View source for Pontypridd RFC

{{Short description|Welsh rugby union club, based in Pontypridd}}
{{More citations needed|date=January 2025}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2011}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Infobox rugby team
  | teamname    = Pontypridd Rugby Football Club
  | fullname    = Pontypridd Rugby Football Club
  | nickname    = Ponty, The Valley Commandos
  | image       = Pontypridd rugby badge.png
  | imagesize   = 195px
  | shortname   =
  | founded     = {{Start date and age|1876}}
  | ground      = [[Sardis Road ground|Sardis Road]]
  | capacity    = 7,861
  | location    = [[Pontypridd]], [[Rhondda Cynon Taf]], Wales
  | countryflag = Wales
  | ceo       = Stephen Reardon
  | coach       = [[Kristian Parker]]
  | captain     = [[Cally James]]
  | caps        = Bob Penberthy<br />877
  | top scorer  = [[Neil Jenkins]]<br />3,185
  | most tries  = [[Karl Swain]]<br />179
  | league      = [[Welsh Premier Division]]
  | season      = 2024-25
  | position    = 2nd <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wru.co.uk/773.php |title=Principality Premiership &#124; Welsh Rugby Union &#124; Official Website : Principality Premiership Index |publisher=Wru.co.uk |date=2011-05-17 |access-date=2013-10-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171112185907/http://www.wru.co.uk/773.php |archive-date=12 November 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
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  | url         = www.ponty.net
  |
}}
'''Pontypridd Rugby Football Club''' ({{langx|cy|'''Clwb Rygbi Pontypridd'''}}) is a [[rugby union]] team from [[Pontypridd]], [[Rhondda Cynon Taf]], [[Wales]]. It competes in the [[Welsh Premier Division|Admiral Premiership]] and the [[WRU Challenge Cup|WRU Premiership Cup]], a trophy which they won for the 7th time in 2025. Their last league title winning campaign came in 2015.

Established in 1876, Pontypridd RFC play their home games on the banks of the [[River Rhondda]] at [[Sardis Road]], [[Pontypridd]], [[Rhondda Cynon Taf]] in Wales, with their age-grade section playing at [[Taff Vale Park]] in Pontypridd, and Pontypridd High School Fields in nearby [[Cilfynydd]].

Pontypridd RFC experienced a successful period during the 1990s—referred to as the club's "Golden Age"<ref name="Ponty.net Club History">{{cite web |title=A brief history &#124; About Pontypridd RFC &#124; The Club |url=http://www.ponty.net/a-brief-history |access-date=2013-10-22 |publisher=Ponty.net}}</ref>—under head coach [[Dennis John (rugby union)|Dennis John]], and they enjoyed further success between 2001 and 2003 with the appointment of head coach [[Lynn Howells]]. The transition to [[Welsh rugby union system|Regional Rugby in Wales]] in 2003 saw the downgrading of Pontypridd to a semi-professional team, followed by financial difficulties for the club<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/welsh-premier-division/pontypridd-rfc/2003/09/22/ponty-the-big-rescue-package-91466-13434346/ |title=Ponty: The big rescue package |publisher=Wales Online |date=2003-09-22 |access-date=2013-10-22}}</ref> and the eventual demise of Pontypridd's "[[Celtic Warriors]]" region.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/3725177.stm |work=BBC News  | title=Warriors' buy-out 'mortal blow' | date=18 May 2004 | access-date=22 May 2010}}</ref>

Pontypridd RFC has since refinanced and restructured<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ponty.net/a-new-beginning1 |title=A New Beginning &#124; Club News &#124; News & Views |publisher=Ponty.net |access-date=2013-10-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131027044030/http://www.ponty.net/a-new-beginning1 |archive-date=27 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ponty.net/the-first-day-of-the-rest-of-our-lives0 |title=The first day of the rest of our lives &#124; Club News &#124; News & Views |publisher=Ponty.net |date=2003-10-15 |access-date=2013-10-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131027044019/http://www.ponty.net/the-first-day-of-the-rest-of-our-lives0 |archive-date=27 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and, despite a mooted stadium sale,<ref>{{cite news| url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/5075414.stm |work=BBC News  | title=Retail setback hits Sardis Road | date=13 June 2006 | access-date=22 May 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/rugby_union/article513445.ece |work=The Times |location=London  | title=Pontypridd put historic ground up for sale | first=David | last=Hands | date=12 February 2005 | access-date=22 May 2010}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> continues to be regarded as a relatively successful rugby team in the [[South Wales Valleys]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ponty.net/valleys-is-the-place-for-fifth-region |title=Valleys is the place for fifth region &#124; Noticeboard &#124; News & Views |publisher=Ponty.net |access-date=2013-10-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131027044026/http://www.ponty.net/valleys-is-the-place-for-fifth-region |archive-date=27 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Pontypridd RFC has produced several players who went on to play for the [[Wales national rugby union team]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Cole |first=Robert |date=6 November 1993 |title=Rugby Union: Pontypridd's chance to outdo the Joneses |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby-union-pontypridds-chance-to-outdo-the-joneses-1502454.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103233132/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby-union-pontypridds-chance-to-outdo-the-joneses-1502454.html |archive-date=2012-11-03 |access-date=22 May 2010 |work=The Independent |location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2430527/Welsh-Scottish-League-Littles-large-contribution-inspires-Pontypridd.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London  | title=Welsh-Scottish League: Little's large contribution inspires Pontypridd | first=Graham | last=Clutton | date=9 February 2002 | access-date=22 May 2010}}</ref>

==Club history==

=== Early history ===
Pontypridd RFC were formed in 1876<ref name="Smith26">Smith (1980), pg 26.</ref> by a number of young local men who moved into the area during the [[Industrial Revolution]]. However, the first reported match involving Pontypridd was played on 18 December 1873 against Roath (Cardiff).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3386390/3386398/81/football|title=CARDIFF.&#124;1873-12-20&#124;The Cardiff Times - Welsh Newspapers}}</ref> They were represented at a meeting in [[Tenby]] in 1880 that would later lead to the formation of the [[Welsh Rugby Union]] in 1881.<ref name="Smith37">Smith (1980), pg 37.</ref> Pontypridd's [[Edward Treharne]], who also played for [[Cowbridge Grammar School]] as a student,<ref name="Smith38">Smith (1980), pg 38.</ref> was named in the [[Wales national rugby union team|first Welsh International side]] in 1881. Pontypridd supplied two more players to the Welsh team before the turn of the 19th century, [[Tom Williams (rugby union, born 1859)|Tom Williams]] and [[Ernie George]].

In their early days, Pontypridd RFC played their home games at [[Taff Vale Park]] in [[Treforest]], the current home of their junior section, before moving to the ''People's Park'' alongside the [[River Rhondda]]. However, in 1908 they moved once more to a new home in [[Ynysangharad War Memorial Park|Ynysangharad Park]] in Pontypridd itself,<ref name="Thomas225">Thomas (1980), pg 225.</ref> where they would stay for 65 years.

