PONTYPOOL have bolstered their squad with Principality Premiership experience as they prepare for a Swalec Championship promotion push, writes Chris Kirwan.

Pooler, who finished fifth last season, have announced seven new signings in addition to the 23 that have penned fresh deals to stay at the club in 2015/16.

They have signed up 26-year-old scrum-half Rhys Dyer, a Swalec Cup winner with Cross Keys in 2012, 28-year-old centre Dan Robinson returns after three seasons with Newport and the midfield options are also bolstered by 27-year-old former Neath, Keys and Cardiff back Luke Ford.

Pooler add to their already strong back row with the arrival of Ebbw Vale’s former Blackwood flanker Gareth Rusby-Davies, who is currently playing rugby league for Torfaen Tigers.

New head coach Louie Tonkin has also used his Cardiff University links to secure the services of a trio of burgeoning backs – centre Ben Madgwick, wing Matthew Roberts and fly-half Ross Preedy, who all played for him in April’s Varsity victory over their Swansea counterparts at the Liberty Stadium.

“The calibre of these arrivals is a statement of intent as to the way we wish to move forward as a club,” said Tonkin.

“Each man who is joining us has not only been hand-picked based on their rugby ability but also on their character off the field.

“The arrivals present us with a solid mix of experienced Premiership campaigners and emerging talent with recognised potential to play rugby at the top level of the semi-professional game. The strength of these players will add to an already strong culture within the squad.

“I am very confident that these additions will increase our prospects of achieving success this coming season in what is a very challenging league, but will more importantly enable us to build a sustainable squad in the coming years.”

Yesterday Pooler confirmed the re-signings of forwards Ben Parry, Rob Nash, James Edwards, Ryan Harford, Garin Harris, Jamie Jeune, Ben Sparks, Matthew Thomas, Jordan Williams and Lee Williams.

Joe Blackmore, Nathan Brooks, Mike Burke, David Davies, Clayton Gullis, Dan Haile, Tom Hancock, Josh Hurley, Chris Laing, Sam Mills, Aaron Quick, Marc Thorley and Rhodri Usher will once again line up in the backs.