PONTYPOOL will hope to profit from Tom Hancock’s inside knowledge of Llandovery when they kick off Super Rygbi Cymru against the double winners.

Pooler have been given a tough assignment to start the season with a Thursday night date against the Drovers in front of the S4C cameras (kick-off 7.30pm).

Last season’s corresponding Premiership game was also shown live and Euros Evans’ side ran amok in a 48-26 win, although the hosts did show fight to earn a four-try bonus.

Llandovery went on to win back-to-back titles as well as lifting the Premiership Cup and are the team to beat in the inaugural SRC.

Hancock left the Drovers at the end of last season to take up a role with the Dragons’ academy and he will combine that by being backs coach at Pooler.

The former fly-half had three spells as a player at the club and then cut his coaching teeth at the club before heading west.

He returns with the aim of helping Pooler add a cutting edge to go with their Gwent grit up front.

RETURN: Tom Hancock in his playing days for PoolerRETURN: Tom Hancock in his playing days for Pooler

“We’ve put specific targets in place with metrics such as touches, carries, line breaks, defenders beaten and tries scored, all of which we can quantify through our analysis," he said.

“We’re absolutely committed to growing our game behind the pack to be more adventurous with an aim to rival the top teams in Super Rygbi Cymru.

“As a coaching team we’re really excited by the strength of the squad, including some exceptionally talented youngsters.

“It’s great that Pooler have bought into the goals of Super Rygbi Cymru and it’s great to be working with the future stars of Welsh rugby.”