250 NOT OUT FOR SHELLARD
Saturday afternoon sees the Rhys Shellard make his 250thappearance
Hailing from Aberdare, Rhys has followed in the footsteps of his dad Mike Shellard who was part of the legendary back row who joined the Pontypridd team in 1975
Rhys started his junior rugby career with home town Aberdare and progressed through to the youth team,
With his first cap for Wales at under 16 and under 17 level , Rhys gained a fearsome reputation as a hard hitting flanker, & his route to senior rugby guiding him into the ranks of the Celtic Warriors Academy.
Playing on permit for the Abercynon senior team at 18 ,Rhys continued to impress, featuring for Wales at under 19 FIRA level in the 2004 six nations and World Cup tournaments.
Whilst studying sports science at Neath College, Rhys made a number of appearances on dual registration for Pontypridd in the Premiership, filling the blindside and openside flanker berths with the same industrious commitment that he shows today , before signing up on a permanent basis for the Sardis Road team for the 2004/2005 campaign.
Making a huge impact at premiership level during the 2004 / 2005 season, Rhys became a core member of the Wales under 21 squad, and was awarded professional regional status by the Blues Academy. Continuing his role as a dynamic openside flanker for both club and country, Rhys went on to captain the Wales under 21 team during the World Cup tournament of 2006.
Proving his ability and skill as a flank forward, Rhys was released by the Blues Academy in 2008 to join Cardiff RFC.
Placed on a contract with the Wales Sevens squad, Rhys was given the captaincy on the Dubai leg of the World Series in 2012 returned to Pontypridd for the 2012-2013 campaign.
A well respected member of the senior squad and a larger than life character,, Rhys is an integral part of the Ponty team.
Congratulations Shelly ! Heres to many more !
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