Injury update

Just two weeks into the new season, and the impact of competitive game-time has already taken its toll on the Pontypridd squad in terms of injuries.

The latest long term casualty is wing Lewis I. Williams who was forced off in the recent home win over Crosskeys with shoulder damage. The ligament protecting the joint has detached from the bone, with the possibility of surgery being required.

Another player who might require surgery is prop Jon Williams who is struggling to respond to therapy on a long standing knee problem, and could also face a lengthy period on the sidelines.

Shorter term injuries have been incurred by a number of the Pontypridd squad over the past week.

Flanker Darren Waters has a slight tear in the calf muscle, and classed as a 50/50 chance of making a comeback before the next home game against Carmarthen. Full back Matthew Nuthall will also probably miss that encounter, held up by a hamstring strain.

Number 8 Brendan Lyons could face another two weeks recovery time to overcome a hip problem, but with outside half Simon Humberstone responding well to treatment on a badly bruised shin and hopeful of being passed fit.

There is good news to report on scrum half Garyn Lucas who was laid low with a viral infection. Garyn is now out of hospital ahead of schedule, but will need time to build up his strength before resuming contact training.

Other long term injury victims – wing Chris Clayton, centre Gavin Dacey, scrum half Rhys Downes and lock Chris Martenko - who all went under the surgeon’s knife during the summer, are making good progress ahead of time.