Pontypool have pulled off one of the biggest transfers in the history of Super Rygbi Cymru by signing Ebbw Vale outside half Evan Lloyd for next season.
Lloyd leaves Eugene Cross Park having helped to steer them into the last two SRC Trophy finals and one SRC Cup final. He made 115 appearances for The Steelmen and scored 900 points.
Having won international recognition at Wales U18, U19 and U20 levels, Lloyd spent time in the Dragons academy before joining the transition squad. The now 26-year-old played three times for the Dragons before making his mark at Eugene Cross Park
Joining him in adding further experience and quality to the Pooler back line will be former Wales U20 and Dragons centre Connor Edwards, Wales U20 wing and Sevens cap Ewan Rosser and Wales U20 scrum half Ellis Lewis.
“We were disappointed with our results last season, and we realised we needed greater experience to help turn so many narrow defeats into wins,” admitted Pontypool head coach Tom Hancock.
“Evan is a really exciting signing for us and he will add genuine quality to what we believe looks like a very dangerous back division. His kicking game is long and accurate and his on-field leadership and game plan delivery have been huge assets for Ebbw Vale.
“We’ll now look for him to replicate that in Pooler colours. His arrival will create competition and add depth and experience in our squad.
“Caio Parry has joined us on a joint contract with the Dragons and Ewan knows us well and with Caio will bring added firepower out wide. We’re signing Connor while he’s still at the peak of his powers.
“His form in the RFU Championship for Doncaster Knights in recent months shows that we have a centre who is capable of adding to our attack and defence as well as our on-field leadership. We expect Connor to come in and drive standards, as well as creating competition within our squad that’s been lacking at centre.”
Lloyd played at outside half and full back for Ebbw Vale and his lengthy kicking, as well as superb game management, was key to their recent run to three finals. While it will be wrench for him to leave, the new challenge excites him.
“I’m very grateful to the coaches, chairman and everyone at Ebbw Vale for the support and opportunities I’ve had during my time at the club,” said Lloyd.
“I’ve enjoyed being part of such a proud club and feel this is the right time for me to take on a new challenge by leaving one Gwent giant and joining another.
“The legacy and history of Pontypool always stood out for me when I was growing up. Former Pooler player Mark Ring taught me how to drop kick a ball and my brother represented the club on more than 50 occasions.
“This makes the opportunity to now represent Pooler even more special to me. I’m excited about joining a club with such ambition, high standards and expectations for success.
“I want to play my part in helping drive that journey forward. I understand the pride and expectations that come with representing Pooler and I’m determined to give everything I have for the badge and the supporters.
“I’m looking forward to working hard, learning from the coaches and players around me, and doing everything I can to help the club compete for honours and trophies.”
Other newcomers at Pontypool Park next season will be former Scarlets back row man Ben Williams, as well as local products Aneurin Paterson, a wing from Newbridge, and Joel Paterson, a prop from Blackwood. Luke Daniel has also signed a full-time contract after leaving the Dragons academy.