Following the Canadian Tour, the 80s saw the club consolidate. Many of those who toured Canada, although Llandeilo born and bred, had moved away from the area to attend university. This had always been the case, despite the fact that the coalfield was a mere 5 miles away at Llandybie, many opted for further education and never returned. For some reason Llandeilo had the reputation of being what Welsh speakers called " Crach " (there is no literal translation of this term but superior is about the closest one can get) and many spread their wings over the border.
In the 80's the town had few major industries, Brockington and Scott and Dyfed County Council being the major employers in the town. Despite this, the 80's saw a change in the fortunes of the club with the return to Llandeilo of a handful of players after university. It was decided to change the club colours from green to the original black and white. A new coach, Peter Jones, was appointed and he brought some much-needed drive to the club. With the half backs Wyn Jones and Andrew McCutcheon returning to the club and some new blood on the committee things were looking up and in the 86/87 season they won Section E of the West Wales Rugby Union Championship. It was also decided to reform the junior sections, which in turn provided a fruitful nursery for the future. Whilst not exactly taking West Wales rugby by storm the results in the 80's was a far cry from the dark days of the 70's.
The last decade of the millennium saw a degree of success on the field but unfortunately, controversy off it! By 1993 the club found itself in the Premier Division of the WWRU for the very first time, but in the early months of 1993 it was in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. As with every club, raising funds was of paramount importance and in 1992 the club entered into negotiation with a company called Glassco and various other companies. However, the deal entered into by the secretary resulted in the monies not being forthcoming. Eventually the WRU and police were informed and the Welsh media got hold of the story. On investigation it transpired that the club had a higher allocation of International Tickets than the committee had been led to believe. Tills amounted to 22 tickets per game. Sadly, Joe Harries, the secretary who had been a staunch member of the club since1946, had no option but to resign. The wholly regrettable affair seemed to have been resolved. Geoffrey Craig was found guilty of obtaining services by deception and ordered to pay the club £847 in compensation at Knightsbridge Crown Court in April 1995. However, this was not the end of the matter; the minutes of the committee meeting of 18th Nov 1996 record "correspondence from the City of London Magistrates Court writing off the £847 balance from Geoffrey Craig was noted with disgust". The whole affair had dragged on for nearly 5 years.
The 95/6 season saw the introduction of the National Leagues. Llandeilo were placed in Division 6 West. The monumental change of the 90's was the introduction of professionalism. Llandeilo had always prided itself on its amateur status, travelling expenses excluded, but did explore the possibility of paying players on a "win bonus" basis. This was short lived, as when the side did win, the players immediately put their winnings into the 1st XV "beer kitty" and the venture inevitably" died a death"!
Between Llandeilo CS School and Llandeilo RFC, several prominent players of that era came through the system. Current Welsh International Luke Charteris began his career with Llandeilo Under 8's. Other players that have gained international honours were Simon Davies - Llanelli (Wales B), Ian Jones (Llanelli, Wales B and Wales tour of Australia '92), Rhodri Davies (Harlequins, Richmond and London Scottish).
This rich vein of talent continues into the new millennium with Matthew Jacobs (Welsh Colleges), Gareth Morgan (Llandovery, Worcester Academy and Welsh Schools), Andrew Davies (Welsh Deaf), Aaron May (Welsh Schools and current Wales Under 19 full back), Martin Thomas (2006) : all Llandeilo players at one time.
The year 2000 saw a major new facility opened at Cae William in the form of the "Millennium Stand". This impressive structure has seating for 100 people; a covered walkway; 6 dressing rooms and spectator facilities in the well appointed upstairs bar. Here many mementos of the clubs illustrious past are on display.
Despite playing in Division 4 West in the lower echelons of the ASDA National League, the club can be justifiably proud of its 135 year history. Whist the media in Wales tend to focus on the likes of Llanelli, Cardiff and Swansea/Neath (Ospreys) and Newport Gwent Dragons, let us not forget clubs like Lampeter Town, Llandovery, Bangor and Llandeilo who were founder members of the WRU back in 1881. Whilst having no aspirations to play at the highest level in me Premiership, we will continue to nurture the rich vein of talent that comes through the clubs junior sections. With the club celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2021, what does the future hold, tucked away in this beautiful backwater of West Wales? Next time you see a rugby player throw an outrageous "dummy", just think of its origin. At least George Davies exploits were reported in the local press at the time, which is more than can be said for a certain William Webb Ellis.
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