As Haydn decides to retire, Steve McCabe kindly went along and asked all the important questions about Haydn's rugby career.
Picture shows left to right: Haydn, Andy Davies and Ieuan Williams.
How did you start playing rugby?
I was first introduced to Rugby at school and I played a bit in 1978 when Denbigh Rugby Club was formed. However soccer was my main sport and I played for a number of clubs including Denbigh Town, Rhydymwyn, Llanfair PG and Pilkingtons. My highlight was representing the Welsh Police v England Police at Somerton Park, Newport in 1980.
By chance during March 1988 when I was 28yrs old I went to watch a match at Denbigh Rugby Club. The seconds were playing against Deeside and they were short of a player and asked me to play. I played second row and didn’t have a clue. However I scored a try and had sore ears for a week. I enjoyed the after match shenanigans so much so that I carried on playing rugby until I retired in 2004 at the age of 44yrs.
What position did you play?
I played most of my rugby as a flanker. However tackling wasn’t my strongest attribute but I had a good engine and I was able to link up play well. I had the pleasure of playing with some fantastic players at Denbigh including Tegid Phillips, Sion Edwards and Tony Jones and I would describe Mark Earle from Colwyn Bay as one of the best players I have played against.
What was your most memorable rugby experience?
On tour in New Mexico with Denbigh Rugby Club in 1998 is my rugby highlight. We played matches against Albuquerque, El Passo and Dallas. Great fun with great people.
How did you start refereeing?
By 2002 I had gained my WRU level 2 rugby coaching award and I coached junior team’s at Denbigh Rugby Club. I also coached North Wales junior sides that included RGC’s Carwyn Ap Myrddin, Tom Seddon and Carmarthen Quins Captain Haydn Pugh and also my son Will who went on to play professional cricket for Glamorgan before injury prematurely brought his career to a close. The referee for a North Wales versus Bridgend match failed to turn up and with no obvious replacement available, I as the North Wales coach reluctantly filled the gap. You can imagine the stick I had from the opposition (nothing has changed!!!) Word got back to Mervyn Picton and Gess Wilson and before I knew it I was on my refereeing courses and I had the bug. It was definitely a case of poacher turned gamekeeper.
Where is your favourite ground to visit??
I have officiated for over 12years and I find the North Wales Rugby scene to be a challenging and vibrant environment. I always receive a fantastic welcome at clubs and sometimes a not so fantastic send off. Clubs, Coaches and Players are constantly improving their game and with many parochial supporters, high standards are expected from referees so you have to be on the ball.
I once received my advisors report off Mike Winter in the changing room at Bethesda Rugby Club. It was a cold February evening and the meeting went on longer than anticipated. Unbeknown to us the players and officials had locked and left the building. It was so cold It felt as if where at Ice Station Zebra. We had no internet and after an hour with limited battery charge left I eventually contacted Tegid at Denbigh who got hold of Dylan Davies in the Bethesda Clubhouse and he sent someone to set us free. Thankfully I didn’t have to spend the night with Mike!!!.
Who is your rugby hero?
There are many heroes. However Nigel Owens is the stand out for me. What he has achieved not only in the game but also in his personal life is remarkable. I must also mention the untold heroes who are the bedrock of the community game in North Wales, the likes of Howie, Ivor Glyn, Jeff Jenkins, Predur, Dino, Robin Elias, Tony, Spud and the list goes on.
Favourite Food in Rugby Clubs?
The Presidents day lunch buffet held at COBRA RFC. I arrived early to referee a game and I accidentally gate crashed the function. I was offered a pre match meal of Hams, cold meats and Salads you would die for. Christmas dinner at Dolgellau RFC clubhouse is also highly recommended.
Favourite Film?
Love The Home Alone films. I used to watch them at Christmas with my own children now I watch them with the Grand Children.
Favourite Pop Star?
Fred Roberts formerly of Denbigh Rugby Club. The best choirmaster/singer/songwriter ever.
If anything could change about our game/North Wales Rugby what would it be?
The change has already been made. The disbanding of the North Wales Div 2 East/West leagues - and that North Wales Clubs and RGC work together in closer harmony.
There are no events to show yet.