Home Is Pontypool: The Story of Kieran Meek

“Rugby has always been a huge part of my life. From a very young age, I was completely obsessed with the game. I was only four years old when I started playing for Nantyglo Under-7s, and from that point on, there was rarely a day when I didn’t have a rugby ball in my hands. My father played for some fantastic clubs, and I grew up following his journey, listening to stories about the game and developing a love for rugby that has never left me.

The sport has given me so much over the years. It has provided incredible experiences, opportunities to travel and, most importantly, lifelong friendships with some of the best people I have ever met.”

For Kieran Meek, rugby is more than a sport; it’s part of who he is. His journey has been shaped by passion, resilience, and experiences that make for a truly compelling story.

Foundations

Looking at the quote above, Meek's relationship with rugby is symbiotic, a bond that has truly lasted a lifetime. His path began at Nantyglo, where he got his first taste of rugby. Meek would then go on to play youth rugby for Abertillery, a major step that would shape the player he is today.

“My development began at Abertillery, where I learned the foundations of the game. The youth set-up was a brilliant environment in which to grow as a player. Our head coach, Michael James, placed a huge emphasis on commitment, discipline, and togetherness, creating a culture that drove us to succeed. He constantly challenged me to improve and helped shape my attitude towards the game.

“Progressing into the senior side was another important step in my career. Playing alongside Shaun Connor, someone I viewed as a huge role model, made life much easier as a young outside-half. His experience and guidance were invaluable, and he played a key role in helping me progress. Recognising my development, he introduced me to Byron Hayward, who was Wales Under-20s coach at the time, which led to my involvement in the programme. Although I was never capped, it was an important experience that helped me understand the standards required at a higher level.”

It wouldn't be long until Meek had opportunities in senior rugby, with the first chance coming at Newbridge.

“While involved with the academy system, Byron sent me to Newbridge, where I experienced a semi-professional environment for the first time. Under the coaching of Jonathan Hawker and later Matthew J. Watkins, I learned an enormous amount about the game. As a young player, getting regular game time was vital, and I was fortunate enough to play virtually every minute possible. It was an important stage in my development and a huge honour to represent a club with so many great people involved.”

After his time at Newbridge, Meek’s journey took him to Pontypool, a chapter we’ll revisit shortly. Along the way, he also represented two of Welsh rugby’s most historic clubs, Newport and Ebbw Vale, adding further depth to an impressive career.

Newport and Ebbw Vale

Meek’s talents have taken him to some great clubs. Even though he is more synonymous with the Pontypool shirt, he has run out for Newport and Ebbw Vale. The fly-half elaborates on his time at the clubs.

“In 2022, I signed for Newport. Although my spell there was relatively short, it proved to be a significant learning curve. It gave me a real insight into why the club has enjoyed so much success in recent years. The professionalism, the quality of training and the depth of talent were clear to see. While it wasn’t quite the right fit for me at that stage of my career, I remain grateful to Ty Morris for giving me the opportunity to represent such a historic club.

“The following year, I joined Ebbw Vale and thoroughly enjoyed my time there. It was a tight-knit club with a fantastic group of players both on and off the field. Under Jason Strange, the standards were incredibly demanding, with some of the toughest training sessions I have ever experienced. His philosophy was simple: you get out what you put in. Representing a club with so many local players competing at the highest semi-professional level made the experience even more rewarding.”

Playing for those clubs was an incredible experience, yet Pontypool clearly means a tremendous amount to Meek, as do the experiences he has had with Crawshay’s Welsh.

Pontypool

“My first spell at Pontypool allowed me to experience exactly what makes the club so special. Leighton Jones was the head coach and someone I respected highly. He was brilliant at getting more out of you as a player and remains someone I turn to for advice to this day. The connection between the players, supporters and the town is unique, and representing a club with such a rich history was something I never took for granted. Pulling on the famous red, white and black jersey carried a real sense of responsibility, but it was also a privilege every time I stepped onto the field.”

“In 2024, I returned to Pontypool, and it simply felt like coming home. Since rejoining the club, I have been fortunate enough to experience some special moments. Having the opportunity to represent Pontypool while playing for the Barbarians and wearing the club’s famous red, white and black socks was incredibly special. I have also had the honour of captaining the side on several occasions, something I will always cherish.

“I am thoroughly enjoying my rugby at Pontypool. It remains a huge privilege to represent the club, and being part of a team with such strong support from the fans and the wider community makes every game feel special.

Away from the traditional club game, Crawshay’s Welsh RFC has also played a huge role in my rugby journey. Ian Brice was fantastic to me, providing opportunities to tour the Czech Republic, Georgia, Romania and France. Those experiences allowed me to play alongside outstanding players in challenging environments while creating memories that will last a lifetime. More recently, I was fortunate enough to represent the Classic Lions in Bermuda, an incredible experience that I am grateful to have shared with a fantastic group of players.”

For Meek, Pontypool is home. A player who has already had some great moments at the club, the future looks bright.

“Looking ahead, my biggest ambition is to help bring silverware back to Pontypool RFC. In my opinion, the club has the best support in the league, and the fans, along with the town itself, deserve something to celebrate. With Tom Hancock leading the group and the quality across the squad, I genuinely believe that success is within reach.

“On a personal level, I would love to surpass 1,000 points for Pontypool and leave a lasting mark on the club’s history. Achieving that milestone while contributing to team success would be a source of immense pride and would represent the perfect way to repay a club that has already given me so much.”

At the heart of Meek’s story lies one defining quality: passion. It has fuelled his love for rugby, strengthened his bond with Pontypool, and driven him to keep striving for excellence.

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