With the dust having settled prematurely on last season, and without the usual traditions of the end of season dinner to thank departing staff and players, Swansea RFC are now in a position to formally thank those who are moving on to their next rugby chapters.
This Summer will see members of both the coaching set up and playing squad departing and all at the club would like to thank them for their commitments to Swansea RFC and wish them well in their next steps.
Within the management team, we thank and wish well to backs coach Nicky Roberts and forwards coach, Nathan Bonner Evans. Nicky joined us at St Helens back in 2017 with plans to shape a talented back line and develop a style of rugby that was exciting for supporters to watch, and the club would like to thank him for his constant enthusiasm and for the tremendous efforts he had put in in often difficult circumstances, to help produce exciting young players in the Swansea tradition.
Forwards coach, Nathan Bonner Evans joined the coaching team in August 2019 and his infectious attitude and broad smile ensured he settled in quickly. His experience as a player and forwards coach has had a positive effect up front for Swansea and the club is grateful to him and wishes him well, hoping we will see both coaches at St Helen’s where they are always welcome.
On the squad front, this season we farewell five players.
Full back Phil Jones heads across the bridge to Plymouth Albion after five seasons with The Whites, playing 46 games, with 9 tries, 25 conversions and 10 penalties. During his time at St Helen’s, we have also seen Phil with the Ospreys Age Grade teams, Swansea Uni RFC and the Wales 7s set up, and wish him well in the English National League 1.
Outside-half Steff Williams joined us two seasons ago and went on to make 22 appearances between 2018 and 2020, scoring 78 points from 21 conversions, 10 penalties and two drop goals. Lastly in the backs, Scrum-half Tom Ham takes his next steps following three seasons at the club making 34 appearances.
From the forwards pack, 2019 newcomer, Shaun O’Rourke takes up his next rugby challenge with fellow Premiership side Merthyr RFC, and Jack Powell moves on following three seasons at St Helens, playing 47 matches.
All at the club would like to extend our well wishes to Nicky and Nathan, Phil, Steff, Tom, Shaun and Jack and thank them for their commitment to the Whites jersey over the past few seasons.
Announcements will follow shortly with news of the new coaching set up, and player signings for the 2020/21 season, and we look forward to seeing you all again at the clubhouse once restrictions allow.