South Pavilion, Newbridge Fields
Bridgend Athletic RFC in its current form was founded in 1972, with the formation of a senior team. The club established a Youth side in 1976 and an Under 21’s side in 1977. The team’s clubhouse was renovated and opened in 1982, with the club achieving full membership of the Welsh Rugby Union in 1983. The club were running 3 Senior Teams and a Youth side at this time.
The club continued to grow over the years and in in 1990 mini (Under 11-16s) and junior (Under 7- 10s) sections were established – today, these sections involve over 250 children, who play regularly on Sunday mornings throughout the season.
The club has produced 3 British Lions, 10 full Welsh Internationals and 1 Women’s International player, as well as a host of age group Internationals, Regional and Premiership players in its 50-year history.
Bridgend County Borough Council undertook substantial refurbishments to the South Pavilion at Newbridge Fields in 2021, including the replacement of the exterior cladding, the re-wiring of the building and a new heating system and boiler being installed.
Bridgend Athletic RFC were awarded a licence to undertake an internal refurbishment of the South Pavilion in 2022 and have subsequently modernised, updated and improved the pavilion in line with the club’s evolving needs.
The Community Asset Transfer Fund via Bridgend County Borough Council provided £27,000 of funding to enable the refurbishment to be undertaken.
Works undertaken in time for the start of the new season included the installation of kitchen worktops, hand basins, separate toilet facilities for ladies, non-slip flooring, replacement benches, new interior doors, roof insulation, refurbishment of the shower area, replacement benches and decorative finishes throughout.
The facility is currently maintained by Bridgend County Borough Council and is available for the sports clubs of the county to use during the season.