Loose head specialist Owain Ford played in every one of Tonmawr’s League games last season and is just the type of durable performer Neath were seeking to replace Anthony Lott who, due to transport difficulties and family commitments, has returned to his club of origin Bargoed where he made an emotional Welsh Cup return with Neath last season.
The hard scrummaging Ford stands 5’10” and tips the scales at just below 17 stone and will commence pre-season training with his new Neath team-mates on Monday.
Neath head coach Patrick Horgan said, “We were sorry to lose ‘Vinny’ who was a reliable and popular member of our squad over the past two seasons. However, we are delighted to welcome Owain on board and he should be an ideal replacement. The Tonmawr pack rarely failed to give a good account of itself last season and Owain was ever-present in a strong scrimmaging unit.”
The Welsh All Blacks have also boosted their back row department by capturing No.8 Stefan Jones from Swansea. The 6’3” 17 stone Llanharan product has impressed Neath followers since his Maesteg days as a powerful ball-carrier.
Coach Patrick Horgan said, “Stefan is very strong on the ball and we are looking to build extra dynamism and physicality into our pack this season not only for the Premiership but for the British & Irish Cup too.
“We are pleased to see both players on board at The Gnoll where they will add to our forward strength and we expect big things from them.”
