Taylor makes Pooler switch (From Free Press Series)

Taylor makes Pooler switch

4:40pm Wednesday 15th July 2009

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NEW Pooler signing Steve Taylor is taking nothing for granted.

The 23-year-old has made the switch from Newport to Gwent’s Premiership rivals Pontypool RFC in time for the 2010 season. He is already training with his new team-mates and is confident his new club can build on recent successes.

But despite his experience and obvious ambition, Taylor knows he has to show-off his qualities like everyone else to secure a place in Gareth Lintern’s first XV.

Taylor told the Free Press: "I was really excited by the challenge.

"I’d spoken to Gareth Lintern on the Friday, met him on the Sunday and signed there and then. I jumped at the chance to help get Pontypool right back up there and also increase my own game time.

"I had a few injuries last year and with the Dragons players coming in as well I didn’t play as much as I would have liked at Newport.

"I then had a few offers from different clubs but Pontypool really sold themselves to me. They’re the most professional and seemed the best club to go to."

Last season Pooler narrowly escaped relegation back to Division One East but with the additions of the likes of Taylor, many within the club hope they will be challenging towards the other end of the table next spring."

Taylor continued: "After what happened last year, everyone is showing a really good attitude and training well. We’re confident we can get up to the top half and the top six would be unbelievable."

He added: "I feel like the sky’s the limit in my future career and if I get spotted then great. But right now, I’m really happy with my own fitness.

"I’ve been playing a lot of sevens, and I just want to be able to show the coaches what I can do and hopefully hold down a place in the first team.

"There’s always competition for places so I know I’ll have to work hard just like the rest of the guys."

With the Rodney Parade Men Of Gwent Sevens again in Pooler’s sights this pre-season, Taylor has the perfect opportunity to impress his new employers while securing early bragging rights over his old colleagues at the same time.

"Yeah, that would be great," he added with a smile.

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