Lyndon Bowen

(Wales ‘B’, Bridgend R.F.C. & Maesteg R.F.C.)

A product of the Afan valley, prop-forward Lyndon Bowen commenced his senior rugby career with Maesteg RFC, making his debut in 1972 and playing 186 games for the Old Parish, before joining Bridgend RFC. 

Lyndon played at the Brewery Field for many seasons and it was during this period of his career he was selected to play for Wales ‘B’. 

When he decided to end his first-class playing career, Lyndon joined Maesteg Celtic, before being tempted to take up the role of player/coach alongside Leighton O’Connor at the Quins. 

After two seasons, Lyndon returned to the Celtic to end his playing career. Ironically Lyndon’s last game was played against the Quins, as an unfortunate injury sustained mid-way through a ‘derby’ match led Lyndon to call a day on a distinguished rugby career.

Richard Duckfield

(Glamorgan C.C.C. & Maesteg R.F.C.) 

Born and bred in Treharne Row, ‘Dick’ Duckfield is, perhaps, the Quins most famous former player to date, but with the "willow wand". He played at centre for the Maesteg ‘Rovers’ before joining Maesteg R.F.C., where he ended his rugby career. 

However, ‘Dick’ excelled at cricket, playing for the Maesteg Cricket Club before making his Glamorgan debut against Yorkshire in 1930. Making a middle-order position in the team his own, Duckfield appeared to be moving onto greater things when, in 1936, he spent 5½ hours at the crease when he scored an unbeaten 280 versus Surrey at the Oval. This was a Glamorgan record and still remains the third highest individual score by a Glamorgan batsman. 

Sadly, ‘Dick’ Duckfield lost his form and with it his confidence as a result of finding difficulties in catching and fielding the ball. He retired in 1938 at the age of thirty-one, but made a number of appearances in Glamorgan’s wartime friendly matches in 1944.

Howard Nicholls

(Wales, Cardiff R.F.C. & Maesteg R.F.C.)

Local butcher Howard Nicholls played 57 games for Maesteg R.F.C., before joining Cardiff. It was while he was at the capital city club that he made his one and only international appearance against Ireland in 1958. Howard made a number of impromptu, but well received appearances for the Quins during the fifties and early sixties. 

Windsor Major

(Wales & Maesteg R.F.C.) 

Another player who played ‘junior’ rugby for other clubs, but one who found he enjoyed the experience of playing with the Quins immensely and so, when the fixture list allowed it or when seeking match practice on returning from injury, Windsor would grace a Harlequins jersey. 

Windsor Major hails from Llangynwyd farming stock and in 1948 he made his debut for the Old Parish, embarking on a career that saw him play 228 matches for the town, scoring 54 tries in the process. No mean feat in the days when the ball was far heavier than today and a 10-nil score-line was considered a sound beating! 

As a result of possessing the pace expected of a winger, but also a surprising strength, less than a year after making his Maesteg debut, Windsor was given the honour of playing for our country against France in 1949. He went on to make his final appearance in a Welsh jersey versus Scotland in 1950. 

Windsor has spent much of his recreational time supporting the game he enjoys. He has held the position of President of both Maesteg R.F.C. and Glamorgan County. 

Leighton O’Connor

(Wales ‘B’, Maesteg R.F.C. & Newport R.F.C.)

Mercurial scrum-half Leighton O’Connor joined Maesteg R.F.C. straight from youth and represented Wales ‘B’ in the 1978-79 season. 

While at university, Leighton joined Newport R.F.C. On his return he chose to play for Maesteg Celtic R.F.C. However, Maesteg R.F.C. knew what they were missing and Leighton was soon back at Llynfi Road. 

Leighton was persuaded to take up a coaching position at the Quins late in the 1987-88 season. O’Connor was player coach at the club for three seasons, taking the club to Division One of the Wistech League by 1990. 

Leighton left to coach Tondu R.F.C. who were racing up the leagues. He has also coached Blaengarw R.F.C. and is now in his third and most successful coaching term with Maesteg R.F.C.

Phil Phillips

(Wales ‘B’ & Maesteg R.F.C.)

Maverick centre Phillips played for the Quins when disenchanted with the first-class game. Turning up for a pre-season trial, Phillips scored four tries, causing many people to believe he was (in his own words): "taking the piss!". Thankfully Phillips regained his zest for the game and returned to the stage where he rightfully belonged. 

After making his debut for the Old Parish in 1970, the more than talented, strong running centre proved to be a match winner on many occasions, with surprisingly deft touches and ability to kick goals. 

Between 1975 and 1977, Phillips played in two W.R.U. Trial matches, made two appearances for Wales ‘B’ and played against the touring Australians, Argentineans and Japanese for Glamorgan, West Wales and Combined Welsh Clubs respectively.