Songs
By the mid-1980s, the games were few and far between, but later we were to re-form when Ray Ware became the Old Arcade landlord, and when Ray moved to the Insole, we followed, playing out of the Insole (from 1987). We adopted the new name of the Old A Soles, which reflected the age growth. We still meet up in the Old Arcade now with the help of Mark the present landlord.
Reunions
The Old Arcade still harbours some RFC memorabilia, and a lot of the guys still meet there on a regular basis. Sadly, several of the players (and supporters) have passed on, but we still have their memories and, indeed reunions to reminisce. The Reunions have always been rewarding, and always a good turnout, remembered for the infectious humour, the characters and rugby stories.
Thank you: Paul and Josette, Barry and Pat, Ray and Carol; Thank you the Old Arcade
To all those who played and supported the Old Arcade RFC – Hope this web site enables you to keep in touch and even leave your anecdotes of the time
Ian Wallace
1979 - 1988
Captain and Secretary
In the early 1970s, The Old Arcade was a vibrant pub attracting numerous characters. Small bands used to play in the back room and Charlie the cellar man was always policing the place. I can remember talking with John Dawes in the back bar, and a friend Maxi comes up to say – I know you you’re famous, John nodded and thanked him, and Maxi continued – you’re Stuart Burrows
When Paul Graciz took over as landlord, he welcomed the rugby boys and supported the idea of a Sunday rugby team. The rest is history, and we all owe a lot of good times to Paul and Josette
Richard Lewis (Kurt)
1979 - 1988
Chairman
In 1979, a group of devoted Old Arcade regulars, who were also passionate rugby players, came up with a brilliant idea. They decided to unite their love for beer, rugby, and the Old Arcade by forming a pub rugby team. With the support of the landlord and landlady, the Old Arcade rugby team was established, and they dedicated their Sunday mornings to playing rugby and the afternoons to “debriefing” and charitable activities. Players from all levels of rugby were welcomed, and together they created a welcoming and inclusive environment where the spirit of the game was valued above all else. Their efforts extended to other pubs and clubs, inspiring them to form teams and support charitable causes.
Gareth Thomas
1979 - 1988
Treasurer
I started going to the Old Arcade pub around 50 years ago and am proud to be able to say that I played for their rugby club from its inception in 1979; I’m in the original team photo which was taken that year and. to this day can still be seen on display behind the bar in the back room of the pub. Those who know me will attest to the fact that I still sport the centre parting that I had at the time, although unfortunately it’s gradually widened over the intervening years!
Of all the memories from those years, the USA tour to the Santa Barbara Tournament in April 1981 stands out as a highlight, culminating in the game when we managed to beat the US Marines 12-6 in a group game at that tournament. The fact that there were only 21 of us on that tour – comprising of 19 players and a two man “support team” – makes the occasion even more memorable. Quite how we managed to get everyone there and back in one piece I’m still not sure, but no doubt reflects the attitudes that we all had at that time.
Memories of the occasions we had during and after Sunday morning matches at Llandaff Fields are too many to contemplate here, but the one that sticks with me is the time when we played Cheltenham Civil Service RFC (who were on tour down here at the time). We were actually losing the match 19-0 at half time, so we challenged them to a full team boat race (which we won) and turned things around in the second half to run out winners 22-19; we always found a way to win in those days…
One of the memories of the shenanigans that took place in the back room after our matches involved one of our props – Phil Beynon aka Cabbage. Phil was (and still is) a big bloke, standing over 6 ft and weighing in at more than 20 stone, a typical gentle giant but with a formidable thirst. After one game (I believe against Carrefour from Caerphilly) a challenge was thrown down for the best drinker in each team to down a pint of whatever Paul Graciz (the landlord at the time) could muster, the only stipulation being that it wouldn’t be “anything nasty”. So, Cabbage and his opposite number had to stand with their backs to the bar while Paul put two pints behind them and on the word “GO” had to turn round and down the pint, in one if possible. They both turned to be faced with a pint of curry sauce, Cabbage just shrugged and started to chug it, whereas his opponent reluctantly sipped at his. Suffice to say that Cabbage won the race hands down, although when quizzed afterwards as to why he slowed about halfway down, he explained he had to “chew a bay leaf”!
As I say, far too many memories to flag up here but all the best to everyone connected with this new website and look forward to watching it evolve
Keep in Touch with the Old Arcade Rugby Club
You can keep in touch with the Old Arcade Rugby club on Facebook or via email
https://www.facebook.com/OldArcadeRFC
Email to ian@remoteaccess.com
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