The Shellard Dynasty

The Shellard Dynasty

Pontypridd RFC celebrated its centenary in the 1975-76 season and a strong squad was available to make this a season to remember. A new face in the squad was somebody called Mike Shellard, who had played three games for Pontypridd from his hometown club of Aberaman at the very end of the previous season. He had already gained international honours with Wales Youth and represented the Welsh Guards and would make an enormous impact for our club over the next eight years.

In the centenary season he played in 46 of the 56 games, more than anybody else except big Bob Penberthy. He became a key part of a legendary back row unit alongside Chris Seldon and Tommy David. Mike eventually retired in the early 1980s after featuring in 265 games for the club, scoring 74 tries and 296 points in the process.

Another Shellard, Mike’s brother David, joined Pontypridd at the start of the 1977-78 season. He had also gained international honours with Wales Youth and Schools and could play equally well in the back and second rows of the scrum. In his first season he played in 35 of the 56 games, only three less than brother Mike, and outscored him by 16 tries to 11. One can imagine the banter in the two Shellard households! David had three very successful seasons with Pontypridd, playing a total of 97 games and scoring 31 tries.

And then along came Mike’s son Rhys and I would like to give my personal opinion of the man here. It was clear as soon as we saw him play back in 2003 that he was going to make an enormous impact on the game in Wales. He captained the Wales Under 21 side and Wales Sevens and deserved better in the 15-a-side game but we at Pontypridd RFC enjoyed his talents.

There was much of the father in the play of the son. Rhys could do it all, in attack and in defence. He had pace and strength, was brilliant at the breakdown, and was one of our best lineout forwards in what was sometimes a bit of a dodgy phase of play for Ponty! He was a natural leader and when things were going badly in a game, Rhys was always one of the players who could be seen urging the team to up their game. He is also a thoroughly pleasant fellow – a good man.

Thanks for everything mate. You will be missed.

Alun Granfield

Club Historian