Fire investigators have revealed that an electrical fault caused the devastating blaze that destroyed Penarth Rugby Football Club's historic clubhouse on Monday, December 1. Emergency services were called to the ground at around 5am after reports that the building was "well alight". The fire was extinguished by 8am, but much of the structure and its contents were lost.
The club, which also hosts Penarth Hockey and Penarth Cricket, lost treasured trophies and memorabilia accumulated over 145 years. Among the items destroyed were a springbok head donated by the Barbarians in 1961 and a Welsh international shirt given by former player Dave Hancock. Club president Mike Gooding told BBC Radio Wales: "There was absolutely nothing left of the club at all."
Penarth RFC chairman Sean O'Sullivan said the club was "devastated" but vowed to rebuild. "We will be back - bigger and better," he said. "The entire rugby community has come together. The messages and outpouring from other teams has been incredible." The club has around 400 junior players, many of whom are heartbroken to have lost their "second home".
A South Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman confirmed that crews from Penarth, Barry and Cardiff Central attended the scene, using hose reels, 45mm jets and breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire, which had spread to nearby trees.