===1945–1989===
Pontypridd has historically been considered a club with a lower profile compared to some of the more prominent Welsh rugby clubs. Players at Pontypridd sometimes faced challenges in breaking into the national team while playing for the club, which led some to join higher-profile teams. Despite this, the club secured a series of top-ten finishes in the unofficial Welsh league, and winning the competition in the 1962/1963 season.

However the 1970s would bring Pontypridd its first period of real success. Following the redevelopment of the [[A470 road|A470 trunk road]] near their home ground, the team moved to its current home of [[Sardis Road]] in Pontypridd in 1974.<ref name="Thomas225"/> This move was immediately followed by success in the unofficial league championship, winning it in 1975–76, 1977–78 and 1978–79<ref name="Thomas224">Thomas (1980), pg 224.</ref> whilst never falling from the top four for seven years under the captaincy of Bob Penberthy and [[Tommy David]].

===1990–2002===
The 1990s saw a large change in [[Welsh rugby]], especially with the inauguration of the first official Welsh leagues in 1990. Pontypridd were placed in the top division for that season and have until now never been out of the top-level in the Welsh game. They secured third places in 1991–92, 1993–94 and 1995–96 plus a runner up finish to [[Cardiff RFC]].

During the 1993–94 season there was speculation about the possibility of Anglo-Welsh competition containing only the 'Big Four' Welsh clubs of Cardiff, Neath, Swansea and Llanelli. Pontypridd's 27–12 victory over Neath in November was considered to have made the case for a 'Big Five', and coach Dennis John expressed pleasure at having put an end to such speculation later in the season following a narrow defeat to Cardiff in the Welsh Cup semi-final.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby-union-ponty-s-case-for-a-big-five-1507543.html|title = Rugby Union: Ponty's case for a Big Five| website=[[Independent.co.uk]] |date = 22 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby-union-commentary-jones-has-the-jump-on-luckless-pontypridd-cardiff-and-llanelli-through-to-swalec-cup-final-1370898.html|title = Rugby Union Commentary: Jones has the jump on luckless Pontypridd| website=[[Independent.co.uk]] |date = 22 October 2011}}</ref>

In 1996 the club won its first official major honour, beating [[Neath RFC]] in the final of the [[Welsh Cup]]. They repeated this achievement again in 2002 and 2006. The following season (1997) saw them win the Welsh League, narrowly over the same opponents. Both of these successes were obtained by what many consider Pontypridd's best ever team, led by [[Nigel Bezani]] and including players such as [[Richie Collins]], [[Neil Jenkins]], [[Paul John (rugby)|Paul John]] and [[Dale McIntosh]].

During the 2001–02 season, Pontypridd enjoyed a successful campaign, winning the [[WRU Challenge Cup|Principality Cup]] and narrowly losing to [[Sale Sharks]] in the final of the [[European Challenge Cup|Parker Pen Shield]] competition.<ref>[http://www.wru.co.uk/5114.php] {{dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref>

From then until 2003 Pontypridd consistently finished in the top five of the league but failed to challenge for top spot (and to qualify for the [[Heineken Cup]] – Europe's top tournament) as they struggled to cope with the added financial pressures of the newly professional game, losing a number of players to larger clubs and relying heavily upon their much admired youth academy system. However, in 2003 the [[Welsh Rugby Union]] would change the game in Wales forever with the advent of [[Welsh Regional Rugby]].

===2003–present===
[[Image:Celtic warriors badge.png|thumb|right|185px|Celtic Warriors badge – 2004–05 season (unplayed)]]
After much negotiation and rumour of a merger with local rivals [[Cardiff RFC]], Pontypridd finally found themselves in a partnership with [[Bridgend RFC]], forming the [[Celtic Warriors]] that would represent the whole of the South Wales Valleys region.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/welsh-premier-division/bridgend-rfc/2004/01/07/what-the-pontypridd-fans-think-91466-13788212/ |title=What the Pontypridd fans think |publisher=Wales Online |date=2004-01-07 |access-date=2013-10-22}}</ref>

However financial difficulties at Pontypridd lead the team to sell its stake in the Warriors to [[Bridgend RFC]] benefactor Leighton Samuel and all games were moved away from Sardis Road before the club was dissolved by the [[Welsh Rugby Union|WRU]] in the summer of 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/3725177.stm |title=UK &#124; Wales &#124; Warriors' buy-out 'mortal blow' |publisher=BBC News |date=2004-05-18 |access-date=2013-10-22}}</ref>

They were then reformed as Ponty Rugby Ltd playing at a semi professional level in the newly formed [[Welsh Premiership]] and unpopularly placed under the umbrella of local rivals Cardiff Blues by the WRU, Pontypridd continue to be the top team in the Glamorganshire south Wales Valleys and are considered by many of their fans to be the Valleys' regional representative side, with [[Cardiff]] still perceived by the residents of the Valleys as rivals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/welsh-premier-division/pontypridd-rfc/2006/05/08/warriors-to-the-very-last-drop-91466-17045524/ |title=Warriors to the very last drop |publisher=Wales Online |date=2006-05-08 |access-date=2013-10-22}}</ref>

In 2005 Pontypridd were the beaten finalists in the [[WRU Challenge Cup]], narrowly losing to Llanelli 24–25, having led 24–8 with only 10 minutes remaining until a former Pontypridd player Neil Boobyer was brought into the game and helped turn the game around in Llanelli's favour.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/welsh/4520731.stm |work=BBC News  | title=Llanelli 25–24 Pontypridd | date=7 May 2005 | access-date=22 May 2010}}</ref>

The following year they would surpass their previous season's record as Saturday 6 May 2006 Pontypridd beat Neath 26–25 to win the WRU Challenge Cup (then called the Konica Minolta Cup, and currently called the SWALEC Cup after the sponsors of the tournament) in a final at the [[Millennium Stadium]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wru.co.uk/1182.php |title=Archived copy |access-date=9 August 2009 |archive-date=5 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120905082949/http://www.wru.co.uk/1182.php |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> Neath were pre-match favourites having recently secured the Welsh Premier league by a large points margin, and going into the game chasing a league and cup 'double'. This was a replay of the 1996 final, when Pontypridd had also stopped [[Neath RFC]] 'doing the double'.

17 May 2008 saw Pontypridd enter a repeat performance against Neath at the [[Millennium Stadium]]. The score, however, was not to be repeated, as Neath beat Pontypridd 28–22.

In the 2010–11 season, Pontypridd secured the Swalec Cup with a 35–24 victory over Aberavon at the Millennium Stadium. They also finished first in the Principality Premiership with 107 points. However, with the introduction of play-offs to determine the overall league champions, they were defeated in the final at Sardis Road by third-placed Llanelli, preventing a potential double. Additionally, they reached the semi-finals of the British & Irish Cup, where they were eliminated by eventual winners Bristol.

