When Evan Minto celebrated Wales Under-20s incredible win against Ireland at Rodney Parade he was mobbed by a throng of Pontypool United faithful.
On Friday night, Minto will be hoping to repay the favour when some of his former Pontypool United age-grade teammates take on Llandeilo in the final of the WRU U18 Clubs Cup at the Principality Stadium on Friday night.
Minto grew up in Pontypool and started at ‘United’ with the under sixes, a club which he stayed with until Under-16s and continues to support on his free weekends, including watching the senior side take on Monmouth last weekend.
Now 19, Minto is ready to support his friends at the national stage.
“Two of the boys I went to school with, their parents decided to start coaching Pontypool Utd at the same age group, so I joined at under sixes with all the boys from my primary school,” recalled Minto.
“The experience of Under-16s was class, really good and although I never played youth rugby, I still had the social aspect of it and spending time with the boys.
“We’ve all been together since under 6’s, a few joined later, but we’ve always been close, a tight bunch and it’s a great club to be at.
“I’m really excited for the final, it’s a massive opportunity. They’re the year below and they’re a massive part of the Pontypool Utd family.
“I’ll be going down with my mum, all of my mates play for the seniors now and we’re all going down, there’s a big bus being put on for all of us and it’ll definitely be a big crowd going down.”
This season Minto has shone for Wales U20s while also making his Dragons debut all whilst studying at Hartpury University.
Despite that he still appreciates some helpful pointers from the coaches who helped him throughout age-grade level at Pontypool Utd.
“Jamie Jeune, Mark Barwood and Stuart Lawrence were the coaches, they kept me grounded and helped me whenever I needed anything,” said Minto.
“They’re brilliant to still talk to now, still keeping in touch and helping me through my rugby journey even though I’m not being coached directly by them now.”
Several of the Pontypool United youth side have been involved in this years’ Dragons RAG programme with the club also having played a huge role in developing Dragons centurion Jared Rosser and brother Ewan along with Wales U20s player Ryan Jones.
“We pride ourselves on being tough valley boys, just working hard for each other and together,” said Minto.
“It’s massive to see how big a part Pontypool Utd has played in the RAG programme and even at U16s now there’s always loads of Pontypool Utd as well.
“Most of them are home-grown players as well. They’re not going out and poaching players from other areas, people choose to play for us from a young age.
“Being able to keep the boys from Pontypool in Pontypool is huge and shows that there’s obviously a lot of rugby talent in the area.”
I’m really excited for the final, it’s a massive opportunity. They’re the year below and they’re a massive part of the Pontypool Utd family...
