Oakdale Rugby Football Club is immensely proud to announce that we have been awarded WRU Platinum Accreditation, the highest level of recognition available under the Welsh Rugby Union’s Club Investment Model. This prestigious achievement reflects the strength, dedication and commitment that exists throughout every part of our club and represents a significant milestone in Oakdale RFC’s ongoing journey.

The Platinum Accreditation recognises clubs that demonstrate excellence in governance, safeguarding, rugby development, equality, community engagement, infrastructure and long-term sustainability. More importantly, it acknowledges our commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, welcoming and well-managed environment for everyone involved in rugby, from our youngest players taking their first steps in the game to our senior players, volunteers, members and supporters.

While we are incredibly proud of receiving the highest accreditation available, this achievement is fundamentally about recognising the people who make Oakdale RFC what it is. Every training session, match day, fundraising event, committee meeting and community activity is made possible by the dedication of volunteers who give up their time, energy and expertise for the benefit of others. Our coaches, team managers, committee members, grounds staff, bar volunteers, fundraisers, parents and supporters are the heartbeat of the club, and this award is a testament to their tireless efforts.

Achieving Platinum status in the first year of the new accreditation model is a remarkable accomplishment and provides independent recognition of the high standards that have been established across the club. It confirms that Oakdale RFC is not only thriving today but is building a strong and sustainable future for generations to come. We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this success. This recognition belongs to the entire Oakdale RFC family and reinforces our commitment to keeping rugby alive and flourishing in Oakdale for many years ahead.

The recent unexpected passing of David Higgins certainly did shake our club to the core. David, was a committee man for 3 years before spending five years as Fixture Secretary then moving into the demanding role of Club Secretary for 17 years, 25 years of impeccable service to Oakdale RFC.

He led this Club with Chris Thomas and Ian Poulton through some of its most difficult times in fact he saved our clubhouse from closing. Only three people on the committee you can understand how hard they all had to work and work tirelessly he did. He was a mentor to many, always available, always helpful and always had this club right at the very centre of his heart.

David will always be remembered as one of the most important, influential and diligent members in our 100 year history.

The club were more than proud to see two of the current squad turn out for Monmouthshire County in Wednesday’s game against East Districts at Risca Rugby Club. Both Scott Hoskins and Tal Watkins played their part in an entertaining game which went right up to the final whistle. Scott has represented the County on many occasions but it was Tal’s debut on Wednesday night and we all hope it is the first of many for Tal and he paves the way for other players of his age group to represent Oakdale RFC on the County stage.

Oakdale RFC was deeply saddened to learn the passing of a great servant to the Club recently. Gary Pullen lost his long battle to illness but left a positive permanent impression on everyone at Oakdale RFC. Gary played a handful of games for the senior side but his strengths were in helping the Club progress through the Monmouthshire leagues into the Heineken League structure. An industrious committee man, Gary worked tirelessly in the jobs not everyone wanted to undertake. His commitment saw him elevated into the Vice Chairperson role in the 1989/1990 season and through his commitment and endeavor the Club experienced one of its most successful phases.

Once Gary knew his time had come to step aside, his relationship with the Club did not stop there. He continued to provide invaluable service using his electrician’s skills and abilities to give up his time for free helping the Club sort out problems only a competent person could sort. Gary was the go-to person when we undertook major renovations and refurbishment of the clubhouse and the Clubhouse is a much more welcoming (and safe) place because of him.

When Gary decided to hang up his tools he was still a frequent visitor to the Club and always was interested to know how the committee was progressing with improvements and alterations to the facilities. A Clubman with the Club in his heart, Gary will be sorely missed. Our condolences go out to his wife, Sue, his two daughters, Leanne & Tara and the rest of the Pullen family.

Last Saturday saw two firsts for Oakdale Rugby Club. The Senior team hosted for the first time, Furnace United from the Llanelli area in a second round WRU Division Four Cup tie and the Youth made the considerable journey to play their WRU Youth Cup fixture against a combined Bro Ffestiniog/Dolgellau side, again a first for the Club. The Youth set off early at 08:30 from the Club and preparations for the Senior fixture started around the same time, such was the desire to make it a memorable day. Furnace didn’t stick to the script and went ahead 14-00 within the first quarter of an hour of the home tie before Oakdale got a grip on the game, scoring seven tries and taking an unassailable lead at 43-17 before Furnace rallied with three tries and two conversions of their own to make the final score, 43-36.

The first half in the Youth game was a tight affair with the home side going into the break 10-05 in the lead. No matter how hard the Youth fought back they came up against a resilient host who scored a further 12 points in the second half to make the final score 22-05 to the home team.

