Pontypool RFC is pleased to announce the signing of Corey Hewlett from Cross Keys RFC, as the club continues to chase a third consecutive WRU National Championship title.
Hewlett joins Pooler after spending the last three and a half years at Pandy Park, in which he made 37 appearances since making his debut at Pooler’s Gwent rivals back in November 2015.
The loosehead prop, who at 21 is still some way off his peak as a player, will strengthen the club in a position that has been under resourced this season. With Jamie Jeune only returning from a serious knee injury in late December, Pooler has depended on the talismanic Aaron Coundley for much of the last year.
Hewlett, who played for the Dragons at under-16 and under-18 level, believes he will improve as a player at Pontypool Park and is relishing the opportunity to get started.
On joining Pooler, he said: "I was attracted to Pooler by its ambition. Everyone is well aware of the club's desire to return to the Principality Premiership and they are leaving no stone unturned as they seek to achieve their goal.
"I like the style of rugby the club plays and, to be honest, I know a lot of the boys in the squad already and that played a part in my decision. I was coached by Matthew Jones at Cross Keys College and I look forward to working with him again and also the other coaches at the club.”
Hewlett describes himself as a strong scrummager and someone who relishes contact. Those attributes will ensure he fits in well at the club and the aforementioned Jones is pleased to have one of his former charges on board.
"Corey is a committed lad,” said Jones. “Once he's involved in something, he will give one hundred percent and he is highly regarded for his scrummaging. To have that extra body in the front-row is really important for us as we approach the business end of the season.
"He will learn a lot from working with Aaron and Jamie and I'm sure the three of them will push each other for that starting spot, which can only be a good thing for the club.”
Hewlett will make his debut for Pooler this weekend when the club welcomes Newcastle Emlyn RFC to Pontypool Park.
