Pontypool, South Wales - Pontypool RFC today announces that Head Coach, Louie Tonkin, will not return to the club next season after reaching a mutual agreement with the club’s management to pursue other opportunities.
Tonkin joined Pooler in May 2015 and presided over the club’s most successful SSE SWALEC Championship campaign to date by amassing 94 points over 26 games.
“I am saddened that my time with Pontypool RFC has come to an end but I have massively enjoyed the experience of representing such a proud and storied club,” said Tonkin.
“I would like to thank everybody at Pontypool RFC, particularly the Jeffreys family for providing me with this opportunity.
“The players, staff and supporters have also been exceptional and I am massively grateful for their dedication throughout the entirety of the season.
“I am convinced that Pontypool RFC will accomplish its goal of bringing Principality Premiership rugby back to Pontypool Park and I wish the club every success in achieving this in the future."
On Tonkin’s departure, Pontypool RFC Chief Executive Officer, Ben Jeffreys, said: “Louie has been a tremendous servant to Pooler and he leaves the club with our sincerest well wishes.
“We started the season with the objective of earning promotion to the Principality Premiership and whilst achieving that goal is now out of our hands, the structures Louie leaves behind will ensure that the club loses no momentum in making preparations for next season.
“Louie remains a friend to everybody at Pontypool RFC and we wish him every success in his future career aspirations.
Pontypool RFC will announce its newly appointed Head Coach on Wednesday and will continue to provide details on arrangements for next season in the coming weeks.