Ponty RFC and USW – Continuing and Growing Strong Links

The close and productive links between Pontypridd RFC and the University of South Wales (USW) have continued into the coming season and are stronger than ever.

The USW Treforest campus makes a significant contribution to the rugby club and through the Pontypridd Valleys Schools Rugby Initiative (PVSRI), an important link in the development pathway for young rugby talent, and provides opportunities for students to assist with match and performance analysis.

The PVSRI, which was created by Justin Burnell, in 2017, in his capacity as ‘Director of Rugby’ at Pontypridd RFC is supported by several key collaborators such as Dean Parsons. Dean, in his capacity as course Leader of the unique BSc. (Hons) Rugby Coaching & Performance degree at the University of South Wales furnishes the programme with neophyte rugby coaching and undergraduate students to support the day-to-day school sport delivery. Equally as important are High Motive who provide key sponsorship throughout the club and the PVSRI, and are great advocates of teaching and lifelong learning, providing a ‘fiscal’ support to ensure the pathway is effective at supporting the target audience in receiving quality rugby provision in the Pontypridd catchment area. The focus is linking compulsory education to quality rugby provision and opportunity to excel – for all.

BSc. (Hons) Rugby Coaching & Performance students at USW working within the club and the PVSRI is not only providing students the opportunity to develop their coaching, strength and conditioning and analytical crafts, it is also allowing local primary schools to engage in high quality rugby sessions that they might not have been exposed to without having the link with this important initiative. Having the opportunity to bring primary schools into world class indoor facilities allows students at USW first-hand coaching experience when being assessed in either their non-contact, introduction to contact, level 1 or level 2 rugby coaching and refereeing qualifications.

Dean Parsons, who is course leader for the BSc.(Hons) Rugby Coaching & Performance acknowledges: “Understanding what the common goal is, and what role each partner either within the university or the local community is responsible for is crucial. If there is no clarity of individual role and responsibility, issues start to occur and the execution of what is trying to be achieved tends to slip.”

He goes on to explain: “Our transformational partnership has multiple dimensions which include ideological, ethical, institutional and social dimensions. This means that we all strive to reach a common goal and we do this successfully to provide wonderful learning environments for mainly vocationally minded, experiential learners managed by experienced staff covering all aspects of our business.”

Parsons also adds “Pontypridd RFC and USW in partnership are dedicated to producing students who are up to speed on terminology and hot-button issues.”

Pontypridd RFC Conditioning Coach, Nathan Evans, is course leader for BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning and has seen his students undertake placements with PVSRI and Pontypridd RFC. These early career coaches have received valuable experience and developed the emotional intelligence to work in several different settings. Students have gained employment in developmental sport, others found work abroad and some are working in professional sport. It is the knowledge and experience gained from the partnership, that has aided in their development.

One of Nathan’s students is Sam Thomas – Sam, who is part of Ponty’s strength and conditioning coaching team said: “Working under greatly experienced staff, with the likes of Justin Burnell, Dean Parsons and Nathan Evans – I am able to develop my skills, not only as a Strength and Conditioning coach, but experiencing the day-to-day responsibilities within a high-performance environment. This partnership between USW and Pontypridd RFC has allowed me to apply theory into practice, which I will be able to take with me as I progress throughout my career.”

Coaching is not the only excellent links between the club and USW, we are also delighted to welcome two students who have joined the Ponty RFC Media Team. Firstly Zacharie Johnson-Pillon. Zach is twenty years old and is from Orléans, France, in the Loire Valley.

Zach said: “I played Rugby there for ten years. I’ve always had a passion for the sport and sports in general, which is why I chose to pursue the dream of a career in sports journalism. I chose to come to the University of South Wales as the campus for the course is in Cardiff, which is widely regarded as one of the leading sports cities on the European Continent.

Upon reading the course description, I knew straight away that I would be provided with the best knowledge and most exciting opportunities to make a name for myself in the industry.

This is exactly what the chance to work for Pontypridd RFC is. To be a part of this historical club, even if it’s minimal, is a privilege. Obviously, the opportunity to work in a professional environment is always beneficial, but I feel there’s also something special with the Pont. I instantly warmed to the atmosphere at Sardis Road when I first went there, and I felt very welcome. I also feel Adam and I have been given a lot of freedom from a creative standpoint, which I know we are both very grateful for. We hope to provide the fans with the best content they can get around the club.

I can’t wait to get started!”

Also joining the club’s media team is Adam Cleary who is a third year sports journalism student at the University of South Wales. On linking up with the club, Adam told us: “I’ve always had a passion for Welsh rugby and being on the sports journalism course at USW has really given me the chance to make some contacts within the Welsh rugby world and through that I’ve been offered the chance to join Pontypridd RFC’s media team. It’s an honour to be helping out at such a big club in Welsh rugby and I’m looking forward to getting up to Sardis Road and soaking up the famous atmosphere while helping to produce content for the club.”

Pontypridd RFC and the University of South Wales – here’s to fantastic current and exciting new links between us.