The statement was issued after their Premiership Cup semi-final defeat by Merthyr RFC
Bargoed RFC
A Welsh rugby club have issued a strongly-worded statement after revealing that players were subjected to derogatory comments from individuals connected to their own organisation.
Bargoed RFC confirmed they were “saddened” by incidents that occurred over the weekend, making clear this was not the first time such behaviour had arisen within the club environment.
The statement followed Saturday’s narrow 19-16 defeat to Merthyr RFC in the semi-final of the Premiership Cup at Sardis Road.
Despite the loss, Bargoed were widely praised for their performance against higher-ranked opposition, with many supporters adhering to the club’s #SupportTheBoys hashtag on social media, applauding the effort and commitment shown by the squad.
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On the field, Bargoed pushed Merthyr all the way.
Will Keep crossed for their only try, with Josh Prosser converting before adding two penalties. Joseph Scrivens also landed a penalty as Bargoed stayed in contention until the closing stages, ultimately falling just short of a spot in the final.
In the aftermath, however, the club felt compelled to address issues away from the pitch.
In a public statement, Bargoed said that some individuals within the club had made derogatory comments about players in the senior team, describing the situation as unacceptable and damaging.
While the club did not specify who the comments were directed at or exactly where they were made, it was made clear the behaviour came from people attached to the club itself rather than opposition supporters.
Bargoed stressed their pride in the playing squad, describing the Merthyr encounter as “an excellent game of rugby and a great advert for the Community Premiership”. They also reiterated the standards they expect across all levels of the organisation, from officials and coaches to players and spectators.
“Bargoed RFC are saddened to announce that on the weekend some individuals within our club made derogatory comments about players in our senior team,” they said.
“Unfortunately this is not the first time that this has happened.
“We are proud of the effort of the whole squad in what was an excellent game of rugby and a great advert for the Community Premiership.
“Bargoed RFC value and strive for high standards in our rugby environment and expect Club Officials, Coaches, Management, Players and Spectators to uphold high standards of behaviour and provide support to all our players throughout the club.
“The values of Bargoed RFC are Community, Excellence, Teamwork, Respect and Friendship and these need to be lived within our environment.”
Bargoed currently compete across three fronts every weekend, with their first XV, Warriors and youth teams all striving for success in various competitions.
The statement concluded with a firm warning for anyone who fails to meet expected standards.
They added: “Bargoed RFC will not tolerate this sort of behaviour and if anyone does not maintain the expected standards, this will be addressed and sanctions will be imposed.”