News

We are all devastated at the passing of club stalwart and life member Keith Simpson. Keith was a true gentleman and a very special person. He was a totally loyal, dedicated and faithful servant of the club for over 50 years. In recent times he was an influential member of the senior rugby coaching/management group and leaves a huge void in Waunarlwydd RFC.

Keith was a wing/centre and an integral part of the very successful Waunarlwydd team of the 1970’s. Their achievements included a Championship win in 1970/71 and Section Championships in 1974/75 & 1975/76. Also, there were huge battles in the Cup against Ebbw Vale, Aberavon and a famous win against Cross Keys at Alcoa. This win resulted in Waunarlwydd becoming the first ‘2nd class’ club to reach the Welsh Cup quarter finals, where Keith scored a famous try in a narrow defeat to Pontypridd at Sardis Road.

Keith continued to play well into the late 1980’s and was an active part of the first, second and latterly the third team until his retirement. He was especially proud to have played in the same team as his son James during this period.

Following his playing retirement, Keith was an active and passionate part of the senior coaching group and continued to contribute with his experience, wise counsel and encouragement to coaches and players week in week out.

Keith was held in the highest esteem by all at our club and a true Waunarlwydd legend who will be sorely missed by everyone. Our sincere condolences go out to Gloria, Kathryn, James and the rest of the family. Our thoughts and love are with them all.