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| Full name | Pontypridd Rugby Football Club | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Ponty, The Valley Commandos | ||
| Founded | 1876; 149 years ago (1876) | ||
| Location | Pontypridd,Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales | ||
| Ground | Sardis Road (Capacity: 7,861) | ||
| CEO | Stephen Reardon | ||
| Coach | Kristian Parker | ||
| Captain | Cally James | ||
| Mostcaps | Bob Penberthy 877 | ||
| Top scorer | Neil Jenkins 3,185 | ||
| Most tries | Karl Swain 179 | ||
| League | Welsh Premier Division | ||
| 2024-25 | 2nd[1] | ||
| |||
| Official website | |||
| www | |||
51°36′02″N3°20′48″W / 51.600460°N 3.346571°W /51.600460; -3.346571Pontypridd Rugby Football Club (Welsh:Clwb Rygbi Pontypridd) is arugby union team fromPontypridd,Rhondda Cynon Taf,Wales. It competes in theAdmiral Premiership and theWRU Premiership Cup, a trophy which they won for the 7th time in 2025. Their last league title winning campaign came in 2015.
Established in 1876, Pontypridd RFC play their home games on the banks of theRiver Rhondda atSardis Road,Pontypridd,Rhondda Cynon Taf in Wales, with their age-grade section playing atTaff Vale Park in Pontypridd, and Pontypridd High School Fields in nearbyCilfynydd.
Pontypridd RFC experienced a successful period during the 1990s—referred to as the club's "Golden Age"[2]—under head coachDennis John, and they enjoyed further success between 2001 and 2003 with the appointment of head coachLynn Howells. The transition toRegional Rugby in Wales in 2003 saw the downgrading of Pontypridd to a semi-professional team, followed by financial difficulties for the club[3] and the eventual demise of Pontypridd's "Celtic Warriors" region.[4]
Pontypridd RFC has since refinanced and restructured[5][6] and, despite a mooted stadium sale,[7][8] continues to be regarded as a relatively successful rugby team in theSouth Wales Valleys.[9]
Pontypridd RFC has produced several players who went on to play for theWales national rugby union team.[10][11]
Pontypridd RFC were formed in 1876[12] by a number of young local men who moved into the area during theIndustrial Revolution. However, the first reported match involving Pontypridd was played on 18 December 1873 against Roath (Cardiff).[13] They were represented at a meeting inTenby in 1880 that would later lead to the formation of theWelsh Rugby Union in 1881.[14] Pontypridd'sEdward Treharne, who also played forCowbridge Grammar School as a student,[15] was named in thefirst Welsh International side in 1881. Pontypridd supplied two more players to the Welsh team before the turn of the 19th century,Tom Williams andErnie George.
In their early days, Pontypridd RFC played their home games atTaff Vale Park inTreforest, the current home of their junior section, before moving to thePeople's Park alongside theRiver Rhondda. However, in 1908 they moved once more to a new home inYnysangharad Park in Pontypridd itself,[16] where they would stay for 65 years.
Pontypridd has historically been considered a club with a lower profile compared to some of the more prominent Welsh rugby clubs. Players at Pontypridd sometimes faced challenges in breaking into the national team while playing for the club, which led some to join higher-profile teams. Despite this, the club secured a series of top-ten finishes in the unofficial Welsh league, and winning the competition in the 1962/1963 season.
However the 1970s would bring Pontypridd its first period of real success. Following the redevelopment of theA470 trunk road near their home ground, the team moved to its current home ofSardis Road in Pontypridd in 1974.[16] This move was immediately followed by success in the unofficial league championship, winning it in 1975–76, 1977–78 and 1978–79[17] whilst never falling from the top four for seven years under the captaincy of Bob Penberthy andTommy David.
The 1990s saw a large change inWelsh rugby, especially with the inauguration of the first official Welsh leagues in 1990. Pontypridd were placed in the top division for that season and have until now never been out of the top-level in the Welsh game. They secured third places in 1991–92, 1993–94 and 1995–96 plus a runner up finish toCardiff RFC.
