News

Following on from a successful players team meeting on Saturday, the club are happy to announce that the Club Captain for 2019-20 will be 2^nd row Josh Hawkins.

Josh has come through the ranks at Rhydyfelin having played for the youth before stepping up to the senior side.  In 2014 Josh decided to travel the world and left for the land of the long white cloud where he played his rugby for Ponsonby RFC.  Having completed his travels Josh returned home in 2016 where he was an integral part of our successful Division 1 title winning campaign and Silver Ball triumph.  Having impressed for the ‘The Village’ Josh soon caught the attention of Premiership outfit Pontypridd RFC.  While at Sardis Road Josh was still a regular in and around the club and returned on dual whenever possible, before making the return home permanent last season. 

We caught up with Josh and asked him a few questions on the appointment;

How do you feel to be chosen as club captain for the coming season?

It’s a huge honour and one I’m very privileged to do. Playing for Rhydyfelin alone is important to me because this is my home. My teammates here are all friends that I have grown up with. There may be one or two that are from outside the village, but they have joined our club on the back of the culture we have created here. It is a family and to be asked to lead this team is a massive opportunity. It is also a huge responsibility, but I am looking forward to the challenge.

What will you be looking to try to do as a captain?

As captain, I will be looking to unite the club. I want to create one club where there is a competitive environment, and everyone has the opportunity to stake their place in the team.  I aim to bridge the gap between the younger players coming through, the team management and the club committee. My mantra for the team this year is “no excuses” and one of the key things we discussed at the initial meeting is accountability. I know actions speak louder than words and I will follow this example by leading both on and off the field.

What’s your ambition for the season?

The boys have spoken about their goal for this season which is to win the league and aim to be successful in the cup to reach the final. This is a great attitude and shows we all want to be successful. My ambition is to get all the boys together enjoying themselves again. When we won the league previously there was a great feeling amongst all the boys. The club was full each week and we played excellent expansive rugby. This is my ambition to get that feeling back and return to the way Rhydyfelin are known for playing rugby.

Congratulations Josh from all at Rhydyfelin RFC.