Riley, the former Wales Under 21, Cardiff Blues and Dragons payer, is heading home from the Cornish Pirates, while Pascoe is returning from Australia. A former age-grade international who played from Cardiff and Pontypridd, he has been playing for Balmain, near Sydney.
Now 31, Riley played for Newport in the 2008/09 season and scored 11 tries in 27 outings in Black & Amber. He then secured a contract with the Dragons having previously played for the Blues. He left Rodney Parade to join the Pirates in 2012, where he played in the English Championship an British & Irish Cup.
“I’m really pleased for the rest of the squad that someone of Tom’s experience, ability and personality is joining the club. He will add to the good work that’s gone on so far,” said Newport head coach Craig Warlow.
“Tom will be a great addition to all aspects of running a semi-pro, aspirational rugby team. I know that everyone is very excited about the new season and Tom is working hard with the rest of the squad to get prepared for September.
“Tom Pascoe is another very talented footballer who has spent the last year or so broadening his rugby experience down under. We have been chasing Tom for over a year and his experience and ability will complement our already exciting three quarter line.”
The two Tom’s will join Chay Smith in battling it out for a midfield berth in the new season and Warlow has also bolstered his front row options with two signings from Pontypool. Former Pill Harriers prop Fraser Young, who made a handful of appearances on permit last season, has followed in the footsteps of Garin Harris in joining from Pooler.
Tight head specialist Harris was Pontypool’s ‘Player of the Year’ last season and is expected to make a major impact at his new club. The Newbridge duo of second row Dan Mock and open side flanker Kyle Tayler have also switched to Rodney Parade.
“Garin showedt he is a competent scrummaging tight head in the championship last season with Pontypool and at only 20 years of age he has time to develop into a strong Premiership prop. The key with Garin is his development,” said forwards coach Tyron Morris.
“I want to spend time continuing the good work that Pontypool have done with him, making Garin the best that he can be. He has shown huge potential this past year becoming the Pontypool player of the season.
“With Fraser, it’s great to see local players progressing from the junior clubs in the Newport area to play at Rodney Parade. We are striving to get local talent to play for the club because it means a lot for these players to play for their home town club.
“We also have a few young players joining us this pre-season from the Newport High School Academy and Newport High School Old Boys RFC and I’m sure they will learn a great deal from training alongside quality, experienced senior players.”
The club have also unveiled their new kit for the coming campaign – Black & Amber as usual!
