THE NEW group set to take over Pontypool Rugby Club have moved quickly to cement their position by virtually completing the signing of their squad for this season.

The Welsh Rugby Union, though yet to officially ratify the new consortium, have virtually recognised the fact by giving them the go-ahead to sign players.

And this they have done in double-quick time, snapping up 15 members of last season's squad with 13 transfers in the pipeline and a second row and prop set to be signed next week.

Tony Clarke, confirmed as team manager with Steve Jones now confirmed as coach, said he was "thrilled" they had been able to move so quickly and expressed his gratitude that so many players had stuck by the club in difficult circumstances.

"These players have stuck with us and have now signed for us despite not knowing really where they were," said Clarke.

"For months many did not know if they would have a team to join but stood by us even though they might have moved elsewhere and secured their future.

"By their actions we know they are 100% behind Pontypool and we are grateful to them.

"We would like to thank the local clubs who have allowed players to join us. There has been no animosity and they know the players can return to them if they wish or on dual registration if necessary.

"There is a happy feeling at Pontypool Park again knowing we are almost there." Those re-signed players are:

Backs: Joel Griffin, Ben Jefferies, Nicky Lloyd, Stuart Lawrence, Chris Landry, David Smith, Jonathan Williams and James Rowles.

Forwards: Cai Treherne, Gareth Gunter, Owen Price, Manu Tuipulotu, Leighton Jones, Kuli Faletau and Mike Rosser.

Tuipulotu trained for the first time last night after returning from Tonga with his new bride, his trip financed by Pontypool baggage man Terry Simons because he was owed wages.

Those players awaiting transfer include Munster Under-21s scrum half Brian Begg, scrum half Gareth Jenkins from Treorchy, flanker Nicky Blake from Talywain, No 8 Gavin Lucas from Rumney, flanker Arthur Howarth from Ebbw Vale, wing Nolan Nicklin from Abertillery, outside half Richard Jenkins from Ebbw Vale Under-21s, hookers Neil Giles from Abertillery and Rhys Miller from Newport Under-21s, flanker Lee Edwards and second row Lee Williams from Newport Under-21s, Rhys Jones from Ebbw Vale Under-21s and former Cardiff prop Rob Benson from Dinas Powys.

Meanwhile, the club have asked us to point out that Derek Parry, referred to in an article last night, is coach of Pontypool United Youth and not Pontypool Youth.