We're pleased to announce the signings of Tom Sims, Jake Wisniewski & Owen Popple

Tom Sims

Tom joins from Dings Crusaders RFC having spent three years prior at Bristol Bears academy. He also featured for Hartpury in the Championship on a number of occasions and also played in New Zealand.

Tom will bolster our pack as a specialist loose head prop and said ‘I’m looking forward to a new challenge at Pooler and I’m buzzing to show the supporters what I’m all about with my drive to win. The atmosphere and culture at the club is something I’m really excited about and I can’t wait to get started and help bring home some silverware’

Scrum coach, Kelvyn Williams, adds ‘We look forward to welcoming an all-action prop to add to our front-row and Tom can do it all. A former England age grade international and Bristol Bears Academy graduate, his set-piece is strong and he is fit and mobile so will prove a great addition to our ranks’

Jake Wisniewski

Jake joins from Cross Keys having built up a strong reputation as a young (21) and tough loose head prop.

Jake said ‘I’m excited to have the opportunity to join Pontypool. The passion in the local community, along with the clubs drive to succeed, greatly influenced my decision to join. I also have roots in Torfaen which makes playing for Pooler really meaningful for me. I’m aiming to bring my physical and mental strength to the team and I’ll enjoy the physicality and intensity of the front row battle. I’m committed to giving it my all’

Ashley Sweet added ‘Jake is a physical, young, talented prospect who will make our loose-head prop slot very competitive. Having already made 50+ appearances for Cross Keys, he is coming to us ready to make the step up to SRC and challenge himself against better players,

Owen Popple

Owen joins from Leicester Tigers academy and has played at Hartpury. He’s a product of Llantwit Fardre and follows in the footsteps of his older brother, Joe, in pulling on the Pooler jersey. Owen, who turns 20 next month, will compete for the #3 jersey.

On signing he said ‘I’m really excited to be joining Pontypool and competing in the SRC. The club has a strong reputation and ambitious goals and I’m looking forward to playing my part in that journey. I can’t wait to get started’

Gareth Betts added ‘Owen signs from Hartpury College and the Leicester Tigers Academy and is a very aggressive tight-head who enjoys the contest. He is young and eager to develop at a club renowned for its front rowers’