Ioan Evans signs for Pontypridd
Pontypridd RFC are thrilled to announce the signing of centre Ioan Evans from RFU Championship club Cornish Pirates for the 2024/25 season.
Ioan, who is 22 years old is already a familiar face to the Ponty faithful having played for our mini and junior age grade sides and then Ponty Youth before making his senior Club debut in the second half of the 2019/20 season.
Ponty’s last match prior to the Covid pandemic lockdown was a Valleys Derby away against Merthyr. The match was nip and tuck at half time before fledgling centre Ioan Evans came on for the second half and his performance was that impressive that he was awarded Man of the Match despite only playing half of the contest – one which Pontypridd won 36-27 – Ioan playing the starring role.
When rugby restarted 18 months later, Ioan, who was part of the Cardiff Blues academy was allocated to Cardiff RFC, regularly turning out for the blue and blacks whilst also making his bow for the senior regional side. The summer of 2023 saw the powerful centre make the move to Penzance to sign for the Cornish Pirates ready their 2023/24 campaign. It was a successful season for the Pirates, the Cornishmen finished in second place in the RFU Championship with Ioan being a big contributor to their success.
Pontypridd born, Ioan is a multiple Wales age grade international so rejoining his hometown club really is a major coup for the Valley Commandos ahead of the new Welsh Premiership campaign.
On signing for Pontypridd Ioan said: “I’m happy to have signed for my home club. Coming back to Ponty after a short stint in a full time environment was the best thing for me at this time. Knowing the coaches from playing with and against them I know they have the best interests of the club in mind, as do I so this just felt like the right time to come back.”
Excited to see Ioan back at Sardis Road, Ponty Captain and Forwards Coach Kristian Parker commented: “It’s great to welcome Ioan back to his hometown club after few seasons away playing professional rugby with Cardiff Rugby and Cornish Pirates. Ioan is real physical presence in midfield and can help unlock defences with his passing range and offload game. I’m sure he will have the crowd on their feet throughout the season and will be a huge addition to the squad. Ioan is also a great character to have in and around the squad and I’m sure the boys will welcome his antics. With Ioan coming through the pathway at Pontypridd it’s great to have him back onboard and pulling on that famous journey.”
Welcome home, Ioan!
