PONTYPOOL RFC put aside local rugby rivalries to help come to the aid of a club, which fell victim to thieves earlier this month.

More than £2,000 was stolen from a safe at Talywain RFC, with some of the funds belonging to a charity fund for Scott Bessant, a father and former player with the club who is currently in a coma.

Alarm systems for CCTV at the clubhouse were also cut during the raid on Friday, January 5.

Meanwhile, a ward councillor has set up a crowdfunding page to help release the money taken during the break-in.

Pooler confirmed that all proceeds from their WRU Championship clash against Bedlinog RFC would go towards helping their neighbours Talywain RFC following the incident.

After the game, which the home side ran out comfortably 44-10 winners, Pontypool RFC announced that £1,695 would be donated the club, after the visitors added £100 to the gate receipt total.

The club said via social media: “Thank you to everybody who ‘Packed the Park’ this afternoon at Pontypool Park.

“We’re pleased to share that we raised £1,495 in ticket sales, £100 in donations and in a huge act of class, a further £100 from Bedlinog RFC’s squad.”

Ben Jeffreys, the Pontypool RFC’s chief executive, added: “Many thanks to everybody who attended at Pontypool Park, where your generosity helped us raise over £1,600 in support of Talywain RFC.”

Mr Jeffreys also thanked the visitors for their addition.

He said: “A special thanks must also go to Bedlinog RFC, whose team kindly contributed an additional £100.

“We really appreciate your support.”

Days after the incident, Abersychan councillor Giles Davies offered his support to help raise £400 towards replacing stolen charity funds for the Bessant family and Cancer Research UK.

A statement on the councillor’s JustGiving page states: “Abersychan Ward is a close community who look out for each other, we won’t accept stealing from charity or from one of our own.

“All funds raised will be split equally between the Bessant family fund and Cancer Research UK.”

The club also received support from the Dragons, with the Pro14 side donating eight full hospitality for the Judgement Day fixture against Scarlets.

David Buttress, the Dragons chairman, said he was “saddened” to hear what had happened to Talywain RFC having played for them in his youth. The tickets will be auctioned off at a Talywain RFC-hosted event on January 27 which will see former Welsh internationals Lee Byrne and Nigel Meek visit Emlyn Park.

Cllr Davies added: “I’m really pleased to see so much good will and support towards Talywain RFC.

“It shows that crime against community organisations won’t win in the Abersychan ward. We will always pull together and carry on.

“I appeal for anyone with any information to come forward,” he added.

Gwent Police were called following a burglary at the club in Emlyn Road which happened between 10.55pm on Friday, January 5 and 9.30am the next morning.

Although the thieves failed to access another safe which was “concreted-in” they also took £230 - including cash from a family fund for a Talywain dad and former rugby player in a coma.

As previously reported, ex-Wales Dragonhearts player Mr Bessant was found with life-changing injuries in a Pontypool lane in August last year and has remained in hospital since.

Mr Bessant is currently at Rookwood Hospital in Cardiff and a police investigation is ongoing into the circumstances surrounding his injuries.

Anyone who witnessed the break-in or has any information should call 101 quoting log 126 06/01/18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.