The Welsh Rugby Union in Neath

WALTER E REES

 1862 - 1949

Capt Walter E Rees ran the Welsh Rugby Union from his front room in a Neath Town Centre house for over 50 years, He has been the longest serving secretary of the Welsh Rugby Union. Prior to this he was secretary of Neath Rugby Club. In 1910 he was the assistant manager of the British team's tour of South Africa. His strength of character was legendary and together with Sir John Llewellyn (WRU President 1885-1906) also of Neath, he guided Wales through their first golden era in the early years of the 20th century. 

The much respected journalist JBG Thomas said of Walter "Never in the history of rugby football has one man wielded as much power as this benevolent 'dictator', who served rugby faithfully in his native land and maintained a dignity and a control that was the envy of many. He was Welsh rugby and not even Daniel Craven, the most powerful of modern administrators can match the influence possessed by Walter at the height of his power, in the days between the Wars." 

During his year as Mayor of Neath, Walter travelled with other members of the committee to Gloucester to view the tactics of the 1905 All Blacks. It was this committee who suggested the change in Welsh tactics which lead to the only defeat of the New Zealand 'Originals'.

Secretary Neath RFC 1888 - 1894

Treasurer Neath RFC 1894 - 1896

Secretary Welsh Rugby Union 1896 - 1948

Mayor of Neath 1905

Assistant manager British Lions 1910

LETTER FROM 1950 & 1952 WELSH GRAND SLAMS CAPTAIN JOHN GWILLIAM TO THE WRU SECRETARY IN 1989 REQUESTING TICKETS FOR AN INTERNATIONAL. 

Gwilliam reminisces about his dealings with Walter Rees (bottom of page 1 and top of page 2) 

" No doubt the post of secretary has changed a lot in recent years. I look back with amusement at dear old Walter Rees who was in charge when I started playing after the war. It was said that he did everything from the front room of his house in Neath. He certainly frightened us as young players, queuing at his table for expenses at trial matches etc. He was quite capable of refusing anyone who claimed for more than a cheap day return."  (WRM-0203)

TICKETS PRINTED IN NEATH 

Our earliest Welsh ticket is dated 1903, printed by the Neath Printing Co, situated just behind the market in Neath, a short walk from Walter Rees' home. presumably this cut down on the cost of delivery and should any problems occur Walter was only a stone's throw away. The Neath Printing Co held the contract to print Welsh tickets even up until the late 1980s. Nearly 40 years on, Walter Rees' influence is still in evidence in Welsh rugby.

Wales v England at Swansea

Jehodia Hodges scored 3 tries in a 21 - 5 victory (WRM-0239)

Wales v England

3 - 3 draw at the Arms park  (WRM-0240)

Wales v Waratahs

press ticket - Wales lost 18 - 8  (WRM-0262)

First French victory over Wales   (WRM-0246)

11- 3 loss against the English   (WRM-0241)

Old Internationals ticket, a 13 - 8 win for Wales    (WRM-0255)

A dropped goal by Ronnie Boon helped Wales to this first win over England for 10 years  (WRM-0245)

Another great victory over the All Blacks

13 - 12   (WRM-0251)

The gates were closed 2 hours before kick off, the ground was full, the crowd rushed the gates and stormed into the ground.   (WRM-0259)

seats inside the ropes

v Ireland 1938 at Swansea 

  (WRM-0248)

v Scotland - Elvet Jones, top try scorer on the 1938 Lions tour made his debut for Wales in this 11-3 welsh victory  (WRM-0261)

Wales v NZ Kiwis   (WRM-0260)

last victory over the All Blacks in 1953,  13 - 8   (WRM-0252)

last international at St Helen's Swansea, postponed match played on 10th April  (WRM-0321)

v International XV - celebrating the Empire Games, held at the Arms Park one year later in 1958   (WRM-0250)

v Ireland 1959

8 - 6 victory to Wales  (WRM-0249)

Press messenger - this ticket will only admit a boy - v South Africa 1960, a day before the Arms Park was flooded  (WRM-0258)

Press Box

Terry Price a Llanelli schoolboy makes his debut 

v New Zealand 1963   (WRM-0253)

North Enclosure ticket 5/- (25p)

v England 1965

Stuart Watkins scores 2 tries in 14-3 victory  (WRM-0242)

first Australian victory over Wales,  international debut for Barry John (WRM-0237)

opening of the new Cardiff Arms Park, ticket for the NEW NORTH STAND (WRM-0254)

Start of the 1970s, first five nations match in the NEW NORTH ENCLOSURE - Gareth Edwards commented "The singing of the crowd was tremendous, it inspired every one of us. (WRM-0257)

Phil Bennett started it, Gareth Edwards finished it, the greatest try ever scored, this is on the half way line on that side of the field.   (WRM-0235)

Lions v Rest of the World. First official Lions match on British soil.   (WRM-0236)

New floodlights for this night time international against France   (WRM-0247)

W v E 1993 - Ieuan Evans touched down or this great victory. (WRM-0243)

19,000 saw Wales' first victory over the Barbarians 31-10  (WRM-0238)

last international at the Arms Park (WRM-0244)