Squad departures

As is customary at the close of another season, a number of players are bringing to an end their time with Pontypridd RFC.

The retirement of scrum half Wayne Evans and the departure of winger Lewis Williams and flanker Jake Thomas have already been reported. Another two players on the move are prop Keelan Marney and no8 Hemi Barnes (pictured above).

Tight head prop Keelan Marney first featured for Ponty on permit from his local club Glynneath during the Challenge Cup campaign of 2016. The following summer he was drafted into the senior squad and went on to make 8 appearances for the club.

Beddau product Hemi Barnes linked up with Pontypridd in the summer of 2015 following his release from the Blues Academy. Making an impact as a dynamic back rower who also regularly covered in the second row, Barnes was nominated as Player of the Year in 2016 and went on to total 73 appearances for Ponty.

Highly promising young prop Will Davies-King, currently on duty with Wales under 20’s in the World Championships, has in the meantime been drafted into the Blues Academy squad. The Chepstow product has made a significant impact since joining up with Ponty from Cardiff Met in 2017, his abilities rewarded with recognition at international and regional level.