PONTYPOOL have made another major statement in their Premiership promotion bid with the signing of Cross Keys captain and talisman Scott Matthews.

The 24-year-old flanker spent seven seasons at Pandy Park, making 134 appearances for the club and becoming a key figure with his rumbustious performances.

Matthews, who made six outings for the Dragons and represented Wales Under-20s, was named as Keys skipper in 2016 but has opted to make the short trip north to Pontypool Park.

Pooler already have a strong squad as they bid for a third Championship crown on the spin and a return to the revamped top flight after the lifting of ring-fencing.

Leighton Jones’ side enjoyed a perfect league campaign of 22 wins from 22 games but have strengthened this summer with the notable recruitment of former Keys favourite Danny Hodge, Geraint Walsh from Pontypridd, Wales 7s speedster Lloyd Lewis and now Matthews.

"I am really looking forward to a new chapter in my rugby career,” said the flanker, who joined Keys from Penallta and is a rugby hub officer at Coleg Gwent.

“I spent seven years at Cross Keys and hugely enjoyed my time there, but I cannot wait to take to the field for Pontypool and play my part in taking the club back to the Premiership,” he said.

“Pontypool is one of the great clubs and to be given the opportunity to play for them is something that excites me.

“Having spoken to head coach, Leighton Jones, the club has a very clear vision of where it wants to go and how it plans to achieve those goals.”

Pontypool are already red-hot favourites to retain their Championship crown but Jones doesn’t want to leave anything to chance.

"Scott is an excellent addition to a squad already packed with quality,” said the former hooker.

“He is a player I have admired for a number of years and the fact that he is still some years off his peak is exciting.

"He is an out-and-out seven who will add further variation to a competitive back-row. Having captained Cross Keys at such a young age, he is obviously a player who commands respect from his fellow team-mates.

"We have assembled an incredibly strong squad and I firmly believe we can head into the new season with real confidence."