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Bryan 'Yogi' Davies joined Clwb Rygbi’r Bala during the 1985 - 1986 Season, and such was his impact that at the end of that first season he was voted 'THE MOST PROMISING NEWCOMER'. During the following 21 seasons he was the recipient of every honour the Club could offer - 'PLAYERS' PLAYER', ''CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR' 'PLAYER OF THE YEAR' CONTRIBUTION FOR OFF FIELD ACTIVITY etc,etc etc.

Initially a robust and very hard tackling centre, he volunteered to play loose head prop when the First XV found themselves one short 'up front' mid way through the 1987 - 1988 Season. Such was his appetite for the physical and confrontation aspect of the game he remained in the front row alternating between loose head/hooker for 19 seasons.

During this time he developed into a fierce and respected opponent on every rugby ground in North Wales and beyond, he always gave as good as he got (and sometimes more!!!),possessed the biggest of hearts and never willingly took a backward step. He led the pack from the front, acted as minder for youngsters when they broke into the team and was the ultimate motivator.

This game we love has been very good to Yogi for the best part of a quarter of a century, but such was his attitude as an individual that whatever he got out of the game he has repaid with interest. He ran the mini section of this Club almost single handed-those 8,9 and 10 year olds worshiped him, he cut the grass, painted the posts and Clubhouse, marked the pitch, coached the forewords and the ladies team, refereed junior games, found sponsors, encouraged parents and never missed a training session. In short he was all things to all men and women at our Club.

With the old enemy time creeping up on him, and at the grand old age of 49 years, Yogi announced in the dressing room prior to the First XVs final game of the 2006 - 2007 Season that he was wearing the red and blue hooped jersey of the First XV for the last time. He was promptly and rightly made Captain for the day, and with his usual pride led his charges out to battle.

Very early in the game fate took over, the first scrummage ended up as an untidy affair with Yogi ( he was playing hooker) prostrate on the ground. Those few seconds changed his life and that of his wife Sue and young children Ilan and Teleri for ever. The rest is history suffice to say that present prognosis indicate that Yogi will be paralysed and disabled with a broken neck for the rest of his days (In medical terms this is termed Tetraplegic or commonly known as Quadriplegic).

We at Clwb Rygbi'r Bala/Bala Rugby Club are deflated, bewildered and apprehensive as a result of such a tragic event, but our predicament pales into insignificance as compared with what lies ahead for this young family.