During the 1993–94 season there was speculation about the possibility of Anglo-Welsh competition containing only the 'Big Four' Welsh clubs of Cardiff, Neath, Swansea and Llanelli. Pontypridd's 27–12 victory over Neath in November was considered to have made the case for a 'Big Five', and coach Dennis John expressed pleasure at having put an end to such speculation later in the season following a narrow defeat to Cardiff in the Welsh Cup semi-final.[18][19]
In 1996 the club won its first official major honour, beatingNeath RFC in the final of theWelsh Cup. They repeated this achievement again in 2002 and 2006. The following season (1997) saw them win the Welsh League, narrowly over the same opponents. Both of these successes were obtained by what many consider Pontypridd's best ever team, led byNigel Bezani and including players such asRichie Collins,Neil Jenkins,Paul John andDale McIntosh.
During the 2001–02 season, Pontypridd enjoyed a successful campaign, winning thePrincipality Cup and narrowly losing toSale Sharks in the final of theParker Pen Shield competition.[20]
From then until 2003 Pontypridd consistently finished in the top five of the league but failed to challenge for top spot (and to qualify for theHeineken Cup – Europe's top tournament) as they struggled to cope with the added financial pressures of the newly professional game, losing a number of players to larger clubs and relying heavily upon their much admired youth academy system. However, in 2003 theWelsh Rugby Union would change the game in Wales forever with the advent ofWelsh Regional Rugby.
After much negotiation and rumour of a merger with local rivalsCardiff RFC, Pontypridd finally found themselves in a partnership withBridgend RFC, forming theCeltic Warriors that would represent the whole of the South Wales Valleys region.[21]
However financial difficulties at Pontypridd lead the team to sell its stake in the Warriors toBridgend RFC benefactor Leighton Samuel and all games were moved away from Sardis Road before the club was dissolved by theWRU in the summer of 2004.[22]
They were then reformed as Ponty Rugby Ltd playing at a semi professional level in the newly formedWelsh Premiership and unpopularly placed under the umbrella of local rivals Cardiff Blues by the WRU, Pontypridd continue to be the top team in the Glamorganshire south Wales Valleys and are considered by many of their fans to be the Valleys' regional representative side, withCardiff still perceived by the residents of the Valleys as rivals.[23]
In 2005 Pontypridd were the beaten finalists in theWRU Challenge Cup, narrowly losing to Llanelli 24–25, having led 24–8 with only 10 minutes remaining until a former Pontypridd player Neil Boobyer was brought into the game and helped turn the game around in Llanelli's favour.[24]
The following year they would surpass their previous season's record as Saturday 6 May 2006 Pontypridd beat Neath 26–25 to win the WRU Challenge Cup (then called the Konica Minolta Cup, and currently called the SWALEC Cup after the sponsors of the tournament) in a final at theMillennium Stadium.[25] Neath were pre-match favourites having recently secured the Welsh Premier league by a large points margin, and going into the game chasing a league and cup 'double'. This was a replay of the 1996 final, when Pontypridd had also stoppedNeath RFC 'doing the double'.
17 May 2008 saw Pontypridd enter a repeat performance against Neath at theMillennium Stadium. The score, however, was not to be repeated, as Neath beat Pontypridd 28–22.
In the 2010–11 season, Pontypridd secured the Swalec Cup with a 35–24 victory over Aberavon at the Millennium Stadium. They also finished first in the Principality Premiership with 107 points. However, with the introduction of play-offs to determine the overall league champions, they were defeated in the final at Sardis Road by third-placed Llanelli, preventing a potential double. Additionally, they reached the semi-finals of the British & Irish Cup, where they were eliminated by eventual winners Bristol.
The club reached two finals in the following season. On 7 May 2012, they were defeated by Cross Keys in the Swalec Cup final, with a score of 32–19. However, they were crowned Welsh Champions for the first time in 15 years after securing a second consecutive first-place finish in the Principality Premiership. This led to a play-off final victory over Llanelli at Sardis Road on 18 May. The club also made the Quarter-Finals of the British & Irish Cup, losing away to Leinster 'A'.
