It is with huge sadness that Pontypool RFC has learned of the passing of one of its true greats, Anthony George ‘Charlie’ Faulkner, aged 81.
Charlie joined Pontypool from Cross Keys in September 1972 and went on to make 210 Pooler appearances and scored 12 tries. He also played for the Barbarians and, in January 1975, made history with his fellow Pontypool front row colleagues, hooker Bobby Windsor and tight head prop Graham Price to be the first club front row to be selected to play for Wales, against France, in Paris. Together, the Pontypool Front Row played 19 times for their country between 1975 and 1979 and Charlie scored a try against Ireland in 1975. During their stay in the Welsh team, Wales won the Grand Slam twice and the Triple Crown three times. The Front Row also represented Monmouthshire and the British Lions in 1977 when Charlie was a replacement on the tour and the trio played in three of the last five games – against Counties/Thames Valley, Bay of Plenty and the game against Fiji on their journey home – the first club front row to play for the British Lions. The Front Row was referred to as the ‘Viet Gwent’ in a song called ‘Up and Under, Here We Go’ by Max Boyce, the popular Welsh entertainer.
After his playing days, Charlie coached Newport, Cardiff, Caerphilly and St Peter’s.
Charlie was a much-loved character and a massive part of the history of Pontypool RFC. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Everyone at Pontypool RFC send their deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to Charlie’s family at this very difficult time.
