PONTYPOOL RFC have strengthened their pack for the 2024-2025 season by signing Morgan Allen, Lewis Robey and Harry Drane.
Newport-born Allen moves to Pontypool Park having spent the last six seasons at Cardiff RFC, five of which were as captain. He will add considerable firepower to the Pooler pack and will add a massive amount of experience to the squad having recently turned 34.
“I’m looking forward to rejoining my local club that I left back in 2010,” said the former Ospreys and Scarlets No 8.
“From the outside, last season looked a really good first campaign back in the Premiership and that gives us good momentum going into Super Rygbi Cymru.
“I can’t wait to get started as this squad looks really exciting with the blend of old heads and talented youngsters.
“It was a pretty easy choice to join after seeing the amazing team spirit the boys have here along with the vocal support at both Cardiff fixtures last season so I guess I just want to apologise for my late return back here!”
Robey, who can play anywhere across the back row, joins from Bargoed having been a mainstay in their line-up last term.
“I’m really excited to be joining Pontypool for the first Super Rygbi Cymru season,” said Robey. “It’s a fantastic club with so much talent in the squad and I’m really looking forward to the season ahead.”
Drane, who turns 27 later this year, joins from Ebbw Vale having spent two seasons with the Steelmen at tight head. He has previously represented Rumney RFC and Llanrumney RFC.
“I’m excited to join such a big club with the amazing history and support at Pontypool Park,” he said. “I’m looking forward to getting stuck into pre-season with the boys.”
Meanwhile, Kieran Meek and Jordan Thomas have both rejoined from Ebbw Vale.
Meek, who recently celebrated his 30th birthday, returns to Pooler having previously made 99 appearances across his six previous seasons at Pontypool Park.
“I’m looking forward to wearing the famous colours again,” said Meek. “Pontypool is a club very close to my heart and having so many friends here makes my return even more special. I can’t wait to get the season started and I’m looking forward to Super Rygbi Cymru and what it has to offer.”
Exciting wing Thomas returns having scored 23 tries in his 51 previous appearances for Pooler before leaving in 2020.
“I’m really excited to be returning home and am looking forward to playing in front of the supporters againm” he said.
“It’s great to see Pooler back where they belong at the highest level of Welsh club rugby and I can’t wait to pull the jersey on again. Last season was hugely impressive from the boys and I’m looking forward to being part of the squad in this year’s inaugural Super Rygbi Cymru season which I’m sure will be really exciting.”
Mikey Herbert will captain the side next season as he takes over from Scott Matthews, who moves onto the club management team in his new dual playing and coaching role.
Matthews will pick up responsibilities as defence coach, while Kelvyn Williams will be the new scrum coach alongside his playing duties.
Andrew Quick will switch roles to team manager, taking over from Lewis Roberts, who departs to focus on his full-time position with the Dragons.
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