The club reached two finals in the following season. On 7 May 2012, they were defeated by Cross Keys in the Swalec Cup final, with a score of 32–19. However, they were crowned Welsh Champions for the first time in 15 years after securing a second consecutive first-place finish in the Principality Premiership. This led to a play-off final victory over Llanelli at Sardis Road on 18 May. The club also made the Quarter-Finals of the British & Irish Cup, losing away to Leinster 'A'.

The 2012–13 season was one of the most successful in the club's history, as Pontypridd won both the league and cup, completing a historic double. First beating Neath in the final of the Swalec Cup on 4 May 2013, 34–13 and then after finishing 23 points clear in the Principality Premiership with 21 wins from 22 matches they secured the title by defeating Llanelli in the Play-Off Final at Sardis Road on 18 May by 47–15.

The 2013–14 season saw Pontypridd repeat their success from the previous year, winning both the Swalec Cup and the Principality Premiership title. They claimed the Swalec Cup on 4 May 2014, defeating Cross Keys 21–8 at the Millennium Stadium. After finishing at the top of the Principality Premiership for the fourth consecutive season, they secured a third successive league title on 18 May 2014 with a 38–17 victory over Cross Keys in the play-off final at Sardis Road. The club also defeated London Welsh, London Scottish and Cornish Pirates on the way to the British & Irish Cup Semi-Finals before exiting the competition against Leinster 'A' following a defeat on try count following a 22–22 draw. The 2014–15 season saw Pontypridd reach a fifth consecutive Swalec Cup final, but they were defeated by Bridgend. However, they finished first in the Principality Premiership for the fifth successive season and secured a fourth consecutive league title with a 28–14 victory over Ebbw Vale in the play-off final at Sardis Road on 17 May 2015.

Despite playing at the highest level attainable by a non-regional side, Pontypridd RFC has experienced a decline in its fan base, partly due to the shift of Welsh rugby supporters in the Valleys<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ponty.net/howells-pleas-for-valleys-future?sibling_page=52 |title=Howells pleas for Valleys' future &#124; Noticeboard &#124; News & Views |publisher=Ponty.net |date=2003-01-27 |access-date=2013-10-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023060302/http://www.ponty.net/howells-pleas-for-valleys-future?sibling_page=52 |archive-date=23 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> to Cardiff Blues as their regional team. Nevertheless, Pontypridd retains one of the largest club followings in Wales.<ref>[http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/5018_2573.php]  {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080907150133/http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/5018_2573.php|date=7 September 2008}}</ref>

Former Pontypridd players seen wearing the red of Wales in recent years include [[Gethin Jenkins]], [[Kevin Morgan (rugby union)|Kevin Morgan]], [[Richard Parks]], [[Michael Owen (rugby union)|Michael Owen]], [[Martyn Williams]], [[Dafydd James]], [[Mefin Davies]], [[Brent Cockbain]], [[Robert Sidoli]], [[Sonny Parker (rugby union)|Sonny Parker]], [[Ceri Sweeney]], [[Ian Evans (rugby union)|Ian Evans]], [[Matthew Rees]], [[Morgan Stoddart]], [[Cory Hill]], [[Kristian Dacey]], [[Seb Davies]], [[Dillon Lewis]], [[Tomos Williams]],[[Jarrod Evans]], [[Kieron Assiratti]] and [[Corey Domachowski]].

==Club shield==

The club [[Escutcheon (heraldry)|shield]] denotes the town of Pontypridd's famous arched bridge – once the largest single-span bridge in Europe<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.destinationrct.co.uk/pontypridd |title=Rhondda Cynon Taf Tourism, Visit the Valleys, South Wales UK |publisher=Destination RCT |date=2011-02-11 |access-date=2013-10-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112074221/http://www.destinationrct.co.uk/pontypridd |archive-date=12 November 2010}}</ref> – built by [[William Edwards (architect)|William Edwards]] in 1756 and known as the "[[Old Bridge, Pontypridd|Old Bridge]]".

The [[Chevron (insignia)|chevrons]] are an interpretation of the ancient arms of [[Iestyn ap Gwrgant]], the last ruler of the Kingdom of [[Kingdom of Morgannwg|Morgannwg]]. The [[de Clare]] family – [[Normans#Wales|Norman Lords]] of the [[Welsh Marches]], under whose authority the ancient shire of [[Glamorgan]] was placed – used a similar design to Gwrgant's arms.<ref name="ngw.nl">{{cite web|url=http://www.ngw.nl/int/gbr/m/midglamo.htm |title=Heraldry of the world – Outdated file |publisher=Ngw.nl |access-date=2013-10-22}}</ref> Both sets of chevrons were once seen on the coat of arms of [[Mid Glamorgan|Mid Glamorgan County Council]],<ref name="ngw.nl"/> in which the town of Pontypridd was situated prior to the [[Local Government (Wales) Act 1994|Local Government Act of 1994]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.civicheraldry.co.uk/wales_7496.html |title=CIVIC HERALDRY OF ENGLAND AND WALES-WALES 1974–1996 |publisher=Civicheraldry.co.uk |access-date=2013-10-22}}</ref>
<br />
An identical chevron design is now seen in the coat of arms of [[Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council]], which superseded Mid Glamorgan.

The black and white colours are the [[Rugby union equipment|team colours]] of Pontypridd RFC.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ponty.net/a-quick-guide |title=A quick guide to Pontypridd RFC &#124; About Pontypridd RFC &#124; The Club |publisher=Ponty.net |access-date=2013-10-22}}</ref>
<gallery mode=packed style="line-height:130%" caption="Development of the Pontypridd RFC Club shield">
File:Coat of arms of morgannwg.svg|Arms of [[Iestyn ap Gwrgant|ap Gwrgant]]
File:CoA Gilbert de Clare.svg|Arms of [[de Clare]] family
File:Newbridge, Pontypridd.gif|Pontypridd's "[[Old Bridge, Pontypridd|Old Bridge]]"
</gallery>

== Sponsorship ==

Pontypridd's most notable main sponsor was local company, [[Buy As You View]]. The company began life as [[Just Rentals]] in [[Tonypandy]] in 1976, and sponsored Pontypridd RFC from the early nineties until 2004. It employed numerous former players, including [[Neil Jenkins]] and [[Lee Beach]] and ran the Buy As You View Schools Rugby Initiative, working in partnership with Pontypridd RFC.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ponty.net/tributes-to-television-firm-boss |title=Tributes to television firm boss &#124; Noticeboard &#124; News & Views |publisher=Ponty.net |access-date=2013-10-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131027033958/http://www.ponty.net/tributes-to-television-firm-boss |archive-date=27 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Pontypridd's main sponsor from 2004 to 2009 was Pontypridd-based environmental and waste management company, Egan Waste Services.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ponty.net/sponsorship-update-egan-waste-services-ltd |title=Sponsorship update – Egan Waste Services Ltd &#124; Club News &#124; News & Views |publisher=Ponty.net |access-date=2013-10-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131027051059/http://www.ponty.net/sponsorship-update-egan-waste-services-ltd |archive-date=27 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2009, Pontypridd-based company Amber Electrical become the club's main sponsors in a highly publicised partnership deal.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ponty.net/amber-in-partnership-as-main-club-sponsors |title=Amber in partnership as main club sponsor &#124; Partnership News &#124; Corporate |publisher=Ponty.net |access-date=2013-10-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131027054111/http://www.ponty.net/amber-in-partnership-as-main-club-sponsors |archive-date=27 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

