Wales international Craig Mitchell has returned to his roots by signing for Division 3 West Central C club Tonna.
The 15-cap prop, who played for Wales at the 2011 World Cup, has featured for Neath, Ospreys, Exeter Chiefs, Cardiff Blues, Dragons, Angouleme, Newcastle Falcons, Yorkshire Carnegie and Cornish Pirates during a much-travelled career.
But he’s now opted to make the journey back to Tonna, where he played his youth rugby.
“Craig always said he’d come back one day, and he’s been true to his word,” said team manager Ryan Freeman.
“I think he just wants to enjoy some rugby with his friends.
“We delighted he’s come back.”
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It’s been some journey for Mitchell, who also featured for Skewen in his early rugby days. In 2005, he led a Wales U19s team that included Ken Owens and Bradley Davies and he won his first cap at senior level against Canada in 2009.
He was also part of the squad that reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2011, with Mitchell starting in the 81-7 win over Nambia.
His final Test appearance came two years later, against Japan in Tokyo.
But through it all, he kept in touch with Tonna.
“Craig has always had a great attachment to the club,” said chairman Gary Knight.
“Wherever he’s played, he’s always seen us as his club.
“He’s part of the Tonna family and, as a village club, it’s a real coup for us to get him on board.
“It’s a fantastic signing for us.”
Mitchell has lost weight and appears in prime condition. “I’ve never seen anyone so fit in all my life,” said Knight.
“He’s built more like a centre rather than a prop.
“I think he just wants to play for the love of it. There’s no money involved.
“We’re a family club and we all chip in for the enjoyment.
“It’s certainly good to have him back. There again, he’s always kept his link with us and helped out. When the club was struggling back in the day, he’d dip his hand in his pocket and buy things for the pensioners’ Christmas party.
“We’ve supported him and he’s supported us.”
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