Pontypool RFC is pleased to announce the signing of Ben Uphill from Neath RFC, as the club strengthens its front-row options ahead of next season.
The 26-year-old prop joins the club after spending five years at The Gnoll, making 95 appearances for the WRU Specsavers National Championship side. Prior to his stint with The Welsh All Blacks, Uphill made his debut for his hometown club, Nantyffyllon RFC at the age of 18.
His time with Natyffyllon was followed by a stint with Championship side, Tata Steel RFC. His form with the Port Talbot side saw Uphill play a handful of games for Aberavon RFC, first appearing for the side against Pontypridd RFC in 2015.
On joining Pooler, Uphill said: "Pontypool is a club with a fine tradition in forward play. It has been the envy of many for a long time and I can't wait to hopefully add to that tradition. What is also obvious about this Pontypool squad is their willingness to play rugby and I'm looking forward to getting involved in that side of the game too.
"I have played a lot of rugby in the Premiership, but I'm relishing the challenge that awaits me at Pontypool. Everything about the club is Premiership quality and hopefully we will finally return Pooler to the top division in 2022. I played with three formidable forwards in Aaron Coundley, Darren Hughes and Ieuan Jones at Neath and I'm looking forward to re-uniting with them.
"Simply, I am looking forward to working with everyone at Pontypool. The squad and management are a tight-knit group and being part of that will be enjoyable."
Head coach, Leighton Jones, is looking forward to working with the new recruit."Ben is a strong scrummaging prop and will be a real asset for us." said Jones. “He has predominantly played his career at loosehead, but we see him as having the potential of successfully being utilised also as a tighthead. He has a strong work ethic and I’m confident he will add an extra layer of quality within the team.
"A strong forward pack is one of the pillars of Pontypool RFC and next season will be no different. We now believe we have a group of forwards that can go toe to toe with anyone in the division and also allow us to hopefully enjoy another fruitful National Cup campaign."