2010 saw Egan Waste Services step up their support of Pontypridd by becoming the club's main sponsors once more.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ponty.net/egan-waste-services-main-club-sponsors |title=Egan Waste Services – main club sponsors &#124; Partnership News &#124; Corporate |publisher=Ponty.net |access-date=2013-10-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131027044017/http://www.ponty.net/egan-waste-services-main-club-sponsors |archive-date=27 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Club kit has been supplied by numerous firms, including [[Umbro]], Hogger Sports, Cica, Rossco, [[Canterbury of New Zealand]], [[Kukri Sports]], [[Errea]], Rhino Rugby and [[Mizuno Corporation|Mizuno]]. [[Kappa (brand)|Kappa]] became the club's kit suppliers for the start of the 2018–19 season.

==Statistics==

===Club honours & Achievements===
'''[[Welsh Premier Division]]''' Champions – 1996–97, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15<br />
'''[[Welsh Premier Division]]''' Runners Up – 1994–95, 1998–99, 2010–11, 2015–16, 2024-25<br />
'''WRU Merit Table''' Champions – 1975–76<br />
'''WRU Merit Table''' Runners Up – 1977–78, 1978–79<br />
'''Western Mail Welsh Championship''' Winners – 1963, 1976, 1978, 1979 <br />
'''[[WRU Challenge Cup|WRU National Cup]]''' Winners – 1995–96, 2001–02, 2005–06, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2024-25<br />
'''[[WRU Challenge Cup|WRU National Cup]]''' Runners Up – 1978–79, 1994–95, 2004–05, 2007–08, 2011–12, 2014–15, 2016–17<br />
'''WRU Fosters Challenge Cup''' Winners – 2015–16<br />
'''WRU Challenge Trophy''' Winners – 1997–98<br />
'''WRU Challenge Trophy''' Runners-Up – 1998–99<br />
'''WRU Champions Challenge''' Winners – 1996<br />
'''[[European Challenge Cup|European Rugby Shield]]''' Runners Up – 2001–02<br />
'''[[European Challenge Cup|European Rugby Shield]]''' Semi-Finalists – 2002–03<br />
'''[[British and Irish Cup|British & Irish Cup]]''' Semi-Finalists – 2010–11, 2013–14<br />
'''Mid District Premiership Cup''' Runners-Up – 2024-25<br />
'''[[Glamorgan County Silver Ball Trophy]]''' Runners Up – 2002-03<br />
'''WRU National 7s Tournament''' Winners – 2013<br />
'''WRU National 7s Tournament''' Runners Up – 2014, 2015<br />
'''Abercynon 7s Tournament''' Winners – 2008, 2009, 2010<br />
'''Abercwmboi 7s Tournament''' Winners – 2017

===Welsh Leagues===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
! style="width:80px;" | Season
! style="width:80px;" | Division
! style="width:50px;" | Pos
! style="width:50px;" | Played
! style="width:50px;" | Won
! style="width:50px;" | Drawn
! style="width:50px;" | Lost
! style="width:160px;" | Play-Offs
|-
| 1990–91
| 1
| 5th
| 44
| 30
| 2
| 12
|-
| 1991–92
| 1
| 3rd
| 47
| 35
| 0
| 12
|-
| 1992–93
| 1
| 5th
| 40
| 24
| 3
| 13
|-
| 1993–94
| 1
| 3rd
| 22
| 17
| 1
| 4
|-
| 1994–95
| 1
| 2nd
| 22
| 17
| 0
| 5
|-
| 1995–96
| 1
| 3rd
| 22
| 16
| 1
| 5
|-
| 1996–97
| 1
| 1st
| 22
| 20
| 0
| 2
|-
| 1997–98
| Premier
| 3rd
| 14
| 8
| 2
| 4
|-
| 1998–99
| Premier
| 2nd
| 20
| 12
| 0
| 8
|-
| 1999–00
| Welsh/Scottish 
| 4th
| 22
| 14
| 2
| 6
|-
| 2000–01
| Welsh/Scottish
| 9th
| 22
| 10
| 0
| 12
|-
| 2001–02
| Welsh/Scottish 
| 7th
| 20
| 9
| 0
| 11
|-
| 2002–03
| Premiership
| 6th
| 16
| 6
| 1
| 9
|-
| 2003–04
| Premiership
| 3rd
| 30
| 20
| 2
| 8
|-
| 2004–05
| Premiership
| 10th
| 32
| 17
| 1
| 14
|-
| 2005–06
| Premiership
| 3rd
| 30
| 21
| 0
| 9
|-
| 2006–07
| Premiership
| 4th
| 26
| 16
| 1
| 9
|-
| 2007–08
| Premiership
| 3rd
| 26
| 16
| 1
| 9
|-
| 2008–09
| Premiership
| 5th
| 26
| 16
| 2
| 8
|-
| 2009–10
| Premiership
| 4th
| 26
| 16
| 1
| 9
|-
| 2010–11
| Premiership
| 1st
| 26
| 23
| 1
| 2
| Lost to Llanelli 18–24
|-
| 2011–12
| Premiership
| 1st
| 26
| 19
| 0
| 7
|Beat Llanelli 15–13
|-
| 2012–13
| Premiership
| 1st
| 22
| 21
| 0
| 1
|Beat Llanelli 47–15
|-
| 2013–14
| Premiership
| 1st
| 22
| 16
| 1
| 5
| Beat Cross Keys 38–17
|-
| 2014–15
| Premiership
| 1st
| 22
| 21
| 0
| 1
| Beat Ebbw Vale 28–14
|-
| 2015–16
| Premiership
| 1st
| 22
| 17
| 0
| 5
| Lost to Ebbw Vale 12–38
|-
| 2016–17
| Premiership
| 5th
| 22
| 13
| 0
| 9
|-
| 2017–18
| Premiership
| 3rd
| 29
| 23
| 0
| 6
|-
| 2018–19
| Premiership
| 3rd
| 30
| 22
| 0
| 8
|-
| 2019–20
| Premiership
| 5th*
| 18
| 10
| 0
| 8
| ''*Season cancelled''
|-
| 2021–22
| Premiership
| 7th
| 11
| 7
| 0
| 4
|-
| 2022–23
| Premiership
| 10th
| 22
| 5
| 0
| 17
|-
| 2023–24
| Premiership
| 7th
| 24
| 12
| 1
| 11
|-
| 2024-25
| Premiership
| 2nd
| 24
| 18
| 0
| 6
|}

