Cardiff RFC

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Cardiff Rugby Football Club was founded 1876. The club played their first few matches at Sophia Gardens, but soon relocated to Cardiff Arms Park, where they have been based ever since. They built a reputation as one of the great clubs in world rugby largely through a series of wins against international touring sides. South Africa and New Zealand have been beaten by Cardiff. Australia have failed to beat them in six attempts. Cardiff have provided more players to the Welsh national side and British Lions than any other Welsh club.

Contents

[edit] Early History

Cardiff RFC were formed from the almalgamation of two other clubs and played their first fixture on 2 December 1876, versus Newport at Wentloog Marshes. In 1881 Cardiff beat Llanelli to win the South Wales Challenge Cup, though the tournament was scrapped soon afterward due to persistent crowd trouble. A notable early player was Fran Hancock. A skillfull centre, Hancock first played for Cardiff due to an injury to a first regular. At this time, rugby was played with 6 backs and 9 forwards but Hancocks performance so impressed the selectors that for the next game they selected him as a 7th back and selected only 8 forwards. The system was soon adopted by the Welsh national team and the7 backs and 8 forwards system exists in rugby to this day.

[edit] The Arms Park

A new stadium was built in 1969 as a result of an agreement between the Cardiff Athletic Club and the Welsh Rugby Union. Club Rugby games were moved to what was the cricket ground on the site. In 1999 a brand new stadium was built in place of the old one, which was named the Millennium Stadium. Cardiff RFC still play at the Cardiff Arms Park which is beside the Millennium Stadium.

[edit] Today

Today Cardiff RFC Ltd runs two sides - both playing at the Arms Park. Cardiff Blues take part in the Celtic League, Anglo-Welsh Cup and Heineken Cup. Cardiff RFC take part in the Welsh Premiership.

[edit] Club honours

[edit] Notable former players

[edit] External links


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