23 year-old prop Owen “Dot” Cotton played a number of games on permit for Ponty last season, and is recognised as a technically effective scrummager and a player of great potential. Standing at 6ft 2in and weighing in at 18 stone, Cotton will provide a physical edge to Ponty’s front row options.
Twenty-seven year old flanker Rhys Lloyd was an outstanding performer for the Pontypridd Academy back in the late nineties, and has since gained experience in the Premiership with Caerphilly. Hitting top form for his home town club of Ynysybwl, Lloyd was last season elected as club player of the year, players’ player of the year and supporters’ player of the year. Standing at 6ft 3in and 17 stone, Lloyd can effectively cover all positions across the back row.
Ponty Forwards Coach Dale McIntosh is delighted to bring Cotton and Lloyd on board at Sardis Road.
“Its good to bring in another couple of Bwl boys” said McIntosh “as they follow in a proud tradition, of which I might include myself as an adopted resident, Garin Jenkins, Ceri Jones and others before them. It proves that the apple never falls far from the tree.
“Cotton will bring with him enthusiasm, a scrummaging prowess and some physical bulk. Rhys brings many attributes, along with versatility and experience, which will benefit our squad greatly over the coming season.”