The 2012–13 season was one of the most successful in the club's history, as Pontypridd won both the league and cup, completing a historic double. First beating Neath in the final of the Swalec Cup on 4 May 2013, 34–13 and then after finishing 23 points clear in the Principality Premiership with 21 wins from 22 matches they secured the title by defeating Llanelli in the Play-Off Final at Sardis Road on 18 May by 47–15.
The 2013–14 season saw Pontypridd repeat their success from the previous year, winning both the Swalec Cup and the Principality Premiership title. They claimed the Swalec Cup on 4 May 2014, defeating Cross Keys 21–8 at the Millennium Stadium. After finishing at the top of the Principality Premiership for the fourth consecutive season, they secured a third successive league title on 18 May 2014 with a 38–17 victory over Cross Keys in the play-off final at Sardis Road. The club also defeated London Welsh, London Scottish and Cornish Pirates on the way to the British & Irish Cup Semi-Finals before exiting the competition against Leinster 'A' following a defeat on try count following a 22–22 draw. The 2014–15 season saw Pontypridd reach a fifth consecutive Swalec Cup final, but they were defeated by Bridgend. However, they finished first in the Principality Premiership for the fifth successive season and secured a fourth consecutive league title with a 28–14 victory over Ebbw Vale in the play-off final at Sardis Road on 17 May 2015.
Despite playing at the highest level attainable by a non-regional side, Pontypridd RFC has experienced a decline in its fan base, partly due to the shift of Welsh rugby supporters in the Valleys[26] to Cardiff Blues as their regional team. Nevertheless, Pontypridd retains one of the largest club followings in Wales.[27]
Former Pontypridd players seen wearing the red of Wales in recent years includeGethin Jenkins,Kevin Morgan,Richard Parks,Michael Owen,Martyn Williams,Dafydd James,Mefin Davies,Brent Cockbain,Robert Sidoli,Sonny Parker,Ceri Sweeney,Ian Evans,Matthew Rees,Morgan Stoddart,Cory Hill,Kristian Dacey,Seb Davies,Dillon Lewis,Tomos Williams,Jarrod Evans,Kieron Assiratti andCorey Domachowski.
The clubshield denotes the town of Pontypridd's famous arched bridge – once the largest single-span bridge in Europe[28] – built byWilliam Edwards in 1756 and known as the "Old Bridge".
Thechevrons are an interpretation of the ancient arms ofIestyn ap Gwrgant, the last ruler of the Kingdom ofMorgannwg. Thede Clare family –Norman Lords of theWelsh Marches, under whose authority the ancient shire ofGlamorgan was placed – used a similar design to Gwrgant's arms.[29] Both sets of chevrons were once seen on the coat of arms ofMid Glamorgan County Council,[29] in which the town of Pontypridd was situated prior to theLocal Government Act of 1994.[30]
An identical chevron design is now seen in the coat of arms ofRhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, which superseded Mid Glamorgan.
The black and white colours are theteam colours of Pontypridd RFC.[31]
Pontypridd's most notable main sponsor was local company,Buy As You View. The company began life asJust Rentals inTonypandy in 1976, and sponsored Pontypridd RFC from the early nineties until 2004. It employed numerous former players, includingNeil Jenkins andLee Beach and ran the Buy As You View Schools Rugby Initiative, working in partnership with Pontypridd RFC.[32]
Pontypridd's main sponsor from 2004 to 2009 was Pontypridd-based environmental and waste management company, Egan Waste Services.[33]
In 2009, Pontypridd-based company Amber Electrical become the club's main sponsors in a highly publicised partnership deal.[34]
2010 saw Egan Waste Services step up their support of Pontypridd by becoming the club's main sponsors once more.[35]
Club kit has been supplied by numerous firms, includingUmbro, Hogger Sports, Cica, Rossco,Canterbury of New Zealand,Kukri Sports,Errea, Rhino Rugby andMizuno.Kappa became the club's kit suppliers for the start of the 2018–19 season.
