PONTYPOOL have bolstered their ranks with 10 new signings ahead of tomorrow's Swalec Championship opener at Bargoed, writes Chris Kirwan.

Pooler have snapped up full-backs Joe Bajjada (Caldicot) and Jamie Tibbs (Pontypool United), wings Nathan Brooks (Bonymaen), Rhodri Usher (Blackwood) and Steffan Oszlanski (Dragons Academy), outside centre Ben Snell (Dragons Academy), scrum-half James Hall (Caldicot), locks Elliot Ferriman (Caldicot) and Luke Simms (Newport HSOB) and hooker/prop Garin Harris (Pontypool United) after they impressed in pre-season.

They join fellow new recruits fly-half Tom Hancock (Newport), prop Jamie Jeune (Newport) and flanker Rob Nash (Coventry), all of whom have returned to the club to spearhead their challenge for a return to the Premiership.

"We are fortunate to have signed such a strong group of young and talented players who will develop with us during the course of this season," said director of rugby Alun Carter.

"Each player has trained throughout the summer and has added to the environment we are creating at the club.

"These new signings have all impressed during the pre-season matches we have played and will get further opportunities to make their mark on the club once the season commences."

Full Championship preview in tomorrow's Argus as Newbridge prepare for a trip to Tondu and Blackwood ready themselves for the visit of RGC1404.