Penarth Rugby Club gutted by ‘devastating’ fire

A rugby club has been left reeling after a “devastating” fire swept through its clubhouse, destroying precious trophies and memorabilia.

Penarth Rugby Club said the community was “in a state of shock” following the blaze in the early hours of Monday.

“So many memories have been lost, but thankfully no-one was hurt,” the club said on social media, adding that fire crews had saved the club’s “historic stand”.

The alarm was raised by resident Alison Jones and her husband, Alistar, who live just behind the club. They were woken at 05:00 GMT by the fire breaking out.

“Alistar and one of the coaches, Pete Botham, were first on the scene – and we called 999,” she said.

“Four fire engines turned up within five minutes.

‘Luckily, they managed to stop the fire before the historic stand burned down.”

Ms Jones said the saddest part was losing all the memorabilia, including old pictures and plaques dating back many decades.

The clubhouse had been due to host a number of events over the festive period which have had to be cancelled. Ms Jones’s son’s birthday party, which was scheduled to take place in January, has also had to be rearranged.

The facility is also used by Penarth Cricket and Penarth Hockey.

Chairman of Penarth RFC Sean O’Sullivan said some of the 400 children that play on the fields every weekend view the clubhouse as a “second home”.

“It is devastating for the community and for the rugby club.

We’ll just have to crack and see what we can do,” he said.

Mr O’Sullivan said it will cost around “half a million” with the damage caused and that it “doesn’t look saveable”.

He said the club is the “heart of the community” with a full schedule in place until Christmas.

“We’ve just got to see how we react to it and go forward.

“There’ll be insurance, there’ll be fundraising, and we’ll just get on with it,” he said.