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Gavin Henson and former Wales stars to play on same side against Welsh club team
Gavin Henson and former Wales stars to play on same side against Welsh club team
The event on June 21 aims to be a celebration of rugby
Former Wales and British Lions player Gavin Henson playing for his local team Pencoed RFC last year
(Image: Mark Lewis Photography )
A number of Welsh legends are set to pull on their boots once again - and it won't cost fans a penny to come and watch.
Usk RFC are inviting a number of stars from years gone by to compete in two touch rugby matches this Saturday, as they celebrate the end of their 150th season.
The club, who currently compete in League 2 East, are believed to have played their first match against Newport in 1874, and have played every season since with the exception of the period during the two World Wars.
They are now set to honour and celebrate a century-and-half of history this weekend, with a host of big names set to get involved.
Gavin Henson, Sam Parry, Lloyd Williams, Elliot Dee, Aaron Wainwright, Ryan Jones, Scott Baldwin and Bradley Davies are all among those set to take part in the club's 'Legends Day' celebrations.
The 'Legends' team will take on the club's under-14s side for a 2pm kick-off, before facing Usk's first team straight after.
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Gates will open at midday, and entry is free.
Food stalls, including a hog roast, and various activities will be on offer, with any proceeds set to contribute to the club's support for two Tongan teenagers, whom they decided to sponsor last year.
As committee member Ro Kulkarni explains: "One was 17 and one was 18, and both came here last year from very poor families. They've both come over and they're studying here and they're now getting an education.
"They're Nico and David, who's known as Tongan Dai!
"Everyone's pooled together to help these boys. They're like our children. And the best thing is they're both wonderful rugby players.
"Their education costs around £9,000 a year. They have college fees and then you've got to pay for food, accommodation, travel. All the other things. So it's a serious amount of money to raise every year. But so many people have given their support.
"There's a butcher in Abergavenny that gives them a bucket of meat every two weeks, some have donated them food and clothes, the Celtic Manor have helped give them a flat for them to stay. Another family put them up for a few weeks.
"We've had great support from Toby Faletau's dad, Sione Tu'ipulotu, and Kepu Tuipulotu, who plays for Bath. So the Tongan community have been so supportive.
"So to celebrate our 150th year we thought we'd do something really nice. Partly to raise money, but it's not just to raise money. It's about giving back."
Kulkarni, who worked as team doctor for the Dragons for the best part of 10 years before leaving in 2017, says the event will also be a chance for youngsters to meet and greet some of the game's biggest names.
"It's open for all," he added. "It's for kids and there will be lots of food stalls, face painting etc. The fire service are bringing a fire engine for the kids. So there's a lot going on.
"The event has also been sponsored by Heineken, who have donated five barrels of beer for the event.
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"It's a day for everyone to mingle. Kids can meet their heroes and have pictures taken, sign autographs.
"It's a celebration of rugby."