==Cup Final history==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Year
!Opponent
!Result
!Score
!Competition
!Venue
|-
|1979
|Bridgend
|Lost
|12–18
|Schweppes Cup
|National Stadium,Cardiff
|-
|1995
|Swansea
|Lost
|12–17
|Swalec Cup
|National Stadium,Cardiff
|-
|1996
|Neath
|Won 
|29–22
|Swalec Cup
|National Stadium,Cardiff
|-
|1996
|Neath
|Won
|60–19
|WRU Champions Challenge
|National Stadium,Cardiff
|-
|1998
|Cardiff
|Won
|15–10
|WRU Challenge Trophy
|Sardis Road
|-
|1999
|Llanelli
|Lost
|18–41
|WRU Challenge Trophy
|Stradey Park
|-
|2002
|Llanelli
|Won
|20–17
|Principality Cup
|Millennium Stadium,Cardiff
|-
|2002
|Sale Sharks
|Lost
|22–25
|Parker Pen European Shield
|Kassam Stadium,Oxford
|-
|2005
|Llanelli
|Lost
|24–25
|Konica Minolta Cup
|Millennium Stadium,Cardiff
|-
|2006
|Neath
|Won
|26–25
|Konica Minolta Cup
|Millennium Stadium,Cardiff
|-
|2008
|Neath
|Lost
|22–28
|Konica Minolta Cup
|Millennium Stadium,Cardiff
|-
|2011
|Aberavon
|Won
|35–24
|Swalec Cup
|Millennium Stadium,Cardiff
|-
|2011
|Llanelli
|Lost
|18–24
|Principality Premiership Play-Off Final
|Sardis Road
|-
|2012
|Cross Keys
|Lost
|19–32
|Swalec Cup
|Millennium Stadium,Cardiff
|-
|2012
|Llanelli
|Won
|15-13
|Principality Premiership Play-Off Final
|Sardis Road
|-
|2013
|Neath
|Won
|34–13
|Swalec Cup
|Millennium Stadium,Cardiff
|-
|2013
|Llanelli
|Won
|47-15
|Principality Premiership Play-Off Final
|Sardis Road
|-
|2014
|Cross Keys
|Won
|21–8
|Swalec Cup
|Millennium Stadium,Cardiff
|-
|2014
|Cross Keys
|Won
|38-17
|Principality Premiership Play-Off Final
|Sardis Road
|-
|2015
|Bridgend
|Lost
|15–19
|Swalec Cup
|Millennium Stadium,Cardiff
|-
|2015
|Ebbw Vale
|Won
|28-14
|Principality Premiership Play-Off Final
|Sardis Road
|-
|2016
|Bedwas
|Won
|38–34
|Fosters Challenge Cup
|Brewery Field,Bridgend
|-
|2016
|Ebbw Vale
|Lost
|12-38
|Principality Premiership Play-Off Final
|Sardis Road
|-
|2017
|RGC 1404
|Lost
|11–15
|WRU National Cup
|Millennium Stadium,Cardiff
|-
|2025
|Cross Keys
|Won
|43–12
|WRU Premiership Cup
|Millennium Stadium,Cardiff
|-
|2025
|Merthyr
|Lost
|14-26
|Worthington Mid District Premiership Cup Final
|Sardis Road
|}

==Team management, players and former players==

===Team management===
Pontypridd RFC have been led by a number of high-profile coaches since the 1980s, Clive Jones – a prominent figure in [[Treorchy RFC]]'s 1993/94 [[Welsh Premier League|Heineken League]] successes – was instrumental in ensuring Pontypridd's place in the top tier during the latter part of the eighties.<ref name="Ponty.net Club History"/>

In 1992, [[Dennis John (rugby union)|Dennis John]] took over as head coach, assisted by former Pontypridd flanker, [[Lynn Howells]], and led Pontypridd into what is widely regarded as their "Golden Age",<ref name="Ponty.net Club History"/> with Ponty winning the Welsh Cup Final in the 1995–96 season, and winning the Welsh Premier League in the 1996–97 season.

With the departure of John in 1999, former Pontypridd and Wales flanker, [[Richie Collins]] became head coach, and while some significant scalps – notably a win over [[Heineken Cup]] winners Leicester in 2000<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/collins-hails-his-ponty-battlers-636842.html |work=The Independent|location=London  | title=Collins hails his Ponty battlers | first=Daniel | last=Hicks | date=22 October 2000 | access-date=22 May 2010}}</ref> – came his way, his tenure in charge was short-lived.

In September 2001, Clive Jones rejoined Pontypridd as director of rugby, and had, by December 2001, brought Lynn Howells back from [[Cardiff RFC|Cardiff]],<ref>{{cite news| url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/in_depth/2000/welsh-scottish_rugby/1562790.stm |work=BBC News  | title=Jones joins Pontypridd again | date=25 September 2001 | access-date=22 May 2010}}</ref> who then proceeded to marshal the club to become [[WRU Challenge Cup|Principality Cup]] winners in May 2002<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/3027983/Principality-Cup-Final-Davey-puts-boot-in-as-Llanelli-lose-out-again.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London  | title=Principality Cup Final: Davey puts boot in as Llanelli lose out again | first=Rob | last=Wildman | date=18 May 2002 | access-date=22 May 2010}}</ref> and guided the team to the final of the [[European Challenge Cup|Parker Pen European Shield]] days later.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/european/2009425.stm |work=BBC News  | title=Sale claim Shield glory | date=26 May 2002 | access-date=22 May 2010 | first=Jonathon | last=Moore}}</ref>
The advent of Regional Rugby in 2003 saw Howells depart to become coach of parent-region, the [[Celtic Warriors]], with former Pontypridd flanker, Justin Burnell filling the void.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ponty.net/burnell-justin |title=Burnell, Justin &#124; Hall of Fame &#124; Playing Staff |publisher=Ponty.net |access-date=2013-10-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131027051056/http://www.ponty.net/burnell-justin |archive-date=27 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Burnell's departure in 2004 was followed by the appointment of former Pontypridd flanker, Simon King<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ponty.net/king-takes-the-reins-at-sardis-road?sibling_page=9 |title=King takes the reins at Sardis Road &#124; Noticeboard &#124; News & Views |publisher=Ponty.net |date=2012-11-25 |access-date=2013-10-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131027054113/http://www.ponty.net/king-takes-the-reins-at-sardis-road?sibling_page=9 |archive-date=27 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> who, along with assistant coach, former Pontypridd and [[Wales national rugby union team|Wales]] captain and [[Scrum-half (rugby union)|scrum-half]] [[Paul John (rugby)|Paul John]], guided Pontypridd to the final of the [[WRU Challenge Cup|Konica Minolta Cup]] in 2004–05, before winning it in 2005–06.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ponty.net/warriors-to-the-very-last-drop |title=Warriors to the very last drop &#124; Noticeboard &#124; News & Views |publisher=Ponty.net |access-date=2013-10-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131027044034/http://www.ponty.net/warriors-to-the-very-last-drop |archive-date=27 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Paul John took over as head coach in at the commencement of the 2006–07 season, and, assisted by former Pontypridd and Wales back row, [[Dale McIntosh]], led the club to the final of the [[WRU Challenge Cup|Konica Minolta Cup]] in 2007/08.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ponty.net/john-offers-inspiration-ahead-of-cup-final |title=John offers inspiration ahead of Cup Final &#124; Noticeboard &#124; News & Views |publisher=Ponty.net |access-date=2013-10-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023062300/http://www.ponty.net/john-offers-inspiration-ahead-of-cup-final |archive-date=23 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

