UAU men’s rugby champions mark 50 years with golden reunion in Cardiff

On 28 February 2026, more than fifty alumni and guests returned to Cardiff to celebrate a remarkable milestone: the 50-year reunion of the UWIST men’s rugby team who won the 1976 UAU Championship.

The gathering brought together teammates, friends, and supporters to commemorate an extraordinary moment in Welsh university sport and to reconnect with a community that has stayed close for half a century.

Organised by Julian Bracey (BSc Econ 1976), the evening included a large display of match day and team memorabilia. Also shown were a 30-minute restored film of the 1976 final and footage of the 30-year reunion, featuring tributes from Max Boyce and Willie John McBride.

The 1976 UAU final was especially significant, as it was the first all-Welsh final, with UWIST – captained by Dave Smyth (BSc 1977) – defeating UC Swansea to lift the trophy at Twickenham.

The team went on to secure a second title in 1980, this time against Exeter, with several players from the earlier squad still involved in the years leading up to this second success. Both victories were shaped by the influence of celebrated coach Carwyn James.

Several players from those squads went on to distinguished international careers including Gareth Davies (BSc 1977) Wales and the British Lions and former Chairman of the WRU; Huw Davies (BSc Econ 1980) England, Ian Eidman (BScEcon 1979) Wales; Graham Price (BEng 1980) Wales and the British Lions; and Gareth Roberts (BPharm 1980) Wales.

Organiser Julian said: “It was fantastic to see so many old faces who made the effort to be with us at the reunion. For all of us, UWIST rugby was central to our time at university. It wasn’t just about the 1^st XV – it was about the club. It was a fantastic array of great characters from all over the UK, a kaleidoscope of rugby lads. I think that we were fortunate to meet people through rugby, who then went on to become friends for life.

“We meet every year in Cardiff and have previously celebrated our 30^th and 40^th anniversaries, and it was wonderful to be able to celebrate our 50^th anniversary. We are not going to wait for a 60th and have now arranged a major biennial reunion in Cardiff commencing in 2028.”

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