Hailing from Pencoed Chris Dicomidis represented his local club through the junior ranks before joining neighbours Tondu, playing as a full back.
Growing well past the six foot mark, Chris was utilised as a lock forward and was drafted into the Celtic Warriors Academy, gaining international recognition with Wales under 19s. A move to Pontypridd ensued in 2004.
Chris made his mark as a towering ball winner and marauding forward, capped by Wales at under 21 level. His influence on the field of play earned him a nomination as Pontypridd captain in 2011, leading the club to unprecedented success with a series of league and cup triumphs.
Having been honoured as Welsh Rugby Writers and Premiership Player of the Year, Chris was given the opportunity to turn out at regional level for the Blues, and was drafted into the senior squad in 2013, still linking up with Pontypridd at club level.
Having been called up to play for the Barbarians, Chris also elected to represented the country of his forefathers, Cyprus, at senior international level.
In the summer of 2016 Chris Dicomidis made a return to the ranks of Pontypridd RFC, rejoining the squad as a hugely experienced forward.
A golden player in a golden generation, major finals and major honours were a staple feature of Dico’s playing days at the Club, firstly in the Welsh Cup. Ponty got to the final of the competition in 2006, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2017, and Chris played in all of those games, helping to win the cup for the Valley Commandos in 2006, 2011, 2013, and 2014.
As well as winning four Welsh Cups, Dico also won four league championship titles in 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15 and was a major contributor to Ponty’s success in all those seasons. As previously mentioned, the talismanic second row was also voted both Premiership Player and Rugby Writers’ Player of the Season for the 2012-2013 campaign, which coincided with one of Ponty’s league and cup double-winning seasons.
Continuing to give his all both on and off the pitch, a personal milestone for Chris came on Saturday Saturday 27th January 2024 when he became just the 7th player to make 400 appearances for Pontypridd RFC. He joined Bob Penberthy, Dale McIntosh, Graham Gittins, Jock Watkins, Tommy David and Arfon Jones in the sPontypridd RFC 400 club.
He made his 401st and final appearance against Newport on the 29th February 2024, before taking the Head Coach role the following day. This position became permanent towards the end of the 2023/24 season meaning Dico’s twenty-plus year association with Pontypridd RFC would continue into the 2024/25 season.
Chris Dicomidis: Lock, 401 appearances 2004-2024
