Squad update – back row

Pontypridd have made a number of additions to their back row quota, as some exciting young prospects link up with the club.

Long serving stalwart Rhys Shellard remains in place, as does Sion Parry and newly nominated club vice-captain Kristian Parker. Outgoing player are flankers Kyle Evans and Dafydd Smith.

Offering cover in the number 8 position are Joe Miles who progressed through the Blues Academy to represent both Cardiff and Llanelli at Premiership level, having been capped for Wales Youth, and Aberdare product Ryan Jenkins who also came through the regional age grade system.

Influential blindside flanker Cally James (above) returns to the fold after being called up to the Wales Sevens squad, adding to his Youth and under 20 caps. He previously made 4 senior appearances for Pontypridd back in 2019.

He is joined by Barry product Sion Jones, the 23 year old having made his mark in the league code with Halifax and capped by Wales at senior level, giving an indication of the back row physicality he can provide.

A number of other young candidates are also ready to vie for the flanker positions.

Kyan Lloyd joins from Treorchy, having previously played for Tondu and the Ospreys Academy, whilst 18 year old Sam Evans steps up from his local club Abercwmboi and the regional age grade squads. Local boy Owen Ratcliffe represented Pontypridd at junior and youth levels and was a member of the Dewar Shield winning Ponty Schools team. The back row compliment is enhanced by the addition of Wales Youth cap Owen Popple from Rhiwbina and 20 year old Ffinli Barber from Pentyrch.