Dicomidis, Chris

DOB: 14/09/1985

Height: 6ft 6in

Weight: 18st

Honours: Wales U19, Wales Universities, Wales U21, Cyprus

Chris Dicomidis is sponsored by: Mr & Mrs S & C Jones 

Biography:

Hailing from the village of Pencoed, Christopher David Dicomidis played his junior and youth rugby for Pencoed, before joining Old Penarthians at the tender age of seventeen. Chris went on to spend a season at Youth level for the nearby Tondu club, initially as a full back. Utilising his height and weight to the best effect, Chris was converted into a tight forward, and went on to represent Wales in the FIRA under 19 age group, whilst also figuring with the Warriors and then with the Blues Academies.

Studying sports and leisure management at UWIC, Chris represented the college side in the first division during the 2004/05 season, whilst making a number of appearances on permit for Pontypridd in the league and cup. Further international honours followed with the Welsh Universities.

At the commencement of the 2005 season, Chris was drafted into the Pontypridd senior squad, providing a significant physical presence in the lock and back row positions. A good run of form was rewarded with a call up to the Wales under 21 squad, for whom Chris won caps during the Six Nations campaign and the age group World Cup tournament out in France. Chris was also voted as joint recipient of the "Most Improved Player of the Year" award for 2006 by the Pontypridd Supporters' Club.

The 2008/09 season was new territory for Chris, as he was called into service at flanker during a spate of injuries, utilising his huge physical presence and rapid turn of speed to the fullest. The back row role was to become a feature of Chris' repertoire during 2009/10, as he became a solid performer at No. 8 towards the tail-end of the season. In the same season, Chris' versatility and popularity with supporters and players alike earned him both the "Player of the Year" and the "Players' Player of the Year" awards at the end of season awards ceremony.

In 2010, after five years of sterling service for Pontypridd, Chris was bestowed with the honour of the Club Captain's armband, a role he was born to play.

In late 2011, Chris was called up by Cyprus to play for his Grandfather's homeland - an opportunity he grabbed with both hands.