Wattstown Rugby Football Club

Wattstown RFC was formed in 1976, originally as a local pub side when a group of men decided they wanted more excitement than simply spending their time in Tommy John’s bar. In the early days the team faced tough competition against more organised and disciplined opponents, often losing more matches than they won.

As the months passed, players with previous rugby experience joined the club and performances began to improve. This progress led to Wattstown joining the Rhondda and East Glamorgan District Rugby Union, where the club has since developed into one of the strongest and most respected sides in the area.

Over the years Wattstown RFC has built a proud competitive record. The club has reached the Ifor Williams District Cup Final on eleven occasions, lifting the trophy twice. They have also secured eight league titles and won the Coleman District Cup four times. Wattstown has the unique distinction of being the only club to reach the Welsh Districts Final five times.

One of the most memorable periods in the club’s history came during the early to mid 1990s. In 1993 Wattstown reached their first Welsh Districts Final, narrowly losing 26 to 19 after extra time to Birchgrove. The following year brought a famous victory, defeating Hartridge HSOB 15 to 6 in what remains one of the club’s greatest achievements. Further final appearances followed in 1996 and 1997, highlighting a sustained era of success and competitiveness.

The 1994 cup winning side holds a special place in club history, with players such as Dale Williams, Robert Rowe, Gareth Bents, Archie Thorburn, Mark Southcombe, John Southcombe, Ian Connolly, Steve Williams, Ceri Connolly, Tyrone Harris, Kim Harris, Gareth Newhams, Kelvin Rees, Scott Eggar and Russell Evans all playing key roles. Several of these players featured in multiple finals during that successful period.

Wattstown RFC has also developed players who have achieved recognition beyond club rugby. Twelve players have been selected for Welsh District honours over the years, with both Dale Williams and Archie Thorburn captaining their representative sides. Number eight Scott Eggar went on to earn Wales A honours while playing for Neath, representing his country against Argentina.

These achievements reflect the club’s long standing commitment to developing players, nurturing local talent and providing opportunities for individuals to progress within the sport.

Today Wattstown RFC continues to build on its proud heritage, striving for success on the field while remaining a central part of community life in the village.

Representative Honours & Notable Players

Wattstown Rugby Football Club has a proud tradition of developing players who have progressed to represent their region and country at the highest levels of the game. Across different eras, the club has played a significant role in nurturing talent that has gone on to achieve national and international recognition.

One of the most notable recent examples is Keiron Assiratti, who began his rugby journey at Wattstown before progressing through the Cardiff Rugby pathway. A powerful tighthead prop, Assiratti made his senior debut for Cardiff in 2017 after developing within the club’s academy structure. In 2020 he furthered his experience with a loan spell at Premiership Rugby side Bristol Bears.

His international career reached a major milestone in 2023 when he was selected by Wales Head Coach Warren Gatland as part of the extended Rugby World Cup training squad. Assiratti made his senior Wales debut in August 2023, starting in a warm up victory over England. He continued to establish himself at international level during the 2024 Six Nations Championship, where he started matches against England, Ireland and France. His continued progress saw him included in Wales’ squad for the 2025 Autumn internationals, featuring against leading rugby nations including Argentina, South Africa and New Zealand. Keiron is the son of another Wattstown stalwart Gregg Assiratti.

Another player to progress from the club’s rugby roots is Iestyn Harris, the son of former Wattstown player Kim Harris. Harris represented Wales at age grade level through Under 16, Under 18 and Under 20 programmes, while also developing his club career with Pontypridd, Cardiff Rugby and Exeter Chiefs. During his time with Exeter he was part of the squad that secured the Premiership Cup. Continuing his involvement in the game, Harris returned to Pontypridd RFC in a leadership capacity, taking on the role of Assistant Coach for the 2024 to 2025 season.

Wattstown has also contributed to the development of outstanding sevens talent. Cole Swannack progressed from Wattstown Youth to enjoy a remarkable international sevens career. He represented Wales Sevens at both the Rugby World Cup Sevens and the Commonwealth Games, as well as competing for Great Britain in European Championship events. His club sevens career included appearances for Bristol Bears in Premiership Sevens competitions and for Montpellier in the French Super Series. Swannack has played rugby in more than fifteen countries worldwide and achieved success in major tournaments including the Dubai Sevens. At university level he was part of Hartpury’s BUCS winning side and also reached cup finals with Coleg y Cymoedd. His early achievements with Wattstown Youth included both league and cup success.

Another player to progress through the club’s development pathway is Cameron Lewis, who began his rugby journey within Wattstown’s Minis and Youth teams. His ability and dedication saw him selected to represent Cardiff Blues at Under 16, Under 18 and Under 20 levels, highlighting his potential at an early age. Lewis also earned honours with Wales age grade squads at Under 18 and Under 20 level, in addition to representing Wales in the sevens format of the game. He later gained valuable senior experience during two seasons with Newport RFC, continuing his progression within the Welsh rugby system.

