Cardiff Rugby is proud to unveil a special commemorative Grogg celebrating the club’s 150th season, with the unique piece honouring the Blue and Blacks’ first-ever captain, Thomas Donaldson Selby.

Created in partnership with The Groggshop and the Cardiff Rugby Heritage Group, the limited-edition Grogg forms part of a wider programme of events and initiatives marking a landmark year in the club’s history.

The figure depicts Selby, who captained Cardiff during the club’s inaugural season in 1876-77, wearing the distinctive kit from that first campaign. As Cardiff prepares to celebrate 150 years of rugby heritage, the piece provides a fitting link between the club’s origins and its future.

The project was brought to life by The Groggshop, whose connection to Cardiff Rugby spans generations.

Speaking about the commission, Groggshop sculptor Richard Hughes said:

“When we were approached by David Allen, Chair of the Cardiff Rugby Heritage Group, to make a special commemorative Grogg for their 150th anniversary, we were delighted and when I saw the images of the subject they had chosen, I was inspired.

“I love history and on seeing the historic first kit worn by Cardiff and their first ever captain T.S. Donaldson Selby, I couldn’t wait to get started.”

Hughes also reflected on his lifelong association with Cardiff Rugby and the role the club has played in the story of The Groggshop.

“The Groggshop has had a strong connection with Cardiff RFC dating back to the early days of our founding. When my father first started taking me to matches, he was drawn to the Arms Park where we could watch some of the greats of Welsh rugby playing in the famous Blue and Black.”

The commemorative Grogg is one of several ways supporters will be able to celebrate Cardiff Rugby’s 150th season, a campaign that will honour the people, moments and traditions that have shaped the club over a century and a half.

David Allen, Chair of the Cardiff Rugby Heritage Group, said Selby was a natural choice to feature in the anniversary piece, given his place in club history as Cardiff’s first captain and his connection to the team’s founding season.

The Cardiff Rugby 150th Anniversary T.S. Donaldson Selby Grogg will be available from August, with further details to be announced in the coming weeks.

As the countdown to a historic season continues, the Grogg offers supporters a unique opportunity to own a special piece of Cardiff Rugby’s 150-year story.