St Helen’s ArchivePreserving the past for the future

Ten Years History of Swansea Football (1887-1897) - Swansea RFC 1897. This Almanac represents the first attempt to trace the story of Swansea Rugby Club, though its main purpose is to list the fixtures and results between 1887-88 and 1896-97. It is however full of fascinating little details and comments and a unique and rare piece of rugby history.

By Brinley E Matthews (Swansea Cricket & Football Club 1968)

The first book to describe the history of the Swansea Rugby Club, it covers the years 1874 to 1968, with a foreword by Rowe Harding, former captain of Swansea, Cambridge University, Wales & British Isles. Brinley Matthews recounts the club’s beginnings and describes its progress season by season. 102 pages with B&W illustrations.

By David Farmer (Dinefwr Press 1995)

Commissioned by the Swansea club, David Farmer produced an extensively illustrated and comprehensive history of Swansea Rugby Club from its founding in 1872 until the advent of the professional game in 1995. Useful appendices list players, top scorers and club records. 455 pages, many illustrations in B&W.

By Bleddyn Hopkins (Tempus publishing Ltd 2002)

Published in the popular ‘Images of Sport’ series, this is part one of a pair of books describing Swansea Rugby Club from 1873 to 2004. Bleddyn Hopkins, a long-time supporter and contributor to club statistics and match day programmes tells the story of Swansea RFC up to the end of World War Two. 128 pages.  Profusely illustrated in B&W.

By Bleddyn Hopkins (Tempus publishing Ltd 2004)

The second of Bleddyn Hopkins’ studies on Swansea Rugby Club for Tempus publishing. This volume covers the period post-World War Two until 2004 and the early days of the semi-pro era. 128 pages. Profusely illustrated in B&W.

Edited by David Dow & Paul Tabram (BDP Wales 2022)

Produced to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of Swansea Rugby Club, this commemorative publication is brim-full of stories and reminiscences from players past, present and supporters. Many other ‘special features’ adorn this one off publication. Profusely illustrated in B&W and full colour. 118 pages.

By David Dow (St David’s Press, Cardiff 2023)

A new publication describing the beginnings of rugby football in Swansea and south Wales. Meticulously researched and including a comprehensive set of appendices, the book highlights previously unknown stories from the very beginnings of rugby in Wales. David Dow is a member of the Archive Team at St Helen’s. Produced as part of Swansea RFC’s 150th season celebrations. Generously illustrated with many B&W photographs and illustrations. 560 pages.