The (potted!) History of Caerleon RFC Petanque Club

The Club was formed in 2005 by a group of RFC members (chiefly Ray Williams, Jim Tovey, and Doug Tapp)  who also played boules at the Wheatsheaf Inn.  Along with Paul Gregory and Alan Swales these players built the 4 original pistes with a host of other founder members helping out. 

In that first season, we had 2 teams in the Boules in Gwent (BiG) league and secured 1st and 2nd place in our division at the first attempt! Since then we have formed another 2 BiG teams, and RFC teams have topped the 1st division 3 times, as well as winning the Cup, and Champion of Champions (twice).

We have also had teams in the Welsh Petanque Association (WPA) League including the Isca Romans who have maintained 1st division status from the start, and who have been runner up in the Cup 5 years in a row!

RFC members have held secured the full range of WPA National titles from Singles, through to Triples and members of the Club have also represented Wales on many occasions in the Home Nations, Celtic Challenge, as well as the European, Veteran and World championship events.

In 2015 our club was boosted by the construction of the new pistes allowing us to host large competitions for the first time.  The new pistes were secured through the efforts of club members including Ray Williams, who secured the funds for the new pistes  project, supported by members who helped with the build (particularly Paul Gregory),  and those who obtained sponsors for the new score boards. 

In 2016 we are delighted to host the Celtic Challenge competition between Wales, Scotland and Ireland.  This is probably the most popular event in the calendar and we are really looking forward to welcoming old friends and new to our club.