Ben Jeffreys has been appointed chief executive officer of Pontypool RFC, taking over from his father, Newport-based businessman Peter, who is taking up the role of non-executive chairman of the club.

Ben, 26, who has served as Pontypool RFC’s commercial director since December 2012, will be responsible for leading and executing the club’s operational and corporate strategies.

He will also support director of rugby Alun Carter in the on-going delivery of Pooler’s rugby strategy.

Ben said: “It is a tremendous honour to be appointed as the chief executive officer of one of the great clubs in the history of Welsh rugby. I have great respect for the responsibility that this role demands and I am committed to ensuring that the club continues to grow and achieve success, while operating to a sustainable business model.

“I am incredibly passionate about Pontypool RFC and I look forward to further working alongside a highly dedicated team of people who share the same vision for taking the club back to where we feel it belongs, both on and off the field.”

Pontypool RFC president Graham Price said: “Ben has already made quite an impact at the club in his role as commercial director and this has also been recognised outside of the club.

“It is evident that he has become more and more involved in the day-to-day operation of the club and with such increasing responsibilities, it is logical that Ben should lead the club from this position.

“I have no doubt that Ben will continue to create the same impact as the club’s CEO which will ultimately be reflected in the club achieving our objectives on the field.”

Peter Jeffreys will continue to have an active role in the club’s core operations.