As Ystrad Rhondda RFC prepare for this weekend’s clash against Pontypridd RFC, the club will also recognise one of its most significant family legacies as part of its Hall of Fame — the Davies family of nearby Llwynypia.

As Chairman Adrian Griffiths reflected:

“If you’re ever delving into the history of Ystrad Rugby, it won’t take long before you come across the Davies family of nearby Llwynypia.”

At the heart of it all was Ralph Davies Senior, a formidable back row forward who featured throughout the 1970s and much of the 1980s. After hanging up his boots, he continued to shape the club as head coach, becoming just as well known for his demanding training sessions and passion on the sidelines.

Ralph Junior followed in those footsteps, emerging through the youth ranks to become a powerful and consistent back row player. After several successful seasons with Ystrad, he progressed up the ladder to earn a regular place with Pontypridd. After his playing days he too became head coach at the club.

Brother Robert Davies took a different role but an equally influential path, commanding the number nine shirt for many seasons. Like his older brother, he too moved on to Pontypridd, enjoying success before returning to his roots at Ystrad in the late 1980s and early 90s.

With Ystrad set to face Pontypridd this weekend, Robert’s connection to both clubs adds further significance to the occasion — a reminder of the shared history between the two sides and the calibre of players developed at Ystrad.

Youngest brother James Davies also rose through the club’s mini and youth system, initially featuring at scrum half before finding his stride in the centre. After breaking into the first team, he went on to test himself further afield with a spell at a high-flying Merthyr side.

In a fitting twist, all three brothers would return to Ystrad, forming a formidable trio and continuing to add to the club’s story. Between them — alongside their father — the Davies family amassed over 1,000 appearances, a remarkable testament to their loyalty and commitment to the badge.

Their story perfectly highlights the value of a strong mini and junior system, and the rewards that dedication and hard work can bring. The club is rightly proud of what the Davies family have contributed over the years.

And finally, a special mention must go to Sandra — wife to Ralph and mother to three rugby-playing sons — who no doubt heard more than her fair share of rugby talk at home. It’s safe to say the conversation rarely drifted toward the latest soap operas.

A true Ystrad legacy.

Following these reflections from Chairman Adrian Griffiths, we caught up with James Davies, who will be representing the family at this weekend’s Hall of Fame Highlight.

James Davies — Speaking on Behalf of the Davies Family

Q) Growing up in such a strong rugby household, with your father and two older brothers already deeply involved, how did that shape your early experiences, and what influence did it have on you?

JD) A huge influence on myself. I watched my father play for Ystrad, although very young at the time, and watched my brothers every week without fail — obviously alternating when they weren’t both playing for Ystrad.

The three of them are my heroes and influenced me to train hard. I always wanted to be the best out of us — and if I couldn’t do that, at least be the biggest!

Q) Over your Ystrad career, there must have been many highlights. What were the standout moments?

JD) There were many promotions and cups that we have won over the years — we’ve always been a successful side. Getting into the Heineken League was one standout memory, and becoming champions in our first year there was excellent.

But the one game I remember is Penygraig at home, around 2003. They had a side full of ex-Division One players — a proper all-star team. We had our own class outfit too, with experienced players mixed in with talented youngsters starting their journeys.

Ystrad coming out winners in that game made it one of the most memorable for me — a truly epic clash and a much higher standard than the division suggested at the time.

Q) Later in your career, you took on the role of club captain — what did that mean to you, and what do you remember most about that time?

JD) It was an absolute privilege to captain my home side, following in the footsteps of my older brother and my uncle Mordi, as well as other great names who had captained Ystrad over the years.

It was a tough period personally with injuries — breaking my arm early in the season and then later tearing my bicep — so not the most successful time for me, but still something I’m incredibly proud of.

Q) Between you, your father, and your brothers, the family racked up over 1,000 appearances — when you reflect on that legacy now, what makes you most proud?

JD) It’s great to think of how much we’ve put in alongside some fabulous friends who are friends for life. It’s also lovely to still be part of the club long after our playing days.

We all started young — all of us in the first team at 18 — and I’m proud of all the teammates and opponents I had over the years. It builds you.

My father deserves a special mention in that legacy as well — he’s been noted as the only coach to get two sides into the Heineken League. A proper old-school coach.

Q) The club is now competing at the top end of Welsh rugby and continuing to grow. Knowing that’s been built on foundations laid by families like yours — how does that make you feel?

JD) It’s great to see the club achieving and always punching above their weight.

It’s excellent to know that the reputation for Ystrad being a tough nut to crack — no backward step given — has carried through the years. We built that on heart, desire and aggression, and it’s great to see the current group embracing that.

A True Ystrad Legacy

The Davies family story is woven into the fabric of Ystrad Rhondda RFC — a legacy built across generations through dedication, pride and commitment to the badge.

A Hall of Fame recognition that reflects not just individual achievement, but a family’s lasting contribution to the club.