Welsh Premier Division Champions – 1996–97, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15
Welsh Premier Division Runners Up – 1994–95, 1998–99, 2010–11, 2015–16, 2024-25
WRU Merit Table Champions – 1975–76
WRU Merit Table Runners Up – 1977–78, 1978–79
Western Mail Welsh Championship Winners – 1963, 1976, 1978, 1979
WRU National Cup Winners – 1995–96, 2001–02, 2005–06, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2024-25
WRU National Cup Runners Up – 1978–79, 1994–95, 2004–05, 2007–08, 2011–12, 2014–15, 2016–17
WRU Fosters Challenge Cup Winners – 2015–16
WRU Challenge Trophy Winners – 1997–98
WRU Challenge Trophy Runners-Up – 1998–99
WRU Champions Challenge Winners – 1996
European Rugby Shield Runners Up – 2001–02
European Rugby Shield Semi-Finalists – 2002–03
British & Irish Cup Semi-Finalists – 2010–11, 2013–14
Mid District Premiership Cup Runners-Up – 2024-25
Glamorgan County Silver Ball Trophy Runners Up – 2002-03
WRU National 7s Tournament Winners – 2013
WRU National 7s Tournament Runners Up – 2014, 2015
Abercynon 7s Tournament Winners – 2008, 2009, 2010
Abercwmboi 7s Tournament Winners – 2017
| Season | Division | Pos | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Play-Offs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990–91 | 1 | 5th | 44 | 30 | 2 | 12 | |
| 1991–92 | 1 | 3rd | 47 | 35 | 0 | 12 | |
| 1992–93 | 1 | 5th | 40 | 24 | 3 | 13 | |
| 1993–94 | 1 | 3rd | 22 | 17 | 1 | 4 | |
| 1994–95 | 1 | 2nd | 22 | 17 | 0 | 5 | |
| 1995–96 | 1 | 3rd | 22 | 16 | 1 | 5 | |
| 1996–97 | 1 | 1st | 22 | 20 | 0 | 2 | |
| 1997–98 | Premier | 3rd | 14 | 8 | 2 | 4 | |
| 1998–99 | Premier | 2nd | 20 | 12 | 0 | 8 | |
| 1999–00 | Welsh/Scottish | 4th | 22 | 14 | 2 | 6 | |
| 2000–01 | Welsh/Scottish | 9th | 22 | 10 | 0 | 12 | |
| 2001–02 | Welsh/Scottish | 7th | 20 | 9 | 0 | 11 | |
| 2002–03 | Premiership | 6th | 16 | 6 | 1 | 9 | |
| 2003–04 | Premiership | 3rd | 30 | 20 | 2 | 8 | |
| 2004–05 | Premiership | 10th | 32 | 17 | 1 | 14 | |
| 2005–06 | Premiership | 3rd | 30 | 21 | 0 | 9 | |
| 2006–07 | Premiership | 4th | 26 | 16 | 1 | 9 | |
| 2007–08 | Premiership | 3rd | 26 | 16 | 1 | 9 | |
| 2008–09 | Premiership | 5th | 26 | 16 | 2 | 8 | |
| 2009–10 | Premiership | 4th | 26 | 16 | 1 | 9 | |
| 2010–11 | Premiership | 1st | 26 | 23 | 1 | 2 | Lost to Llanelli 18–24 |
| 2011–12 | Premiership | 1st | 26 | 19 | 0 | 7 | Beat Llanelli 15–13 |
| 2012–13 | Premiership | 1st | 22 | 21 | 0 | 1 | Beat Llanelli 47–15 |
| 2013–14 | Premiership | 1st | 22 | 16 | 1 | 5 | Beat Cross Keys 38–17 |
| 2014–15 | Premiership | 1st | 22 | 21 | 0 | 1 | Beat Ebbw Vale 28–14 |
| 2015–16 | Premiership | 1st | 22 | 17 | 0 | 5 | Lost to Ebbw Vale 12–38 |
| 2016–17 | Premiership | 5th | 22 | 13 | 0 | 9 | |
| 2017–18 | Premiership | 3rd | 29 | 23 | 0 | 6 | |
| 2018–19 | Premiership | 3rd | 30 | 22 | 0 | 8 | |
| 2019–20 | Premiership | 5th* | 18 | 10 | 0 | 8 | *Season cancelled |
| 2021–22 | Premiership | 7th | 11 | 7 | 0 | 4 | |
| 2022–23 | Premiership | 10th | 22 | 5 | 0 | 17 | |
| 2023–24 | Premiership | 7th | 24 | 12 | 1 | 11 | |
