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Pontypool RFC is pleased to welcome former outside-half Shaun Connor back to the club as backs coach.
Connor has vast experience in coaching having worked with the Dragons and the Ospreys – during his time at the Welsh Rugby Union – as well as a three-year stint coaching the Russian national team.
He has also coached his hometown club Blaina RFC and is currently back with the Dragons as an academy coach.
“I spoke to Leighton [Jones] before Christmas and he said he was looking for another coach to come and work with him,” Connor explained.
“At the time I was committed to Blaina so it wasn’t right then.
“The season has finished now and I felt it was a good chance to come here and have a look and spend a couple of weeks with Leighton and I’ve enjoyed it.
“There is a lot of good here already. I know Tom Hancock did a great job.
“Leighton and Quickie [Andrew Quick] have carried the reins since he’s gone and Leighton was just keen to get another eye in.
“It’s not about changing everything and revolutionising things, it’s just about tinkering with things and seeing where we can improve little bits of details along the way.”
The 46-year-old scored 59 points in 20 appearances for Pooler across three seasons and the aspiration the club has of returning to the top-flight was a key factor in his decision to return to Pontypool Park.
“It’s a great club full of history but the thing I like about the club is they have a lot of ambition to try and get to the Premiership,” he said.
“The club has been in the Championship for a number of years but they retain that ambition to get to the Premiership.”
Connor also had spells at Newport RFC, Ebbw Vale RFC and Neath RFC before joining regional outfits Ospreys and Dragons. He began his career at Abertillery RFC.