Pontypridd Buoyed By International Call-ups

Pontypridd’s success in the Principality Cup and the PARKER PEN SHIELD has earned five of its players selection for the Wales tour to South Africa this summer.
Hooker Mefin Davies. flanker Richard Parks, prop Gethin Jenkins, lock Robert Sidoli and No.8 Micheal Owen have all been named in the Wales tour party who leave for Springbok country next month.
“They are playing well and people have been putting their hand up, hence people have been rewarded,” said Wales coach Steve Hansen
“You could not be anything other than impressed by Pontypridd. They have done everything that has been asked of them,” he added.
Davies was delighted that five of the Pontypridd pack will be representing Wales. He said, “It’s fantastic that there are five of us from Ponty in the squad. When you go away it’s good to know people already. You don’t want it to be like your first day in school – and this will make us all feel at home.”
Davies, the Wales A captain, is well aware that reaching two prestige finals this season has catapulted Ponty into the limelight
“I think the reason we’ve been called up is because of our performances in Europe. It has put us in the spotlight and we are all delighted to be selected for Wales,” he added.
Gethin Jenkins was another player surprised by his first senior call up. “I couldn’t believe it – I wasn’t expecting the call but when it came, I was over the moon. I had planned to book a holiday – but luckily for me, I didn’t get around to it.
“I’ve never been to South Africa, I’ve heard its beautiful, but I know the rugby’s going to tough.”
Pontypridd face Edinburgh in the Welsh/Scottish League this weekend, and then it will be all hands to the pump as they prepare for the Principality Cup final and the Parker Pen Shield final against Sale.