Shellard ready to resume

The season just gone came to an abrupt and early end due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but was already over and done for Pontypridd flanker Rhys Shellard.

An injury forced Shellard to depart the away game against Swansea in mid December and brought his season to a premature finish.

A campaign cut short in such a way was all the more disappointing as it was the Ponty stalwart’s testimonial year. A couple of fund-raising events had been held, but more had to be cancelled as the coronavirus lockdown was imposed.

“Not the best of seasons for me in hindsight” was Shellard’s reflection on what occured, “although up to the injury things had gone well enough and I was enjoying my rugby.

“The testimonial year was successful as far as it went with a golf day and a Q&A session at Sardis Road. I had another social event planned in early April and a celebration end-of-season match but those went down the pan with the lockdown.”

Another rather important event in Shellard’s calendar that is currently on hold is his planned wedding with fiancé Carly in July.

All in all 2020 might be a year for the veteran Ponty flanker to forget, but in typically determined mood he is ready to press the ‘resume’ button and go again.

“The extended break has given me time to recover and I’m now looking forward to next season” said Shellard. “I won’t go as far as to say that I’m looking forward to the training schedule, I’m getting a bit too old for that, but getting the squad back together and playing again is an exciting prospect.

“I hope to stay injury free this time and be able to contribute to Ponty’s challenge for honours. Hopefully, with the help of the club I can also catch up on some of my testimonial events and bring that to a conclusion.”