Pontypool is pleased to welcome eight new players to the squad ahead of what is sure to be a challenging season back in the Indigo Premiership.
The club has managed to tie down 29 of the playing squad from last year but there was still the need to strengthen further, and the new players will certainly add quality.
Lance Randall
Randall initially joined up with Pontypool in March but his stay at Pontypool Park has been extended.
Over the four appearances he has made so far, the 6ft 4in lock has added strength and steel to the second row while remaining composed under pressure.
Alex Grey
Another addition towards the back end of last season, Grey came in to help bolster the second row on permit from Newport as soon as their season had ended, such was his desire to join the club.
He made a big impact with two tries in three games and will be looking to make an even bigger impact next season.
Ollie Drake
The front row is returning to the club after four years away.
The 29-year-old was a firm favourite in his first spell, racking up 68 appearances and helping the club to three consecutive Championship titles – two of them unbeaten.
He has been equally important for Cardiff where has made 46 appearances, helping the Blue and Blacks to the Premiership title and the WRU Premiership Cup. He also helped Cardiff finish top of the league last season but they lost out to Llandovery in the play-off final.
Will Griffiths
Former Wales U20 hooker Griffiths comes to the squad to help bolster the front row.
The 24-year-old came through the ranks at the Dragons before leaving for Newport RFC.
After 15 appearances and five tries with the Black and Ambers, Griffiths arrives at Pontypool Park ready to fill the void left by Darren Hughes.
Matt Bancroft
Former Dragons back Bancroft joins from Newport and offers plenty of versatility across the backs.
The 24-year-old can operate at both outside-half and full back and can even offer depth at scrum half.
He played 11 times for the Black and Ambers following spells at Bargoed, Bedwas and Pontypridd.
Lewis Johnson
Lewis is a back-row forward who began his senior career at Llanelli after moving to attend Swansea University.
He moved to Whiteheads in 2018 before joining up with Bargoed the following summer, where he has enjoyed plenty of tough battles against Pooler.
Ben Moa
Exciting back row Moa is the latest young star to join us from the Dragons.
Son of former Pooler player Uiniati Moa, Ben has already played for Bedwas, Ebbw Vale, RGC 1404 and Newport at just 20-years-old.
An explosive ball-carrier, Moa is sure to get the crowd on their feet with the ball in hand.
Nick Selway
Experienced English prop Selway joins the club after making his name on the other side of the river.
A stalwart with Jersey, Selway made 120 appearances for the Greene King IPA Championship side before switching to Chinnor in 2019.
He bagged 18 tries in 24 appearances before joining up with Hartpury College and London Scottish, where he was named captain.
His most recent spell was with Clifton in National League Two.
We welcome all of the new players to the club and look forward to seeing them in action in the iconic red, white and black.
