A GWENT rugby club's posts are being re-padded thanks to a sponsorship deal with a Newport-based bank.

Lloyds TSB Newport has renewed a deal with Pontypool RFC to replace the club's four goalpost protectors at their Pontypool Park ground.

The kit protects players from potential injuries during try attempts.

The bank sponsored the club's previous post protectors, which were in place for more than ten years.

The new deal is worth £1,500 and is part of Lloyds TSB's market strategy to get involved in local communities.

Ian Harvey, local development manager for Lloyds TSB, said: "We are happy to be supporting such a famous and well-loved club.

"This deal will help demonstrate Lloyds TSB's commitment to the Pontypool area.

"The town is going through a large regeneration at the moment and we wanted to get involved and become a part of that."

The new protectors were handed over to Pontypool RFC's commercial manager Dave Garrett on Friday by Mr Harvey and Lloyds TSB Pontypool branch manager Steve Evans.

Mr Garrett said: "We are delighted to receive the sponsorship from Lloyds TSB. This deal will be mutually beneficial to the bank and the club.

"We want to develop these links with local businesses to help the rugby club as well as the town, so we are very pleased with the response.

"The previous protectors were in place for more than ten years. They served us well but it was time for some new ones."

Pontypool's playing kit is sponsored by the Argus' sister paper The Free Press.