The 25-year-old former Wales Under 21 three quarter returned to Sardis Road from Neath at the start of last season and has had an impressive first term with Dale McIntosh’s men after struggling with injury last year.
He has scored eight league tries this season, including two in the 39-28 away win over Swansea last month.
Lockyer, who played for Abercwmboi junior and youth sides before initially joining Pontypridd, is just pleased to be enjoying his rugby again.
“It’s just been about getting on the pitch for me this season, and staying injury free. The Pontypridd coaches Dale McIntosh and Paul John have done a lot for me in giving me a chance to come back to Ponty when it didn’t work out at Neath and it’s nice to pay them back if I can by scoring a few tries and playing well.
“We’ve got a strong squad at the moment, we’re winning games which is a great feeling and hopefully we can keep that going.”
Despite the good fortunes on a personal and team level, Lockyer is taking one step at the time at the moment. “It would be nice to think that if I stay injury free and continue to play well, that I could step up to regional rugby, but at the moment I’m concentrating on Pontypridd doing well – I think we could win a trophy or two this season which would be fantastic.”
Pontypridd head coach Dale McIntosh added: “Dafydd has performed consistently well since recovering from his groin injury. Usually renowned for being an abrasive centre who constantly gets over the gain-line, Dafydd has recently added some refined skills to his game. His attitude to training is refreshing and he is a great character on and off the pitch.”
Dafydd Locker factfile:
Born: 5.6.85, Aberdare
Nickname: Ox or Rocks
Most admired player: Scott Gibbs
Most admired sportsperson: Lance Armstrong
Biggest influence: Dale McIntosh
Education: Blaengwawr Comprehensive School
Occupation: currently training to be an electrician at Coleg Morgannwg, Trefforest
