Then, by 1959, the drive for improved status saw the War Memorial Park, complete with grandstand facilities, emerge as the venue for all future home fixtures. The hard work also climaxed with the opening of a new purpose-built Clubhouse at the rear of the Royal Hotel in time for Christmas.

Thirty years and much fun later, disaster struck on 23rd October 1989  when an electrical fault started a fire which soon engulfed the Clubhouse. The fire service fought the blaze for several hours but the building, primarily a wooden structure, succumbed to the flames and at dawn little remained. A few members had courageously entered the Clubhouse during the blaze and saved some memorabilia, but everything else was lost – bar stock, playing kit, rugby balls, team photographs etc.

Dawn on Monday morning brought home the scale of the damage. The endeavour of committed Rhymney Rugby supporters was laid waste.

Following the loss of the Clubhouse, many offers of aid were received, both from local rugby clubs and unions and also from a long established friendship with Castelsarassin Rugby Club from France.

The immediate problem of seeking new headquarters was solved when a generous offer of accommodation was made by John Davies of the Castle Club, renewing an association with that establishment which had spanned a century. The fixture list for the 1989 – 90 season was duly fulfilled and following the demolition of the ruins of the old Clubhouse, proposals for its reconstruction was discussed.

Hopes for an early start were dashed when a planning requirement for test drilling of the site subsequently revealed old mine workings directly beneath. The cost of rebuilding had suddenly become prohibitive and a new alternative was sought.

Meanwhile, the club had transferred its headquarters to the Democratic Club for the start of the 1990 – 91 season. The Constitutional Club on the Queens Square, in disuse for several years, was purchased on the 5th December 1990 with a view to refurbishment. Almost immediately, though, the emergence of a newly available building plot cast doubt on the desirability of renovation of the Constitutional Club.

The new site, on which had once stood the old Mount Carmel Chapel, was adjacent to the playing pitch at the War Memorial Park and had instant appeal. However, opinion amongst the membership was divided; the matter being finally resolved at a special meeting held at the “Demo” on 9th July 1991 when a proposal, moved by the Committee, to abandon the intention to renovate the “Connie” in favour of building a brand new Clubhouse on the Mount Carmel site was carried by 40 votes to 16.

Formal planning approval was obtained on 23rd September 1991 and the contract awarded to local builder D V Edwards on 27th September 1991. The formal contract was signed on 11th February 1992 and work commenced within a fortnight.

During the 6 months to completion, relatively little time was lost due to bad weather. After an initial problem with the brickwork, the building soon began to take shape.

Almost 3 years from the date of the fire the new Clubhouse, complete with changing rooms and showering facilities was ready in time for the 1992 – 93 season.

The official opening of the new Clubhouse saw Graham L Tregidon, President of the WRU, unveiling a commemorative plaque on 22nd August 1992.