PONTYPOOL, South Wales, 21st August 2019 - Pontypool RFC is pleased to announce the signing of Duan Thomas from the Dragons Academy, with the start of the 2019-2020 WRU Specsavers Championship now just weeks away.
The 19-year-old centre/wing joins the club after a busy 2018-2019 season that saw him train with the Dragons Celtic Cup squad, before featuring for both Bargoed RFC and Newport RFC. The Pontypool-born youngster played for Pontypool United RFC Youth before joining the Dragons Academy in 2017.
On joining Pooler, Thomas said: "Living in the Pontypool area has given me the long-held ambition to someday play for Pontypool RFC. Having met with Leighton, I was instantly impressed with the professional attitude at the club and it helped me make my decision to commit my future here pretty quickly. I know a few of the boys in the squad from previous clubs and Scott Matthews used to be my coach at Crosskeys College, so it will be nice to play alongside him.
"Everyone has been aware of the club's ambition to return to the Indigo Premiership and they came so close last season. I'm still at the start of my career and have a lot of growth left in me as a player, but I hope I can contribute as much as possible to what will be a crucial campaign for the club.”
Thomas' arrival further accentuates the growing youthful feel to Pooler’s back division, with backs coach, Tom Hancock, being well aware of his potential.
"Duan is an exciting prospect and a player we're pleased to bring to the club,” said Hancock. “His versatility is a real plus point, as the ability to play in more than one position will not only aid his growth as a player, but also provide us with more options.
"We now have a core of young and in most cases, local lads, challenging for spots in our backline and that is great news for the future of the club.
"He is a skilful player, who I look forward to working with over the coming seasons. He likes to play an expansive and open style of rugby, which fits perfectly with our outlook on the game.”
Have you purchased your Pontypool RFC season ticket yet? If not, you still have time! Please click here for more information on how to join the #PoolerArmy for the 2019-2020 WRU National Championship season!
