Rhydyfelin Rugby Club

Rhydyfelin Rugby Club members Lloyd Riley, Kian Harris, Kieron Phillips, Rhys Phillips, Liam Williams, James Norman, Dylan John and Luke Studley acted with estimable courage and selfless bravery during a large-scale fire, with many lives at risk.

On 13 December 2023, there was a large explosion and fire at Treforest Industrial Estate, near Pontypridd. Unfortunately one part of the complex was completely destroyed, causing the tragic loss of life of one lady, Danielle Evans.

At the time, Rhydyfelin Rugby Club players were attending a regular training session at a gym on the industrial estate - Mindset Functional Fitness.

Following the explosion, fire exits were blocked. Two of the players, alongside gym staff, worked their way through the gym finding people and directing up to 50 people outside into the car park.

However, everyone was then trapped between the fire and a fence with no way to get past as the fire came towards them. Emergency services were on the scene but could not reach the people immediately as they were fighting the ferocious fire.

The only option was to get through the fence. The Rhydyfelin rugby players immediately set about creating an escape route to safety; they ripped down a 3m metal palisade fence, suffering injuries in the process, thus ensuring that everyone could get out to a safer area.

These young men and the gym staff were all very brave, and worked together as a team to ensure that everyone could get away from the fire.

Both groups have received an award from South Wales Police.