During May 2010, it was decided that Paul John and Dale McIntosh would switch roles, as the demands on John in his capacity as head coach of the [[Wales national rugby union sevens team|Wales Sevens]] team were becoming too great. Dale McIntosh therefore leads Pontypridd into the 2010–11 season as head coach, while Paul John assumes the mantle of assistant coach.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ponty.net/coaching-role-reversal |title=Coaching role reversal &#124; Club News &#124; News & Views |publisher=Ponty.net |access-date=2013-10-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023062254/http://www.ponty.net/coaching-role-reversal |archive-date=23 October 2013}}</ref>

McIntosh left his role in October 2013 to take up a full-time position with the Cardiff Blues, leading to a restructure of the Pontypridd coaching team with Paul John as head coach, being backed up by Gareth Wyatt and Geraint Lewis with another former Wales international Garin Jenkins also joining the backroom staff. After playing his part in continuing the club's success, Lewis has since departed to become a full-time WRU skills coach being replaced as forwards coach by another former Pontypridd player in Robert Sidoli.

Justin Burnell returned to Pontypridd as director of rugby in the summer of 2017, replacing the previous coaching team of John and Sidoli, whilst Paul Matthews replaced Wyatt, who departed to join up with the Wales Women's team the following year.

The current team manager is former Pontypridd player, Dan Godfrey, and the Forwards coach is Lee Davies.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ponty.net/team-management |title=Team Management &#124; Playing Staff |publisher=Ponty.net |access-date=2013-10-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023062317/http://www.ponty.net/team-management |archive-date=23 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Current coaching staff===

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left"
|-
! style="background:white; color:black;"|Position
! style="background:white; color:black;"|Name
|-
| Head Coach ||  Kristian Parker
|-
| Backs/Skills Coach ||  Gavin Dacey
|-
| Skills Coach ||  Iestyn Harris
|-
| Skills Coach || Garyn Smith
|-
| Conditioning Coach|| Nathan Evans
|-
| Team Manager || Stuart Rix
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left"
|-
! style="background:white; color:black;"|Position
! style="background:white; color:black;"|Name
|-
| Club Captain || Cally James
|-
| Co-Vice Captain || Joel Raikes
|-
| Co-Vice Captain || Dale Stuckey
|}

====Notable former management staff====
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} Billy Griffiths (coach)
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} Clive Jones (coach & director of rugby)
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Dennis John (rugby union)|Dennis John]] (Head Coach)
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Lynn Howells]] (Head coach & assistant coach)
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} Steve Richards (fitness coach)
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Richie Collins]] (Head coach)
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Justin Burnell]] (Head coach & Director of Rugby)
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} Simon King (Head coach)
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} Steele Lewis (assistant coach)
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Mike Griffiths]] (scrum coach)
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Nigel Bezani]] (team manager)
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} Eddie Jones (team manager)
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Gary Jones (rugby union)|Gary Jones]] (team manager)
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} Dale McIntosh (Head coach)
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} Paul John (Head coach)
*{{flagicon|Wales}} Geraint Lewis (forwards coach)
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} Garin Jenkins (scrum coach)
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} Rob Sidoli (forwards coach)
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} Richard Langmead (team manager)
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} Gareth Wyatt (Head coach)
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} Dan Godfrey (team manager)
* {{Flagicon|Cyprus}} Chris Dicomidis (Head coach)

===Players===

====Current squad====
<ref>{{cite news |title=Players |url=http://www.ponty.net/players |publisher=Ponty.net |access-date=30 May 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021003211810/http://ponty.net/players/ |archive-date=3 October 2002}}</ref>
{{rugby squad start}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=HK | name=Connah Hughes }}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=HK | name=Dylan Kelly }}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=HK | name=Louis Tovey }}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=PR | name=Ben Stephens }}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=PR | name=Dan Cotterell }}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=PR | name=Ben Drew }}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=PR | name=Kian Mattravers}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=PR | name=Garyn Daniel}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=PR | name=Tom Fry}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=LK | name=Kristian Parker }} 
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=LK | name=Mitch Barnard }}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=LK | name=Joe Buckle }}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=BR | name=Cai James }}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=BR | name=Joe Miles }}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=BR | name=Aled Evans }}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=BR | name=Cally James }}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=BR | name=Ethan Evans }}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=BR | name=Jordan Coxley}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=BR | name=Iestyn Harris }}
{{rugby squad mid}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=SH | name=Joel Raikes }}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=SH | name=Joey Williams }}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=SH | name=Lloyd Dennett }}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=FH | name=Jaydan Pugh }}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=FH | name=Charlie Hancock}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=FH | name=Jorge Lucey }}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=CE | name=Garyn Smith}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=CE | name=Stuart Floyd-Ellis}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=CE | name=Callum Coxley}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=CE | name=Jack Davies}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=WG | name=Dale Stuckey }}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=WG | name=Louis Rochefort-Shugar }}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=WG | name=Jude Williams }}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=WG | name=Joe Davies }}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=WG | name=Iwan Griffith }}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=WG | name=George Thorrington}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=FB | name=Oli Shepherd }}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=FB | name=Rhodri Smith}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=FB | name=Sam Talbot }}
{{rugby squad end}}

===International players===

====Senior international sevens players====
*{{flagicon|Wales}} [[Cally James]]
*{{flagicon|Wales}} Dale Stuckey

====Under 20 international players====
*{{flagicon|Wales}} [[Ioan Evans (rugby union)|Ioan Evans]]
*{{flagicon|Wales}} [[Cally James]]

