By Gareth James
Former Cardiff Blues second row stalwart Macauley Cook has become the latest high-profile recruit at Pontypridd for next season.
The 31-year-old is returning to Wales having spent the last three seasons playing for Jersey in the English Championship. He last played for Ponty in a British & Irish Cup game in 2013.
Capped by Wales at U16, U18 and U20 levels, he made 167 appearances for the Blues over a 10-year period and was in the side that helped Jersey to win the Championship for the first-time last season. He was also named in the Championship Team of the Season.
“I’m really happy to sign for a famous club. I played my first senior game of rugby for Ponty at the age of 17,” said Cook.
“That was a long time ago and I was surrounded by some club legends. I hope to wear the jersey with pride as sp many incredible players have done before me.
“It’s an exciting young team and the club have been recruiting well for next season. I’m excited to get started and hopefully use some of my experience to help the team in any way I can.”
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We are thrilled to announce the signing of @maccarugby91 for the 2023/24 season from RFU Championship winners Jersey Reds
Welcome to Sardis Road, Macauley
️Read about it https://t.co/2pcJsHGMqM#WeArePonty ⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/rgcSnW0Mva
— Pontypridd RFC (@PontypriddRFC) June 12, 2023
Cook will join his former Blues clubmate Garyn Smith in rejoining Ponty after the former Wales U20 centre’s departure from Cornish Pirates. Two other centres are heading to Sardis Road for next season in Ryan Wilkins and McCauley Rowley, while former Wales U20 and Llanelli outside half Josh Phillips and Treorchy utility back Liam Lloyd are joining them.
“Macauley is no stranger to Pontypridd and has enjoyed a very successful career. He’s played for us before and knows exactly what Pontypridd RFC is about,” said Ponty team manager, Dan Godfrey.
“He brings a wealth of experience which will benefit our young squad. We are very excited to have him onboard.”
We can confirm that Macauley Cook has called time on his pro career, bowing out after 13 seasons & with @Champrugby medal around his neck. Full story & tribute from Reds DoR Harvey Biljon – https://t.co/ZNUru8YuKZ #ThanksMacca ❤️ pic.twitter.com/V4JfNfhAAT
— Jersey Reds (@JerseyRedsRugby) June 7, 2023
