Our forefathers established the first rugby team in 1882–83, when David Watkins — a descendant from Neath — helped to foster the game during difficult times. Through his determination, Ferndale RFC became affiliated to the Welsh Football Union in 1891. By 1894 they were playing in the newly formed Glamorgan League.

Ferndale made their name amongst the best sides in South Wales. Neath, Bath, Llanelli, Pontypridd and Merthyr all graced the sloping Darran Lake Ground. Crowds in excess of 3,000 were entertained at half time by the famous Ferndale Prize Band. The Scarlet Bulldogs won two senior cups — beating Cilfynydd at Ynysybwl in 1910 and defeating Treorchy four-nil to win the Glamorgan League Cup in 1912.

The Great War robbed rugby of its momentum as returning troops gravitated towards soccer. By 1921, a lack of finances — worsened by the mining disputes and a dangerous playing surface at Darran Park — forced Rhondda Fach's premier side to fold. The Ferndale Bell Boys, the Elmonians and Blaenllechau kept the rugby flag flying locally until the Second World War ended senior rugby in Ferndale entirely by 1940.

After conversations with Gomer Clement and his grandson A.A. Clement, a committee was formed in January 1989 following meetings at the Salisbury Hotel. The club was accepted as a probationary member of the Rhondda & East Glamorgan District Union and set up their base in the hotel's cellar — cleaned and decorated from scratch by the new membership.

The superb rugby facilities at Greenwood Park — once the site of the infamous Banana Tip — were opened in September 1991. They were not gifted to the club; an incredible voluntary effort by local people over many years campaigning for better recreational facilities made it happen. The pavilion includes four changing rooms, a tea room and facilities shared with Ferndale Christchurch Cricket Club, formed in 1924.

The former Salisbury Hotel — a three-storey building with basement and large car park — was purchased as the club's own home in May 1994. Starting out in 1989 with no money whatsoever, the substantial investment and hundreds of voluntary hours per week transformed it into the sporting and social heart of Ferndale & district. The Sir Stanley Baker Lounge was opened at Christmas 2005, honouring the famous Ferndale-born actor, with his widow Lady Ellen Baker in attendance.

After progressing through the REGD leagues, Ferndale earned provisional WRU membership at the start of the 2001/02 season — meaning WRU league rugby was played in Ferndale for the first time in eighty years. By April 2004, full WRU status was granted. The club that started from nothing in 1989 had completed its remarkable journey back to the top table of Welsh club rugby.

Ferndale RFC continue to represent their community with pride, competing in the WRU National League Division 3 East Central from their home at Greenwood Park. The club remains a beacon of community spirit in the Rhondda Fach — from the 91-year-old who kicked off that first game in 1989, to the players pulling on the scarlet jersey today. The Bulldogs bite. The story continues.