PONTYPOOL, South Wales, 21st June 2019 - Pontypool RFC is pleased to announce the signing of Marcus Jones from Blaenavon RFC as the club prepare for the start of the 2019- 2020 WRU National Championship season.
The 22-year-old winger joins the club after impressing on permit from the Division One East side at the tail end of the 2018-2019 season. Jones scored three tries in three games and made an appearance off the bench during the club's 27-16 play-off defeat to Llanelli RFC at the Talbot Athletic Ground. Jones started his career at Blaenavon and also spent two seasons with Beddau RFC, before returning to The Rec in 2018.
On joining Pooler, he 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," said Jones. "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.
"I was only part of the squad for a small part of last season, but I saw enough during that time to know that this group won't let the disappointment of the play-off defeat hold them back. We will come together in July and prepare for another huge season."
Jones started his career as a flanker, but whilst at Beddau RFC moved to the wing on the advice of Ospreys and Wales lock, Bradley Davies. It has proved an inspired decision and new backs coach, Tom Hancock, is looking forward to working with Jones.
"Marcus made a real impact when he joined the club on permit last season,” said 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 he will be battling hard for a starting spot next season.”
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!
