PONTYPOOL RFC have appointed a new chief executive.

Ben Jeffreys, 26, will be responsible for leading and executing the club’s operational and corporate strategies.

Jeffreys has served as Pontypool RFC’s commercial director since December 2012.

He replaces outgoing chief executive Peter Jeffreys, who helped to save the club from closure in 2012.

The entrepreneur invested more than £100,000 of his own money to stop Pontypool RFC being wound up during its legal battle with the Welsh Rugby Union over its relegation from the Premiership.

Peter Jeffreys assumes the role of non-executive chairman with immediate effect and will continue to have an active role in the club’s core operations.

Ben Jeffreys 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, whilst 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.”

On the appointment of Jeffreys, Pontypool RFC president, Graham Price, said: “I am very pleased that Ben has been formally appointed as the club’s chief executive officer.

“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.”