New kid on the (medical) block

A new member of the Pontypridd RFC medical back-up team this season is Kerry Jones, who has joined up with the club from his home village of Rhydyfelin.

Kerry has come on board mainly as a masseur, assisting resident masseuse Charlie Sorrell with the job of soothing the aching limbs of the Ponty squad, but is also part of the match day “rapid response” team which attends to injuries on the field of play.

The connection with Pontypridd came about as Kerry was working as a physio for the Mid District representative teams, both at senior and youth levels, and thus coming into contact with Dai Thomas, who organises the medical cover at Sardis Road. An opportunity to work with Ponty was one which Kerry was determined not to miss.

“Its something I’ve always wanted to do, to be able to work at this level, especially so with Pontypridd” said Kerry. “When Dai Thomas offered me the chance to help out with the Ponty squad, there was no holding me back!”

Kerry has eighteen years experience in the field, having previously been involved with Cilfynydd, then Rhydyfelin, as well as the Mid Districts.

“I hope that I can have an input into the back-up team at Sardis” said Kerry, “and that I can offer some of my expertise, although I am still learning. In this kind of work you are always learning. As with all other aspects of the club, it’s a step up for me to come and work with a Premiership club like Ponty, but it’s a challenge which I can really enjoy”.

As well as the serious work of attending to injuries, pulled muscles and strained ligaments amongst the Ponty squad, Kerry could also offer a little light entertainment to lift the spirits within the camp. As a former professional singer and comedian, Kerry has travelled the world over, and still does the odd turn to raise money for charity.

“The boys soon cottoned on to the fact that I was an entertainer, and I can take a bit of ribbing for that” said Kerry, “but Dai Thomas is adamant there’s only one comedian in this club, and that’s him of course!”

Pontypridd RFC welcomes Kerry Jones as another valued member of the top class medical team which serves the club.