NEWPORT RFC have bolstered their second row options for the Principality Premiership next season with a trio of new recruits to go along with the returning Dan Partridge.

Lock Partridge, 27, has committed to the Black and Ambers on a two-year deal after being on the radar of his former club Cardiff and will be joined by Joe Bartlett from Ebbw Vale, Jonathan Kenny from Bridgend and James Little, formerly of Cardiff Met.

"I know that Joe has great skills for a lock and will relish getting his carrying game going which will complement the way we play at Newport. His hard edge and robust nature will be needed in next year's league set up," said forwards coach Ty Morris.

"Jon has been a regular at Bridgend RFC for the past two seasons and appeared for the Ospreys Premiership Select team.

"He was a real thorn in our side when we met last season, showing that he is a competent lineout forward getting through a huge amount of work on the field.

"Jon has the skills to go right to the top and has had a lot of Premiership clubs chasing his signature this season.

"This shows the talent he possesses and we are pleased that he has chosen Newport RFC."

Little played three games for the Black and Ambers at the end of last season to help them win the Tier Two Premiership title.

"He has an old head on a young man's shoulders. His ability to read the game and pop up in the right places to score is second to none," said Morris.

"He has shown that he has very good ball handling skills for a big man while doing the tough stuff up front. He will bring a different dimension to our team this year from lock.'

Newport have also bolstered their back row with the signing of Morgan Burgess after some strong performances for Pontypridd Youth while half-backs Ryan Bates and Haydn Simons arrive permanently after previously playing on permit from Croesyceiliog.

Last season's hookers – Will Evans, Henry Palmer and Evan Whitson – have also committed to the club for 2017/18 with the squad returning for pre-season training on July 4.