Cardiff Harlequins RFC
| Full name | Cardiff Harlequins Rugby Football Club |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1880s |
| Location | Cardiff, Wales |
| League(s) | Defunct |
Cardiff Harlequins RFC was a rugby union club located in the Welsh capital city of Cardiff. The team provided several international players during the late 19th century, most notably Gwyn Nicholls, who after leaving the club not only represented Wales but also played for the British Isles on their 1899 tour of Australia.
History
Cardiff Harlequins formed in the 1880s in Cardiff, playing on a field off Penarth Road. Although in the shadow of first class team Cardiff RFC, the Harlequins began to attract matches from some of the lesser but well established clubs in the Glamorgan area. The team is recorded as playing matches against Pontypridd, Cardiff and Llanelli and later became a popular opponent for touring teams from the West of England, such as Bristol.[1]
In 1892 the team moved from Penarth Road, and a replacement pitch was made available for the team by Lord Tredegar at Roath Park. Originally called the Cardiff Athletic Ground, the pitch became known as the Cardiff Harlequin Athletic Ground, a name it keeps to the present day.[2]
Notable former players
Percy Bennett (4 caps)- Frederick Nicholls (1 cap)
- Gwyn Nicholls (24 caps)
Bibliography
- Griffiths, John (1987). The Phoenix Book of International Rugby Records. London: Phoenix House. ISBN 0460070037.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - Parry-Jones, David (1999). Prince Gwyn, Gwyn Nicholls and the First Golden Era of Welsh Rugby. Bridgend: seren. ISBN 1854112627.
References
- ^ Parry-Jones (1999), pg 27.
- ^ St. Peter's RFC - History .stpetersrfc.co.u