News

Idwal Roberts

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the recent passing of Idwal Roberts. Idwal's connection to Burry Port RFC go back a long way when he settled into the area from North Wales and he will be remembered to many as staring the bus company Roberts Coaches with his Brother. We are rightly proud of our current junior section at Burry Port RFC, and Idwal will be remembered by many at Burry Port RFC as one of the first ever coaches of the junior teams in the late 70’s and early 80’s. He is fondly remembered by players as a pioneer in the early days of junior rugby and he possessed a solid knowledge of the game, a firm but fair attitude coupled with a sense of humour that connected with his players. He was also instrumental in arranging a number of end of season tours for his junior teams, again something that we take for granted these days, but this was a first for many junior players at that time. Idwal was also keen for his players to be tested and play the best local and English teams and set the bar high in terms of expectations, player development and competitiveness. It was common for a team coached by Idwal Roberts to return from touring the West Country, renowned as a rugby hotbed of England, having defeated 3 of their best teams. A feat that all involved were immensely proud of. Idwal’s Son’s David and Stephen have played for the Blacks, his Nephew Matthew, and also grandsons Iwan and Steffan following suit, and Idwal’s great-grandson Logan being the most recent player from the Roberts family to wear the Black of Burry Port. The legacy will continue with Sonny being the next in line to follow in their footsteps. 

Our thoughts at Burry Port RFC go out to Idwal’s family at this sad time. The funeral will take place at Llanelli crematorium at 2pm on Monday 27th June.