The Directors of Newport RFC are delighted to announce the appointment of a club chaplain. Andrew Lightbown, a Canon at St Woolos Cathedral in our city is a huge rugby supporter and a regular spectator and volunteer for our club.
Since moving to Newport in early 2022 Andrew, and his wife Sallyanne, have been regulars at matches both at home and away. They have also attended various dinners and enjoy operating, occasionally, the clicker (but not scanner), on the gate at home games.
Andrew has been actively involved in rugby since 1973 when he was filmed kicking a ball around on the back pitches at London Welsh during a recording of Rugby Special. His first club was Marlow, in Buckinghamshire, and he has also represented Fylde, Preston Grasshoppers – where as a young student and hooker he greatly appreciated having a certain Wade Dooley behind him in the second row – Bath Youth and Bristol United. He has played against Newport twice in 1984 and 1993 losing heavily on both occasions.
The majority of Andrew’s career has been spent in the Investment Management Industry, and he has also worked as a University Lecturer. Ordained in 2013 he now serves as a Canon at Newport Cathedral. He is particularly interested in mental health and community relationships and would be very happy to talk to any player, or club member, on a confidential basis. He will of course be keeping the club in his thoughts and prayers.
Please make Andrew and Sallyanne welcome as a part of the Black & Amber family.