LAST weekend more than 300 Penarth RFC players gathered on the Athletic Field to celebrate the launch of the new club strip.

This is the first time ever all club teams from minis and juniors to the youth and seniors have worn the same playing uniform. The project, that took several months to implement, was driven by Hayley Clare, the mother of one of the mini players Oliver Clare and wife of former club captain, coach and chairman Mike Clare and Sean O’Sullivan a first team player and coach of one of a minis teams.

The venture had the full support of all club sections including the chairman of the senior club Mike Gooding, the chairman of the youth Richard Smith and Simon Rees and chairman of the minis and juniors Dr David Shewring.

Mrs Clare and Mr O’Sullivan had the backing for the ambitious venture of a host of club sponsors of the likes of Nuffield Health, PopIn Vehicle Graphics, Romily Financial, SuperStars, HOS Civilis, The Artisan Cook, Construction Footprint and CASS. The kit carries the label of Iguana Apparel, a South Wales sports clothing company, run by former Penarth Youth, Cardiff and Cross Keys wing Leon Andrews.

The photo includes the playing members of Penarth Under-7, Under-8, Under-9, Under-10, Under-11, Under-12, Under-13, Under-14, Under-15, and Under-16, Penarth Youth (under-17, under-18 and under-19) and Penarth Seniors.

Virtually all members of the current Penarth Seniors squad including captain Tom Luck and his two vice-captains Alex Thau and Nathan Smith have graduated to the 1st team, from the club’s minis and juniors.