| 2024-25 | Premiership | 2nd | 24 | 18 | 0 | 6 |
| Year | Opponent | Result | Score | Competition | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Bridgend | Lost | 12–18 | Schweppes Cup | National Stadium,Cardiff |
| 1995 | Swansea | Lost | 12–17 | Swalec Cup | National Stadium,Cardiff |
| 1996 | Neath | Won | 29–22 | Swalec Cup | National Stadium,Cardiff |
| 1996 | Neath | Won | 60–19 | WRU Champions Challenge | National Stadium,Cardiff |
| 1998 | Cardiff | Won | 15–10 | WRU Challenge Trophy | Sardis Road |
| 1999 | Llanelli | Lost | 18–41 | WRU Challenge Trophy | Stradey Park |
| 2002 | Llanelli | Won | 20–17 | Principality Cup | Millennium Stadium,Cardiff |
| 2002 | Sale Sharks | Lost | 22–25 | Parker Pen European Shield | Kassam Stadium,Oxford |
| 2005 | Llanelli | Lost | 24–25 | Konica Minolta Cup | Millennium Stadium,Cardiff |
| 2006 | Neath | Won | 26–25 | Konica Minolta Cup | Millennium Stadium,Cardiff |
| 2008 | Neath | Lost | 22–28 | Konica Minolta Cup | Millennium Stadium,Cardiff |
| 2011 | Aberavon | Won | 35–24 | Swalec Cup | Millennium Stadium,Cardiff |
| 2011 | Llanelli | Lost | 18–24 | Principality Premiership Play-Off Final | Sardis Road |
| 2012 | Cross Keys | Lost | 19–32 | Swalec Cup | Millennium Stadium,Cardiff |
| 2012 | Llanelli | Won | 15-13 | Principality Premiership Play-Off Final | Sardis Road |
| 2013 | Neath | Won | 34–13 | Swalec Cup | Millennium Stadium,Cardiff |
| 2013 | Llanelli | Won | 47-15 | Principality Premiership Play-Off Final | Sardis Road |
| 2014 | Cross Keys | Won | 21–8 | Swalec Cup | Millennium Stadium,Cardiff |
| 2014 | Cross Keys | Won | 38-17 | Principality Premiership Play-Off Final | Sardis Road |
| 2015 | Bridgend | Lost | 15–19 | Swalec Cup | Millennium Stadium,Cardiff |
| 2015 | Ebbw Vale | Won | 28-14 | Principality Premiership Play-Off Final | Sardis Road |
| 2016 | Bedwas | Won | 38–34 | Fosters Challenge Cup | Brewery Field,Bridgend |
| 2016 | Ebbw Vale | Lost | 12-38 | Principality Premiership Play-Off Final | Sardis Road |
| 2017 | RGC 1404 | Lost | 11–15 | WRU National Cup | Millennium Stadium,Cardiff |
| 2025 | Cross Keys | Won | 43–12 | WRU Premiership Cup | Millennium Stadium,Cardiff |
| 2025 | Merthyr | Lost | 14-26 | Worthington Mid District Premiership Cup Final | Sardis Road |
Pontypridd RFC have been led by a number of high-profile coaches since the 1980s, Clive Jones – a prominent figure inTreorchy RFC's 1993/94Heineken League successes – was instrumental in ensuring Pontypridd's place in the top tier during the latter part of the eighties.[2]
In 1992,Dennis John took over as head coach, assisted by former Pontypridd flanker,Lynn Howells, and led Pontypridd into what is widely regarded as their "Golden Age",[2] with Ponty winning the Welsh Cup Final in the 1995–96 season, and winning the Welsh Premier League in the 1996–97 season.
With the departure of John in 1999, former Pontypridd and Wales flanker,Richie Collins became head coach, and while some significant scalps – notably a win overHeineken Cup winners Leicester in 2000[36] – came his way, his tenure in charge was short-lived.
