All Good Things Must Come To An End…

They say all good things must come to an end………after 20 years it’s time for me to move on from Pontypridd RFC.

I arrived at Ponty a fresh faced 18-year-old boy just out of school with bleach blonde hair, I leave as a 39 year old husband and father with thinning hair.

For the last 20 years Ponty has been a huge part of my life, and I couldn’t have wished to be part of a better club for so long. The decision to move on was a very difficult one, but the opportunity to return to professional rugby as Team Manager of Cardiff Rugby was too good an opportunity to turn down for both my family and myself.

I have loved my time at Ponty from my first game against Caerphilly to my last game playing against Newport. My coaching stint although short has been a great experience but nothing will ever replace the thrill of playing. I couldn’t have wished for a better game to bow out on, than going up against Brecon who are coached by my good friend Gavin Dacey and my mentor/friend in Dale McIntosh.

There are so many good memories from over the years, from winning leagues and cups, trips away in the BIC and some great nights out with the boys. The best memory I will take away from Ponty is the friendships I have made both on and off the pitch with players and supporters.

I leave the club with the team in a very good place. The players are brimming with confidence and there is an old school feel about this squad. They all enjoy each other’s company during training but most importantly away from the pitch as well. I believe this team will go on to very good things and there is no reason why they cannot achieve the double this season. It is important I recognise the impact the current coaching group of Parker, Garyn and Iestyn have had on the team along with our Team Manager Rixy. The effort they put in behind the scenes and understanding they have of the game is second to none. Although all still young in age and their coaching careers there is no reason why they cannot take the club further, as they all have one in thing in common and that’s the LOVE for Pontypridd RFC. I wish them all the best for the remainder of the season.

I must thank you the fans for your support over the time I have been at the club. Win or lose you are there every week supporting the boys through good and bad, and it is this support on times that has kept me going. The volunteers and committee who go out of their way every week to make sure the needs of the players and coaches are met must also be thanked. I understand this can be a thankless task but without you we simply wouldn’t survive. All the players (and there have been some quality players over the years) coaches and back-room staff I have had the pleasure of playing and working with over the years I also thank you, for making Tuesday and Thursday evenings eventful.

There are three people who have played a significant role in my time at Ponty and I’d like to thank them. Firstly, Simon King who was my old PE Teacher and brought me to Ponty straight out of school and gave me my first chance at semi pro rugby. Dale Mcintosh who I have huge respect for as both a coach and person for believing in me and making me captain of this great club, and then giving me my chance of fulfilling my dream as a child of becoming a professional rugby player. Phil Miles who has known me for many years thank you for putting your trust in me and making me head coach at a difficult time and doing all you can to stabilise the club.

My final and biggest thank you goes to my family. Firstly, my wife Louisa who has been by my side since day one at Ponty and supported me through every situation you can think of. She has been there for all the wins, losses and injuries in all weathers and locations. Louisa’s unwavering support and being able to know the right thing to say to me is the reason I’ve been able to do what I love for so long. My children Jacob and Laila who have been brought up down Ponty and run around like they own the place, thank you for the simplest thing as just a smile after a game as that means more to me than any game ever will. My Dad who has been my taxi service for the 35 years I’ve been involved in the game thank you for never being the pushy parent but someone who was always honest with me and someone I can always go to for advice. My sisters for always being there for me and their support. My final thank you goes to someone who isn’t with us here in person today but hopefully she is looking down proud of what I’ve achieved both on and off the field, my Mum. Thank you all for being the most supportive family I could’ve wished for.

I’m sure you will see me in the stand watching and cheering the boys on whenever I can.

OLE!!

– Chris Dicomidis