PONTYPOOL make their first trip to Dunvant in nearly 15 years today in the sort of form that could see them come away with a result just as emphatic as the one they produced on their previous visit, writes David Williams.

It was way back on February 9, 2002 that Pooler last played at Broadacre and they returned to Gwent that day with an impressive 60-15 victory under their belts.

Pooler are currently the runaway leaders of the WRU Championship with a 100% record while Dunvant sit seven points adrift at the foot of the table.

And if the meeting between the sides earlier this season, when Leighton Jones’ troops won 69-17, is anything to go by then it could well be another routine Broadacre triumph for Pooler.

That said, Dunvant pushed second placed Tata Steel all the way last Saturday before going down 30-21 – Pooler beat Glynneath 34-13 for a 16th consecutive league success.

Head coach Jones has made no fewer than 10 changes for today’s clash (kick-off 2.30pm), with Jamie Juene, Alex Watkins and Ryan Harford replacing Aaron Coundley, skipper Ben Parry and Ollie Drake in a new-look front row.

Lock Ben Egan, blindside flanker Callum Davies and number-eight Gareth Rusby-Davies are the other alterations to the pack.

Scrum-half Rhys Dyer, fly-half Matthew Jones, centre Clayton Gullis and winger Nathan Brooks also come into the starting XV.

Meanwhile, Pooler are on the lookout for a new team manager after Shaun Rees’ decision to step down.

After nine years with the Gwent club, Rees wanted to spend more time with his young family and felt he couldn’t commit fully to the role.

“It has been a tremendous honour to represent this fantastic rugby club and I will treasure the many experiences I have enjoyed for years to come,” he said.

“Despite my love for Pontypool RFC, it has become apparent to me throughout the season that I simply am not able to offer the dedication required to match the high standards the club demands from all of its staff.

“This is certainly the right time for me to move on and I would like to thank everybody for making my time at the club so special, many of whom I consider friends for life.

“I would particularly like to thank Peter and Ben Jeffreys for their incredible support since they arrived at the club four years ago.

“Pontypool RFC is certainly in great hands and I look forward to watching the club’s journey back to the Principality Premiership from The Bank with the best supporters in Welsh club rugby.”

Elsewhere in the Championship, one from bottom Newbridge host Newcastle Emlyn, a side that beat them 20-0 in October.

Fixtures: Beddau v Cardiff Met, Dunvant v Pontypool, Glynneath v Bedlinog, Narberth v Glamorgan Wanderers, Newbridge v Newcastle Emlyn, Skewen v Tata Steel.