Another player to progress through Wattstown RFC’s youth system and go on to enjoy a successful and wide ranging rugby career is Thomas Jevons. A promising talent from a young age, Jevons played both youth and senior rugby for Wattstown before being identified by Ystrad Rhondda RFC, where he competed in Division One and later the Championship.

His development continued when he signed for Pontypridd RFC for a season, balancing senior rugby with competing at a high level during his university studies. Jevons later moved into the sevens format of the game, representing sides including Ponty Butchers and Shogun Rugby Club, formerly known as Samurai RFC, gaining valuable experience in elite invitational tournaments.

His rugby journey has taken him across the world. Jevons spent time playing in Australia and was involved with Wales Sevens training squads preparing for major international competitions including the Rugby World Cup Sevens and the Commonwealth Games. He later joined Merthyr RFC, where he played for two seasons and had the opportunity to captain the side on a small number of occasions, reflecting the trust placed in him within a competitive squad.

More recently he has continued his senior career with Bridgend Ravens, again taking on leadership responsibilities as team captain. Alongside his fifteen a side career, Jevons has enjoyed notable success in international sevens competitions, captaining Sharks in Dubai and competing in prestigious tournaments such as the Hong Kong Tens and events in Amsterdam representing Samurai.

He has also represented invitational and elite sevens sides including Speranza22 in Dubai alongside fellow Wattstown product Cole Swannack, Viator Barbarians in Spain and Scimitar Storm Rugby. His playing career has included appearances in countries such as Barbados and Ireland, reflecting the global opportunities rugby has provided. Between these experiences, Jevons also spent approximately two years playing professionally in Spain with Club de Rugby La Vila, based in Villajoyosa, further demonstrating the pathway from grassroots rugby at Wattstown RFC to professional and international competition.

Team Pink, Women’s Rugby and the Female Pathway at Wattstown

The development of female rugby at Wattstown RFC represents an important and proud chapter in the club’s history. The formation of the club’s first girls team, known as Team Pink, created new opportunities for young players within the community to experience the game, develop confidence and build lasting friendships. The team quickly became a strong and visible part of club life, helping to promote inclusion and participation while inspiring a new generation of female players.

Among those to emerge from this environment was Kira Lee Philpott, whose rugby journey began at Wattstown in 2015 after attending an open training session. Having previously shown little interest in sport, she soon developed a passion for the game and was appointed captain of the historic Team Pink side at just 15 years of age. Her performances at grassroots level led to selection for Cardiff Blues Under 18s, where she represented the region for two seasons before progressing into the Cardiff Blues Senior Women’s squad for a further three seasons.

Kira later enjoyed a successful nine year playing career with Welsh Premiership club Llandaff North, captaining the side for four seasons and helping secure two Welsh Premiership Cup victories and two league title wins. Her achievements continued at national level with selection for Wales Development XV in the inaugural Celtic Challenge competition, before moving into the semi professional environment with Brython Thunder during the 2024 to 2025 season. Her story highlights the positive impact Wattstown RFC has had in providing a foundation for personal growth, ambition and opportunity.

Following the eventual folding of Team Pink, many of the girls continued their rugby journeys through the formation of Rhondda Miners Girls, ensuring that opportunities for female participation in the area remained strong. A number of former Wattstown players have since gone on to represent other clubs across the region and continue to play the game today.

Wattstown also established a senior women’s team in 2014, further demonstrating the club’s commitment to supporting the growth of the female game. The side competed for three seasons and reached a cup final during that time, creating lasting memories for players and supporters alike. The team was captained throughout its existence by Sharon Swannack, a fierce and respected competitor who played in every match. Her leadership and dedication were central to the team’s identity.

The squad also included players with experience at the highest level of the women’s game, including former Welsh international Hannah Szigetvari, who made her debut on the right wing against the Premiership All Stars, as well as Amy Thompson, further highlighting the calibre of talent connected with the club during this period.

Although both Team Pink and the senior women’s side eventually folded, their influence remains a valued part of Wattstown RFC’s legacy. Their contribution helped inspire future pathways for female players and reinforced the club’s belief that rugby should be inclusive, community driven and open to all.

Growth, Ambition and Community

Throughout its history Wattstown RFC has continued to evolve while remaining rooted in its local community. The club has consistently aimed to progress within league structures, with ambitions including promotion through the divisions and achieving full membership status within the Welsh Rugby Union system.

On and off the field, Wattstown has played an important role within the Rhondda Fach, providing opportunities for players of all ages and backgrounds to be involved in rugby. The development of youth rugby, the dedication of volunteers and the support of local businesses and supporters have all contributed to the club’s continued strength.

Today, Wattstown RFC stands as a proud community institution. From its origins as a pub team seeking excitement, the club has grown into a respected grassroots rugby organisation built on passion, resilience and shared identity. With a rich history behind it and strong foundations in place, Wattstown continues to look forward with ambition as it builds the next chapter of its story.