===Former players===
{{see also|Category:Pontypridd RFC players}}
{{colbegin|colwidth=20em}}
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Kieron Assiratti]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Gareth Baber]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Matthew Back]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Liam Belcher]]
* {{Flagicon|England}} [[Duncan Bell (rugby union)|Duncan Bell]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Nigel Bezani]]
* {{Flagicon|WAL}} [[Dane Blacker]]
* {{Flagicon|USA}} [[Tom Billups]]
* {{Flagicon|WAL}} [[Neil Boobyer]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Billy Boston]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Aled Brew]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Jonathan Bryant]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Brent Cockbain]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Richie Collins]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Macauley Cook]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Crispin Cormack]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Sven Cronk]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Gavin Dacey]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Kristian Dacey]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Brett Davey]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Tommy David]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Mefin Davies]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Seb Davies]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Will Davies-King]]
* {{Flagicon|Cyprus}} [[Chris Dicomidis]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Corey Domachowski]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Ian Evans (rugby union)|Ian Evans]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Jarrod Evans]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Dai Flanagan]]
* {{Flagicon|Tonga}} [[Taufaʻao Filise]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} Dan Godfrey
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Ian Gough]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Graham Gittins]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Mason Grady]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Mike Griffiths]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Cory Hill]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Sam Hobbs (rugby union)|Sam Hobbs]]
* {{Flagicon|England}} [[Simon Humberstone]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Dafydd James]]
* {{Flagicon|England}} [[Will James (rugby union, born 1976)|Will James]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Lee Jarvis]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Ellis Jenkins]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Gethin Jenkins]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Neil Jenkins]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Phil John (rugby union, born 1962)|Phil John]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Paul John (rugby)|Paul John]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[WillGriff John]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Gary Jones (rugby union)|Gary Jones]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Kingsley Jones (rugby union, born 1969)|Kingsley Jones]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Paul Knight]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Tavis Knoyle]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Dillon Lewis]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Geraint Lewis]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Jason Lewis (rugby union)|Jason Lewis]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Steele Lewis]]
* {{Flagicon|WAL}} [[Shane Lewis-Hughes]]
* {{Flagicon|Fiji}} [[Nicky Little]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Christian Loader]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Dafydd Lockyer]]
* {{Flagicon|Czech Republic}} [[Jan Machacek]]
* {{Flagicon|Argentina}} [[Christian Martin (rugby union)|Christian Martin]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Jonathan Mason (rugby union)|Jonathan Mason]]
* {{Flagicon|Fiji}} [[Niko Matawalu]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Dale McIntosh]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Kevin Morgan (rugby union)|Kevin Morgan]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Matthew Nutthall]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Wayne O'Connor]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Michael Owen (rugby union)|Michael Owen]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Sonny Parker (rugby union)|Sonny Parker]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Richard Parks]]
* {{Flagicon|CAN}} [[Sion Parry]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} Bob Penberthy
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Greg Prosser]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Matthew Rees]]
* {{Flagicon|CAN}} [[Pat Riordan]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Russell Robins]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Mark Rowley (rugby union)|Mark Rowley]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Matthew Screech]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Rhys Shellard]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Robert Sidoli]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Morgan Stoddart]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Nathan Strong (rugby)|Nathan Strong]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Ceri Sweeney]]
* {{Flagicon|Tonga}} [[Ngalu Ta'u]]
* {{Flagicon|Cook Islands}} [[Tu Tamarua]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Edward Treharne]]
* {{Flagicon|Tonga}} [[Fe'ao Vunipola]]
* {{Flagicon|England}} [[Damien Welch]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Tomos Williams]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Martyn Williams]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Gareth Wyatt]]
* {{Flagicon|Wales}} [[Thomas Young (rugby union)|Thomas Young]]
{{colend}}

====Club captains====
{{colbegin|colwidth=30em}}
* 1876–1877 James Spickett
* 1877–1879 Henry Briscoe
* 1880–1881 David Treharne
* 1883–1884 William Spickett
* 1894–1895 Ernest George
* 1895–1896 Jack Morgan
* 1898–1899 Billy Rees
* 1900–? Rowley Thomas
* 1906–1907 Duncan McGregor
* 1911–? [[Frank Hawkins (rugby union)|Frank Hawkins]]
* 1920 W R Thomas
* 1928–1929 Dick Elliott
* 1945–1947 Jeff Scott
* 1947–1948 Len Arnold
* 1948–1949 Viv Jenkins/Dennis Prater/Tom Hughes
* 1949–1950 Des Jones
* 1950–1951 Des Jones/Roy Roberts
* 1951–1952 Des Jones
* 1952–1953 Bobby Narbett
* 1953–1954 Gordon Matthews
* 1954–1955 Gordon Matthews
* 1955–1958 [[Russell Robins]]
* 1958–1959 Jock Watkins
* 1959–1960 T Brian "Shrimp" Williams
* 1960–1962 Graham Gittins
* 1962–1964 Eddie Jones
* 1964–1965 Russell Jones
* 1965–1966 Tommy Coombes
* 1966–1967 Byron Broadstock/Tommy Coombes
* 1967–1968 Joe Smith
* 1968–1969 Arfon Jones
* 1969–1970 Joe Smith
* 1970–1971 Bob Penberthy
* 1971–1973 [[Dennis John (rugby union)|Dennis John]]
* 1973–1974 Wayne Evans
* 1974–1975 Bill Davey
* 1975–1977 Bob Penberthy
* 1977–1981 [[Tommy David]]
* 1981–1982 Robin Morgan
* 1982–1983 Mike Alexander
* 1983–1984 Bob Dyer
* 1984–1985 John O'Callaghan
* 1985–1987 Kerry Williams
* 1987–1988 [[Phil John (rugby union, born 1962)|Phil John]]
* 1988–1990 Ceri Jones
* 1990–1991 [[Paul Knight]]
* 1991–1992 Steele Lewis
* 1992–1996 [[Nigel Bezani]]
* 1996–1999 [[Neil Jenkins]]
* 1999–2000 [[Dale McIntosh]]
* 2000–2001 [[Paul John (rugby)|Paul John]]
* 2001–2002 Dale McIntosh
* 2002–2003 [[Mefin Davies]]
* 2003–2004 Dale McIntosh
* 2004–2005 Paul Matthews
* 2005–2006 Dale McIntosh
* 2006–2010 [[Nathan Strong (rugby)|Nathan Strong]]
* 2010–2013 [[Chris Dicomidis]]
* 2014–2021 Dafydd Lockyer
* 2021-2022 Morgan Sieniawksi
* 2022-2024 Kristian Parker
* 2024-     Cally James
{{colend}}

