In conversation with - Richard Sheppeard

A product of the Pontypridd Schoolboy and Youth system, Richard made his debut for the club in March 1988 against Glamorgan Wanderers. Between 1988 and 1994, Richard played in total 68 times for the club, scoring 20 tries.

Richard had an extremely successful schoolboy rugby career, having been capped at Welsh schools under 15’s, under 18’s, under 21’s, Welsh Universities and Crawshays.

Richard, you joined Pontypridd just as the Clive and Chris Jones era took off. What in your opinion did they bring to the club to make it the success it was?

They both brought a new way of thinking to the club, a “New Zealand” attitude. The club became more professional in its outlook and gained a renewed confidence. We had some very good players, real characters and under Clive and Chris, we gelled to become a force in Welsh rugby.

Your favourite players?

At Ponty, it has to be Stella, learnt so much and was a privilege playing alongside him. My all time favourite player though was Joe Stanley.

Your favourite game?

My first game for the club (and getting my first match day fee of £25 after the game!)

I’ve always enjoyed the midweek floodlight home games against Cardiff and the away games on Boxing Day. These games especially generate an atmosphere that was unique. My first time of experiencing this, I was playing for Cardiff, where I set up the equalising try by Steve Ford!

Best Moments with the club?

Going on tour with Ponty and the Kangaroo Courts (but what goes on tour, stays on tour!)

How did your rugby career go after Ponty?

My last game for the club was against Mountain Ash in March 1994. I played a couple of years for UWIC, where I captained the team. After qualifying from UWIC, I played for Treorchy, Caerphilly and Merthyr, before a back injury ended my playing career.

Following this I went into coaching, firstly at Merthyr then at Llantwit Fardre alongside Justin Burnell. Currently I’m coaching Cilfynydd alongside long time friend and ex Ponty player Ioan Jones.

I’ve also coached Cynon Valley schools, where over the past few years I’ve overseen the development of current players Daf Lockyer, Rhys Williams, Jon Williams and Dean Gunter.

Your views on Ponty RFC today?

Whenever I’ve been able to get across to Sardis, there is still a good atmosphere, and the club always makes itself welcome to its past players. Also it’s good to meet up with old friends every now and again. The only shame is that there is no real region that the valleys can really associate themselves with. Ponty is and has been a natural focal point for this as we’ve always developed and nurtured young talent from the area.

Richard Evans