NEWPORT have bolstered their front row for next season with the signing of Pontypool player of the season Garin Harris, writes Chris Kirwan.

The tighthead prop makes the move from Pooler after they narrowly missed out on a return to the revamped and ring-fenced Principality Premiership.

Black and Ambers forwards coach Ty Morris believes they have signed a player of great potential.

"He has shown great promise through learning his trade with Pontypool, showing that he is a competent scrummaging tight head in the Championship last season," said Morris.

"At only 20 years of age, I believe he still has time to develop into a strong Premiership prop.

"The key with Garin is his development. I want to spend time continuing the good work that Pontypool have done with him, making Garin the best that he can be.

"He has shown huge potential this past year becoming the Pontypool player of the season, and I hope the good form continues with Newport RFC this coming season."

The Black and Ambers reconvene for pre-season preparations this week after holding their annual awards dinner last Friday.

Wing Elliot Frewen won the Tommy Vile Supporters Player of the season award while flanker Rhys Jenkins won the honour chosen by both the coaches and his teammates.

Baggage master David Young was named as clubman of the season, hooker Will Evans was Friends of Newport Rugby community player of the season and wing/centre Wes Cunliffe won the award for being the mascots' favourite player.

Lock Adam Brown and Frewen received their club caps for passing 100 appearances while club ties, awarded for 20 games, were given to Llywarch Ap Myrddin, Cunliffe, Ryan James, John Lavender, Julian Mogg, Jon Morris, Barney Nightingale, Dan Partridge, Tom Piper, Arwel Robson, Evan Whitson and James Greenfield.