New Players Lift Pontypool Squad for Men of Gwent Sevens
Pontypool have announced six new signings in their squad for the Men of Gwent Sevens on Saturday 2 August at Rodney Parade as they battle to prove themselves ahead of their fresh Premiership campaign for the 2008/09 season.
Gavin Donaldson, Adam Brake, Tom Edwards, Tom Hancock, Thom Botwood, Matthew Thomas, Dan Robinson and Geraint O’Driscoll have each committed to the club for the coming season and join fellow squad members, and last season’s talent, Jamie Jeunne, Matthew Davies, Darrell Cox and Sam Pailor for Gwent’s high-profile sevens tournament this weekend.
The Pontypool side have been drawn against NHSOB (Kick off 2.25pm) and Newport (kick off 3.50pm) and relish the challenge they face on this weekend.
Pontypool Coach Jared Lougher is confident that his squad can benefit from the opportunity to play against some of the top teams in Gwent ahead of their preseason fixtures and the coming season. Having won the Division 1 East title, Pontypool return to the Premeirship for the first time in two years this season. He said:
“The Men of Gwent Sevens is a fantastic tournament and a great opportunity for Pontypool, having won the league and achieving Premiership qualification, to test themselves against the other clubs within the region.
“Playing against local rivals, Newport, will be a tough match and one that the players will enjoy, having a big tradition of playing Newport and facing them in the Premiership on 25th November this year.”
He added: “We’re also looking forward to playing at the home of the Newport Gwent Dragons as we’ve received huge support from the region over the years.
“We are fortunate to have three of the Dragons Academy boys playing with us at the club and look forward to organised sessions with Paul Turner and his coaching team in the near future to embrace what the Dragons have to offer the club. We are always grateful for their continued support.”
Pontypool will play Camerthen Quins away from home on Saturday 16 August followed by clashes with Bristol on Wednesday 20 August and Stourbridge on Saturday 30th at Pontypool Park.
To see Pontypool at the annual Men of Gwent Sevens tournament, please get your tickets from Rodney Parade Ticketline: 01633 674990 or the Rodney Parade Ticket Office priced at £1 for children and £5 for adults.
