Pontypridd RFC: Difference between revisions
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<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> | <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 start}} | ||
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=HK | name=Dylan Kelly }} | {{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=HK | name=Dylan Kelly }} | ||
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=PR | name=Ben Stephens }} | {{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=PR | name=Ben Stephens }} | ||
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{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=PR | name=Kian Mattravers}} | {{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=Garyn Daniel}} | ||
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=LK | name=Kristian Parker }} | {{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=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=Cai James }} | ||
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=BR | name=Joe Miles }} | {{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=Cally James }} | ||
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=BR | name= | {{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=BR | name=Ethan Evans }} | ||
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=BR | name= | {{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=BR | name=Jordan Coxley}} | ||
{{rugby squad mid}} | {{rugby squad mid}} | ||
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=SH | name=Joel Raikes }} | {{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=Joey Williams }} | ||
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=FH | name=Jaydan Pugh }} | {{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=FH | name=Jaydan Pugh }} | ||
{{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=Garyn Smith}} | ||
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=CE | name=Stuart Floyd-Ellis}} | {{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=CE | name=Stuart Floyd-Ellis}} | ||
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=CE | name= | {{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=CE | name=Callum Coxley}} | ||
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=WG | name=Dale Stuckey }} | {{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=Louis Rochefort-Shugar }} | ||
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=WG | name=Joe Davies }} | {{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=WG | name=Joe Davies }} | ||
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=WG | name= | {{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=WG | name=Iwan Griffith }} | ||
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=FB | name=Oli Shepherd }} | {{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=FB | name=Oli Shepherd }} | ||
{{rugby squad end}} | {{rugby squad end}} | ||
Latest revision as of 23:38, 29 June 2025
Template:More citations needed Template:Use British English Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox rugby team Template:Coord Pontypridd Rugby Football Club (Template:Langx) is a rugby union team from Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales. It competes in the Admiral Premiership and the 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"[1]—under head coach Dennis John, and they enjoyed further success between 2001 and 2003 with the appointment of head coach Lynn Howells. The transition to Regional Rugby in Wales in 2003 saw the downgrading of Pontypridd to a semi-professional team, followed by financial difficulties for the club[2] and the eventual demise of Pontypridd's "Celtic Warriors" region.[3]
Pontypridd RFC has since refinanced and restructured[4][5] and, despite a mooted stadium sale,[6][7] continues to be regarded as a relatively successful rugby team in the South Wales Valleys.[8]
Pontypridd RFC has produced several players who went on to play for the Wales national rugby union team.[9][10]
Club history
Early history
Pontypridd RFC were formed in 1876[11] 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).[12] They were represented at a meeting in Tenby in 1880 that would later lead to the formation of the Welsh Rugby Union in 1881.[13] Pontypridd's Edward Treharne, who also played for Cowbridge Grammar School as a student,[14] was named in the first Welsh International side in 1881. Pontypridd supplied two more players to the Welsh team before the turn of the 19th century, 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 Park in Pontypridd itself,[15] 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 trunk road near their home ground, the team moved to its current home of Sardis Road in Pontypridd in 1974.[15] This move was immediately followed by success in the unofficial league championship, winning it in 1975–76, 1977–78 and 1978–79[16] 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.[17][18]
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 and Dale McIntosh.
During the 2001–02 season, Pontypridd enjoyed a successful campaign, winning the Principality Cup and narrowly losing to Sale Sharks in the final of the Parker Pen Shield competition.[19]
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
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.[20]
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 WRU in the summer of 2004.[21]
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.[22]
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.[23]
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.[24] 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[25] to Cardiff Blues as their regional team. Nevertheless, Pontypridd retains one of the largest club followings in Wales.[26]
Former Pontypridd players seen wearing the red of Wales in recent years include Gethin Jenkins, Kevin Morgan, Richard Parks, Michael Owen, Martyn Williams, Dafydd James, Mefin Davies, Brent Cockbain, Robert Sidoli, Sonny Parker, Ceri Sweeney, 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 shield denotes the town of Pontypridd's famous arched bridge – once the largest single-span bridge in Europe[27] – built by William Edwards in 1756 and known as the "Old Bridge".
