PONTYPOOL boss Leighton Jones says there is already fierce competition for places as his "hungry" squad prepare for the defence of their WRU National Championship crown.

Pooler have been in pre-season training for a month under the watchful eye of new strength and conditioning coach Rhys Dyer.

The fitness block is coming to an end and Jones and his coaching team will now start ramping up the rugby skills ahead of their first tune-up at Gowerton on Saturday, August 12.

But the big date is Saturday, September 2 when the champions, who lost just one league game last season, host new boys Rhydyfelin with everybody wanting to be in the first XV of the year.

"We've got a few new boys and some younger players and pre-season is about exposing them to the environment and culture of the club," said head coach Jones.

"Things have been ticking along nicely, nobody is injured and there has been a bit of a different feel this year.

"Everyone has been really focused and the competition for places means that there is a real buzz around the squad.

"The boys have driven things so far and everyone has been excellent because there is pressure for every jersey. If we are honest, a few players were pretty safe last season but now there is competition for every place and that means there's a really hungry environment."

Pooler travel to Gowerton then host Principality Premiership side Llanelli, who they upset at Parc y Scarlets in the WRU National Cup last season, on Saturday, August 19.

Their final tune-up for the Championship comes when they make the very short trip to Pontypool United on Saturday, August 26.

"I think the Llanelli game at the Park will be especially good for us because I am sure they will be coming up with a point to prove after last year," said Jones.

"It's all good preparation for the start of the season because we go up against the new boys first in Rhydyfelin and Trebanos, so that's a bit of the unknown for us.

"I've spoken to some people who were in their leagues last year and they are two decent sides so we have to make sure we hit the ground running like we did last season."