NEWPORT outside half Scott Mitchell and Cross Keys back row pair Will Thomas and Rhys Williams have all signed for Ebbw Vale.

Mitchell leaves Newport only days after appearing as a replacement in the cup final and after scoring 47 points in three games for the team deputising for Shane Howarth.

"I'm sad to leave and would have liked to stay with Newport, but Ebbw Vale came in with an offer which was a good opportunity to try to further my career," said Mitchell.

"I approached Newport and wanted to know where my future lay, but they wouldn't give me an answer until after the cup final.

"Ebbw Vale said that would be too late for them, so I had to sign. I can't understand Newport not giving me an answer.

"I've got a two-year contract with Ebbw Vale and I'm looking forward to going there.

"It's a new chance and maybe I'll play a bit more rugby there." Vale coach Mike Ruddock said, "I'm delighted Scott has signed. He's obviously a fine young talent and I'm looking forward to working with him."

Williams and Thomas have both been away with the Wales Sevens squad and Ruddock thinks highly of both of them.

"Will is athletic, has ability in the line-out and is a ball carrier. He'll be a great replacement for Nathan Budgett," he said.

"Rhys is a quality player, too, and a star of the future." Vale have already signed other Wales under-21 caps, lock Peter Sidoli from Merthyr and prop Martin Jones from Llanelli.

Rhys Shorney, Paul Matthews, Gareth Betts, Damien Penisini and Chay Billen have all re-signed, while Leighton Phillips stays as a non-contract player.

Richard Smith, Jason Strange, Iestyn Thomas, Neil Edwards, Gareth Green and Tyron Morris are all under contract, though Smith does have an opt out clause which has not been activated.

Newport prop Adrian Garvey, who, along with Gary Teichmann, joins up with the Barbarians tomorrow, has had an extra celebration. After scoring the try which helped Newport win the cup final, he and wife Melissa celebrated the birth of their first child.