Ianto joined us at the beginning of the 2017-18 season and has played for us for 6 seasons including this one. Due to some lengthy injury absences and a spell at Rotherham Titans, his total of 88 games is less than it might have been. In his 88 games, he has scored 33 tries, the most for a hooker in SRUFC history. Also in 2021-22 he scored 19 tries in the season, again easily a record for a hooker. Before this season he had captained 6 times and this season as the official captain 9, so 15 in total, again a number that would have been much higher if not for this career-ending injury.

Far more important than the stats, as we are sure everyone will agree, is the nature of the man. There have only been a few in the history of the club who match him for embodying the qualities of determination, enthusiasm and team-first principles that we value so much. A very special man that we are immensely proud of as a club and it is an enormous pity for him and us that he must give up.

We sincerely hope that once the news has sunk in, Ianto will stay heavily involved in the club where he will always be welcome.

Once a Hornet, Always a Hornet.