FOLLOWING a ‘perfect storm’ of circumstances, Crickhowell RFC were unable to fulfill their fixture list last season.

However, due to the dedication of stalwart members, the club is aiming to rise, phoenix-like, from the ashes.

The club has a long history dating way back to the 1880s and has folded on several occasions, only to be revitalised. The latest incarnation was in 1980-81.

To attract interest, the club has accepted an invitation to represent Wales in a tournament in Setubal, Portugal, which has been nominated European City of Sport 2016. Friends of the club have rallied round and a team is set to fly out in June.

Training for this event, and a pre-season warm-up, begins at 6.30pm on Thursday, May 5 at their home ground of Parc Broyd. Training will continue throughout the summer and is open to all.

Also on that evening the club’s popular summer touch rugby starts at 7pm, when all ages and abilities can take part.

Chairman Steve Carrington said, "We are determined to get the club going again in the 2016-17 season. All players will be guaranteed a warm welcome."