The Boss Signs

Leighton will continue to lead Pontypool RFC, the club that means so much to him. He enters his 12th season, 9^th as Head Coach, and is relishing the challenge that Super Rygbi Cymru will bring.

Jones said ‘I’m delighted to continue in my role at the club given my blood runs Pooler. I still relish the challenge that leading Pontypool RFC brings and am really excited with the squad potential which I hope we can realise over the next few years.

Super Cymru Rygbi is a new competition with player development being a far higher requirement than the Premiership has demanded in recent years. Clubs are looking to achieve higher standards more closely aligned to the professional game.

Jones added: ‘Entering Super Rygbi Cymru was an easy decision for us as it’s always been our aim to play at the highest level possible. I’ve seen a few things written about the league being solely a development league for youngsters but this couldn’t be further from the truth – Everyone at the 10 clubs will be working harder than ever to achieve success on the field it’s just that we’ll now be doing this whilst playing a more a critical role than ever in developing some hugely talented boys.

Every player who pulls on the Pooler jersey will be expected to buy into our values and team ethos and will be equals whoever they’re contracted to.

Executive Chairman Peter Jeffreys says ‘I’m delighted that Leighton continues to lead the team as he has done with distinction for 11 years now and I can’t think of anyone better to lead us into Super Rygbi Cymru.

Speaking of the new competition Jeffreys added ‘Super Rygbi Cymru has many positive aspects to it, none more so than the financial requirements we've all signed up to with the aim of ensuring participating clubs are able to operate more sustainably. We understand that every club is having to cut their cloth accordingly to comply with the salary cap however it should ensure the competition amongst us is fairly even which should make for an exciting year.