Pupils peer into Pontypool RFC's past (From South Wales Argus)

Pupils peer into Pontypool RFC's past

PUPILS took the opportunity to enjoy the varied and rich collection of memorabilia celebrating the great history of Pontypool Rugby Football Club.

POOLER EXHIBITION: Getting a lift to take a closer look at the rugby shirts on display is James Hanrahan, with fellow pupils, from left, Lewys Thomas, Luke Williams, Dan Gilbert and Iwan Mullin

The St Albans RC School pupils are just a handful of people who have visited Pontypool Museum to see the exhibition honouring the club’s many achievements.

Much has happened in Pooler’s 144-year history and this fine display pays admirable homage.

It has been painstakingly put together by club archivist and statistician Ray Ruddick, club historian Arthur Crane and the museum’s curator, Deborah Wildgust.

There are portraits of all the club’s 43 internationals – including the three famous Jones brothers Jack, Ponty and Tuan, capped for Wales between 1907 and 1921 – as well as their 11 Lions.

Among the many highlights are hooker Cecil Pritchard’s Wales jerseys from the Twenties and the cap awarded to Tommy Woods who played five times for England between 1920-1921.

There’s also a Lions jersey on display which belonged to Ray Prosser, the legendary Pooler and Wales prop who went on to coach Pontypool between 1969 and 1987.

The exhibition is open Tuesday to Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday, Sunday and bank holiday Mondays 2pm- 5pm. Admission is £3 adults, £2 concessions, £1 children, £5 family. It runs until September 30.