He was educated at Ystalyfera Grammar School, followed by a spell at the University of Wales starting in 1918, where he studied history and philosophy.
The Brewery on site produced the Champion Beer of Wales in 2002/3 and 2003/4, coming 3rd in 2004/5.
The most important event of the 2003/04 Ystalyfera RFC season was the creation of Regional Rugby in 2003, which resulted in a major restructuring of the National League.