History
Cross Keys are a team that have a remarkable history of achievements for a small and fairly unfashionable club. They first achieved first class-status in 1909, almost forcing their way into the top flight by winning the Monmouthshire league three times. By 1920 the team had their first international player, when Steve Morris won a cap for Wales. Morris would win 19 caps and captained Wales in 1925. Caps followed during the 1920s for Ossie Male and Lonza Bowdler, both returned over several seasons for Wales, facing not only Five Nations Championships but also touring teams.
In 1926 Cross Keys RFC found themselves in dire financial trouble and requested help from the Welsh Rugby Union. The WRU refused an appeal for a cash loan, but instead agreed to send the Welsh national team to play in an exhibition match at Pandy Park. The sell-out crowd assured Cross Keys future and resulted in an historic win for the home team thirteen points to eight.
It has been noted by many observers that the Cross Keys pack during the 1920s was extremely talented but unfairly under represented in the national team. and 1930's
Cross Keys reached the final of the 2011–12 British and Irish Cup losing to Munster A.
Cross Keys won their first Swalec Cup, defeating table topping Pontypridd at the Millennium Stadium in 2012.
Read more about this topic: Cross Keys RFC
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