Leavers’ report

After more than a year with no rugby being played, the focus at Pontypridd RFC now turns to re-building a squad in preparation for the commencement of a new season.

The first step in that process is the departure of a number of players from the previous squad, with five backs making a move away from Pontypridd, namely Lewis Allwood, Ioan Evans, Iwan Price-Thomas, Corey Shephard and Alex Webber.

Winger Lewis Allwood and centre Iwan Price-Thomas had little opportunity to impress in their time with Pontypridd, neither making a competitive senior appearance for the club.

Former Wales 7s international Alex Webber (pictured above) was a star performer, a regular contender as top try scorer both for his club and in the overall Premiership rankings. The Ystrad Rhondda product joined up with Ponty in 2013 and made an impact as a fleet footed winger and try poacher, claiming an impressive 69 touchdowns in his 120 club appearances.

Local boy Ioan Evans had progressed through the ranks of the Ponty Juniors and Youth to claim a place in the Cardiff Blues Academy and to be capped at age grade levels by Wales. Having stepped into the Pontypridd senior squad Ioan made two appearances off the bench.

The versatile Corey Shephard (pictured above) had been developed by his local club Ystrad Rhondda and went on to represent Cross Keys in the Premiership before joining up with Ponty in 2019. Able to cover at full back, centre or outside half, Corey tallied 18 senior appearances.

All five players now move on to seek their opportunities elsewhere, and do so with the sincere thanks and best wishes of all at Pontypridd RFC.