From Llantwit Major to the Brewery Field: Edd Howley’s Story
Edd Howley reflects on identity, community, and a life shaped by Welsh rugby, from Llantwit Major to the Brewery Field.
Image credit: Leighton Davies
“When I'm back in Chicago, I feel it: another version of me, I was in it.” Djo’s End of Beginning makes me think about how different situations bring out unique versions of ourselves. Expression takes many forms. For rugby players, it lives in movement, collision, and creativity on the pitch. For Edd Howley, the sport has been a constant throughout his life. He has a fitting story to tell. Let’s dive in.
Beginning
“Rugby, for me, is all about the buzz of playing and the people you share it with. It’s competitive, sure, but it’s also about the laughs and the teamwork. You learn a lot without even realising it: how to keep going when things get tough and how much you can rely on others. And off the pitch, it’s the stories, the banter, and the friendships that make it special. That mix of challenge and fun is what rugby means to me.”
With rugby, like anything else, before you begin to blossom, a foundation must be built. Wales is blessed to have an abundance of historic rugby clubs, where the game’s next generation fall in love with rugby — not just the rules of the game, but the values within it. Llantwit Major was the birthplace of his story, but Pontyclun also had a huge influence on a young Howley.
“Pontyclun became a really important part of my rugby journey when I joined at under-11s. My hometown club, Llantwit Major, had disbanded for my age group, and while playing district schools rugby, I noticed a lot of the boys were with Pontyclun, so joining them felt like the natural choice. I stayed with the club right through to youth rugby, and I’ve only got good things to say about it. The clubhouse is fantastic, and from what I’ve seen, it’s a real hub for the local community.”
His journey beyond Pontyclun took him through Maesteg RFC and a short stint at Newport, early steps in senior rugby. But it was at Neath where his performances truly caught the eye, and his reputation started to grow.
Neath
Howley joined Neath ahead of the 2016/17 season. It didn’t take long for him to make an impression, garnering a reputation for his fierce counterattacking ability. His performances with Neath were notable, evidenced by his selection for the Ospreys Premiership Select and being named Principality Premiership Player of the Month in December 2016. January 2017 delivered one of the finest performances of his time at the Gnoll, as he produced a stunning 26-point display against Narberth. A hat-trick of tries, matched with flawless conversions, underlined a stunning performance to remember. He talks about his time at Neath whilst paying tribute to Maesteg.
“I joined Neath when I was 19, which was my first Welsh Premiership side, as it was called back then. I had a season with Maesteg RFC beforehand, which was my first taste of senior rugby, so it put me in good standing. Although we never had the greatest campaign with Neath over my three seasons, I learnt a lot, whether that be through older players in the squad or just playing against more experienced players in the league. But I have only fond memories of playing in front of the vocal Neath supporters and am still close to a few of the people I played with today.”
In 2018, it was time to turn the page and start a fresh chapter. Howley made his way to the capital.
Cardiff RFC
Arriving in the capital in 2018, he lit up the iconic Arms Park, scoring 19 tries in 22 matches. It was with Cardiff RFC that Howley got his first silverware, as he was part of the team that won the WRU National Cup in 2019, beating a strong Merthyr side. Throughout this time he also represented Cardiff Blues “A”. It was a fruitful period for Howley; he talks about his time with Cardiff.
“I made the move to Cardiff RFC due to ownership issues at Neath, where we had a really strong squad. In my first season, we went on to lift the Welsh Cup in the Principality, beating another strong team back then, Merthyr RFC. Going into my second season, I think we had lost one game in 15 matches and were through to another semi-final of the cup before Covid hit. Then the season and all competitions got cancelled, which was a shame, as this was probably when I was playing my best rugby. But it was an uncontrollable situation. Overall, though, I really enjoyed my time at Cardiff RFC.”
The move to the Brewery Field in 2020 felt like destiny for Howley, bringing him to familiar ground after his formative years at Bridgend College.
The Brewery Field
At Bridgend, Howley has truly become a consistent figure within the team, making over 100 appearances for the club. From scoring an infamous try against Swansea to being named Players’ Player and Supporters’ Player of the Season for 2023/24, his impact has been clear. However, if you wind the clock back, Howley was playing at Bridgend College, a place that has built a stellar reputation for nurturing talent. Howley talks about what it means to play for the Ravens and how much Bridgend College means to him.
“Playing for Bridgend over the past five seasons has been the most enjoyable part of my rugby career so far. On the field, results have been a mixed bag at times, but there’s so much talent and commitment within the club that success feels inevitable. Recently, I hit a milestone with my 100th appearance, and after 11 years in this league, I’d like to think I’ve picked up a fair bit of experience along the way.
“Off the field, the camaraderie is second to none. The changing room and medical room are honestly two of the best parts of turning up every week: the banter, the laughs, and that unique ability to give stick and take it back in equal measure.
“My journey with Bridgend actually started back in college as a 17-year-old in the Academy under Gareth Nicholas and Craig Warlow. Those two years were invaluable, not just for rugby but also for life lessons. Gareth Nicholas remains the best mentor I’ve ever had, and I still bump into him regularly. College gave me friendships that will last a lifetime; those really were the best days.
“Coming back to Bridgend Ravens now feels like a full-circle moment. From starting out in the College Academy to pulling on the jersey again, I’m genuinely content and still loving every minute of playing here.”
It’s clear that Bridgend means a lot to him, and when it comes to his future, his intentions are clear.
“Rugby-wise, the plan is simple: keep playing for Bridgend until my body gives up... or the club decides they’ve had enough of me. Either way, whichever comes first.”
Howley has made an impact wherever he’s gone. From one team to the next, his journey has been shaped by challenge and commitment. Through it all, his love for the game remains steadfast.
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