Player Blog – Huw Owen

The sudden and abrupt end to the season and the beginning of a worldwide pandemic was not exactly how anyone would have expected the year to go.

Prior to lockdown, I was undertaking the second placement of my PGCE, teaching a nursery class in studying to become a primary school teacher. Since lockdown, I have continued my studies, submitting an assignment and collecting evidence that will see me qualify this summer.

In terms of physical training, things have changed drastically compared to that of a standard week. Thankfully, I have accumulated weights over the years and they have been brought back out and set up so I could continue training during the pandemic. Following a number of strength and conditioning programmes has meant I have been able to carry on and build upon my training. However, little can prepare you for the hard running of pre-season training!

Reflecting on last season, there are a lot of positives to be taken. We had some great wins, particularly at home, and a few performances we were really pleased with. We are disappointed with some of the results, ones that could have seen us push on even further.

Personally, I was pleased with how the season went overall. I was lucky enough to be given more starts and gain more experience. There were still performances I would like to have been better, but they are part of the learning curve for seasons to come. Some injuries this year meant I’d have to miss more games than I would have liked, but the rehab support to get back was really helpful and meant they didn’t last too long.

I miss playing for and with this group, both players and the back room staff. We are building and hopefully can kick on again next season. I also miss the feeling of playing at home, the noise and support are unlike anything else.

If nothing else, rugby has shown the value of the game in the community and our lives. Hopefully we can get back to playing in front of the Ponty faithful again in the near future.

Ole ole ole.

Huw Owen