In September 2001, Clive Jones rejoined Pontypridd as director of rugby, and had, by December 2001, brought Lynn Howells back fromCardiff,[37] who then proceeded to marshal the club to becomePrincipality Cup winners in May 2002[38] and guided the team to the final of theParker Pen European Shield days later.[39]The advent of Regional Rugby in 2003 saw Howells depart to become coach of parent-region, theCeltic Warriors, with former Pontypridd flanker, Justin Burnell filling the void.[40]
Burnell's departure in 2004 was followed by the appointment of former Pontypridd flanker, Simon King[41] who, along with assistant coach, former Pontypridd andWales captain andscrum-halfPaul John, guided Pontypridd to the final of theKonica Minolta Cup in 2004–05, before winning it in 2005–06.[42]
Paul John took over as head coach in at the commencement of the 2006–07 season, and, assisted by former Pontypridd and Wales back row,Dale McIntosh, led the club to the final of theKonica Minolta Cup in 2007/08.[43]
During May 2010, it was decided that Paul John and Dale McIntosh would switch roles, as the demands on John in his capacity as head coach of theWales Sevens team were becoming too great. Dale McIntosh therefore leads Pontypridd into the 2010–11 season as head coach, while Paul John assumes the mantle of assistant coach.[44]
McIntosh left his role in October 2013 to take up a full-time position with the Cardiff Blues, leading to a restructure of the Pontypridd coaching team with Paul John as head coach, being backed up by Gareth Wyatt and Geraint Lewis with another former Wales international Garin Jenkins also joining the backroom staff. After playing his part in continuing the club's success, Lewis has since departed to become a full-time WRU skills coach being replaced as forwards coach by another former Pontypridd player in Robert Sidoli.
Justin Burnell returned to Pontypridd as director of rugby in the summer of 2017, replacing the previous coaching team of John and Sidoli, whilst Paul Matthews replaced Wyatt, who departed to join up with the Wales Women's team the following year.
The current team manager is former Pontypridd player, Dan Godfrey, and the Forwards coach is Lee Davies.[45]
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Head Coach | Kristian Parker |
| Backs/Skills Coach | Gavin Dacey |
| Skills Coach | Iestyn Harris |
| Skills Coach | Garyn Smith |
| Conditioning Coach | Nathan Evans |
| Team Manager | Stuart Rix |
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Club Captain | Cally James |
| Co-Vice Captain | Joel Raikes |
| Co-Vice Captain | Dale Stuckey |
Billy Griffiths (coach) Clive Jones (coach & director of rugby)Dennis John (Head Coach)Lynn Howells (Head coach & assistant coach) Steve Richards (fitness coach)Richie Collins (Head coach)Justin Burnell (Head coach & Director of Rugby) Simon King (Head coach) Steele Lewis (assistant coach)Mike Griffiths (scrum coach)Nigel Bezani (team manager) Eddie Jones (team manager)Gary Jones (team manager) Dale McIntosh (Head coach) Paul John (Head coach) Geraint Lewis (forwards coach) Garin Jenkins (scrum coach) Rob Sidoli (forwards coach) Richard Langmead (team manager) Gareth Wyatt (Head coach) Dan Godfrey (team manager)
Chris Dicomidis (Head coach)[46]Note: Flags indicate national union underWorld Rugby eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-World Rugby nationality.
