PONTYPOOL, South Wales, 18th June 2019 - Pontypool RFC is pleased to announce the signing of Sam Cochrane from Bedwas RFC ahead of what will be the club's eighth season in the WRU National Championship.
The 23-year-old prop joins Pooler after spending one season with The Bridge Field outfit. Prior to playing for Stefan Sankala's side, the loosehead spent three years playing for Cardiff Met RFC. During his time with Met, he was part of the team that reached the BUCS final at Twickenham in 2018, finishing as a runner-up in a team that contained Harlequins backrower, Alex Dombrandt.
On his forthcoming arrival at Pontypool Park, Cochrane said: "Signing for a such a prestigious club is a big step for me. I'm a local boy and live a stone’s throw from the Park, which makes this move that bit more special. Getting the opportunity to play in such a professional environment was a big motivator and the quality of the coaching is also right up there.
"I'm still young for a front-row forward and will hopefully do a lot of my personal development as a player at Pontypool Park," said Cochrane. "The club is built on front-row supremacy and with Leighton’s experience in this area, I feel I have come to the perfect place to develop as a player.
"The club is remains hugely ambitious and I’m committed to playing my part in helping the club finally achieve promotion to the Principality Premiership. I can't wait to get started."
Head coach, Leighton Jones, is pleased to have brought the forward to Pontypool Park.
On his arrival, Jones said: "Sam is an excellent addition to the squad. He enjoyed good game time for Bedwas last year and with Jamie Jeune leaving the club, we needed to replenish our loosehead stocks.
“With Sam, Aaron Coundley and Corey Hewlett, we have three high-quality loosehead options who all have plenty to offer.
"Sam is a physical competitor and is very much a Pontypool RFC sort of player. However, in the modern game, you need to bring a range of skills to the table to thrive and he is also a dynamic and adaptable player who will show up well in the loose, as well as the tight."
Have you purchased your Pontypool RFC season ticket yet? If not, you still have time! Please click here for more information on how to join the #PoolerArmy for the 2019-2020 WRU National Championship season!