Events have already begun, with their pre-season 14-7 defeat
to Swansea RFC the first to be scheduled. Dunvant played Swansea in their first
ever match, and this friendly was a re-run of a similar fixture when the club
held their centenary celebrations.
Swansea Coach Mefin Davies played for Dunvant at the start
of his career, before going on to represent Neath, Pontypridd, Gloucester and
Leicester Tigers, and earning 38 caps for Wales, scoring two tries.
There is plenty to come too. On March 15, the Dunvant veterans’
side will face a Swansea and District vet’s team (the night before Wales v
England) to raise awareness of those suffering with male cancers. Kick-off is
7.15pm.
A Dunvant statement says: “Dunvant RFC currently have at
least six former players battling prostate cancer and testicular cancer. We
have also lost many of our former players, members and supporters to male
cancers over the years.
“This match will be dedicated to raising awareness of all
male cancers and fundraising will be taking place during the evening.
“The match has been sanctioned by The WRU and Swansea &
District, who will provide the shirts for the District team.”
The match is open to all former rugby players for either
side registered as vets (aged 35-65). Those interested in taking part can
contact the club.
Then comes the main event over the May Bank Holiday weekend.
On Friday, May 24, a marquee will be erected on the ground
for a grand Gala four-course dinner seating 300 guests, with former Ospreys
coach Sean Holley as the guest speaker. Master of Ceremonies Dai Vaughan is
organising proceedings, with dignitaries from the WRU invited, and Welsh
internationals expected to attend.
The evening will begin at 7pm for 7.30pm, and dress is “smart”,
with tie preferred. Tickets are again available from the club.
On Saturday 25, the junior and mini section will be leading
the celebrations; a fête is planned with stalls and bouncy castles - a “real
family day” say the club.
Then on Sunday 26, Dunvant Male Voice Choir will lead a
night of musical celebration at the club.
The club also plans to host further events on Monday 27, but the plans are yet to be finalised. Something is hoped to be set up with the local football clubs, so keep your eyes peeled for more details.
The club’s Roger Knight said: “Dunvant has had some
destabilising times recently when we were forcibly relegated from the Premiership. Our club was on a downward spiral, but we have bounced back and
found our level.
“We are a grassroots club, we don’t pay our players anything
and we are a CASC club, meaning we don’t pay corporation tax and any donations
we receive we can get gift aid on top.
“We are an integral part of the local community and the club
is used as a base for different events, [such as the] ‘Bikeability Wales’ base
at the club.
“After gaining promotion last year, we are looking to
consolidate on the pitch this season. We are relatively happy with the way
things are going. Maybe we are guilty of snatching defeat from the jaws of
victory [at times] but all in all, the season is going well for us.”
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