Evans, Lee

 Hailing from the Cynon Valley town of Aberdare, Lee James Evans played for his local youth team, graduating to senior level with them, whilst also being selected for the Mid District under 20 squad during their successful cup-winning run.

In the 2002/2003 season, Lee played on dual permit for the Hirwaun senior team and for the Neath under 21s.

Making his mark as a physically imposing back rower, Lee was invited to join up with Pontypridd for the 2003/2004 season, his potential underlined by a call up to represent the Young Warriors regional development team.

A series of dogged performances in the back row for Ponty earned Lee a call up to the Blues regional Development XV in 2006, and also earned him the title of "Clubman of the Year" and "Players' Player of the Year" at the club's annual awards ceremony.

In the close season of 2008, Neath RFC made an approach to Lee, and backed by finances Ponty could simply not compete with, it was with a heavy heart that Pontypridd bade farewell to this proud Valley Commando.