History

Prior to 1914, Abercarn Rugby Club has no recorded evidence of rugby in the village, however early newsapaper reports clearly show that the club was a significant force in local rugby well before 1894. there are several match reports which prove that the club functioned in the 1870's, playing Blaina in 1871 and Newport in 1873.

At this time, Abercarn was an industrial village with mining being the main employment, and on Wednesday September 11th 1878, the village suffered one of the worst ever mining accidents at the price of Wales Colliery. An underground explosion led to the loss of 272 lives, the mineshaft having to be flooded to quell the fires. It is a virtual certainty that players from Abercarn Rugby would have been amongst those killed and the tragedy probably resulted in the club being disbanded. Fortunately, the club was reformed in the 1880's and has continued ever since.

In 1909 Abercarn were hosts to Garryowen of Ireland, winners of the Munster Challenge Cup, whose team included 4 Irish internationals. Entrance was sixpence each and lunch was provided at the Tinworks School. Abercarn were assisted by players from Newport and Cardiff and it is understood that the combined side were victorious.

In 1914 fixtures were suspended until the end of the First World War.