Pontypridd RFC v Pontypool RFC

Pontypool begin their preparations for their return to the Indigo Premiership with a trip to Sardis Road to face new league rivals Pontypridd tomorrow.

It will be a litmus test of what is to come this season as they take on a club that has been ever-present in the Premiership.

It will also be the first chance for head coach Leighton Jones to assess where his players are at and put new tactics to the test.

Eight new players have been signed over a busy summer and many are expected to be included in the squad for the friendly.

However, there is also a new face in the dugout with Nick Wakley coming in as backs coach, to replace Shaun Connor, and he is relishing the return to 15s rugby.

Having gained vast experience in the 7s game with Wales and GB Women, culminating in Premiership Rugby 7s success with the Dragons in 2015, Wakley feels it’s time to return to 15s and show he still has plenty to offer.

However, he is keen to add to the good work made by Connor rather than ripping everything up and starting with a brand new plan.

“It’s been brilliant to be back in 15s,” said Wakley.

“There was definitely a plan in my head that I didn’t want to be seen as just a 7s coach and what a great opportunity my old club gave me to come back and do some coaching.

“I’m looking forward to it. I can’t wait for the first game and to be knee-deep in analysis. Watching the opposition, planning the sessions. It’s nice to have that week-to-week focus on games. It’s very sporadic in 7s.

“I know I’ve got big shoes to fill with the brilliant Shaun having a good time here.

“We’ve been in contact a fair few times and he’s been brilliant with me, helping me with what Pontypool have done previously with footage from games they’ve played.

“I’m very grateful for Leighton [Jones] giving me this opportunity.

“We’re going to live in the here and now and attack each game.

“Ripping up the playbook and starting afresh is very dangerous, especially when you have a team that is used to winning, a team with a great bond on and off the field.

“I think it’s a bit of a hybrid action.

“I want to put my personal stamp on some of the attacking in the back play but equally the boys know what works and there are some great leaders in the back line.

“So it’s not going to be reinventing the wheel, I think [pre-season] is a good chance for me to see where the backs are, where the players are and try a couple of different combinations.”

Wakley returns to the club he played for 16 times and admits he wishes he could have spent longer at Pontypool Park during his playing days due to the special ‘aura’ the club has.

“I wish my time here was longer because this is one place I am always amazed at,” he added.

“You get people watching training, the amount of people that come to watch games and they are so passionate about it.

“You can just sense the tradition and special aura this place has got, no wonder the boys absolutely love playing here.

“That is one thing that is very special about this team, the bond they have off the field.

“The new players buy into that, they buy into the culture of enjoying each other’s time away from the field and that will stand us in good stead in bringing those players on without any fuss.”