When people talk about rugby these days it’s all about superstar players, beleaguered boards and six figure coaching salaries.  Not at NHSOB RFC!  Here the talk is of enjoying the game, teamwork, camaraderie and having fun.

Although the club has ambitious and achievable plans for the future it is very much a grass roots club (all be it a large one). A large part of the development plan for the club revolves around getting more involved with other aspects of the local community.  As the clubs draws players from a wider area than just Newport the size of the community we are trying to engage with is huge. Inspired by a small article in the local press about offering non-contact fun rugby to people with learning difficulties in the Abertillery area an idea was born.On April 1st 2006 yet another new section of the club came into existence,

NHSOB RFC is offering the same opportunity to residents of Newport and beyond who have a learning difficulty.  The sessions begin at midday and last for approximately 1 hour.  There are different games and skills for participants to learn followed by a game of tag rugby. This new section of the club will never be about fake tans, club verses country, overseas coaches and the like.  The emphasis of this section will be; opportunity, being part of something, belonging to a special club and putting smiles on faces. To offer help, sponsorship, get more information or to sign up contact: Gareth Hale 01633 665771 / 07752189409 e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

At the last session of the 2005/06 season, guided by the players the section of the club was named “NHSOB The Specials RFC”.

The Specials is for men, women boys and girls who have a learning disability or difficulty.  It's aim is to offer an opportunity to play rugby for those players who would not normally get the chance.  There is no catchment area, we train at 12 midday on a Saturday for an hour

Coaches: Gareth Hale, Andy Dunn, Gary Phillips

Manager: Mandy Hale