Bridgend Blue Bulls RLFC are a rugby league side based in Bridgend, Wales. They play in the Welsh Premier of the Rugby League Conference.

History

The Blue Bulls were formed in 2003 and joined the newly formed Welsh Division of the Rugby League Conference. Since then, guided under head coaches Karl Hocking & Jon Purnell, they have won the league every year until 2008. In 2003 and 2004 they won all their games. In 2005 they lost just one, before drawing one game and losing one in the 2006 and 2007 seasons respectively.

In 2003, they beat Carlisle Centurions at Wilderspool to win the Harry Jepson Trophy.

In 2007 they won the Welsh Grand Final at Brewery Field by beating the Newport Titans 24-18. The Blue Bulls were actually 6-0 down early on, but made an astonishing recovery to lead 24-6 at one point. They held their lead despite the Titans scoring two more tries.

The 2008 season saw Bridgend field a side that contained many new faces mainly youngsters that had not played league before. This led to more defeats than the club was used to and they eventually had to release their strangle hold on the Welsh title with it going to another team for the first time ever. They will be back in 2009 however to build on the foundations laid in 2008 with the now more experienced youngsters eager to regain the title.

In 2003 and 2005 the team also won the Harry Jepson Cup, competing with teams from England, Scotland and Wales. In 2003 they beat Cardiff Demons, Aberavon Fighting Irish, Ipswich Rhinos and Carlisle Centurions. In 2005, once again at Brewery Field, they clinched the cup in a record breaking 60-10 victory against Leeds Akkies. That match was seen by just over 1,150 people.

During the 2008 season a supporters side was established called the Bridgend Blue Heifers. They play tag rugby.

Grand Finals

• 2003: Won ???
• 2004: Won 26-21 against Aberavon Fighting Irish
• 2005: Won 56-16 against Torfaen Tigers
• 2006: Won 22-10 against Cardiff Demons
• 2007: Won 24-18 against Newport Titans

Honours

• RLC Welsh Division: 2003, 2004
• RLC Welsh Premier: 2005, 2006, 2007
• Harry Jepson Trophy: 2003, 2005
• Wales 'A' Internationals - Chris Roets, Craig Fox, Dan Williams, Gareth David, Karl Hocking, Neil Dixon, Paul Morgan

Notable Current & Former Players

• Allan Bateman - Wales & Great Britain RL, Wales & British & Irish Lions RU (status - undecided)
• Lee Byrne - Wales, Ospreys & British & Irish Lions RU (status - active)
• John Devereux - Wales & Great Britain RL, Wales & British & Irish Lions RU (status - retired)
• Kevin Ellis - Wales & Great Britain RL, Wales RU (status - active)
• Lenny Woodard - Wales RL & Wales RU (status - active)
• Christiaan Roets-Wales RL (Status - Active)

External links

• Official Wales Rugby League Website