Pooler great, Ray Cheney, passes away

Ray Cheney

Pontypool RFC is deeply saddened to learn of the death of one of its former players, Ray Cheney on 12 September at the age of 82.

Born in Porth in the Rhondda, Ray started his senior rugby career with Pontypool RFC, having served his National Service in the RAF at Hereford.

His first game for the club was against Aberavon in a 16-8 home defeat on 23 March 1957.

Ray played in 37 of the 40 matches in the Championship winning season of 1958-59 scoring a then club record 169 points.

He played in the Pontypool/Cross Keys combined side that lost to South Africa (30-3) on 2 November 1960.

Ray’s last game for the club was at Neath on 16 February 1963 in a 14-0 defeat.

He went on to play for Newport (1963-1965) and then Cardiff (1965-1970).

Although a Welsh cap unfortunately eluded him, Ray was Welsh reserve on no less than 23 occasions.

He also represented Monmouthshire and Crawshay’s XV.

Ray was a very good all round sportsmen having played football for Ton Pentre in the Welsh League, won a Welsh Youth soccer cap as a centre forward and one of English football giants Tottenham Hotspur were interested in him.

He also played county cricket for Monmouthshire.

Ray’s funeral will be on Friday 5th October at 3pm at Gwent Crematorium, Croesyceiliog.

Pontypool RFC extends its deepest sympathy to Ray’s family and close friends.