Bob Penberthy

Bob Penberthy is a former rugby union player who set the record for appearances (with 877) for Pontypridd RFC between 1961 and 1985. A giant of a man, he excelled notably in the lineouts.

If one person could ever be set as an icon for Pontypridd RFC, from amongst many honourable candidates, the one who stands head and shoulders above the rest is the "bionic elbow" - Bob Penberthy.

Following his debut against Penarth on 1st November 1961, Bob went on to play an incredible 877 games for Pontypridd, a feat that will surely never be surpassed.

Bob represented the Barbarians and toured various destinations such as Canada and Germany with his club, but mostly spent his time, week in week out, plying his trade in the rough-house environment of the line-outs of Welsh club rugby.In doing so he gained the total respect of all who played against him and had the pleasure to watch him play.

After retirement Bob continued his work as a linesman with South Wales Electricity, with his Saturdays devoted unfailingly to following the club which he served with such great distinction for so many years.

Bob, from Brynheulog Terrace, Tylorstown, spent 29 years playing for the Sardis Road Club and was part of the successful side of the 1970's and 1980's.

Known as "The Bionic Elbow" Bob is still very much involved with the Ponty Club and is a member of the Ex-Player’s Association.

Former Pontypridd player Paul Knight, of Trealaw said: "Although I never played alongside Bob, I did come up against him when I played for Aberavon.""Bob was always a 100 per cent player and I don’t think there were many forwards around who relished coming up against him in the line-outs."

Tylorstown RFC secretary Lionel Langford said that the former Electricity Board worker was not only an outstanding player, but also a talented coach. He said: "When Bob finished his playing stint at Pontypridd, he coached the Tylorstown team for a couple of seasons and did a great job for us.""Bob is the most likeable bloke you could ever wish to meet."

The former Ponty skipper, who hails from Rhydyfelin, pledged £2000 in 2003 from the Pontypridd Ex-Play­ers' Association, to the Observer's fighting fund to save Pontypridd Rugby Club.

The Best - By a nose! - Tommy David

ONE man who could lay claim to knowing Bob Penberthy, the rugby player, the most is Pontypridd legend Tommy David.Tom, who enjoyed a hugely suc­cessful rugby career playing for Ponty, Llanelli, Wales and the British Lions, said he owes a great deal to the "Bionic Elbow."

He said: "Bob taught me a lot- ­mainly how to drink!""He broke my nose three times and we were playing for the same team. If it wasn't for him, I'd have kept my film star looks.""Seriously, Bob gained immense re­spect, both on and off the field, when he played for Pontypridd.""His playing record for the club is awesome and is something that I do not think will ever be beaten.""Off the field, Bob was the most unassuming, inoffensive bloke you could wish to meet but, when he pulled on a rugby jersey, he was the most fierce competitor.""He was a one-club player and gave total loyalty to Pontypridd. I have great memories of the times we played together."

Tom, who is a national direct sales manager with the Buy as you View Company added: "I would also say that Bob is one of the unluckiest players to take the field.""Although he was a vital part of a successful Ponty side, and showed im­mense playing skill, he was never awarded international honours."

Former Pontypridd coach and player Joe Smith has said the line-out strength of Bob Penberthy played a great part in Ponty's success during the 1970s and 1980s.He said: "Bob was the catalyst in supplying possession for a back division which contained such great players as Karl Swain, Robin Morgan and Colin Richley, among many others.""The loyalty and commitment that Bob gave Ponty during his long playing stint at Pontypridd will never be forgotten.""He was a top player on the field and a top man off it. It was a pleasure to play alongside him."Alun Jones, secretary of Pontypridd Supporters' Club said: "There is a plaque in the club house which reads 'God bless this club and Bob Penberthy,' which just sums up what we think of Bob.""Everyone at the club loves the guy. You cannot talk about the club's history without mentioning Bob Penberthy."