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3 unusual facts about Pontypool RFC


Mark Ring

He became a great crowd favourite with his hometown club but also spent a few seasons at Pontypool RFC where he formed a notable half back partnership with David Bishop (rugby, born 1960) in 1987-88 and where there were only two defeats suffered all season.

Pontypool RFC

The club's strength during its glory days was its forwards, particularly the legendary Pontypool Front Row celebrated in song by Max Boyce.

Pontypool's first international player to be capped directly from the club was Cliff Pritchard, who after playing his first games for Wales as a Newport player, joined Pontypool in 1905 and was capped as part of the 1906 Home Nations Championship.


Abercarn RFC

Abercarn RFC have produced some famous players including Paul Turner (Newport RFC, Pontypool RFC, Newport Gwent Dragons Coach) and Nathan Budgett (Wales & Bristol RFC).

Bobby Windsor

He played for Brynglas and Cross Keys before joining Pontypool where with Graham Price and Charlie Faulkner he became part of the legendary Pontypool Front Row, also known as the Viet Gwent (a play on Viet Cong) and immortalised in song by Max Boyce.

Charlie Faulkner

With Bobby Windsor and Graham Price he became part of the Pontypool Front Row also known as the Viet Gwent (a play on Viet Cong) and immortalised in song by Max Boyce.

Lyndon Mustoe

Mustoe represented several Welsh club sides throughout his playing career, including Chepstow, Newport, Pontypool, Cardiff and Bridgend.


see also