TOWN leaders are to give away Pooler tickets to local rugby fans as part of their ongoing support to the historic club - in an effort to enhance the match day experience for the town.

Pontypool Community Council will try to open the club to new people who would not normally have the chance to watch home games at Pontypool Park.

Council vice chairman Bryn Parker said free tickets the community council receives from the club as part of a sponsorship deal would go to young people and adults in the town.

Cllr Parker said: “We will forgo them for other people to watch.

“The club still is a massive partner of our town.

“A lot of people still support Pontypool. We will tap into a few more people.

“It will be people who wouldn’t normally go and watch Pontypool for whatever reason.

“It will be good for a few extra to go down.”

Cllr Bryn said rugby fans were likely to be invited to apply for the complimentary tickets through the community council website and contacts with Pontypool schools.

Meanwhile, Pontypool RFC said the Pontypool Community Council crest would occupy a prominent place on the shorts worn by the Pontypool RFC squad on match days again this season.

Pontypool RFC commercial director, Ben Jeffreys said he was "delighted" to extend their partnership with Pontypool Community Council for another season".

He added: “Community development is a primary focus of our efforts at Pontypool RFC and the opportunity to continue to work alongside an organisation that serves the needs of some 37,000 members of the local community is a fantastic opportunity to further improve the relationship the club has with the town of Pontypool.

“We are very grateful to the management of Pontypool Community Council for their loyal support and we very much look forward to working together for the rest of this season, and hopefully beyond.”