But it was the after-match festivities that will last long in the memory of all that attended. Both sets of sides coming together after the games to celebrate the game of rugby in the only way that they know, drinking games. The beer flowed at both clubhouses and each away team left with glowing praise of their hosts, something all clubs aspire to. Ther was even agreements of pre season friendlies and possible tours in the future such was the connection that was made on the day.

Oakdale Rugby Club would like to give their immense thanks to Furnace United and to Bro Ffestiniog/Dolgellau for playing their parts in two thoroughly enjoyable afternoons of rugby and we wish you every success in the future.

The Club was recently delighted to welcome Tara Williams from the Howdens Insurance group to the Clubhouse to present a commemorative plaque recognising one of Oakdale Rugby Club’s former players who went onto represent the British Lions in the 1959 & 1962 tours to New Zealand & Australia and South Africa, making four appearances. Hadyn Morgan joined the Club straight from school when he went to work at Oakdale Colliery. His performances did not go unnoticed and at the age of 18, he transferred to Abertillery Rugby Club eventually becoming one of their most celebrated players.

Although a reliable & dynamic player, with a heavy but clean tackle, Morgan suffered at the hands of the national selectors often dropped for players who never showed any international longevity. That being said, he did make 27 appearances for the national team. Originally a centre, he moved to wing forward when called up for National Service while playing for the Army where he was a Paratrooper. Hadyn often returned to the village to help out with training and was often a ‘guest’ referee at pre-season trial games which guaranteed a big crowd would come to watch (the referee!).

Oakdale RFC Vice Chairperson, Michelle Lord, commented ‘This is fantastic recognition for the unsung work community rugby clubs play in the development of young players who progress through the echelons of the local, regional and national rugby structures. Howdens’ understanding in this is very much appreciated and this plaque will compliment Hayden’s framed national jersey which he so kindly gifted to us.’

‘Whilst his rugby playing days were before our time, there are many stories in the Clubhouse of his ability, performances against touring national teams and his affection for the village he grew up in. We are grateful to Howdens Insurance Group for recognising the part our club has played in Hadyn’s career and hopefully we can produce future British & Irish Lions and welcome back Tara to the clubhouse.’

We recently celebrated a momentous occasion in our club at our first game of the 2025/20-26 season against Bedwellty. Popular senior team player, Jordan Wall stepped out for his 200^th appearance in the red and white shirt of Oakdale and got the Man of the Match award to go with it. Jordan has given his all for the Club. Each week he puts 100% effort to drive the team forward. His enthusiasm is as strong today as when he made his debut. A Clubman through and through, Jordan epitomises what every club looks for in a solid and dependable player. We are truly blessed to call him one of our own and we all raise a glass to celebrate in his great milestone of 200 appearances for Oakdale Rugby Football Club.

Senior team player, Jaden Morgan recently competed in the Ironman Wales competition in Tenby on the 21st September 2025. A mamouth undertaking with a 2.4 mile (3.8km) swim, a 112 mile (180.2km) cycle finishing off with a 26.2 mile (42.2km) run, Jaden completed the course in an impressive 11 hours and 43 minutes. Not only was Jaden the youngest competitor in a very large field of competitors but he also won the Welsh Under 20’s Long Course Championship. A future Olympian in the making? We have no doubt about that……..

Oakdale hosted Bedwellty RFC in a round one match up in the 2025/2026 WRU Division Four Cup. The was a degree of confidence in the squad having gone to Bedwellty a fortnight ago and left with their first league victory of the season. Oakdale took an early lead with an Oli Tucker penalty which was cancelled out shortly after. Straight from the restart, Evan Fears broke away from a maul to score Oakdale’s first try, converted by Tucker. Cruz Morgan scored the Dale’s second try after some good work on the floor by his forwards. The score at half-time stood at 15-3 but Oakdale went looking for more points. Captain, Scott Hoskins, added those with a penalty five metres out which he took and crashed over. Tucker did well to make the conversion. Oakdale’s last score came from Liam Price, making his first appearance of the season, when he broke from a ruck and scurried over for Oakdale’s last try of the game, again converted by Tucker. Oli’s kicking performance won him Man of the match and Oakdale now await their fate with the Round Two draw happening this week. Full match playback can be found on our YouTube channel using the link below

Popular club man, Josh Tedstone, made his 50th appearance for the Club in last weekend’s game against Bedwellty RFC in the Division Four Cup. Josh is so much more than a player for our senior side. He understands the need for unity and is our go-to person whenever we need to celebrate . Our Clubman of the Year strives to progress our side on and off the field. He singlehandly worked tirelessly to secure the funding for the Club minibus for which we are forever grateful. We salute you Josh and raise a glass for your service.