Darren has been instrumental in Ponty’s recent good form on three fronts with the club sitting at the top of the Principality Premiership, and in the quarter-finals of both the British & Irish Cup and SWALEC Cup.
Waters, a very popular figure with the Pontypridd faithful, has scored four tries in the Principality Premiership this season, the latest being at home to Aberavon on January 7.
The Beddau product who joined Pontypridd two seasons ago said, “On a personal level, I’m pleased with how the season has gone so far, and from a team perspective, it’s been superb. I don’t think anyone expected us to be doing so well in three competitions at the start of the season, but that is down to the coaching and the strength we have in the squad this year. We seem to be thriving on the pressure at the moment with everyone stepping up to the plate.”
Pontypridd head coach Dale McInotsh is full of praise for the player, who only switched from scrum half three years ago. He said: “Darren’s performance against Aberavon was outstanding getting over the gain line on every occasion he carried and his destructiveness in collision meant Aberavon found it difficult to gain any continuity.
“He backed this up with a great all-round performance against Doncaster in the British & Irish Cup with a superb defensive game making no less than 17 tackles and four successful jackals. He is a young dynamic player who has unbelievable energy levels and is relentless in everything he does.”
Darren Waters factfile:
Born: 14.06.85
Nickname: Shark Eyes
Most admired sportsperson Richie McCaw
Motivation: Drive to play for my country and make it as a rugby player
Education: Apprenticeship at Pontypridd College
Occupation: Bricklayer