Flanagan, Dai

A native of Cefn Hengoed in the Rhymney Valley, David Flanagan played at junior level for Ystrad Mynach. Whilst a pupil at the local Lewis Pengam Boys' school, Dai was capped at under 16 Youth level for Wales, his immense promise as an influential outside half earning him a call up to the Pontypridd Academy, at only seventeen years of age, in 2002. Playing against older and more physically mature opponents, Dai continued to impress, giving credence to the adage of "an old head on young shoulders."

Having just turned eighteen, Dai's meteoric rise through the ranks continued with a call up to the Pontypridd senior squad for the 2003/2004 season, showing supreme confidence in his ability to cope with the demands of life in the premier division. Putting in some outstanding match winning performances, Dai's huge potential as a pivot well capable of marshalling his back line, was rewarded with a call up to the Wales FIRA under 19 squad for the Six Nations championship, and World Cup tournament in South Africa, in the spring of 2004, with the additional honour of captaining the team.

Having figured for the Warriors Academy, Dai was also selected to tour South Africa with the regional development team in the summer of 2004, all this whilst having just completed his 'A' levels at school.

Becoming the pivot of Ponty's midfield play in the club's premier division campaigns, Dai went on to achieve further international honours with Wales at under 21 level, and at the commencement of the 2005 - 2006 season, achieveing full time regional academy status with the Blues.

The ensuing season proved to be another successful one for the unassuming "Dai Flan", gaining further caps for Wales at under 21 level, making a senior regional debut for the Blues, and cooly slotting over an injury time drop goal to clinch the Konica Minolta Cup for Ponty at the Millennium Stadium. Dai then progressed from Academy status to senior registration with the Blues.

Whilst establishing himself as a regional player, and gaining further international honours with Wales Sevens, Dai remained linked to his club Pontypridd, released to play in their Premiership campaign when available.

Dai departed Sardis Road in the summer of 2010, as a contract with the Ospreys region was signed, and his link to Pontypridd via the Blues evaporated. He leaves with the fondest of farewells from the legions of Pontypridd supporters - remembered as a quiet, unassuming but shining presence on the field of play.