Carry On Coaches
Pontypridd RFC are delighted to be able to confirm that the Club’s current interim-coaching team of Chris Dicomidis, Garyn Smith and Kristian Parker have been appointed in their current roles of Head Coach, Backs Coach and Forwards Coach respectively, on a permanent basis.
Chris, Garyn and Kris were appointed on an interim basis on the 1st March and under their guidance the team has won three out of its four competitive matches to date – the only loss being Ponty’s narrow, late defeat away against Carmarthen Quins a week last Saturday. They will now head up the Club’s coaching structure permanently starting with RGC away on Saturday 13th April and then into the 2024/25 Welsh Premiership campaign. We can confirm that Chris Dicomidis has retired from playing duties, but both Garyn Smith and Kristian Parker will carry on combining their new coaching roles whilst still playing for the Club.
On the news, Head Coach Chris Dicomidis said: “I’m really excited about the opportunity and it’s a huge honour to follow in the footsteps of some great coaches. Obviously it’s the next step in my rugby career and I couldn’t think of a better place to start. I know there are many challenges ahead but I also know that if we all work together with honesty and transparency we can have some good times.
I’m looking forward to finishing the season strongly then preparing the squad for next season, however that looks. I appreciate everyone’s support over the last month and I’m very proud of the way the boys have applied themselves. Along with Garyn and Kris we have a young coaching group, but it’s one I’m very excited about.”
Commenting on his new permanent appointment, Forwards Coach Kristian Parker said: “To firstly play for such a historic club and now to have the opportunity to coach it is something I couldn’t turn down.
The club means a lot to me and alongside the other coaches, hopefully we can bring some silverware and success to Sardis Road again.
I’m not getting any younger so this is the next step for myself and I’m looking forward to continue working alongside Dico and Garyn.”
Raring to go again, Backs Coach Garyn Smith said: “I am honoured and thrilled to be committing to Ponty again, continuing my role as player coach for next season. I would like to thank the club for providing me the opportunity until the end of this season to grow into this role and for allowing me to continue my personal development in that area for the upcoming season.
I would additionally like to thank the players this season whose drive, effort and positive attitude towards us as a new group of coaches has allowed us to try and end the season on a high note.”
Congratulations and good luck to Chris, Garyn and Kris – we are all behind you!
