"We are here to fight" - End of season open letter from Pontypool RFC CEO

Dear Pontypool RFC supporter,

As you may now be aware, today's victory for RGC 1404 over Glynneath RFC confirms that Pontypool RFC has sadly not achieved promotion to the Principality Premiership division next season. Tragically, we have fallen just two points short of achieving the objective we set as a club since its unfortunate demotion back in 2012.

On behalf of everybody at Pontypool RFC, we offer our warmest congratulations to Merthyr RFC, Swansea RFC, Bargoed RFC and RGC 1404 on earning promotion to the revised Principality Premiership next season. You are all fully deserving of the opportunity to compete at the highest level of Welsh club rugby and we wish you every success in your new adventure.

Naturally, we are all saddened that we will not be joining the sixteen teams in the Principality Premiership next season, but I am exceptionally proud of how everybody at our rugby club has responded to the disappointment.

Our newly appointed head coach, Leighton Jones - together with the ever-loyal Shaun Rees and Emily Buckley - have done a tremendous job of galvanising everybody within the club this past week. As a result of their efforts, I am delighted to share that the club has retained over 90% of the current playing squad for next season.

This reflects just what a fantastic group of people we have representing Pontypool RFC on a daily basis. From the staff - to the squad - to the volunteers - the club has a family-like environment that simply cannot be replicated and we will not be defined by this current setback.

So this is our pledge to you - the Pooler faithful. We are here to fight. We are here to win.

We will do everything in our power to claim the SSE SWALEC Championship title for as many seasons as it takes to earn our place in the Principality Premiership the right way.

My father, Peter, and me, are here for the fight. Our head coach is here for the fight. Our management team is here for the fight. Our medical team is here for the fight. Our squad is here for the fight. Our volunteers are here for the fight.

We simply ask that you will stay with us, together, for the fight.

Over the next few weeks, the club will make a series of positive announcements - including launching our 2016/17 season ticket pages - that will reaffirm our commitment to moving forward with drive and ambition.

The future is bright for Pontypool RFC and I have every confidence that we will look back on this experience with huge positivity.

Until then, I must simply thank you for your continued support and I wish you a safe and enjoyable close season.

Ben Jeffreys.