Help pours in for Penarth RFC after devastating fire

Penarth RFC has been promised help from the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and Cardiff Rugby after a fire destroyed the clubhouse.

Fire investigators have said that an electrical fault was responsible for Monday's blaze which wrecked the main building of the 145-year-old club, destroying trophies and memorabilia.

One of the most prized assets was a Springbok head presented by the Barbarians after they beat South Africa 6-0 at Cardiff Arms Park in 1961.

WRU community director Geraint John said their first task is to "get rugby back on the ground" with Cardiff stepping in to host Saturday's Division One Cup game against Lampeter.

Former international referee Nigel Owens has also offered to officiate, external a fundraising match.

Offers have also come in on social media for replacement jerseys and photographs.

"We know they had a Springbok head, we will touch base with South Africa to see what they can do, it won't be the same but when people go to the club in the future they see that history is still there," said John.

Cardiff coach Corniel van Zyl lives just down the road from Penarth RFC and said he could not believe what had happened.

"It's so sad because there was so much history in the club and for me personally I always loved to come here and look at the Springbok head," he said.

"It's a pity it's all gone but Cardiff will try and support in any way we can.

"We need to look after each other and I know they're playing their home game this weekend at the Arm's Park, hopefully they'll do it later in the season as well."

Wales internationals Evan Lloyd and Mason Grady played for Penarth as juniors.

"I woke up Monday morning, I saw a video on my phone and thought it can't be real," said Lloyd whose Wales Under-20s jersey was among those on display.

"I was just immensely gutted and just thinking about all the times I had in there.

"I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for all the years I played here.

"I started when I was in year four, so I've been there up until I was about 17. It's just got a load of memories and it's really developed me and helped me a lot."

Grady joined a little later, playing for the under-12s with Cardiff team-mate Lloyd.

"I think club rugby is a massive part of Welsh rugby as well, so it's gutting what's happened, but hopefully we can get back to where we were," Grady said.

"It's about creating memories as well. It's not just about the rugby, it's about creating friends. That clubhouse made loads of friends, so we've got many fond memories there.

"One of the best parts of my rugby experiences was here at Penarth."