The 25-year-old, once-capped Cardiff Blues second row has been helping guide the forwards at the club where it all began for him over the past couple of seasons. But the ex-Swansea and Ospreys lock has now decided to take a step back in order to concentrate solely on his own game next season.
“Bonymaen is a special place to me, it’s where I grew up playing from the age of seven and it’s a big part of who I am,” said Thornton.
“And, for me, it’s not the club, the pitch or the changing rooms that makes it special, it’s the people, the players, coaches, staff, committee and supporters that makes it special.”
There were some kind words towards Thornton, too, from the club he says he loves so much. He was on the touchline at the Principality Stadium with them last year when they reached the final of the WRU National Plate.
“We would like to take the opportunity to thank Rory. As his professional rugby career takes flight, it means he can’t fully commit to the club, which is a great loss to us,” said team manager, Dai Allen.
“Rory has been instrumental in how the boys play and perform and epitomises what Bonymaen is all about. He will always be a Bonymaen boy and everyone at the club wishes him all the best in the future – we are thankful for what he has helped the club achieve.”
Just under 12 months ago, Thornton was part of the coaching set-up, headed by Stuart Allen, that helped steer Bony to the Principality Stadium where they were only narrowly pipped to WRU National Plate glory by Brecon.
The 2019-20 campaign was shaping up to be a hugely successful one too with the club sitting top of Division 1 West Central before the coronavirus shutdown and the WRU’s subsequent decision to cancel the season. The club was also through to the semi-finals of the Glamorgan County Silver Ball.
“Obviously this season didn’t end the way we had hoped, but we understand why,” continued Dai Allen, brother of head coach Stu.
“We were happy with how the season was going and were top of the league, although had some very competitive games to go against teams who no doubt would have pushed us all the way. The highlight was having a squad of 40 something players always putting 100 per cent on and off the pitch.
“That team ethic, camaraderie and positive morale aided the seconds in winning the WRU Conference Central League with a 100 per cent record – and just shows how a squad who train together as one whole team yield the results on the pitch. It also leaves us on good footing and we’re already planning for next season.”
Meanwhile, one memorable moment of the season came for the wrong reason back on 29 February when, during their 24-17 league win at Ammanford, Bony’s Nathan Eager suffered a horrific leg injury.
“We would like to say a big thank you to the physio and members of Ammanford RFC for the way that they helped and looked after Nathan,” said Allen.
“We were supported magnificently by the opposition’s medical team until an ambulance arrived. This highlighted what rugby is all about.
“Since the injury our chairman Richard Scannell and the committee reviewed our medical equipment, purchasing vital extensions to what we already had. We would also like say massive thank you to all the supporters who follow us wherever we play and make a difference to the boys on the pitch; they really are our 16th player.
“Thank you to all the people who help behind the scenes including the committee, our physios, bar staff and everyone else who helps run our special club.”
Looking ahead to next season, Bonymaen have announced they will also be re-launching a youth team after a lot of work behind the scenes.
