sixth in the Welsh Premier Division last season, have moved to strengthen their squad still further with the signing of eight new players for next season.

The newcomers are a mixture of experienced performers and promising youngsters and club secretary Chris Clarke said: "We feel we have the right blend to take us forward again from our success in 2004-2005."

Best known among the newcomers are former Wales international Justin Thomas, capped 13 times between 1995 and 1997, recruited from Caerphilly as outside half cover to Scott Mitchell.

Keys have also signed vital scrum half cover, having finished last season with just Gareth Betts, by recruiting Scott Headington from Ebbw Vale.

Pacy wing Scott Horner has also joined from the Eugene Cross Park club while experienced lock Wayne Sims and goalkicking utility back Jonathan Williams have been signed from relegated neighbours Newbridge.

The young players are highly promising Croesyceiliog number eight Steve Thomas, Fleur-de-Lys flanker Tom Lampard and Newport Saracens lock Scott Marasco.

The club also have a young prop and wing in the pipeline and Clarke added: "While we believe we have an excellent squad of sufficient quality to make further progress, we are keeping our options open should any other quality player wish to join us."

Keys have signed virtually all the players with them at the end of last season with the exception of veteran prop Darren Crimmins, outside half Gethin Worgan (banned for two years after testing positive for a banned substance), flanker Adam Cox, who is pursuing a medical career in North Wales, and lock Gareth Taylor, who has had promotion within the police service.

Promising young centre Nathan Williams and highly-rated prop Craig Gould have re-signed, making it the first time for some seasons that the club's major award winners have done so. Prop Ian George has been retained under a joint arrangement with Newport Gwent Dragons, with whom he will train full time.

"We would like to thank coaches Robert Beale, Nicky Lloyd and Greg Woods, who worked tirelessly to make sure we retained our squad for next season and for providing such a good base to build on," added Clarke.