Leighton Jones’ side will be chasing a fourth successive title and that elusive promotion back to the Indigo Group Premiership and have picked out some testing English challenges to get them in shape for the new season.
Despite going through the past two campaigns undefeated and losing only once in 66 league outings in securing their hat-trick of titles, Jones believes his team went into last season “a little under cooked.”
“We failed to hit the ground running in pre-season last year and that is something we will be looking to put right this time around. The Championship is set to be the most competitive ever, so the need to start well is evident,” said Jones.
“It can be hugely beneficial to play sides outside of Wales and it will be a good test for the squad. Our pre-season schedule will see us take on plenty of teams from across the border and that’s an exciting prospect.”
Having kicked-off their pre-season with victory in the Talywain Sevens, the focus will switch to 15-a-side action with a trip to meet Dings Crusaders on the outskirts of Bristol. The clash with the National League 2 South side will be on August 10.
Next up will be a trip to the outskirts of Reading to play in the Rams Tournament at Old Bath Road on August 17.
That will pitch the Welsh side against Chinnor (Nat League 1), Bournemouth (Nat League 2 South), Westcliff (Nat League 2 South) and host club Rams RFC (Nat League 1).
The final piece in the pre-season jig-saw will come at Talywain’s Emlyn Park on Saturday, August 31 when last season’s National League 2 South champions Canterbury will be the visitors.
Pooler then kick-off their Championship campaign on September 7 with a home game against Beddau.
Among the new recruits at Pontypool Park are the Monmouth duo of tight head prop Zenon Szwagrzak and full-back Amosa Nove. Szwagrzak led his side to the Division 2 East title last season.
Blaenavon wing Marcus Jones has completed a full-time move to the club after impressing on permit at the end of last season, while former Dragons and Wales Under-18 scrum half Owain Leonard has come in from Cross Keys.
Prop Scott Evans has also left Pandy Park to join the champions, as has another front row recruit Sam Cochrane, who comes in from Bedwas. After eight seasons at Ebbw Vale, Rhys Clarke has also made the switch to Pontypool Park.
The new boys will join 27 players retained from last season’s all conquering squad that will face much stiffer opposition this season with four teams – Bedwas, Cross Keys, Bargoed and Neath – having dropped down from the Premiership to increase the Championship to 14 teams.
Another new face will be that of Tom Hancock, who takes over from Matthew Jones as backs coach.
Former Ospreys and Wales outside-half Jones has moved to Neath.
