News

Byron Broadstock – A Tribute

It is with profound sadness that we learned of the passing of former Abercynon club player Byron Broadstock at the age of 73. Byron, a pupil of Mountain Ash Grammar School and a graduate of Swansea University, was first and foremost, a superb athlete who excelled at 400 metre running (440 yards at the time) and earned Welsh schoolboy honours.

On the rugby field Byron allied natural rugby ability with his running prowess to good effect which gained him a Welsh trial in the mid sixties while playing for Pontypridd RFC. A serious motor accident not long afterwards however, halted his prospects of further advancement to the highest level.

Continuing to play for Pontypridd, Byron a strong running centre, captained  the club in 1966/67 season.  He then  joined Abercynon and was made Club captain for 1970/71 season and became an influential figure in the club’s many successes throughout the seventies. He also skippered the club’s second XV in 1977/78 season. Byron, a civil engineer by profession, was also an accomplished photographer and many examples of his flair behind the lens can be viewed inside the clubhouse.

Byron was a man of many attributes but above all he was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. Throughout his long illness he remained upbeat and positive. It is to be hoped that at this time of great sadness Byron’s family can take some solace in the fact that he was liked and admired by so many.  Abercynon RFC wish to offer their sincere condolences to Byron’s wife Marilyn, daughters Amy and Lucy, his extended family and friends.

Gareth Withey

A memorial service to celebrate Byron’s life will be held at St Margaret's Church, Mountain Ash on Wednesday 15th March at 3pm. Prior to this the family are holding a private service at the Crematorium. Family flowers only but donations are welcome for the charity, Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Following the memorial service, the family will be raising a glass to Byron at Abercynon Rugby Club.