Pooler add six more players to complete recruitment

Pontypool RFC is pleased to announce that the club has acquired a further six squad members ahead of the 2015/2016 SSE SWALEC Championship campaign, bringing Pooler’s number of new recruits to thirteen.

Kristian Baller (full-back, Cross Keys RFC), Alun Wyn Davies (prop, Swansea RFC), Derryn Jones (second row, Bath University), Ed King (second row, Cinderford RFC), Adam Scanlon (second row, Swansea RFC) and Sione Tu’ipulotu (centre, Worcester Warriors) all joined fellow arrivals; Rhys Dyer, Luke Ford, Dan Robinson, Gareth Rusby Davies, Ben Madgwick, Matthew Roberts and Ross Preedy during yesterday evening’s scheduled training session at the ever-picturesque Pontypool Park.

“I am absolutely delighted to have secured such high quality signings to a close what has been a challenging but exciting recruitment drive ahead of the new Championship campaign,” said Pontypool RFC Head Coach, Louie Tonkin. “It is never easy signing players at such a late stage but we are delighted with the calibre we have brought into what is an already excellent squad.”

The newcomers join Pooler with a host of exceptional rugby credentials in their armory, including two Rugby World Cup Finals appearances with Tonga, Aviva Premiership and Welsh Regional Rugby experience with Gloucester Rugby, Worcester Warriors, Newport Gwent Dragons and Ospreys, respectively, SSE National League 1 involvement with Cinderford RFC and Coventry RFC, and Principality Premiership participation with Cross Keys RFC, Pontypridd RFC and Swansea RFC.

“We have worked hard to sign the right type of forwards to help us compete in such a physical league,” continued Tonkin. “With the inclusion of Adam, Ed and Alun as well as securing Derryn on a permanent basis, we are confident that we have bolstered ourselves in the power stakes and that our set piece can be a threat to any team.

“I am also extremely excited by signing two great players in Kristian and Sione to add to our already electric group of backs. There is no secret about the brand of rugby we are going to be bringing to Pontypool Park this season!

“Though what is most important is how every signing we have made has been done so on character as well as pure rugby ability, and this is very much representative of the culture we are aiming to develop at the club."