NEWPORT RFC have signed scrum-half Geraint Watkin and retained the services of lock Andrew Mann and back row Josh Reid to provide him with quality ball, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Black and Ambers are losing ex-Dragons academy half-back Owen Davies next season as the 22-year-old is concentrating on his studies at Cardiff University.

The scrum-half made his Newport debut against Bedwas in 2014 and made 76 appearances for the club.

Davies is replaced by 23-year-old Watkin, who will battle with Ryan James and Ryan Bates for the 9 jersey.

Head coach Craig Warlow said: "Geraint joins us from Tata Steel but has plenty of Premiership experience with both Bridgend and more recently Cardiff.

"He is a very athletic and durable scrum half who has played extensively on the sevens circuit."

Newport have been busy bolstering their pack with the signings of props Dan Preece, Jack Williams and Lewis Smout plus number eight Matthew Reed.

Now they have recruited 28-year-old Mann and 20-year-old Reid on a permanent basis after they played on permit.

"Andrew joined us in the second half of the season and instantly made an impression," said forwards coach Ty Morris.

"He is extremely positive in the training environment and brings with him a huge work rate and an appetite to succeed.

"I'm looking forward to having a full pre-season with Andrew that allows him to develop further and show his full potential."

"Josh has been a regular with us in recent times and has also played extremely well for Cardiff University," continued Morris.

"His ability to play anywhere across the back row will give us great flexibility. He is developing well, particularly his strong, dynamic carrying game, and I'm really looking forward to seeing more of Josh next season."

l Ebbw Vale will play a Devon double-header ahead of the Principality Premiership season.

The Steelmen travel to Newton Abbot on Friday, August 10 and face Brixham the following afternoon.

Greg Woods' side also lock horns with former Dragons coach Paul Turner's Ampthill in Bedfordshire on Saturday, August 18.