A Century And Out For Bobby

Pontypridd RFC can confirm that hooker Rob Jones will depart the Club now that the 2024/25 season has come to its conclusion. A massive fan-favourite, Bobby made his debut for the Valley Commandos on 27th October 2018 when he came off the bench in a home game against Cross Keys, and he of course made his 100th appearance last Saturday against Merthyr. Rob also has also scored an impressive 27 tries during his century of appearances for Pontypridd.

A Rhondda boy, Rob represented his local club Treorchy from junior to youth level, stepping up to the senior squad in 2007. An opportunity to play at Premiership level with Cross Keys followed in 2016 before he made the move to Pontypridd in 2018 and has been a key member of the Ponty pack ever since. Rob departs Ponty to return to his hometown club Treorchy ahead of next season.

Looking back with extreme fondness on his time at Sardis Road, Rob said: “Seven years ago I joined Pontypridd RFC and I would never have imagined playing 100 games for such a prestigious club. To train with likes of Ceri Sweeney, Daf Locks, Dico and Shelley as the club legends they are was surreal. But then also to have played with current Welsh internationals Dom (Corey Domachowski) and Azza (Keiron Assiratti) was also a brilliant experience.

Every year has been challenging fighting for position and that never stopped with the calibre of players Ponty attracts. To finish this year lifting the cup in the national stadium was probably the biggest highlight with my friends and family in the stands. My two boys watching there with my partner Kate who have always supported me throughout. This year’s squad has been as tight as a group I’ve ever played with – they are a really good bunch of boys who can hopefully punch on from this year and win the league next year. I’d just like to say thank you also to all the medical staff throughout the years who have kept me from falling apart and the biggest thank you to the supporters. Every time I walked out on Sardis was special. Hearing the roar of the crowd who always turned up give you that extra 10%.

My decision to return to Treorchy my hometown club didn’t come lightly, but I want to have the opportunity to play at Treorchy whilst I still can and hopefully help them out next year in the championship. Ponty will always have special memories for me and reaching 100 caps I’m very proud of that. Hopefully I can get to 200 for my hometown club now! Bobby and out.”

Ponty Head Coach Kristian Parker commented: “Where do I start, what a servant Bobby has been to the club. The bloke has given his all every time he has pulled on that jersey, leading from the front and showing his class. It sums him up as a person that he is now moving on back to his hometown club to help them out and share some of his wisdom in nurturing the next crop of players.

It was fitting that he got to his 100th game on the weekend and something he deserves to take away. I know he’s a proud man so to have his family there meant a lot.

It’s been a pleasure to share the field with him and I know the other boys think so too – you’ll be missed Bob!”

Pontypridd RFC would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Rob for all his efforts and commitment to the Club over the last seven years. We would also like to wish him and his family all the very best for future as well.

All The Best Bobby

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