Joel Raikes makes 200th Pontypridd appearance

Joel Raikes made his 200th appearance for Pontypridd RFC on Thursday evening 29th February, when the Valley Commandos played Newport in the Welsh Premiership.

It was on Saturday 6th October 2012 that a teenage Joel Raikes made his Ponty debut as the team triumphed 29-3 against Swansea in the Premiership at Sardis Road. Over the next eleven and a half years Joel has become a pivotal member of the team on the pitch and one of the most popular members of the squad off it. Hitting a double-century of matches would have no doubt occurred sooner if it wasn’t for the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic.

Joel’s latest achievement is testament to his own professionalism and commitment, and as a Club we are proud to be able to congratulate him on his achievement.

On playing his 200th match for Pontypridd, Joel commented: “I am really proud to have got to this milestone with the club. I’ve enjoyed every minute of my time here and I have made some fantastic memories with some great people.”

Ponty Head Coach Gareth Wyatt said of Joel’s milestone: “Everyone who knows Joel as a player and person would say the same thing – he’s a great person on and off the field and Pontypridd RFC have been fortunate to have had his services for 200 games, with hopefully many more to come! As a coaching group we were delighted to see Joel make his 200th appearance and it was great to see him running out to a deserved reception from all at Pontypridd RFC.”

A current work colleague of Joel Raikes is former Pontypridd player and coach Darren Bool. Darren had this to say about Joel reaching his 200 match milestone: “All the very best to Joel with making his 200th appearance for the club. Not just a great player and a very loyal servant to the club but also a great bloke. Pontypridd RFC really does mean an awful lot to him. I had the pleasure of coaching Joel since he was 16 and I’m now fortunate to have such an experienced player work alongside me in school developing future players. He’s an extremely talented young coach who is cutting his teeth at Regional Age Grade level as well as with his beloved Llantwit Fardre U8 girls. Congratulations Joel, Alice, Maggie and Ella will no doubt have been very proud when you ran out tonight.”

Congratulations Joel, here’s to the next 200!