News

The club is delighted to receive two Queen Elizabeth Grammar School for Boys, Carmarthen - Rugby 1st XV players caps, presented by the Old Maridunians Association (former QEGS pupils).

Traditionally, caps were awarded when a player represented the 1st XV of the school in the prestigious  Navy & Light Blue colours. These colours were chosen because of the number of Oxbridge Graduates on the staff.

Named after Queen Elizabeth 1, the school was founded in 1576 and rugby was played from 1874 through to its closure in 1978. The final site of the 'Gram' was at Richmond Terrace (1884 - 1978). The buildings continue to be in use to this day as administrative offices.

The caps shown in the photo were awarded to brothers Dunstan Roy Ovens (1928-29) & Godfrey Rex Ovens (1932-33). Both caps were originally presented to the Old Maridunians Association by Mrs Susan Markham, daughter of Roy Ovens.

The selective school has produced many famous personalities including Welsh and British & Irish Lions Roy Bergiers, Gerald Davies, Ray Gravell & Ieuan Evans, the tennis commentator & journalist Gerald Williams and journalist & author Byron Rogers. Old Boys who have excelled in the world of politics are Denzil Davies and Mark Drakeford who was appointed as First Minister for Wales in 2018.

In total, the 'Gram' produced 16 full Welsh Internationals plus 5 British & Irish Lions.

Our strong association with QEGS & The 'Old Boys' has existed since our formation in 1944. Many 'Gram' boys were prominent in the birth of Carmarthen Athletic seventy five years ago and many played for the club and served as officers on the committee.

The precious caps from yesteryear will be proudly displayed alongside other prestigious caps at our Athletic Park clubhouse.