The 26-year old is by now a senior member of the Ponty squad, and will take on the captain’s duties for a third successive year, having already led his team to Swalec Cup glory in 2011 and to the Premiership title in 2012.
Familiarity in the role does not in this case breed any contempt, as Dicomidis explained: “This is once again a massive honour for me, to be given another opportunity to captain the club. It is a big responsibility, but one that I enjoy.
“We have a strong squad at Pontypridd with plenty of experience and also some youthful enthusiasm. Whether a player has been at the club for five years or five minutes, they all have a say and that helps me a lot in captaining the side.”
Nominated as Dicomidis’ deputy for the coming campaign is abrasive centre Dafydd Lockyer, whose exploits on the field last season earned him the Premiership Player of the Year and the Welsh Rugby Writers’ Club Player of the Year awards.
“Locks’ performances have earned him a lot of respect” said Dicomidis of his vice captain. “He is one of the big characters in the squad, he can raise a few laughs off the field but when we go into action he is a class act and can lead through example.”
A tough season awaits Pontypridd as defending Premiership champions and contenders for Welsh Cup and British & Irish Cup glory, but in captain Chris Dicomidis and his vice Dafydd Lockyer they have two loyal servants fully committed to leading the club to further success.
