James, Rhys

Originally from the Cynon Valley town of Aberdare, Rhys moved eastwards to play his senior rugby with division one club Merthyr.

Offering a significant physical presence as a front row anchorman with his six foot two, nineteen stone frame, Rhys coped well in taking on more experienced opponents in the hard nosed contests of Welsh league rugby.

As Pontypridd looked to bolster their tight five options in preparation for the 2006/07 premiership campaign, Rhys was taken on as a senior squad member, having impressed as a summer trialist.

Finding his options limited at Sardis Road, Rhys moved to Merthyr at the end of the 2006/07 season before joining Bedwas in 2009.