BLAENAVON wing Marcus Jones has earned a permanent move to Premiership hopefuls Pontypool, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 22-year-old played on permit from the Division One East side at the end of Pooler's successful WRU National Championship campaign.

He scored three tries in three games and featured off the bench in the agonising promotion/relegation play-off loss to Llanelli at the Talbot Athletic Ground.

The coaching staff liked what they saw and have snapped up Jones to boost their bid for a fourth successive title and a return to the top flight.

The winger, who started his career as a flanker, said: "I was very grateful to be given the opportunity to play for the club at the end of last season. I feel I gave a good account of myself and I'm looking forward to returning to the club on a regular basis.

"The competition for places in the back division is fierce, but that is part and parcel of being at a big club.

"My main aim moving forward is to continue improving and developing as a player. Last season was hopefully just a small glimpse of what I can do in a Pooler shirt and I will work hard to ensure that is the case.

"I was made to feel really welcome when I first arrived at the club and I can't wait for the start of pre-season."

"Marcus made a real impact when he joined the club on permit last season," said backs coach Tom Hancock.

"He is a player that gets spectators on the edge of their seats and we are excited to see how he will develop.

"His speed, elusiveness and explosive qualities mark him out as a rising star and as someone who is already familiar with the set-up at the club, it would be great to see him hit the ground running when pre-season begins.

"He has all of the raw attributes you would want as a winger and will be battling hard for a starting spot."