**Welsh Rugby Greats Reunite for Usk RFC’s Landmark Anniversary Match**
In a celebration of both tradition and community, several of Welsh rugby’s esteemed former internationals are lacing up their boots again to take part in a special event hosted by Usk RFC this Saturday. The occasion, marking the club’s remarkable 150th season, is set to draw fans both young and old, offering a unique opportunity to see legends of the sport sharing the pitch once more.
The historic club, founded in the 19th century and currently competing in League 2 East, is believed to have first played competitively in 1874. Apart from enforced wartime breaks, Usk RFC has proudly fielded a team in every subsequent season, making this milestone a genuine cause for celebration in Welsh rugby circles. Saturday’s festivities are the culmination of a legacy stretching back a century and a half, embodying the enduring spirit that characterises grassroots rugby in the region.
Former Wales and British Lions star Gavin Henson headlines an impressive turnout of ex-internationals, joined by the likes of Sam Parry, Lloyd Williams, Elliot Dee, Aaron Wainwright, Ryan Jones, Scott Baldwin, and Bradley Davies. These familiar faces will comprise a ‘Legends’ side set to play against Usk’s under-14s at 2pm before taking on the club’s senior team in a second match later that afternoon.
Admission to the event is refreshingly free of charge, with the gates welcoming supporters from midday onwards. To foster a family-friendly atmosphere, the club has arranged an array of food vendors—including a signature hog roast—and numerous activities for visitors. Notably, any funds raised during the day will go directly towards supporting the education and welfare of two Tongan teenagers currently involved with the club.
Ro Kulkarni, a committee member and former team doctor for the Dragons, shared the touching background to this initiative. “We have Nico and David—everyone calls him ‘Tongan Dai’—who arrived last year from underprivileged backgrounds in Tonga. With local support, they’re now settled in, studying here, and truly excelling in rugby,” he explained. “The costs each year for education and living come to around £9,000, so the club and wider community have really banded together. From local butchers providing food, to the Celtic Manor offering accommodation, it has been a real team effort.”
This grassroots commitment extends beyond the club, with backing from the wider Tongan rugby community, including Bath’s Kepu Tuipulotu and Sione Tu’ipulotu, father of Welsh international Toby Faletau. Their generosity underpins the club’s ethos of not only nurturing talent but giving young players a chance at a better life.
In keeping with the inclusive ethos of the event, Kulkarni emphasises that Saturday is meant to be a festival for all ages. “It’s open to the entire community—there will be food stalls, face painting, and even a fire engine for the children to explore. The whole day is designed to bring everyone together, allowing youngsters to meet their heroes, get autographs, and create memories,” he said.
Sponsorship for the celebration is being backed by Heineken, who have donated five barrels of beer to provide refreshments for adult attendees, adding to the convivial atmosphere expected on the day. The spirit of camaraderie that rugby fosters will be at the heart of this event, as people from across the region gather not just to watch rugby, but to share in an enduring heritage.
For the legends themselves, returning to the club game offers a chance to reconnect with supporters and inspire the next generation. The presence of such high-profile names is certain to ignite excitement on the touchline, bridging the divide between the professional and amateur games, and underlining the shared love of rugby that unites communities.
Ultimately, Usk RFC’s 150th anniversary celebration is about more than sport—it is a powerful reminder of rugby’s capacity to bring people together, support one another, and look after the next generation of players both on and off the field. Those attending can expect a memorable day, rich not only in rugby action but in camaraderie and community spirit, marking a proud moment in the history of Welsh rugby.