NEWPORT chief Ty Morris has brought scrum-half Luke Crane back to Rodney Parade in a bid to fill the hole left by Ryan James following his retirement at the end of last season.

A quality replacement for James was high on the list of priorities for Black and Ambers chief Morris, who has moved into the head coach hotseat after Craig Warlow’s decision to step down.

Crane, who joins the Indigo Group Premiership club from relegated Bedwas, had a brief spell with Newport several years ago having come through the ranks of the Dragons academy.

“Luke has been a consistent performer week after week in the Premiership,” said Morris. “With his pace and tempo, he will be a huge threat to many teams this season.”

Crane is the fourth signing Newport have announced since last Saturday – the club is revealing one a day until Sunday via their social media channels.

Before news of Crane’s return broke, the Black and Ambers told supporters that prop/hooker Jamie Jeune is back following a spell with Pontypool.

Primarily a prop but also able to play as a hooker, the experience Jeune represented Poooler on more than 250 occasions.

“Jamie will add valuable experience to our squad,” added Morris. “He has an exceptional skill set for a front row forward that will fit perfectly with the way we play our rugby.

“I’m sure he will lead from the front to drive our standards both on and off the field.”

Adam Jones has made the short move from Cardiff to Newport to add strength in depth to the centre options.

Morris commented: “We needed to add a greater competitive edge to our midfield. Adam brings with him a wealth of Premiership experience.

“I know he is keen to get back to his best by driving standards forward for the team and other individuals.”

Comfortable at 12 and 13, Jones provides competition to Tom Pascoe and fills the gap left by Chay Smith’s move to the Ospreys.

Meanwhile, winger Jonny Morris has also expressed an interest in moving into the 13 shirt.

Newport’s first signing of the summer was front-rower Louis Jones from champions Merthyr.

“Louis has been a regular performer for Merthyr for a number of seasons showing that he knows what it takes to succeed and win at the highest level year after year,” said Morris.

“He is comfortable on both sides of the scrum and is exactly what we need at Newport for the new season.”