There will be a familiar feel to Mount Pleasant Park this Saturday as Beddau welcome old Mid District rivals Bargoed RFC for another eagerly anticipated Admiral Community Premiership encounter.

Fixtures between the Green and Golds and the Bulls have provided plenty of memorable moments over the years, with both clubs enjoying considerable success in Welsh club rugby and developing a rivalry built on competitive encounters, mutual respect and a shared determination to succeed.

For Bargoed, Saturday’s visit represents another chapter in a remarkable rugby story which has seen the club rise through the Welsh league structure to establish itself among the leading community clubs in Wales.

A PROUD HISTORY

Founded in 1882, Bargoed RFC has developed into one of the most respected clubs in the Welsh community game.

Playing their home matches at Bargoed Park, the Bulls have enjoyed an extraordinary journey through the national leagues, particularly during the opening years of the 21st century.

One of the club’s greatest achievements came during a remarkable period of success when Bargoed recorded 55 consecutive victories, earning recognition from Rugby World magazine as its UK Team of the Year in 2005.

The club’s progress continued over subsequent seasons, culminating in promotion to the Welsh Premiership for the 2016/17 campaign.

Further success followed, including Championship honours in 2022 and an outstanding league and cup double in 2023/24.

That double was completed in emphatic fashion when Bargoed defeated Ystrad Rhondda 65–12 at the Principality Stadium to lift the Championship Cup.

Those achievements reflect the ambition and commitment of a club which has consistently demonstrated its ability to compete at a high level while maintaining strong connections with its local community.

THE BULLS IN 2026/27

Bargoed entered the new campaign looking to build on their experiences in the Community Premiership, a competition which continues to provide demanding fixtures against some of the most established names in Welsh club rugby.

Their opening league encounter brought a hard-fought victory over Ystrad Rhondda at Bargoed Park, providing a positive start to the season.

The Bulls also enjoyed success on their travels at Llanelli Wanderers in September, a particularly satisfying result after the West Wales club had completed a league double over them during the previous campaign.

That performance featured two tries from forward Ellis Shipp, with Josh Prosser contributing from the kicking tee.

Bargoed have demonstrated their ability to compete through a combination of physical forward play, determined defence and attacking opportunities created through their backs.

As with every side in this competitive division, consistency will be important, but the Bulls have already shown that they are capable of presenting a considerable challenge to their opponents.

A RIVALRY WITH HISTORY

Beddau and Bargoed have enjoyed numerous battles over the years, particularly during their time competing in the Mid District competitions.

One of the most memorable meetings came on Wednesday 18 May 2016, when the two clubs contested the Worthington Mid District Cup Final at Sardis Road.

On that occasion, Beddau secured a dramatic 15–14 victory over a Bargoed side preparing for life in the Welsh Premiership.

It was a tremendous occasion for the Green and Golds and another memorable chapter in the club’s proud cup history.

Encounters between the two clubs have frequently been fiercely contested, with little separating the sides and both sets of supporters appreciating the competitive nature of the fixture.

Saturday promises to be another important afternoon in a rivalry that has stretched across generations.

FAMILIAR FACES IN THE BARGOED COACHING SET-UP

Bargoed arrive at Mount Pleasant Park under the guidance of Head Coach Aled James, who works alongside Director of Rugby Jeremy Rogers and Assistant Coach Matthew Rees.

It is the return of Rees that will be of particular interest to the Beddau faithful, with the former Green and Golds coach making a welcome return to familiar surroundings, albeit this time in the opposition camp.

Rees will undoubtedly receive a warm welcome from those who remember his contribution to Beddau RFC, although friendships will be temporarily put to one side when the action gets underway on Saturday afternoon.

With James, Rogers and Rees overseeing rugby matters, Bargoed possess a coaching structure that will be determined to maintain the Bulls’ competitive standing in the Admiral Community Premiership.