Thank you Mikey!

Thank you Mikey!

We’re saddened to confirm that Mikey Herbert will leave the club at the end of the season. Mikey and his wife, Lauren, have an amazing opportunity and will spend the next year travelling across the world.

Mikey epitomises everything about Pontypool. His hard work ethic and ‘never say die’ attitude meant it was destiny for him to become our leader on the pitch, particularly given there were some that told Mike he wasn't big enough to succeed - He sure proved them wrong!!

He’s been captain for two season and has scored 29 tries across his 120 league & cup appearances since making his debut in 2017, having come through the ever impressive production line at Pontypool United. Always smiling off the pitch in stark contrast to his fierce attitude once he crosses the whitewash, he's earned respect from everyone who's shared a pitch with him.

It’s with a heavy heart that we say good bye to Mikey, for now at least, but we wish him and Lauren the very best on their travels. Go well both

Mikey paid tribute and said ‘When I joined Pontypool in 2017 as a 20-year-old local lad, I had no idea what the next few years would hold. It’s ended up being a massive part of mine and my family’s life, full of memories and people I’ll never forget.

I’ve been lucky enough to meet, and play alongside, some unbelievable people along the way. From my brothers on the pitch, to the coaches, staff, volunteers, and of course, Pete the kit man. All of whom make this club the special club it is today.

A massive thanks must go to Leighton, who brought me into the club and gave me the privilege of becoming captaining. It’s something I’ll never take for granted, and to have my name on the Captain’s board is something I’ll be forever proud of.

This season has been a tough one for me personally, being out for the majority of it with a long-term injury. It’s been hard mentally and not how I wanted things to go, but that’s rugby. A big thank you to Tom, Ashley, Craig, Bettsy and all the physios for the support this year, it’s got me through. Credit as well to Meeky, Joel, Morgs and Scotty for stepping up whilst I was injured, the club is in good hands.

To the Pooler Army, thank you. The support over the years has meant so much. It’s been an absolute pleasure to share so many great moments with you and you’ve been there every step of the way.

A special thank you to my wife, Lauren, my biggest supporter. For putting up with all the highs and lows of sport, the late-night taxi runs after a social, and all the moaning about how much I’m aching… I couldn’t have done it without you.

I’ll be following from afar next season, but I’ll be keeping a close eye on how things are going. The squad is looking strong, and I’m confident we’ll be back to winning ways.

Pontypool RFC will always be a huge part of me’