Meek continues to forge own path as Pooler prepare to head west

The first time Kieran Meek consciously realised what his father, Nigel, used to do was in his early teens. It was during his time in the Abertillery RFC youth set-up that people started to take an interest in his development and noticed he showed signs of following in his father's footsteps.

Meek jokes that his father likes to remind him of his career and his achievements from time to time, with the former hooker capped three times for Wales during his time at Pontypool Park, but Kieran is starting to create a legacy of his own. Always wanting to be a skilful fly-half as a youngster, Meek learnt his trade at Abertillery RFC and Newbridge RFC - another of his father's former clubs - before joining Pontypool RFC in 2016.

"I always wanted to join Pontypool,” said Meek. “I knew I needed to move to progress my career and when Leighton approached me about joining the club, I didn't have to think twice."

Since joining the club, Meek has played full-back, inside-centre and fly-half - his preferred position. His versatility has allowed him to develop a greater understanding of the game and enabled him to more often share the field with player-coach Matthew Jones.

Jones arrived at Pontypool Park at the same time as Meek and the duo have gone on to form an enviable 10-12 partnership for Pooler.

"Me and Matthew (Lewis) look up to him and take his advice on board. He proved against Narberth what a top class fly-half he is. He's always on hand to help me analyse bits and pieces of my game and you can't help but learn from him," said Meek.

With Jones now set for a spell on the sidelines after dislocating his thumb against the West Walians, Meek and Lewis are in line to fill the vacant number ten jersey. One of the duo is set to be this weekend's ten against Newcastle Emlyn RFC, as the club return to action for the first time since defeating Narberth RFC 55-8 on the 6th October.

"Our mental attitude and want to win was spot on against Narberth,” said Meek. “We dominated them in every aspect, be that scrum, line-out or in attack. They would have arrived at Pontypool Park in a confident mood, but we showed what we're about as a team.

"It was horrible what happened to Matthew, but me and Matthew (Lewis) are prepared to step in. We both have a lot of experience at outside-half, so it will just be about us adapting to the demands of the role once again," said Meek.

The current campaign has already seen Meek reach the significant milestone of 50 appearances for Pooler. In recognition of reaching the milestone away against Beddau RFC in September, Meek led out Pooler with son Kaylun before the derby day victory against Newbridge RFC the following weekend.

With the club containing a number of players who have followed in the footsteps of a family member in playing for the club, the Blaina native doesn't rule out Kaylun making it three generations of the Meek family to pull on the famous red, white and black jersey.

"Leading the team out with Kaylun was a very proud moment for me and my family," said Meek. "He shows signs of interest in rugby, but he is more into football at the moment. Every time he comes to watch a game he seems to enjoy himself and he loved running out with me against Newbridge. Hopefully he will play rugby in the future as it would be nice to see him play for Pontypool one day."