PONTYPOOL Rugby Club are in the early stages of formulating a franchise bid for a rugby league side.

Plans remain in their infancy, but the First Division club is already looking at linking up with Super League giants Castleford, who have ties with the outfit's community initiative, Practice Rugby.

The Gwent side have also been in close contact with Aberavon who are also interested in the concept of a rugby league team.

"We believe this would be a great opportunity to expand the club to a higher level," said Pontypool team manager Tony Clarke.

The proposal has the full backing of the club's benefactor Bob Jude, who has already ploughed tens of thousands of pounds into the club by refurbishing the clubhouse, building a fans bar at the ground and, more importantly, building a team capable of challenging for promotion.

Now the club is looking at expanding its financial powers in a way that they believe can benefit Torfaen.

"We believe Pontypool could sustain a successful rugby league side. This would be profitable to both the club, its fans and the community of Torfaen as a whole," explained Clarke.

The club already has some strong connections with the sport's 13-man code with players Kevin Ellis and Mark Jones both having successful spells in the sport.

Ellis enjoyed a glittering career with Warrington and was also capped at international level with Wales and Great Britain. Jones is one of only a hatful of players who has been capped at international level for both Wales at union and league.

And, in the past, their legend David Bishop went to Hull Kingston Rovers before returning to Pontypool as scrum-half and coach.

Pooler have already called on the services of Ellis. He will be joining Clarke and head coach Steve Jones at a coaching session at Aberavon where Warrington will be taking centre stage and giving some handy tips on the league game.

"Aberavon have strong ties with Warrington and they have invited us down to their ground so we can see how the rugby league set-up actually works," said Clarke.

l Bridgend's 40-times capped centre Dafydd James has been added to the Wales squad for the next two Test matches this month, and Caerleon-born Cardiff wing Nick Walne is also recruited.

James replaces Saracens' ankle ligament victim Tom Shanklin.