Rees in tribute to Chief after award win

Merthyr No.8 Phil Rees with Liz Mahony of Principality

MERTHYR No.8 Phil Rees has been named the Principality Player of the Month for October.

Rees’ impressive, go-forward performances of late helped the champions win all their October games, the Ironmen currently comfortably at the top of the Principality Premiership.

A product of Merthyr mini and juniors before moving to Cefn Coed and Dowlais for Youth team rugby, Rees is in his fourth season back at The Wern after a three-year stint with Bedwas.

He credits his recent upturn in form to Merthyr coach Dale McIntosh.

“I owe this award to Dale McIntosh. He allowed me to play in what I believe is my natural position in the back row,” said 30-year-old Rees.

“As a ball-carrier I wanted to play No.8 and as soon as Chief joined Merthyr that’s where he put me. So, he has been integral to my success, plus as a backrow himself he has helped me no end.

“It’s easier when you’re on the front foot and in a winning team, there are more opportunities to express yourself and we’ve got a great bunch of boys in the group all playing well.

“As a Merthyr boy, it’s brilliant for the town that the club is flying the flag at the top of Welsh club rugby, especially after almost being relegated from the Championship five or six years ago,” added Rees, who works as a joiner.

“It’s created a buzz around town and the new players have really bought into what we’re trying to do.

“We would love to do the double again this year. We are a third of the way through the season now, there’s a lot at stake and clubs like Carmarthen Quins and Llandovery will push us all the way.”

Liz Mahony, senior branch manager at Principality Building Society, said: “Congratulations to Phil for winning the player of the month.

“My colleagues and I are very proud to see Merthyr top of the league and doing so well, as it means so much to many of our members who come into our branch.

“Good luck to Phil and the Ironmen for the rest of the season.”