In memoriam – Carl Smith

Pontypridd RFC are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player Carl Smith. We wish to pay our respects to Carl through Club Historian Alun Granfield who has written a touching tribute in his memory. Carl represented Ponty with distinction during his time at Sardis Road.

Everyone at Pontypridd RFC would like to pass on its sincerest condolences to Carl’s family and friends at this extremely sad time.

Carl Smith, a tribute –

The club has just heard that one of Pontypridd’s great former players has died. Carl Smith joined us at the start of the 1980-81 season and played 93 games for our club over the next three seasons, scoring 21 tries. At the end of the 1978-79 season Pontypridd had lost the services of arguably the best No. 8 in Wales at the time, Chris Seldon, who was constantly overlooked by the Welsh selectors and decided to try his luck in rugby league with St. Helens. Chris left a huge hole in our side, and it was difficult to see who could fill it. Then along came Carl.

When he came to us Carl had spent 10 years with Cardiff playing 235 times, and a recent Cardiff website published a list of the greatest uncapped XV that the club could have put out, and Carl Smith was in it at No. 8. He could play at either No. 8 or at lock and the site said that he “was a fearsome sight on a rugby field” and simply a fantastic player and a great athlete. Very true!

I understand that part of the reason that he left Cardiff was that they wanted him to play regularly at lock, and Carl felt that he still had a lot to offer in the back row. His career with Pontypridd proved him correct. He had power and pace, was great in defence and attack, and never shirked the hard stuff. He is remembered by us not so golden oldies at Pontypridd with great affection and respect and the club sends its condolences to Carl’s family on their huge loss.

Alun Granfield

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