PONTYPOOL will prepare for the Swalec Championship season by hosting Principality Premiership title hopefuls Carmarthen Quins.

They will welcome the Quins, who finished second in the top flight last season, to Pontypool Park on Friday, August 22.

Pooler will go up against a pair of familiar faces when they open up with an away fixture at Rhiwbina on Saturday, August 9.

The Squirrels are coached by Gareth Lintern and Jared Lougher, who were at the helm for the famous great escape from Premiership relegation at Cardiff Arms Park in 2009.

Pooler also take on Croesyceiliog, Pontypool United and Nelson.

Pontypool pre-season fixtures: Rhiwbina (away) – Saturday, August 9 (kick-off 2.30pm), Croesyceiliog (home) – Tuesday, August 12 (kick-off 7.15pm), Pontypool United (away) – Saturday, August 16 (kick-off 2.30pm), Carmarthen Quins (home) – Friday, August 22 (kick-off 7.15pm), Nelson (away) – Saturday, August 30 (kick-off 2.30pm).