Our History

Rugby has been played on the ‘Hill’ at Alltwen village since the early part of the 20th century. Indeed Welsh international and British Lion Edgar Morgan who played in famous Swansea victories over Australia (1908) and South Africa (1912) is listed as having started his career at Alltwen RFC. Although no records survive, it is known that a team nicknamed ‘The Canaries” carried the rugby banner during the twenties and thirties, eventually evolving into a side known as “The Blacks”. Both teams were members of the Swansea and District Rugby Union.

During World War Two with competitive rugby disbanded, the village’s original playing field was converted to agricultural use. When Alltwen RFC was reformed in 1946 finding a new ground proved difficult. Near neighbors Pontardawe and Vardre United helpfully placed grounds at the disposal of Alltwen, enabling an important foothold to be established during this difficult period.

In 1956 the club were able to obtain their own ground through acquiring a field above the village. After an absence of several years Alltwen were re-instated into the Swansea & District Rugby Union, where they prospered and developed into a thriving district side.

In 1986 Alltwen RFC were successful in achieving ‘Welsh Rugby Union’ status, aided by the development of a new ground and changing rooms at the club’s present playing location in Gwyn Street. A year later the club were able to join West Wales Section F. Steady progress continued and promotion was achieved in 1992-93.

In 1994 the old ‘West Wales League’ was replaced by the WRU National League structure with Alltwen becoming members of Division Eight West ‘B”. Further promotion followed and in 2001-2 Alltwen were winners of National league Division 7 West.

In 2003 Alltwen won promotion to Division 3 South West and won the Swansea Valley Cup for the first time in the clubs history, beating Glais 10-3 in the final, once again reaching the final in 2012, before losing bravely to Ystylyfera.

Further league structuring took place in the 2014/15 season and Alltwen RFC, now functioning within the Ospreys region, were placed in Division 3 West Central. In 2016/17 the team won the division championship and promotion.