Pontypool RFC is pleased to announce the signing of Lewis Barnett from Penallta RFC, as the club prepare to face Carmarthen Quins in the quarter-finals of the WRU National Cup.
The 25-year-old centre/wing joins the club after spending much of his career to date with Division 1 East side, Penallta RFC. Barnett began his career with the Pitmen, playing for Penallta Youth before graduating to the first team. He spent two years with Cross Keys RFC between 2016 and 2018, before returning to the Ystrad Mynach side. The back has also played for the South Wales Scorpions in Rugby League and represented Wales under-16s and under-18s in the 13-man code.
On joining Pooler, Barnett said: "My transfer to the club happened pretty quickly - within a week everything was finalised. There are some familiar faces in the squad and that will undoubtedly help me to settle in. However, it was the club's ambition that really attracted me to Pontypool Park and I look forward to hopefully contributing towards the push for promotion in the second half of the season.
"The competition within the squad was also something that attracted me to the club. A competitive squad and environment will only improve you as a player and ensure you never rest on your laurels. I think you've already seen this season that noone is guaranteed a starting spot in the side.
"It was great to make my debut for the club last weekend against Neath. To win with a bonus point and cross for a try was the icing on the cake really."
Barnett's arrival bolsters the squad at a vital point in the season. With the club enjoying an eleven-point gap at the top of the Specsavers National Championship and set to take on Indigo Premiership high-flyers, Carmarthen Quins, in the WRU National Cup, backs coach, Tom Hancock, is pleased to have Barnett on board.
"Lewis is a quality player and is now another member of our squad with Premiership experience. Like a number of players in our back division, he can play in more than one position and that is an invaluable quality," said Hancock.
“We are enjoying the challenge of pushing on two fronts and as a result, we need a strong and competitive squad. Lewis will provide us with another quality option at a crucial point in the season. You saw last weekend against Neath that Lewis is comfortable at this level and we look forward to seeing him progress with us."
