Pontypool RFC have signed scrum-half Dan Babos from Dragons RFC - the club’s first signing ahead of the WRU Admiral National Championship 2022/23 season.

The former Wales U20 international will add depth and experience to the backs and will compete with Owain Leonard for the number nine jersey.

Much of Babos’ rugby development was spent in the local area with Pontypool Schools and Pontypool United RFC before making his professional debut with the Dragons in 2017, becoming the first player born this millennium to feature in a PRO14 fixture.

The 22-year-old has gone to make 18 appearances for the region with one try to his name. He has also spent time with Gwent rivals Cross Keys RFC and Ebbw Vale RFC as well as English Championship outfit Coventry RFC.

On joining Pooler, Babos said: “I’m grateful to be back playing where I grew up and learned most of my rugby.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the boys and hopefully being able to add something to the success they have had over the past five years.

“A huge driver for me will be to do whatever I can this year with the group to push for promotion and get Pontypool back where they belong.”

Head coach Leighton Jones is pleased to be adding players who have a connection to the area and hinted that is a focus of their summer recruitment.

“Babos is a local lad who played in the Pontypool Schools. He is someone with a very professional attitude and who has extremely high standards,” said Jones, who currently manages the Pontypool Schools U15s.

“His passing is fast and accurate and he has a good kicking game, which is more essential in today’s game than ever before.

“He’s also sharp around the base with the ability to make line breaks by spotting mismatches in the defensive line.”