The Aberaeron 7s tournament deservedly takes its place in Welsh rugby folklore. During the 70s, Aberaeron was the place to be in late August to see some of the greats of Welsh rugby plying their trade on the school fields. Here are some pictures to bring back the memories from that era. Thanks to Jim in the Black Lion, Aberaeron for letting us share these – there are many more on the wal in the Black – a good excuse for a pint to take look through them.
Here’s Brynmor Williams receving ‘Man of the Tournament’ trophy from Rex Willis in 1974. Rex Willis’ grandson now plays for Aberaeron U15s
JPR Williams, captain of the winning team in 1975 – The Voyagers’ By then of course, JPR was a household name throughout the World, and he’d already achieved a lot on the field of play in all corners of the globe, but he still seemed very happy to receive the Aberaeron 7s winners’ cup from Handel Rogers, WRU President. Look at the tie-wearers in the crowd – can’t remember seeing a tie in Aberaeron 7s for some time!
In 1978, Cardiff were the victors. In the team that day was Alan Phillips (front row right), now team manager for Wales. This team almost lost in the quarter finals to Aberaeron – winning by a narrow 11-8 to the local team that included Alun Rees, Glyn Rees, Peter Merritt, Dai Gatehouse (please fill in the blanks). An attempt was made to take a photo of the local heroes that day but the camera broke.
It was Pontypridd’s turn to lift the trophy in 1979, led by Tommy David.
By the 90s and the emergence of the professional era, appearances from current internationals of the day were few and far between.
By now, the rugby is just as passionate and exciting, and the partying that accompanies the rugby is just as enthusiastic.
