Pooler feeling benefit of Dragons partnership

It’s been a strong 18 months for Pontypool RFC.

From a double-winning season last year to earning a long-awaited promotion to the Indigo Premiership and adapting quickly to life in a new league.

That progression has coincided with a blossoming relationship with regional outfit Dragons RFC.

Front row duo Sam Scarfe and Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths joined up with the squad in 2021/2022 and they were joined by full-back Huw Anderson and winger Ewan Rosser last summer.

Scrum-half Morgan Lloyd joined the ranks towards the back end of last season while winger Walker Price has been a new addition this season.

Anderson was the only one of those who missed the trip to Merthyr and they all played their part as Pooler claimed a morale-boosting victory thanks to Amosa Nove’s late heroics.

“The partnership with the region is strong, it’s as strong as it’s ever been,” explained head coach Leighton Jones.

“The working relationship we have is really healthy.

“If we, as a club, can be part of their path to professional rugby we are more than happy to play a part in that.

“These boys come in and they are down to earth, they buy into everything and we couldn’t wish for better boys to come into the club.

“They add massively to us as a playing unit but also to the unit in the week and they are great lads to have around.”

Rosser, who scored for the Dragons against Ospreys recently, grabbed his third goal in as many games for Pontypool with his touch down at The Wern.

And while the winger is contracted to the Dragons, he is enjoying every minute playing for his local club.

“The Dragons have a good relationship with Pontypool,” he said.

“It’s good for me to have such a good club to come to and get some game time.

“I love playing here, I’m a local boy.”