CAE Trayhern, last season's Pontypool skipper, has joined English National League Division One side Pertemps Bees - and his first game for his new club could be against Pontypool.

The Bees, formerly known as Birmingham Solihull, are set to visit Pontypool Park for a friendly on the weekend of August 21/22.

Trayhern's loss to Welsh Premier Division Pontypool will be massive as he has been an inspirational captain, but it comes as no surprise. The 26-year-old self-employed gas fitter has always been keen to develop a career in professional rugby and when an opportunity with Newport Gwent Dragons was not forthcoming (he was a substitute on occasions last season and went on their trip to Dubai) the flanker decided on a new challenge in England.

"The Bees are part-time at the moment but may go full time over the next year as they believe with big city support they could be playing in the Zurich Premiership," said Trayhern.

"They have a fine set-up and great potential and only a couple of years ago reached the English cup semi-finals.

"It's disappointing I didn't really get a chance with the Dragons after being on the bench for a couple of games but if I do well with the Bees and the Dragons keep an eye on me, you never know what might happen."

He added: "It was a difficult decision to leave Pontypool and had I left a year or two ago it might have had an effect on the club.

"But I felt I could leave for a new challenge now because I believe the club have turned the corner and they have some decent young players coming through, particularly in the back row.

"I'd like to thank the Pontypool fans for their support over the years and naturally I wish the club all the best."

New Pontypool director of rugby Gareth Hale said: "Cae has been a wonderful servant to Pontypool and we wish him all the best in his new venture. If things do not work out for him with the Bees we would be happy to have him back."