PONTYPOOL, South Wales, 12th September 2018 - Pontypool RFC is pleased to announce that Leighton Jones has been appointed as head coach of Pontypool Schools Under-15s and will combine this role with his existing club duties.
Jones has not only been instrumental in overseeing Pontypool RFC claim two successive WRU National Championship titles, but has also earned plaudits for developing youth players in his role as Rugby Officer at West Monmouth School.
“It is a huge honour to be joining the team at Pontypool Schools Under-15s at such an exciting time,” said Jones. “There has recently been a lot of alterations within the organisation and there is a renewed drive to providing an environment that will see players develop in the right way.
“Our role is to ensure we provide a structure that allows children to enjoy playing their rugby and to provide enthusiasm and encouragement at all times.
“There is so much talent emerging in the Torfaen area and I am confident we have a group of people who will ensure that these prospects will continue to grow in the coming years.”
Jones’ appointment forms part of a wider drive that will see Pontypool Schools Under-15s be based at Pontypool Park and receive on-going support from Pontypool RFC, both on-and-off the field. It also marks the next step in the club's continued efforts to reengage with age-grade and youth rugby in the area, after the successful introduction of the club’s community initiative last year.
For Pontypool Schools under-15s finance coordinator, Wayne Gregory, the appointment of Jones and greater alignment with Pontypool RFC is a welcome development.
"It hasn't been an easy last few years for the Pontypool Schools Under-15s set-up, but I feel confident that things will only go from strength-to-strength now that Leighton and the club as a whole are on board,” said Gregory. "The group will benefit greatly from Leighton's abilities as a coach and from his whole network of resource on and off the field. Hopefully this is the beginning of a long-term relationship and the boys fully appreciate and grasp the opportunity they are being offered."
