Robert Leonard Norster was born in Ebbw Vale on 23 June 1957 and educated at Nantyglo Grammar School and the Higher Education colleges in Gwent and South Glamorgan. A fine lineout specialist who initially played at lock for Abertillery, he joined Cardiff and made 253 appearances for the Arms Park club, including his final two seasons between 1987 and 1989 as captain. After a career as a teacher and then in human resources he became chief executive of Cardiff RFC, later Cardiff Blues, in 2001. Bob Norster gained 34 caps for Wales between 1982 and 1989, and was captain in one match against New Zealand in 1988. He toured with the British Isles to New Zealand in 1983 and Australia in 1989, playing in 12 games, including three tests. His eight games for the Barbarians included the matches against Scotland in 1983 and Australia in 1984 and 1988.