News

It is with great sadness that we must announce that Owen Parfitt, President of Blackwood RFC passed away on the 2^nd September 2019.

Owen Parfitt was Blackwood RFC. He was a player, having joined the club in 1957 after serving in the Parachute Regiment and was captain of the first team during the 1965/1966 season. He was a committee man, chairman and finally in 2008 club President. No one could have done more work for the Club than he, and whilst others may have been involved, he was the driving force behind every major project this Club has undertaken working tirelessly to ensure the club was moving forward. Glan Yr Afon Park was utterly transformed with the construction of the grandstand …dressing rooms…training area…and the club house itself which was officially opened in 2004 by the then President of the WRU the Rt. Hon. Sir Tasker Watkins VC. GBE. DL.

All came about with Owen at the forefront.

He was well known and respected within the WRU.

He was the Chairman of Blackwood RFC for 32 years, being reputed to have been the longest servicing club chairman within the WRU. He was known and respected not only throughout Wales but also throughout the country. He was also respected internationally through various hospitality roles undertaken with visiting international sides.

He served as Chairman of the WRU District A for a considerable number of years until his retirement from that role the year before last.

Owen was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2012 for Services to Sport in recognition of his 55-year contribution to Rugby Union in Wales.

Owen also taught art at Blackwood Secondary School and Bedwellty Grammar School for over 30 years.

You cannot imagine anyone, but anyone would have a bad word to say about him, Owen was simply one of the best……….

To those of us who had the privilege to work and served with him the effects of his loss are already being felt. He was a man whose wise counsel was gratefully received and would take the time to suggest and encourage all who fell under his influence. There are many within the club who are grateful for his friendship.