Newport High School Old Boys (NHSOB) are a Welsh rugby union club based in Caerleon on the northern outskirts of Newport in South Wales. They currently play in the Welsh Rugby Union Division Two and is a feeder club for the Newport Gwent Dragons.[2]
| Full name | Newport High School Old Boys Rugby Football Club | |
|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Old Boys | |
| Founded | 1923 | |
| Location | Caerleon, Newport | |
| Ground(s) | Yew Tree Lane | |
| Chairman | Steve Barnes | |
| Coach(es) | Phil Taylor (Forwards) | |
| Captain(s) | Niall Martin | |
| League(s) | WRU Division Two East | |
| 2017-18 | 2nd [1] | |
| ||
The team is led by ex Dragons, Ulster, Newport, Llanelli, Bargoed and Wales U18’s star Niall Martin. Known for his fierce mediocrity with the boot and mixed ability to manage games when in winning positions.
Newport HSOB RFC were recognised by the Welsh Rugby Union as the biggest community rugby club in Wales in November 2007. The club provides a full range of teams for all age groups and a full female team at all levels. They have ex-players at all levels of the game. They also provide rugby training for children and adults with learning disabilities. The 'Old Boys' have a close rivalry with nearby rugby club Caerleon R.F.C.
Early history
editNewport High School Old Boys Rugby Club has been in existence for nearly 85 years having been founded in the season of 1923/24. Although the present ground at Yew Tree Lane, Caerleon has been the club's home for many years, as a club, it has led a very nomadic existence. During the early years the teams played on pitches at the Royal Oak, Bettws, Ponthir, Llanfrechfa, and the old Caerleon Racecourse. In 1949 a field at the present site at Yew Tree Lane became available for rent and this was to become the club's permanent home.
A major milestone was achieved in 1954 when probationary membership of the Welsh Rugby Union was granted, followed by full WRU membership in 1957. In 1960 the ground and the adjoining land became available for purchase and an area of 10 acres (40,000 m2) was bought for £975. Eventually the land was developed and a new pitch and club house were built and officially opened in 1967. Membership was opened to non Old Boys of Newport High School in the mid sixties and as a result, by the early seventies the club had four senior teams.
Notable former players
edit- See also Category:Newport HSOB RFC players
David Burcher, Wales and British Lions international- Jamie Corsi
- Mark Davies, Wales international
- Keith Jarrett, Wales and British Lions international
- Ceri Jones, Wales international
- John O'Shea, Wales and British Lions international
- Alix Popham, Wales international
- Matthew Robinson, Wales international
- John Ryan, former Wales national team Head Coach
- Ashley Smith
- Alex Walker
- David Watkins, Wales and British Lions international
- Stuart Watkins, Wales and British Lions international
Dave Ford, Qatar international captain- Rio Dyer, Wales International
Sergio Padrisa-Viñegla, Spanish international
External links
editReferences
edit- ^ "Official WRU League Tables". Archived from the original on 5 March 2014. Retrieved 27 May 2012.
- ^ BBC News (8 July 2004). "Wales' regional rugby map". BBC. Retrieved 28 May 2008.