Two new additions to the squad have been announced this week, both players being young front rowers drafted in from neighbouring Valley clubs.
Prop John Williams joins up with Pontypridd from Aberdare, the 20-year-old loose head having been capped by Wales at Youth level in both union and league codes. Hooker Thomas Hetherington has impressed for Ystrad Rhondda under the mentorship of former Ponty stalwart Mike Griffiths, having previously played for Treorchy. The 24-year-old formerly played at open-side flanker, and trialled with Pontypridd in that position, before making the conversion to hooker.
Both Williams and Hetherington have made their mark in pre-season training with Ponty this summer, and have been rewarded by being drafted into the club’s senior squad.
A number of trialists continue to vie for a remaining place in the Pontypridd squad, with cover required in the open-side flanker position. Sam Studley from Llanharan, and formerly of Ponty Youth, Rhys Watkins from Caerphilly, Matthew Rees from Merthyr and Darren Walters from Beddau are all in contention for a placement with Pontypridd
