The Narberth and District Probus Club had the honour of hosting esteemed member Roger Penn at its recent monthly gathering at the Plas Hyfryd Hotel in Narberth. Roger, a former Welsh rugby referee and accomplished author, entertained the club members with captivating stories and experiences from his illustrious career.
Born and raised in Whitland, Roger received his education at local schools before embarking on a successful 34-year career in banking. His passion for rugby led him to represent Whitland and Chepstow on the field until an injury changed his role, ultimately leading to an 18-year tenure as a Welsh Rugby Listed Referee.
Following his retirement in 2012, Roger fulfilled a lifelong dream by visiting New Zealand, where he engaged in compelling conversations with renowned All Blacks such as Colin Meades and Brian Lachore. These experiences culminated in the writing of his book, ‘Three Feathers and a Silver Fern’, in 2013. The book vividly captures memorable encounters and incidents from All Blacks tours against Wales and Welsh teams, offering readers an insider’s perspective on the world of rugby.
During the process of writing his book, Roger formed a lasting friendship with Welsh rugby icon JPR Williams, who later penned a heartfelt foreword for Roger’s book. Their friendship also opened doors for Roger to meet other sporting legends such as Gareth Edwards, Phil Bennett, and Chico Hopkins, allowing him to gain first-hand insight and information on historic sporting events and moments.
One such incident that Roger vividly recounted was the infamous episode during a match between the All Blacks and Bridgend in 1978, where JPR Williams endured a vicious stamp to his face by All Black prop John Ashworth. Despite sustaining a severe facial injury that required 30 stitches and the loss of two pints of blood, JPR remarkably returned to the field heavily bandaged, displaying incredible courage and determination.
Roger’s detailed recollections also shed light on significant moments in rugby history, such as Andy Haden’s controversial lineout tactics against Wales in 1978, which ultimately led to a victory for the All Blacks. His extensive knowledge and personal experiences brought these stories to life, captivating the audience with his insider’s perspective of the game.
In addition to his rugby exploits, Roger is a prolific author, with five major titles to his name. His first book, ‘Beyond the Call of Duty’, serves as a touching tribute to his late father, Dr Roger Penn, a beloved figure in Whitland and beyond. Subsequent works, including ‘Dolycwrt’, have cemented his reputation as a gifted storyteller and chronicler of notable events.
The club members present at the gathering expressed their appreciation to Roger for an engaging and enlightening talk, acknowledging the valuable insights and captivating tales shared by the esteemed guest speaker.
In conclusion, Roger Penn’s enthralling anecdotes and deep knowledge of rugby history provided the Narberth and District Probus Club with a memorable and educational evening, offering a glimpse into the thrilling world of sports and the remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on the game.