Indeed, as Head Coach Dylan Jones recalls from his own childhood, “the name David Carmichael was synonymous with Ystrad.” It is a connection that has endured across generations.

David’s association with Ystrad stretches across almost every aspect of club life. He wore the jersey as a player before going on to dedicate countless years to the club off the field, including hugely important periods of service as Club Secretary and Chairman.

But titles alone don't tell the story of David Carmichael and Ystrad Rhondda RFC.

He has been a player, a meticulous record keeper, a passionate custodian of the club’s history, a fundraiser, a familiar face on match days and, above all, someone with an unmistakable love for Ystrad.

Whether wearing the jersey himself, recording the appearances and points of those who followed, putting pen to paper as Club Secretary, welcoming visiting officials on a Saturday afternoon or offering one of his characteristically honest assessments of a performance, David has been part of the fabric of Ystrad Rhondda RFC.

Alan Sinclair — Ystrad Rhondda RFC Club Secretary

Current Club Secretary Alan Sinclair first got to know David more than 30 years ago and remembers immediately recognising the respect in which he was held.

“I have known David since 1995 when I joined the Club Committee as a representative for the Mini & Junior section. I was impressed with David from the outset and, over the years, it was clear other organisations held him in high respect.

“In 2005, David suggested we introduce a weekly draw to raise funds to help improve Club facilities. The prize draw is still raising funds to this day.

“The main reason for David stepping down as Secretary in 2010 was because the WRU moved all correspondence to digital and David openly admitted he was not a computer user!

“David has been a great help over the years when I have requested advice on various issues, either with Club or Union process.”

That weekly draw remains part of club life more than two decades after David first suggested it — a fitting example of the lasting impact of his work behind the scenes.

Dylan Jones — Ystrad Rhondda RFC Head Coach

For Head Coach Dylan Jones, David’s influence goes beyond administration. He helped preserve the stories, characters and identity of Ystrad Rhondda RFC for the generations that followed.

“I can’t think of many better people worthy of recognition to pick out as a highlight from a Ystrad Rhondda Hall of Fame than David Carmichael.

“Those of us of a certain age will remember the weekly Rhondda Leader. As a kid I’d read all the match reports and the name David Carmichael was synonymous with Ystrad. Little did I know that many years later I too would occasionally fall foul of David’s ‘honest’ reflections! Those who know, know — ha!

“David loves Ystrad. As I got to know him over many years, I enjoyed listening to his tales of Ystrad’s past, and about the characters of the club, all of which gave me a sense of identity and about who I was representing when I put the jersey on.

“His pride in his club was like no other — the fanatical collection of past appearances, results and points scored were a tradition I’ve tried to ensure we continue to this day.

“His hard work and service as Secretary gave us a foundation to propel us to where we are today and it’s on the likes of David’s shoulders we stand today.”

Dylan’s words perhaps best capture something that can easily be overlooked in a rugby club.

History is not simply about results, promotions and trophies. It survives because people take the time to record it, protect it and pass its stories from one generation to the next.

David did exactly that.

Bradley Hughes — Director, Former Team Manager and Player

Director and former team manager and player Bradley Hughes also remembers the extraordinary attention to detail David brought to his role — and the traditional rugby values that accompanied it.

“My memories of David as Club Secretary are how meticulous he was with details, handwriting all his correspondence even during the age of technology.

“He always had his match-day programme with him on a Saturday, so he could fill in the team sheet if there were any changes, and he’d add all the points scorers next to the players’ names.

“He was well liked by all other club officials and made sure we always welcomed all committee from away teams up in the lounge in the old club, providing a buffet and drinks for them.

“He displayed good rugby values.”

Those small details tell their own story.

Long before statistics could be found at the touch of a button, David was recording the names, appearances, results and points that made up Ystrad’s rugby history.

And while technology may eventually have persuaded him that his time as Secretary was coming to an end, the records, traditions and standards he helped establish have continued.

A Lifetime of Service to Ystrad

From pulling on the Ystrad jersey as a player to serving the club as Secretary, David Carmichael’s contribution spans virtually every part of club life.

Some people play for a rugby club. Some volunteer for it. Some help run it. And a very small number become woven into its history and identity.

David is one of those people.

His service, his knowledge of the club, his painstaking preservation of its history and statistics, his fundraising, his hospitality and his pride in everything associated with Ystrad have created a legacy that remains visible today.

The Ystrad Rhondda RFC of today stands on foundations laid by generations of people who gave their time and effort simply because they loved their club.

As Dylan Jones puts it:

“It’s on the likes of David’s shoulders we stand today.”

Player. Secretary. Historian. Clubman.

A true club legend and a thoroughly deserving member of the Ystrad Rhondda RFC Hall of Fame.