Last weekend James Hussey joined Kieran Meek and Jordan Thomas in becoming one of only three members of the current Pontypool RFC squad to have followed in the footsteps of a family members in playing for the club.
While Meek, who joined the club from Newbridge RFC in 2016, emulated his father, Nigel, who played for Pooler during the 1990s, Thomas has followed in the footsteps of his father, Paul and grandfather Derrick, who played for the club during the 1990s and 1970s respectively.
Hussey's uncle, David, played for the club between 1980 and 1984, played on the wing during the famous Ray Prosser era and scored an impressive 55 tries in 86 games for Pooler. His nephew plays a direct style of rugby from centre, with his powerful running and carries causing opposition defences problems. No doubt his uncle would have been happy to have seen the family link to the club reestablished 34 years after he left.
"I'm very proud to be following in his footsteps," said Hussey. "I know he was part of a successful chapter in the club's history and hopefully we can enjoy similar success over the next few years."
The game against Tata Steel RFC, the club's first home fixture of the season, was a tight affair with Pooler running out 8-3 victors. Hussey played the full 80 minutes and would have been pleased to have played a role in Pooler's only try of the game, carrying hard in the build-up to Scott Matthews' score as Leighton Jones' side continued their winning start to the season.
Pooler have been searching for their best form over the opening weeks of the season, but Hussey is still pleased with what the team has achieved. "We are determined to find top gear, we are working really hard in training and are striving to get better.
"When I reflect on our opening fixtures, we have still gone to Ystrad Rhondda, who had not lost at home for two years and won and beaten a tough Tata Steel side who won their opening fixture by a margin of almost 40 points.
"We know the performance is not quite there yet, we want to be a Premiership team and unless we perform like one, we are not going to be happy," said Hussey.
This weekend the club travels to face Lee Jarvis' Beddau. The Mount Pleasant Park side have started their season with two narrow defeats to Narberth and Bedlinog and will be determined to register their first victory of the season when Pooler come to town.
"They will be a well coached, physical side. Every team we play, it tends to be their cup final, so we are prepared for a tough game," said Hussey. "I'm really pleased to have retained my place in the side and with it set to be a dry day, we are looking forward to what should be an exciting game."
