PONYPOOL, South Wales, 18th June 2018 - Pontypool RFC is pleased to announce the signing of James Hussey from Bournville RFC for the club’s 2018-2019 WRU National Championship campaign.
The physical centre joins the club after spending the last two years with the Birmingham-based National 3 side. Hussey spent his formative years at the Dragons Academy before signing for Birmingham Moseley RFC in 2015, during which time he made one appearance for the professional side in the Greene King IPA Championship.
The 21-year-old's arrival at Pontypool Park will renew a proud family link with the club, with Hussey's uncle, David, representing Pooler between 1980 and 1984. He scored 55 tries in 84 appearances, including 37 tries in his first season at Pontypool Park - a then post-war club record.
"I am proud of what my uncle achieved at the club and I hope to make some history of own during my time with the side," said Hussey.
"It is really exciting to be coming back to Welsh rugby and to join a club like Pontypool at such an important period in its history makes it extra special.
“I am more than aware of how hard I will have to work to earn a chance in the first team, but I can't wait to get started and am looking forward to meeting my new teammates."
Hussey is very much a known quantity to Pontypool RFC’s backs coach, Matthew Jones, who coached the physical centre in his role as head of rugby for Cross Keys College.
On what the young back could bring to the side, he said: "The way James plays the game offers us a real alternative at inside centre. He is a ball-carrying twelve who will punch holes in opposition defences and give us some go-forward.
“However, he is not a one trick pony and has a solid passing and kicking skillset that will bring variety to our game."
"James has spent a significant portion of his career to date in professional environments and he will no doubt bring those standards and practices to the club."
