As we build toward this weekend’s big Christmas derby away at Pontypridd, it feels especially fitting to highlight someone who represented both Ystrad Rhondda and Pontypridd, before going on to star for Llanelli and Wales — the one and only Gary “Boomer” Jones.

Boomer’s career is rich with achievements and standout numbers, including:

165 appearances at Sardis Road

Stepped into the Pontypridd back row after Chris Seldon left for St Helens

Played extensively alongside Tom David (“Tommy”) and Mike Shellard.

78 tries in 221 appearances for Llanelli Scarlets.

A try in the 1988 Schweppes Cup Final victory over Neath.

League title winner with Llanelli in 1989.

5 caps for Wales, with his first cap at Eden Park.

Part of the famous Wales victory over England at the Arms Park in 1989.

Before all of that, Gary was a Porth boy who didn’t even play rugby until he was 17, joining Ystrad Rhondda Youth — where he played alongside future Wales tighthead Mike Griffiths.

His early development was shaped heavily by the influence of Bryn “Star” Lewis, whose encouragement helped him move from football into rugby and ultimately set him on the path to senior success.

We sat down with him ahead of derby week to look back on his journey.

You started rugby later than most players — how did that come about?

I was a footballer really. I didn’t play rugby until I was 17.

I joined Ystrad Youth and played with lads like Mike Griffiths, which was great for me.

Bryn “Star” Lewis was massive in helping me settle and learn the game. Without Star, none of this would have happened.

You mention joining Ystrad at 17 — what do you remember about that spell?

It was brilliant.

I was still learning the game, but the environment was fantastic.

Ystrad gave me confidence and a foundation to push on, and after that things moved pretty quickly.

People remember you for your speed rather than your tackling — your words!

laughs

Yes, definitely!

I was quick for a back rower, which helped me stand out.

But no, tackling wasn’t really my biggest strength — put that on record!

You made 165 appearances at Sardis Road — what stands out from your time with Pontypridd?

There were so many great days.

The narrow 6–3 loss to Australia stands out — what a day and what an atmosphere.

Pontypridd were known for their famous back row of Tom David (“Tommy”), Mike Shellard and Chris Seldon, who played together for years.

When Chris Seldon moved to St Helens, that opened the door for me to step into the team, and I went on to play a lot alongside Tommy and Shellard. They were outstanding players, and it was a privilege to be part of that group.

Sardis Road was an incredible place to play — the noise, the crowd, the energy.

Unforgettable times.

Your spell with Llanelli was full of success — what were the highlights?

Llanelli was fantastic.

Scoring in the 1988 Schweppes Cup Final against Neath was huge.

Winning the league in 1989 was another massive moment.

And scoring 78 tries in 221 appearances for the Scarlets is something I’m proud of.

It was a great environment with great players.

And on the international stage — what was your standout moment for Wales?

Beating England in 1989 at the Arms Park.

The atmosphere was incredible, and to do it alongside Mike Griffiths — who I’d grown up playing with at Ystrad Youth — made it even more special.

Earning my first Welsh cap at Eden Park was also unforgettable.

What does rugby mean to you now?

Everything.

The friendships, the memories, the laughs — that’s what stays with you.

I still watch, still follow the clubs, and still love being around the game.

Rugby gave me a lot, and I’m grateful for the journey I had.

Finally… with Ystrad heading to Sardis Road this weekend, any thoughts?

It’s a newer derby in league terms, with the sides only meeting from last season — but what an occasion it was.

Last year’s Christmas derby had everything: a big crowd, brilliant atmosphere and that edge you get when two valley communities come together.

If this weekend is anything like that, it’ll be another great day for both clubs and the supporters.