PONTYPOOL, South Wales, 6th September 2019 - Pontypool RFC is pleased to announce that Scott Matthews has been chosen as Pooler's new club captain ahead of what will be a pivotal 2019-2020 WRU Specsavers Championship season.
The flanker takes over the role from Rob Nash, whose superb guidance over the previous two seasons contributed to Pooler recording two successive unbeaten league campaigns and a semi-final appearance in last season’s Specsavers Cup.
Matthews joined Pooler from Cross Keys RFC last summer and enjoyed a fruitful first season at Pontypool Park. The 25-year-old back-rower quickly established himself as a key member of the side, making 19 appearances and scoring an impressive ten tries in the process.
On being named the club's new captain, Matthews said: "It is a huge honour for me and a role I will take extremely seriously. You only have to look at the captain's board at Pontypool Park to see the quality individuals that have come before me. I'm not daunted by the challenge and I'm relishing the opportunity to lead Pooler into another vitally important season.
"Despite being captain, we have a number of leaders in the squad. When you look around the changing room, there are scores of players with huge amounts of experience and I will be looking for their input over the next twelve months.
"It will also be a huge benefit to me to have Rob as part of the squad. He is a respected member of the group and will continue to play a vital role. We go into the new season in a strong position."
Matthews' appointment to the role of captain is one that head coach, Leighton Jones, is pleased with as he and his management prepares the squad for their opening league game of the season at home to Beddau RFC this weekend.
"Scott is a quality performer who enjoyed an impressive first season at the club," said Jones. "He has the respect of the squad and I have no doubts that he will be an excellent captain. Despite his relatively young age, he has a wealth of experience and has been there and done it when it comes to the club game in Wales.
"I would like to place on record my thanks to Rob Nash. He has been outstanding captain for us over the last two seasons and will continue to be a key member of the squad throughout the coming twelve months.
“We now have everything in place for another tilt at promotion and we look forward to getting the season underway at home to Beddau tomorrow."
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Pontypool RFC, Pontypool Park, Pontypool, South Wales, NP4 8AT
