Pontypool RFC is pleased to announce the signing of Dragons Academy back row, Sam Scarfe, as the club continues to prepare for the return of league rugby.
The 17-year-old prospect joins the club with an already packed CV. Scarfe started his rugby development with Penallta RFC youth before later going on to represent Coleg Gwent. He was part of the team that beat Coleg y Cymoedd 14-8 to win the Welsh School and Colleges Rugby trophy in 2020 under the stewardship of Pooler captain, Scott Matthews and former backs coach, Matthew Jones.
Scarfe also represented Wales U18s up until March 2020, before all rugby activity was suspended due to the on-going impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside his national team duties, Scarfe has represented Dragons Academy since U16s and he will continue to ply his trade for the region alongside his development at Pooler.
“I’m delighted to be joining Pontypool RFC at such a positive time in the club’s history,” said Scarfe. “The history of the club is second to none and the opportunity to represent such a renowned club is a fantastic opportunity.
“I’ve spent a lot of time being coached by Scott Matthews and I’m really looking forward to working with him again. We enjoyed a lot of success together at Coleg Gwent and to play alongside him and the rest of the team will be brilliant.
“Pooler is an ambitious club and I look forward to meeting the team and hopefully playing my part in helping the club gain promotion back to the Premiership.”
A key part of the success Pontypool RFC has enjoyed under the leadership of head coach, Leighton Jones, has been the emphasis placed on giving younger players an opportunity to develop alongside senior members of the team and through close partnerships with neighbouring clubs. Scarfe’s arrival signifies the continuation of this ethos.
On Scarfe adding to the ranks at Pooler, Jones said: “Sam is a really exciting prospect who has achieved a great amount at such a young age. He is a smart player and brings a great deal of physicality to his game.
“Over the last couple of seasons in particular, we’ve seen some young prospects establish themselves as mainstays within our squad and we think Sam has the potential to do the same.
“We’ve got an excellent balance of youth and experience within our team and this holds us in good stead for the future. We look forward to seeing Sam develop over the next few years and hopefully he will make his mark in the season ahead.”