The chevrons are an interpretation of the ancient arms of Iestyn ap Gwrgant, the last ruler of the Kingdom of Morgannwg. The de Clare family – Norman Lords of the Welsh Marches, under whose authority the ancient shire of Glamorgan was placed – used a similar design to Gwrgant's arms.[28] Both sets of chevrons were once seen on the coat of arms of Mid Glamorgan County Council,[28] in which the town of Pontypridd was situated prior to the Local Government Act of 1994.[29]
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 team colours of Pontypridd RFC.[30]
- Development of the Pontypridd RFC Club shield
-
Arms of ap Gwrgant
-
Arms of de Clare family
-
Pontypridd's "Old Bridge"
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.[31]
Pontypridd's main sponsor from 2004 to 2009 was Pontypridd-based environmental and waste management company, Egan Waste Services.[32]
In 2009, Pontypridd-based company Amber Electrical become the club's main sponsors in a highly publicised partnership deal.[33]
2010 saw Egan Waste Services step up their support of Pontypridd by becoming the club's main sponsors once more.[34]
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. 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
Welsh Premier Division Runners Up – 1994–95, 1998–99, 2010–11, 2015–16, 2024-25
WRU Merit Table Champions – 1975–76
WRU Merit Table Runners Up – 1977–78, 1978–79
Western Mail Welsh Championship Winners – 1963, 1976, 1978, 1979
WRU National Cup Winners – 1995–96, 2001–02, 2005–06, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2024-25
WRU National Cup Runners Up – 1978–79, 1994–95, 2004–05, 2007–08, 2011–12, 2014–15, 2016–17
WRU Fosters Challenge Cup Winners – 2015–16
WRU Challenge Trophy Winners – 1997–98
WRU Challenge Trophy Runners-Up – 1998–99
WRU Champions Challenge Winners – 1996
European Rugby Shield Runners Up – 2001–02
European Rugby Shield Semi-Finalists – 2002–03
British & Irish Cup Semi-Finalists – 2010–11, 2013–14
Mid District Premiership Cup Runners-Up – 2024-25
Glamorgan County Silver Ball Trophy Runners Up – 2002-03
WRU National 7s Tournament Winners – 2013
WRU National 7s Tournament Runners Up – 2014, 2015
Abercynon 7s Tournament Winners – 2008, 2009, 2010
Abercwmboi 7s Tournament Winners – 2017
Welsh Leagues
| Season | Division | Pos | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | 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
| 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 Heineken League successes – was instrumental in ensuring Pontypridd's place in the top tier during the latter part of the eighties.[1]
In 1992, 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",[1] 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[35] – 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,[36] who then proceeded to marshal the club to become Principality Cup winners in May 2002[37] and guided the team to the final of the Parker Pen European Shield days later.[38] 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.[39]
Burnell's departure in 2004 was followed by the appointment of former Pontypridd flanker, Simon King[40] who, along with assistant coach, former Pontypridd and Wales captain and scrum-half Paul John, guided Pontypridd to the final of the Konica Minolta Cup in 2004–05, before winning it in 2005–06.[41]
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 Konica Minolta Cup in 2007/08.[42]
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 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.[43]
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.[44]
Current coaching staff
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Head Coach | Kristian Parker |
| Forwards Coach | Iestyn Harris |
| Backs Coach | Garyn Smith |
| Conditioning Coach | Nathan Evans |
| Team Manager | Stuart Rix |
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Club Captain | Cally James |
| Co-Vice Captain | Joel Raikes |
| Co-Vice Captain | Dale Stuckey |
Notable former management staff
- Template:Flagicon Billy Griffiths (coach)
- Template:Flagicon Clive Jones (coach & director of rugby)
- Template:Flagicon Dennis John (Head Coach)
- Template:Flagicon Lynn Howells (Head coach & assistant coach)
- Template:Flagicon Steve Richards (fitness coach)
- Template:Flagicon Richie Collins (Head coach)
- Template:Flagicon Justin Burnell (Head coach & Director of Rugby)
- Template:Flagicon Simon King (Head coach)
- Template:Flagicon Steele Lewis (assistant coach)
- Template:Flagicon Mike Griffiths (scrum coach)
- Template:Flagicon Nigel Bezani (team manager)
- Template:Flagicon Eddie Jones (team manager)
- Template:Flagicon Gary Jones (team manager)
- Template:Flagicon Dale McIntosh (Head coach)
- Template:Flagicon Paul John (Head coach)
- Template:Flagicon Geraint Lewis (forwards coach)
- Template:Flagicon Garin Jenkins (scrum coach)
- Template:Flagicon Rob Sidoli (forwards coach)
- Template:Flagicon Richard Langmead (team manager)
- Template:Flagicon Gareth Wyatt (Head coach)
- Template:Flagicon Dan Godfrey (team manager)
- Template:Flagicon Chris Dicomidis (Head coach)
Players
Current squad
