James Chapron and Mike Hook – existing members of Pontypool’s backroom staff – have taken over temporarily as lead coaches following the recent departures of Gareth Lintern and Jared Lougher.

The Welsh Premiership table bottom club, still without a win this season, will be using the autumn internationals break to take stock before appointing replacements.

Pontypool managing director Frank Stanton said after Saturday’s match against Carmarthen Quins: “We have two weeks before we play Glamorgan Wanderers at the Memorial Ground and a further three weeks before our key December fixtures.

“We have a coaching structure in place with James Chapron and Mike Hook and the players are comfortable with that at present.

“We know we must do something for the long term and find individuals who can gel within the structure and build upon what we have.

“But, at the end of the day, it is the 22 players representing the club on the day staying disciplined and committed who must make the real difference.

“Thankfully, we have some time to think, take advice and then do what is right for the players and the club long term,” he added.