Councillors in Torfaen will be asked next week to give Pontypool RFC the Freedom of the Borough, an honour only given three times over the last 40 years.
The honour follows a season where the Pontypool Park-based club secured promotion to the Indigo Premiership winning all 26 games and won the Championship Cup, beating Ystrad Rhondda RFC in the final at the Principality Stadium.
Cllr Anthont Hunt, leader of Torfaen, will ask councillors for their support to highlight “…the club’s long history within Welsh rugby and internationally, of their importance to our communities, and as a tribute to the wider sporting community in our Borough”.
Cllr Hunt says in his report that other local rugby clubs in Torfaen “have enjoyed successful seasons, winning titles, cups, or promotion and expanding their junior sections” and wants councillors to share those successes during the debate.
He writes: “There is increasing awareness of the importance of sport and physical activity for mental wellbeing as well as physical health. Therefore, our sporting clubs and groups are a source of local pride. For example, rugby in the Eastern Valley is going from strength to strength. In the women’s’ club game, The Arrows lead the way in our region and the game is growing around Wales. In the men’s club game, Blaenavon, Pontypool United and Talywain will make up a strong Torfaen contingent in League 1 East next season.
“Croesyceiliog, Cwmbran and Garndiffaith will line up in League 2 east. New Panteg will look forward to League 4 east after a resurgent season. Forgeside, Abersychan and West Mon will compete strongly in League 5 east and Girling in League 6. Many Torfaen clubs also have thriving junior and mini sections and play a huge role in their communities.”
His report then proposes that the council follows this up with continous recognition of the successes of all sporting clubs: “They also play an important part in key public health objectives. A fit and healthy community is likely to be a more resilient and prosperous one. Therefore, to better recognise and celebrate all sporting achievement in Torfaen across our fantastic clubs and individuals, work will be done to establish the best method and location for publishing Torfaen Sporting Achievements online and it will allow announcements to be made at each Council meeting.”
Two third of councillors at Tuesday’s council meeting must support the resolution. Freedom of the Borough status is only honorary to give public recognition. , it doesn’t give any special rights.