His heart stopped for 17 minutes, but he survived thanks to the efforts of the club’s medical officer Pemberton who performed CPR, making use of a defibrillator he carries as part of his medical kit.
Those heroic actions have now been recognised by the Welsh Rugby Union.
Dr Pemberton, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, received the Special Recognition Award at the recent WRU Community Volunteer awards at the Principality Stadium, with WRU Community Director Geraint John making the presentation.
Speaking about what happened back in the autumn, Howells said: “I was playing a normal rugby match, a cup match for Clwb Rygbi Cymru Caerdydd.
“I suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch. My heart stopped for 17 minutes. My recovery was only possible thanks to the work our medical officer Dave Pemberton did on the day.
“He really took the lead in terms of saving my life. He performed CPR and kept a cool head in what was a really challenging and difficult situation.
“He used the defibrillator we have at the club to not only save my life, but ensure I can live a normal quality life now afterwards. There are no words I can say to thank Dave really for what he did on that day.
“It’s just thanks from me, my girlfriend, my family for everything he has done giving me a chance. Thanks on behalf of all the boys in the club as well. He showed real courage that day to step up in a difficult situation.
“I know he will say he was only doing his job, but truly from the bottom of all our hearts, thanks Dave.”
Williams doesn’t have much memory of the events that afternoon, with the next thing he remembers after suffering the cardiac arrest being waking up in hospital some three days later.
Giving his own recollections, Pemberton, who has also been involved with Pontypridd RFC for many years, said: “It was a normal game.
“I turned up as usual, I did the players’ strapping, the game kicked off, it was a normal event.
“I carry all the pitchside kit with me, make sure it’s all available, make sure it’s all working. There was nothing untoward. Then, 20 minutes in, play stopped.”
It was then Pemberton sprung into action in a bid to resuscitate Howells, whose heartbeat finally returned after seven shocks and two injections.
Reflecting on what happened, he feels there is an important message to take on board.
“The WRU has provided every club with a defibrillator,” said Pemberton. “Know where it is, have it pitch side. There’s no good having it locked in a cupboard somewhere and no-one knows where the key is.
“Hopefully you will never have to use it. I have never used one in anger before. I had to use it that day and it worked. You can do the same thing.
“Every child in school should know how to do CPR, everyone on the street should know how to do basic CPR. It’s not difficult, it’s just having the confidence to do it. You have got nothing to lose and everything to gain.”
Adding his own tribute, Clwb Rygbi Cymru Caerdydd Chairman Rhys Jones said: “Dave took charge and we all kind of followed him until the paramedics and everybody got there. I think he and the others there are the reason why Steff is here today.”
