The 25 year old Ynysybwl product impressed throughout the month, helping Pontypridd to wins over Carmarthen Quins and Llandovery in the first Principality Premiership Tier One games, and Newport in the National Cup quarter-finals.
Forklift driver Stuckey believes the side are in a good position to kick on, now that they’ve found some form. “I think we’ve turned a corner since the split in the Premiership. We’ve got a few players back from injury, and the backs have been able to kick on thanks to an improved forward platform.”
Pontypridd made it through to the National Cup Final after beating Cross Keys on Saturday but Stuckey stressed the club, who are currently sitting on top of the Tier One table with Merthyr away on the weekend, have their sights on both Cup and League.
“We are definitely determined to go all the way in both Cup and the Principality Premiership. Now that we’ve got to the Cup final, we need to take each League game as it comes to ensure we are in the top four in May.”
Stuckey’s short term ambitions are firmly with the Sardis Road side. “I’m enjoying my rugby at the moment and I just want to keep working hard to consolidate my place on the team sheet and trying to make an impact for the team. You always want to get to the highest possible level and I’d love to play for the Region. I’ve had some time with Wales Sevens development squad and I’d like to get back involved with the set up if I can.
Dale, who has been with Pontypridd for three seasons, pays tribute to coach Gareth Wyatt, a former Pontypridd wing legend himself as someone who has really brought him on. “I grew up watching Gareth play for Ponty and now he’s been a fantastic influence for me as a coach. He gives me clips to watch in order to improve and he’s always on my shoulder if I need anything.”
Sara David, Pontypridd Branch Manager at Principality Building Society, said: “Congratulations to Dale on winning this award. We hope he and the Pontypridd team perform well for the rest of the season.”
Dale Stuckey factfile:
Born: 9.11.91, Pontypridd
Position: wing
Club: Pontypridd
Education: Coed y Lan Comprehensive
First club: Ynysybwl
Occupation: Forklift driver for Monmouthshire Timber
Biggest influences in rugby: older brothers James and Lee
Most admired rugby player: Neil Jenkins
