Newport RFC backrower Hunter Ward, a carpenter by trade, has emerged as arguably the best semi-professional rugby player in Wales, according to recent Super Rygbi Cymru statistics. The 27-year-old from Orange, New South Wales, leads the league in turnovers won and 'work and tackle' actions, having previously played in Super Rugby Pacific with the Waratahs.
From Waratahs to Newport
Ward's journey began in Australia, where he shared a dressing room with Wallabies great Michael Hooper and competed against players like All Blacks back-rower Du'Plessis Kirifi. After being released by the Waratahs, he finished his carpentry apprenticeship and, with his partner, decided to move to Wales.
"Things were going well for me at the Waratahs but unfortunately the coach Darren Coleman didn't get re-signed and the new coach wanted to go in a different direction," he told WalesOnline. "I just sort of went back and finished my carpentry apprenticeship then and then I met my partner in Sydney. We then just decided to come to Wales."
Ward reached out to Newport because he knew player Harry Fry from the Shute Shield, and after a trial with coach Ty Morris, he joined the club. "I've fallen in love with the club and all the people there have just been unreal," he said.
Statistical Standout
Ward features in six statistical categories in Super Rygbi Cymru, topping two. Alongside Ebbw Vale's Ieuan Morris, he leads for turnovers won with 12, and his 16 actions in the 'work and tackle' category put him at the summit. He also ranks among the leading performers for carries, defenders beaten, tackles and post-tackle interventions.
Newport head coach Ty Morris is unequivocal about Ward's quality. "I've coached quite a few people who have stepped down from the Dragons into our environment and he's by far the best player that I've coached – hands down," said Morris. "He's up there with the Ollie Griffiths' of this world in that he makes a massive impact on every SRC game."
Balancing Rugby and Carpentry
Ward balances his rugby with a job as a carpenter for building company Clear Choice. "I start training in the morning, so I usually wake up at 5am and try and get to the gym by 5.30am to get a workout in," he explains. "I work all day and then finish at 4.30pm. It is tough but I think when you're sort of in the routine it's just normal."
He still harbours ambitions of returning to professional rugby. "I do have aspirations to play professional rugby again," he told WalesOnline. "Over the last year and a half at Newport I've fallen back in love with the game and I'm really enjoying my rugby." Ward spent two weeks training with the Dragons at the end of last season, calling it "a really good experience."
Chasing Silverware
Newport sit top of Super Rygbi Cymru, and Ward is determined to convert that position into a league title. "In pre-season when Ty (Morris) was speaking around what we want to get out of this first block, it was about a good start and I think we've got that," he said. "We've had five or six wins and one loss."
Reflecting on last season's disappointment, Ward added: "For me, last year it was gutting not to get the treble and win all three trophies. This year I really want to win the league. I think it's just the last thing that I probably can tick off in the SRC." For Ward, the dream of professional rugby remains alive, but first he has a league title to chase with Newport.