==Games played against international opposition==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Year
!Date
!Opponent
!Result
!Score
!Tour
|-
|1979
|26 September
|{{ru|ROM}}
|Lost
|3–9
|[[1979 Romania rugby union tour of Wales]]<ref>{{cite book |editor1-last=Jenkins |editor1-first=Vivian |editor-link=Vivian Jenkins|title=Rothmans Rugby Yearbook 1980–81|year=1980 |publisher=Queen Anne Press |isbn= 0-362-02018-3|pages=50–51}}</ref>
|-
|1981
|1 December
|{{ru|AUS}}
|Lost
|3–6
|[[1981–82 Australia rugby union tour of Britain and Ireland#Pontypridd|1981–82 Australia tour of Britain & Ireland]]<ref>{{cite book |editor1-last=Jenkins |editor1-first=Vivian |editor1-link=Vivian Jenkins|title=Rothmans Rugby Yearbook 1982–83|year=1983 |publisher=Rothmans Publications Ltd |isbn= 0-907574-13-0|page=25 }}</ref>
|-
|1985
|10 April
|{{ru|ESP}}
|Won
|6–4
|1985 Spain tour of Wales<ref name="Ponty.net Club History"/>
|-
|1988
|8 November
|{{ru|SAM}}
|Lost
|22–23
|[[1988 Western Samoa rugby union tour of Britain and Ireland]]<ref>{{cite book|editor1-last=Jones|editor1-first=Stephen|title=Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1989–90|date=1989|publisher=Queen Anne Press|location=London|isbn=0356178625|page=39}}</ref>
|-
|1994
|22 November
|{{ru|RSA}}
|Lost
|3–9
|[[1994 South Africa rugby union tour of Britain and Ireland]]<ref name="Ponty.net Club History"/>
|-
|1995
|4 November
|{{ru|FIJ}}
|Won
|31–13
|[[1995 Fiji rugby union tour of Wales and Ireland|1995 Fiji tour of Wales]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fijirugby.com/matchreport.cfm?fixtureid=F90DF1E7-3048-78A8-DBBD9CD5FD2365FC |title=Welcome to Fiji Rugby Union – Fiji vs Pontypridd |publisher=Fijirugby.com |date=1995-11-04 |access-date=2013-10-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102000148/http://www.fijirugby.com/matchreport.cfm?fixtureid=F90DF1E7-3048-78A8-DBBD9CD5FD2365FC |archive-date=2 November 2013}}</ref>
|-
|1997
|7 January
|{{ru|USA}}
|Lost
|13–15
|[[1997 United States rugby union tour of Wales]]<ref name="Ponty.net Club History"/>
|-
|1998
|10 January
|{{ru|NAM}}
|Won
|34–3
|WRU Challenge Cup International Invitational<ref>{{cite web|author=Rob Cole |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby-union-pontypridds-backs-help-overcome-combative-visitors-1138184.html |title=Rugby Union: Pontypridd's backs help overcome combative visitors – Sport |work=The Independent|date=1998-01-12 |access-date=2013-10-22}}</ref>
|-
|1999
|23 January
|{{ru|CAN}}
|Won
|52–10
|WRU Challenge Cup International Invitational<ref name="Ponty.net Club History"/>
|-
|1999
|27 January
|{{ru|GEO}}
|Won
|69–7
|WRU Challenge Cup International Invitational<ref name="Ponty.net Club History"/>
|-
|1999
|18 August
|{{ru|CAN}}
|Won
|20–6
|[[1999 Canada rugby union tour of Great Britain|1999 Canada tour of Wales]]<ref name="Ponty.net Club History"/>
|}

==Pontypridd youth and junior teams==
With the loss of their extremely successful Academy set up that was handed over to their Cardiff rivals by the WRU, Pontypridd RFC re-formed a Youth side in 2006, coached by Sean Oliver and Wayne Gristock (formerly [[Porth Harlequins RFC]]).

Starting in the bottom division of the Blues league, the side made progress that saw them earn the nickname the 'Upstarts', when after a successful first season that saw them promoted seven divisions to the BB League (Blues Second Division).

The following season saw the formation of a second Youth team who again had to start in the bottom league and were coached by former Pontypridd players Dai Legge and Mike Kelleher. By the end of the 2007/8 season both youth teams had won their respective leagues outright and earned automatic promotion, with the senior youth now playing in the top division in only their third season since forming. Several youth players have gained honours, including representative honours with Welsh Crawshays and Welsh Schoolboys, with players in the Cardiff Blues Academy and several older players now training with Pontypridd RFC's senior team.

Behind this youth setup is the Pontypridd Mini & Junior Section that was formed in 1997, the section started out with just a handful of junior players and volunteer coaches, but has grown into one of the biggest junior sections in Wales. The section contains every age group from under 7s to under 16s, with the youth sides containing players under the age of 19; with almost 300 young players in their ever-swelling ranks. The section has been successful, winning multiple tournaments and competing successfully in international tournaments throughout Europe.

At the commencement of the 2008–09 season, it was decided that both Senior and Junior Youth teams would merge, forming a large and capable new Pontypridd Youth section. The new season will see a single squad of 35 players being selected, playing in the 2008–09 RAF Youth League: Blues Region. The squad is coached by Wayne Gristock and Sean Oliver, and managed by Chris Kingsbury MBE.

Prior to the commencement of the 2010–11 season, notification was given of a major change in the running of the Youth section, as it was decided that the section would transfer from the hands of the Mini & Junior Rugby section, and would instead fall under the remit of the senior Team Management. The hope is to discover new stars of the future, who will regularly train alongside the main body of the senior XV, echoing the past achievements of the Pontypridd Youth setup in bringing Michael Owen, Gethin Jenkins and Ceri Sweeney, amongst others, to the attention of the World.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ponty.net/ponty-youth-structure-given-a-major-boost |title=Ponty Youth structure given a major boost &#124; Ponty Youth |publisher=Ponty.net |date=2013-10-17 |access-date=2013-10-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023062311/http://www.ponty.net/ponty-youth-structure-given-a-major-boost |archive-date=23 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Celtic Warriors]]
*[[Pro14]]
*[[Heineken Cup]]
*[[European Challenge Cup|Parker Pen European Shield]]
*[[British and Irish Cup]]
*[[Welsh Premier Division|Principality Premiership]]
*[[WRU Challenge Cup|SWALEC Cup]]

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
*[http://www.ponty.net/ Ponty.net] Official website
*[http://www.pontyrugby.co.uk/ Ponty Rugby] Unofficial website
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080510150719/http://www.ponty.net/terracetalk TerraceTalk] Pontypridd Rugby supporters' forum
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090810164411/http://www.pontykids.co.uk/ PontyKids] Pontypridd Mini and Junior Rugby
*[http://www.pontykids.co.uk/youth/ PontyYouth]{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Pontypridd Academy and development rugby

==Bibliography==
* {{Cite book |last=Smith |first=David |author2=Williams, Gareth |title=Fields of Praise: The Official History of The Welsh Rugby Union |year=1980 |publisher=University of Wales Press |location=Cardiff |isbn=0-7083-0766-3}}
* {{Cite book |last=Thomas |first=J.B.G. |title=The Illustrated History of Welsh Rugby |year=1980 |publisher=Pelham books Ltd. |location=London |isbn=0-7207-1268-8}}

{{Welsh Premier Division}}
{{British and Irish Cup}}
{{United Rugby Championship}}

{{Coord|51.600460|-3.346571|display=title}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Pontypridd RFC}}
[[Category:Pontypridd RFC| ]]
[[Category:Rugby clubs established in 1876]]
[[Category:Rugby union teams in Wales]]
[[Category:Sport in Rhondda Cynon Taf]]
[[Category:1876 establishments in Wales]]
[[Category:Pontypridd]]
[[Category:United Rugby Championship teams]]