Five years ago, my father made the decision to save Pontypool RFC from financial ruin after the club’s ill-fated court case against the Welsh Rugby Union ended in defeat.
Neither of us ever intended to get involved in club rugby administration, but it was obvious that had my father not made the financial commitment back in December 2012, then Pontypool RFC would have likely been consigned to the history books forever.
It has been an incredible journey over the past five years and together we have experienced a whole myriad of emotions during that time.
Naturally, the disappointment of narrowly missing out on promotion to the Principality Premiership back in 2015 was probably our lowest moment, but our subsequent resurgence and the stability we currently enjoy has made all of that heartache an absolutely worthwhile experience.
Our National Cup second round victory over Cardiff RFC is something we’ll treasure forever in particular. That was a truly memorable evening.
When we joined the club, we set two very clear objectives. The first was to bring stability and the second was to take this club back to the Principality Premiership.
Having achieved the first, we remain absolutely focussed and determined to achieve the second.
None of what we have achieved and continue to aspire to deliver in the future would be at all possible without the club’s rugby management, squad and volunteers. We have so many tremendous people who are playing their part in representing Pontypool RFC with pride and professionalism and I hope you know just how grateful we are for your efforts.
And everything we strive to achieve at Pontypool RFC is done with you as supporters in mind - our 16th man - the Pooler Army. You have all been so very supportive of everybody at the club, during the good times and the bad and we are exceptionally grateful for your support.
It’s no secret that I have personally been struggling with some personal issues over the past few years, particularly with depression and OCD. This club and the people who work, volunteer and support it have been so kind to me during that time. That level of kindness literally saved my life and helped me find my way out of the darkness I was experiencing.
And it is that kindness that will continue to drive me to ensure that we take this club back to where it belongs.
There are obviously many things happening within the political and structural world of Welsh rugby at this present moment. We currently have no idea where the club’s future sits beyond next season and have received no indication from the Welsh Rugby Union as to when we will learn of the future structure.
But you have my word that no matter what happens - whether we are afforded Premiership rugby or not - we won’t abandon the club and we will continue to serve it with the commitment it deserves.
Thank you all once again for your support.
Ben.