LEIGHTON Jones has followed in the footsteps of his father, the legendary Steve ‘Junna’ Jones, after being promoted to the role of head coach at Pontypool.

The former hooker has taken the reins at Pooler after spending the last three seasons as forwards coach.

The club announced on Tuesday that head coach Louie Tonkin had left his role after a campaign that seems likely to end with the disappointment of missing out on promotion to the Principality Premiership.

If RGC 1404 avoid a banana skin at Glynneath on Saturday then Pooler will play until 2020 at the earliest in the Swalec Championship rather than the revamped 16-team top flight, which is ring-fenced for three seasons.

Whatever their fate, it will be club stalwart Jones calling the shots and trying to emulate the success of his late father ‘Junna’, who led Pooler to the Division One title in 2003.

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“To become head coach of Pontypool RFC and have the opportunity to emulate my father’s achievements is a tremendous honour for both me and my family,” said Jones.

“Having been born and bred in Pontypool, all I have ever wanted was to represent Pontypool RFC.

“I have been fortunate to do that as a player and a captain but to serve as head coach is the ultimate honour and I cannot wait to get stuck into the role.

“We have all the ingredients in place to take Pooler right back to the top but this season has perhaps shown that there are still many improvements that can be made.

“The club has established a solid foundation under the work of Louie Tonkin and couple this with the togetherness that exists within the squad, I am confident that the club will continue to thrive.

“Everybody here has and will continue to give 110 per cent for the Pontypool RFC badge. We all want success so bad and I am determined to ensure we achieve that goal.”

Pooler have been beavering away with preparations for next season regardless of what division they are in and chief executive Ben Jeffreys is confident they have the right man at the helm.

“Leighton possesses all of the qualities that are so pivotal to maintaining the fabric of what makes Pontypool RFC such a unique and passionate environment.

“His integrity and passion is infectious and the level of squad retention we have for next season speaks volumes about just how respected he is within the team environment.

“Although we face some uncertainty in terms of what league we will be participating in for the next few seasons, we have one constant in that everybody within our management group and surrounding team are driven to retain what we have built together.

“The hard work starts now and I am delighted that we have a management group in place that will ensure Pontypool RFC flourishes.

“We are up for the fight and I have no doubt that there are many bright days ahead for this rugby club, starting from today.”