The Powells

The Powell family has been associated with WRFC for nearly 50 years. Let us leave Alan, the paterfamilias, for a moment, for there are other people who need recognition. Sheila, Alan’s wife, was responsible for taking on the unglamorous jobs that have been fulfilled by so many rugby wives and mothers over the years. Catering, driving, washing kit and being supportive are essential activities which underpin any successful club and Sheila is a good example of dedication - at one time she was washing 5 sets of kit every week!

Jonathan and Steve both played for the club. Both boys went to RGS and played for Welsh Exiles at London Welsh. Jon was a loosened prop who once faced the Queensland touring side. He later coached Worcester u9s and u10s. Steve was a very talented scrum half who played for Welsh Youth against France and Scotland. Sadly, with the arrival of Les Cusworth and Bruce Fenley he felt it necessary to move to Moseley and was lost to Worcester. He now coaches at Broadstairs.

Jon's wife, Tracy, Steve’s wife, Olivia and the boys' sister, Joanne all played for Worcester Ladies.

Alan himself grew up in South Wales and went to Gowerton Grammar School. He began a life time’s association with Loughor RFC. Later he coached with Terry Cobner at London Welsh before arriving in Worcester in 1971. Unfortunately, a heel spur prevented him playing much more, but he started coaching and began a long association with Dave Arr. During the 70s and 80s he worked with the u15s, u16s and u17s. He also found himself serving on the House and Ground Committee.

One of his best memories is when the u16s won the Junior North Mids Cup: Tony Yapp, Dave Irish, Richard Tomlinson, Mac and Nigel Richardson and Duncan Hughes were in the team.

Another memory was a North Mids Cup match against Hereford when Phil Maynard was in charge. At the first scrum, someone threw and punch and the referee didn't know. After the ensuing melee, the ref sent everyone to the changing rooms and the match then started again. It was then a clean game which Worcester won. Other aggressive sides were Dunlop Coventry and Bedworth. Best team ever played against was Leamington. He also recalled Neville South's stunned expression when he was knocked backwards by Scott Babcock.

Alan is optimistic for the future of the club, but feels that there is an issue of retention of Colts because they go off to College or for money in Academies and then do not always return.