A RUGBY club in South Wales donated its ticket gate money to its opposition to help support them after their clubhouse was devastated by flooding during Storm Bert.

On Saturday Newbridge RFC donated the £2,800 gate money to Cross Keys RFC after their Ben Francis Cup match, which Newbridge won 25-15.

"A true example of what rugby is all about," said a spokesperson for Cross Keys RFC.

(Image: Cross Keys RFC) Paul Rogers (centre) from Newbridge RFC donates the gate money to Colin Vernall and Angie Prangell from Cross Keys RFC.

Cross Keys RFC was devastated by a flood caused by Storm Bert in November, leaving their club house under 6ft of water.

Newbridge is only 3 miles from Cross Keys and the close proximity of the teams was also reflected in the close bond formed through their generous support.

"Huge thank you to everyone Newbridge RFC for their kind generosity in donating all of today’s Ben Francis Cup gate taking to the Cross Keys Flood Fund following damage caused to the clubhouse following Storm Bert," said the spokesperson for Cross Keys.

(Image: Supplied) The flash flooding at Cross Keys RFC caused by Strom Bert.

On November 24 the club said it was ‘heartbroken’ after it was hit by the flash flooding caused by Storm Bert.

Colin Vernall, 74, who runs the social club at the Cross Keys RFC, was cleaning inside before it flooded within minutes.

He said: “I was in there at twenty past seven cleaning the club and there was not a drop of water, but by half past it was a job managing to get out of there.

“We just managed to get out, but it was up to our knees. We are talking about within three minutes.

“It is heartbreaking. I was just in there cleaning. Then there were cars hitting each other. I have never seen anything like it in my life,” he said.

Mr Vernall has set up a fundraising page for the club. So far £6,670 has been raised.

To donate to Cross Keys RFC's flood appeal click here: Cross Keys RFC Flood Appeal

On the fundraising page Mr Vernall wrote: "Please help us restore the Club House to its former state, contributing towards replacing damaged furniture, flooring, electrical goods and the clubs training equipment."

November was not the first time the club has been flooded.

Mr Vernall said: "5 years ago, we had an amazing response to our appeal following the damaged cause by Storm Dennis. Our members, the local community, local businesses , the wider rugby community pulled together, collectively we raised over £5000. These donations, together with all the help and support of all the volunteers who spent days cleaning up ensured the club opened quickly."