Alun Griffiths, a name synonymous with both codes of Rugby in Swindon, achieved a career milestone last Friday night as he captained the Welsh national Masters Rugby League side at Cardiff Arms Park.
Born in Felinfoel, a small village in south-west Wales, Griffiths’ upbringing was steeped in Welsh culture, with the sport of Rugby serving as a central pillar of his life. His journey from the valleys of Wales to the fields of Swindon is a story of passion, dedication, and an unyielding love for the game.
Griffiths moved to Swindon to pursue a career as a fire-fighter, but it wasn’t long before he made his mark in the local Rugby Union scene. He captained Swindon during the 1989-90 season, earning a reputation as a formidable leader on the field. Around this time, Rugby League began to gain traction in Swindon, and Griffiths was eager to test his skills in the new code. His transition was seamless, quickly establishing himself as a key player, particularly in the halfback position, where his blend of skill and determination shone brightest.
One of Griffiths’ most memorable moments came in 1992 at the Midland Sevens Tournament in Birmingham, where he orchestrated Swindon’s first-ever Rugby League trophy win. His outstanding performances caught the eye of northern clubs, with St Helens showing significant interest. An extended trial with the Saints led to a potential contract offer, but a managerial change ultimately saw the deal fall through.
Undeterred, Griffiths continued his Rugby journey, moving to the Middle East to advance his fire-fighting career. There, he kept his Rugby spirit alive, playing Union with fellow expatriates before retiring from competitive action in 2014. A knee replacement in 2015 seemed to signal the end of his playing days, but Griffiths’ passion for the game never waned.
The revival of Rugby League in Swindon saw the emergence of the St George club, which eventually introduced a Masters side—catering to players over 35 years old—where Griffiths once again found his stride. His performances for Swindon Masters attracted the attention of the Wales Masters RL squad, and he soon became an integral part of the team.
This past weekend marked the pinnacle of Griffiths’ career as he led Wales to face Canada’s Masters team, the Grizzlies, in a historic match at Cardiff Arms Park. The game ended in a traditional 0-0 scoreline, but Wales outscored their opponents by three tries to none. Reflecting on the hard-fought match, Griffiths remarked, “It’s never too late,” a sentiment that rings true for the entire Swindon Masters team, which boasts several players of Welsh heritage.
With the likes of Rod Evans already capped and many more talented players emerging from Swindon, the town’s Rugby League scene could see even more international honours in the near future.
