John Harding
9 June, 2025
Rugby

Former Wales U18s international and ex-Bristol Bears Academy player Charlie Brabham named Weston-super-Mare RFC Club Captain

Former Wales U18s international and ex-Bristol Bears Academy player Charlie Brabham will captain Weston-super-Mare in the coming season's 2025/26 Regional 2 Tribute South West campaign, when the Seasiders will be tested against some opposition for the first time.

Weston-super-Mare RFC’s new Club Captain Charlie Brabham

Brabham, primarily a loosehead prop who can play across the front row after transitioning from the back row during his final year at the Academy, is spending three months in Portugal with Sport Lisboa e Benfica, commonly known as Benfica, in Lisbon.

Weston-super-Mare’s director of rugby, Mark Matthews, said: “Charlie’s return to the Recreation Ground during the 2024/25 season made a huge impact and he was instrumental in the club’s return to form in the later part of the season and the move away from relegation.

“Having had a great season, we were keen as a club to support his move to Benicia and, importantly, the experience he gains, which will expand his knowledge of the game. We anticipate a highly motivated and enthusiastic player returning for pre-season training.

Charlie Brabham, Weston-super-Mare’s new Club Captain
Charlie Brabham, Weston-super-Mare’s new Club Captain Credit: Weston Rugby

“Charlie is a natural leader who makes a big impact on and off the field, and so he was the natural choice to assume the role of Club Captain as we mark our 150th anniversary season.”

Brabham grew up playing rugby for Chew Valley, Cheddar Valley, Winscombe, and Nailsea & Blackwell rugby clubs and became a student and rugby player at South Gloucestershire & Stroud College and Hartpury University.

He made his Wales U18s debut in March 2018, coming off the replacement bench in the 42-14 defeat by their England counterparts at Sardis Road, Pontypridd, having previously played for Wales Exiles U18s.

"I am incredibly honoured and proud to have been appointed club captain of Weston-super-Mare Rugby Football Club," said 25-year-old Brabham, who returned to play for Weston-super-Mare in November and has now made 30 appearances during his two spells with the Seasiders.

"I've really enjoyed my two stints at the club, and now, being given the opportunity to lead such a great bunch of lads is something I don't take lightly. I'm grateful to the coaching staff and Board for trusting me; I'm fully committed to giving everything I have, both on and off the field."

During the 2018/19 season with the Bristol Bears Senior Academy, Braham had loan spells with Dings Crusaders, Birmingham, Solihull and Weston-super-Mare, where he debuted in the 39-27 victory at Newton Abbot.

After a spell playing in Australia for the Premier Grade side Associates RFC in Perth, Brabham returned to the UK, and he joined Chinnor when they were in National 1 and then Old Redcliffians in National Two.

Brabham added: "Weston has a proud history and passionate community behind it- and I'll do everything I can to represent the badge with pride; lead by example and help drive us forward into what I hope will be a successful season."

The Brunel Group will sponsor Charlie Brabham.