Ponty’s incoming nines

Pontypridd RFC has been busy on the recruitment front this summer, in particular to bolster a position that was short on personnel, that of scrum half.

Following the retirement of Wayne Evans at the end of last season, Joel Raikes was left as the only no9 on the books with Ponty. That deficit has now been made good with the addition of three new players to the key position.

Will Baird (pictured above) joins up from Bridgend, having previously come through the ranks of the Blues Academy, from where he played predominantly for Cardiff but also on occasion for Ponty. The 24 year old is recognised as one of the ablest scrum halves at Premiership level and will provide a huge boost to Ponty’s half back options.

David Francis (pictured above) played a number of games for Pontypridd on permit from Beddau towards the end of last season, and made the most of his opportunities. A serving police officer, Francis is a key member of the British Police rugby squad, offering physicality and pace at the base of the scrum.

Another scrum half who has impressed in the lower leagues, and has recently been given his chance with Pontypridd, is Huw Rees from Nelson. Having been called up on occasion at the end of last term, Rees is now given a permanent berth in an extended Ponty senior squad.

As Will Baird, Dai Francis and Huw Rees join Joel Raikes in the Ponty ranks, and with young Llantwit Fardre product Harry Rumens also available to be called up from the University of South Wales, the club will now be well served in the key scrum half position.