Penarth RFC are set to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the opening of its memorial stand.
The celebrations will see the reopening of the Memorial Stand following refurbishment in 2024.
The stand originally opened on February 19, 1925, served as a war grave for 19 club players who died in the First World War.
The opening ceremony for the refurbished stand, now sponsored by Truffle Specialist Finance, will take place before Penarth RFC's match against second-placed and unbeaten St Joseph's this Saturday, February 15.
A new permanent memorial, donated by Mossfords Memorial Masons with Morgans Consult, will be unveiled to mark the centenary. Prior to kick-off the club will hold a minute's silence and applause to remember the former players who made the ultimate sacrifice, with relatives of those players invited to attend the match and opening.
The club has also created a Memorial Day match program to celebrate and remember the days events, which will be available at the entry gates.
The refurbishment of the stand has been made possible through sponsorship from Truffle Specialist Finance.
"As someone born and raised in Penarth, it's an absolute honour and privilege to sponsor the iconic stand at Penarth RFC." said James Rainbird.
"I've supported and sponsored many local teams over the years, and this club holds a special place in the heart of the community. The Memorial Stand is more than just a structure - it's a tribute to the players we lost during the Great War, the players who gave everything, a symbol of togetherness."
"At Truffle Specialist Finance, we believe in supporting and strengthening the community, and I couldn't be prouder to play a part in the club's incredible history."
The 19 Penarth RFC players who lost their lives during World War I are as follows:
- Private William East - Frank Blackmore - Second Lieutenant Alexander F Whitley - Sergeant John "Jack" Regan - Battery Sergeant Major Thomas Bartlett - William Monroe - Arthur Stuart Monroe - Frederick Morgan Aubrey - Sydney Douglas Aubrey - Major John Angel Gibbs - Sergeant Edwin "Teddy" Boyle - Private William Davie - Earl Malcolm Angove - Lieutenant Charles Clement Heywood - Edwin Thomas Murray - Private Arthur Chick - Rev Enoch Thomas Davies MA - Second Lieutenant Cyril de Clare Yeld - Second Lieutenant Richard James Pawley
Seaman William Robert was another Penarth player who died after the end of the war in 1919 and Bayonne legend Jules Forgues played for Penarth before the war and was killed in action in France.
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