Bedwas RFC is proud to share the news that two of its longstanding members have been elected as Life Members of the club in honour of their extraordinary service as volunteers. As of Friday 4 June, Mark Lewis, former chairman and David Cousins, former secretary have joined an illustrious list of Bedwas RFC greats as Life Members.

Lewis and Cousins, who have been part of the club since they were children, were given the honour in recognition of their work to bring the club back in to the control and ownership of its members ten years ago. 

Subsequently, they both led the club through a sustained period of success as the zenith of Welsh club rugby in the Principality Premiership, seeing the club reach the Premiership semi-finals and winning the Fosters Challenge Cup. Balancing their work-life commitments with running the club for a sustained period, they led the club through some challenging times and met every challenge they encountered with tenacity and dynamism.

Will Rees, Bedwas RFC Secretary said: “It has been a long time since the club elected new Life Members and we are sometimes guilty of failing to recognise achievement – so focused we are on the present.

“Mark and Dave’s accolades are long overdue and are hugely deserved. They have put in thousands of hours to ensure that this club is governed by its members and to helping the club achieve excellence on the field.

“During their tenure they had to constantly spin plates to keep the show on the road, dealing with ever changing goal-posts and not always getting the support that other Premiership clubs were fortunate to have. Despite these difficulties, they led us to some fantastic times on the pitch and helped to put our village on the map.

“Mark and Dave have been through the club man-and-boy and continue to be great sources of support for me and my fellow directors. I’m pleased that we are able to give them this honour.”