|
|
Cally James Dale StuckeyKieron AssirattiGareth BaberMatthew BackLiam Belcher
Duncan BellNigel BezaniDane Blacker
Tom BillupsNeil BoobyerBilly BostonAled BrewJonathan BryantBrent CockbainRichie CollinsMacauley CookCrispin CormackSven CronkGavin DaceyKristian DaceyBrett DaveyTommy DavidMefin DaviesSeb DaviesWill Davies-KingChris DicomidisCorey DomachowskiIan EvansJarrod EvansDai Flanagan
Taufaʻao Filise Dan GodfreyIan GoughGraham GittinsMason GradyMike GriffithsCory HillSam HobbsSimon HumberstoneDafydd JamesWill JamesLee JarvisEllis JenkinsGethin JenkinsNeil JenkinsPhil JohnPaul JohnWillGriff JohnGary JonesKingsley JonesPaul KnightTavis KnoyleDillon LewisGeraint LewisJason LewisSteele LewisShane Lewis-Hughes
Nicky LittleChristian LoaderDafydd Lockyer
Jan Machacek
Christian MartinJonathan MasonNiko MatawaluDale McIntoshKevin MorganMatthew NutthallWayne O'ConnorMichael OwenSonny ParkerRichard Parks
Sion Parry Bob PenberthyGreg ProsserMatthew ReesPat RiordanRussell RobinsMark RowleyMatthew ScreechRhys ShellardRobert SidoliMorgan StoddartNathan StrongCeri SweeneyNgalu Ta'u
Tu TamaruaEdward TreharneFe'ao VunipolaDamien WelchTomos WilliamsMartyn WilliamsGareth WyattThomas Young| Year | Date | Opponent | Result | Score | Tour |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | 26 September |  Romania | Lost | 3–9 | 1979 Romania rugby union tour of Wales[47] |
| 1981 | 1 December |  Australia | Lost | 3–6 | 1981–82 Australia tour of Britain & Ireland[48] |
| 1985 | 10 April |  Spain | Won | 6–4 | 1985 Spain tour of Wales[2] |
| 1988 | 8 November |  Samoa | Lost | 22–23 | 1988 Western Samoa rugby union tour of Britain and Ireland[49] |
| 1994 | 22 November |  South Africa | Lost | 3–9 | 1994 South Africa rugby union tour of Britain and Ireland[2] |
| 1995 | 4 November | Fiji | Won | 31–13 | 1995 Fiji tour of Wales[50] |
| 1997 | 7 January | United States | Lost | 13–15 | 1997 United States rugby union tour of Wales[2] |
| 1998 | 10 January |  Namibia | Won | 34–3 | WRU Challenge Cup International Invitational[51] |
| 1999 | 23 January | Canada | Won | 52–10 | WRU Challenge Cup International Invitational[2] |
| 1999 | 27 January |  Georgia | Won | 69–7 | WRU Challenge Cup International Invitational[2] |
| 1999 | 18 August | Canada | Won | 20–6 | 1999 Canada tour of Wales[2] |
With the loss of their extremely successful Academy set up that was handed over to their Cardiff rivals by the WRU, Pontypridd RFC re-formed a Youth side in 2006, coached by Sean Oliver and Wayne Gristock (formerlyPorth Harlequins RFC).
Starting in the bottom division of the Blues league, the side made progress that saw them earn the nickname the 'Upstarts', when after a successful first season that saw them promoted seven divisions to the BB League (Blues Second Division).
The following season saw the formation of a second Youth team who again had to start in the bottom league and were coached by former Pontypridd players Dai Legge and Mike Kelleher. By the end of the 2007/8 season both youth teams had won their respective leagues outright and earned automatic promotion, with the senior youth now playing in the top division in only their third season since forming. Several youth players have gained honours, including representative honours with Welsh Crawshays and Welsh Schoolboys, with players in the Cardiff Blues Academy and several older players now training with Pontypridd RFC's senior team.
Behind this youth setup is the Pontypridd Mini & Junior Section that was formed in 1997, the section started out with just a handful of junior players and volunteer coaches, but has grown into one of the biggest junior sections in Wales. The section contains every age group from under 7s to under 16s, with the youth sides containing players under the age of 19; with almost 300 young players in their ever-swelling ranks. The section has been successful, winning multiple tournaments and competing successfully in international tournaments throughout Europe.
At the commencement of the 2008–09 season, it was decided that both Senior and Junior Youth teams would merge, forming a large and capable new Pontypridd Youth section. The new season will see a single squad of 35 players being selected, playing in the 2008–09 RAF Youth League: Blues Region. The squad is coached by Wayne Gristock and Sean Oliver, and managed by Chris Kingsbury MBE.
Prior to the commencement of the 2010–11 season, notification was given of a major change in the running of the Youth section, as it was decided that the section would transfer from the hands of the Mini & Junior Rugby section, and would instead fall under the remit of the senior Team Management. The hope is to discover new stars of the future, who will regularly train alongside the main body of the senior XV, echoing the past achievements of the Pontypridd Youth setup in bringing Michael Owen, Gethin Jenkins and Ceri Sweeney, amongst others, to the attention of the World.[52]
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