[45] Template:Rugby squad start Template:Rugby squad player Template:Rugby squad player Template:Rugby squad player Template:Rugby squad player Template:Rugby squad player Template:Rugby squad player Template:Rugby squad player Template:Rugby squad player Template:Rugby squad player Template:Rugby squad player Template:Rugby squad player Template:Rugby squad player Template:Rugby squad player Template:Rugby squad player Template:Rugby squad player Template:Rugby squad mid Template:Rugby squad player Template:Rugby squad player Template:Rugby squad player Template:Rugby squad player Template:Rugby squad player Template:Rugby squad player Template:Rugby squad player Template:Rugby squad player Template:Rugby squad player Template:Rugby squad player Template:Rugby squad player Template:Rugby squad player Template:Rugby squad end
International players
Senior international sevens players
- Template:Flagicon Cally James
- Template:Flagicon Dale Stuckey
Under 20 international players
Former players
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- Template:Flagicon Kieron Assiratti
- Template:Flagicon Gareth Baber
- Template:Flagicon Matthew Back
- Template:Flagicon Liam Belcher
- Template:Flagicon Duncan Bell
- Template:Flagicon Nigel Bezani
- Template:Flagicon Dane Blacker
- Template:Flagicon Tom Billups
- Template:Flagicon Neil Boobyer
- Template:Flagicon Billy Boston
- Template:Flagicon Aled Brew
- Template:Flagicon Jonathan Bryant
- Template:Flagicon Brent Cockbain
- Template:Flagicon Richie Collins
- Template:Flagicon Macauley Cook
- Template:Flagicon Crispin Cormack
- Template:Flagicon Sven Cronk
- Template:Flagicon Gavin Dacey
- Template:Flagicon Kristian Dacey
- Template:Flagicon Brett Davey
- Template:Flagicon Tommy David
- Template:Flagicon Mefin Davies
- Template:Flagicon Seb Davies
- Template:Flagicon Will Davies-King
- Template:Flagicon Chris Dicomidis
- Template:Flagicon Corey Domachowski
- Template:Flagicon Ian Evans
- Template:Flagicon Jarrod Evans
- Template:Flagicon Dai Flanagan
- Template:Flagicon Taufaʻao Filise
- Template:Flagicon Dan Godfrey
- Template:Flagicon Ian Gough
- Template:Flagicon Graham Gittins
- Template:Flagicon Mason Grady
- Template:Flagicon Mike Griffiths
- Template:Flagicon Cory Hill
- Template:Flagicon Sam Hobbs
- Template:Flagicon Simon Humberstone
- Template:Flagicon Dafydd James
- Template:Flagicon Will James
- Template:Flagicon Lee Jarvis
- Template:Flagicon Ellis Jenkins
- Template:Flagicon Gethin Jenkins
- Template:Flagicon Neil Jenkins
- Template:Flagicon Phil John
- Template:Flagicon Paul John
- Template:Flagicon WillGriff John
- Template:Flagicon Gary Jones
- Template:Flagicon Kingsley Jones
- Template:Flagicon Paul Knight
- Template:Flagicon Tavis Knoyle
- Template:Flagicon Dillon Lewis
- Template:Flagicon Geraint Lewis
- Template:Flagicon Jason Lewis
- Template:Flagicon Steele Lewis
- Template:Flagicon Shane Lewis-Hughes
- Template:Flagicon Nicky Little
- Template:Flagicon Christian Loader
- Template:Flagicon Dafydd Lockyer
- Template:Flagicon Jan Machacek
- Template:Flagicon Christian Martin
- Template:Flagicon Jonathan Mason
- Template:Flagicon Niko Matawalu
- Template:Flagicon Dale McIntosh
- Template:Flagicon Kevin Morgan
- Template:Flagicon Matthew Nutthall
- Template:Flagicon Wayne O'Connor
- Template:Flagicon Michael Owen
- Template:Flagicon Sonny Parker
- Template:Flagicon Richard Parks
- Template:Flagicon Sion Parry
- Template:Flagicon Bob Penberthy
- Template:Flagicon Greg Prosser
- Template:Flagicon Matthew Rees
- Template:Flagicon Pat Riordan
- Template:Flagicon Russell Robins
- Template:Flagicon Mark Rowley
- Template:Flagicon Matthew Screech
- Template:Flagicon Rhys Shellard
- Template:Flagicon Robert Sidoli
- Template:Flagicon Morgan Stoddart
- Template:Flagicon Nathan Strong
- Template:Flagicon Ceri Sweeney
- Template:Flagicon Ngalu Ta'u
- Template:Flagicon Tu Tamarua
- Template:Flagicon Edward Treharne
- Template:Flagicon Fe'ao Vunipola
- Template:Flagicon Damien Welch
- Template:Flagicon Tomos Williams
- Template:Flagicon Martyn Williams
- Template:Flagicon Gareth Wyatt
- Template:Flagicon Thomas Young
Club captains
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 2001–2002 Dale McIntosh
- 2002–2003 Mefin Davies
- 2003–2004 Dale McIntosh
- 2004–2005 Paul Matthews
- 2005–2006 Dale McIntosh
- 2006–2010 Nathan Strong
- 2010–2013 Chris Dicomidis
- 2014–2021 Dafydd Lockyer
- 2021-2022 Morgan Sieniawksi
- 2022-2024 Kristian Parker
- 2024- Cally James
Games played against international opposition
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.[51]
See also
- Celtic Warriors
- Pro14
- Heineken Cup
- Parker Pen European Shield
- British and Irish Cup
- Principality Premiership
- SWALEC Cup
References
External links
- Ponty.net Official website
- Ponty Rugby Unofficial website
- TerraceTalk Pontypridd Rugby supporters' forum
- PontyKids Pontypridd Mini and Junior Rugby
- PontyYouthTemplate:Dead link Pontypridd Academy and development rugby
Bibliography
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Template:Welsh Premier Division Template:British and Irish Cup Template:United Rugby Championship
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- ↑ a b Thomas (1980), pg 225.
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