Our History

Tonyrefail (Welsh pronunciation: [tonerˈɛvai̯l]) is a village and community in the Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough, Wales.   

It is situated at the head of the River Ely 4 miles (6.4 km) northwest of Llantrisant, about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from Trebanog and about 2 miles (3.2 km) from Williamstown. During the second half of the 19th century, when coal and steel became synonymous with the South Wales Valleys, Tonyrefail evolved from being a rural hamlet to an industrial village. 

Tonyrefail was a dairy farming and livestock raising area, and many early farmhouses still exist today. This was in stark contrast to the nearby valleys, that were forced to adopt arable and sheep farming activities due to their hilly geography. Early industrialisation began in the late 18th century around a corn mill and woollen factory, but it wasn't until deep coal mining began that employment grew on a large scale. At its peak Coedely Colliery employed nearly 1,800 men which not only changed the face of Tonyrefail, but also created the establishment of nearby colliery settlements.

Tonyrefail Rugby Football Club is a rugby union team from the village of Tonyrefail.  The club was founded as Thomastown Social RFC. Home games were played on the Black Path in Thomastown. Plans were made for a more permanent home in Tonyrefail and a change of the clubs name. The club was established in 1893. The depiction of an anvil on the club's badge refers to the literal meaning of the Welsh Tonyrefail - smithy or forge on a grassy plot of land. Tonyrefail RFC, has been a member of the Welsh Rugby Union since 1956 and is a feeder club for the Cardiff Blues.   

The  1st World War 1914 - 1918 rugby in the area was kept alive by matches between neighbouring collieries

The Second World War 1939 - 1945 saw the abandonment of all WRU Fixtures

The arrival of National League rugby in Wales started in September 1990 & gave the ‘second-class’ clubs a chance of rising to the top. The League was known as “ the Heineken League”.

Tonyrefail RFC currently play in the WRU Division Three East Central league.

The clubhouse, in High Street Tonyrefail, has been the club's base since 1962. Tonyrefail RFC is a community club, and has over 200 players currently involved in teams run by the club. These roots are continually developing, especially with the development of the Mini & Junior section of the club. The club currently runs the following teams :- 1st XV, 2^nd XV, Youth XV Mini & Junior rugby teams from Under 6's up to Youth.

We have created a heritage that has achieved and continues to succeed at all levels. But despite our progress Tonyrefail RFC still boasts a purely amateur philosophy. We rely our ingenuity and a dedicated band of likeminded sponsors and supporters who are all proud of what we have accomplished, We are a family club with a desire and commitment to adults, children and the locality.

A milestone was reached in season 2018/2019 when Tonyrefail ran out for its 125^th season. marking the occasion with a match against Glamorgan County.

The spread of Coronavirus (Covid 19 Pandemic) 2020- 2022 not only affected rugby but all sporting events around the world.

Over the years, there have been great teams, great players, great victories, memorable characters, times of struggle and great moments that will forever live in the memory. 

To all the people who have contributed to Tonyrefail over the years, a debt of gratitude is owed. And to the current and future generation, never forget you are representing a proud Club with a great history and tradition.