PONTYPOOL have brought their number of signings this season to a dozen with the capture of Tongan international flanker Manu Tuipulotu.

The cousin of club scrum half/full back Sione Tuipulotu has impressed in training with his strength and ball handling ability.

He joined Newbridge on a non-contract basis for a time last season, having played his previous club rugby with Genoa, in Italy.

The club are due to announce their squad for the new season shortly, after all players to be released have been informed.

But Pontypool have been disappointed with some players and supporters who are airing their grievances in public.

"If anyone wants to sit down with us to discuss our reasons for releasing any players, we are prepared to talk to them," said team official Tony Clark.

"We have had to make some tough decisions and have been working overtime to analyse videos and statistics of players as well as looking through training lists. "But all our decisions are designed to take the club forward."

Meanwhile, the club's pre-season friendly scheduled for August 14 is at home to Abergavenny and not Abercynon.