NEWPORT have bolstered their front row by signing hooker Will Evans from Moseley, writes Chris Kirwan.

Evans impressed in the English Championship for the West Midlanders last season, battling for the starting spot with Newport Gwent Dragons recruit Rhys Buckley and slotting into the front row alongside former Wales tighthead prop Ben Evans.

The former Newport High School Old Boys hooker made 19 appearances for Moseley and scored three tries, including a brace when they beat Cross Keys in the British and Irish Cup at Billesley Common in January.

He has taken the opportunity to return home and joins Black and Ambers stalwart Andrew Brown, Dale Rogers and Evan Whitson as options in the middle of the front row.

"Will has lots of raw potential and I think he will learn so much from being in the squad with Andrew Brown," said Newport head coach Sven Cronk. "It's important to have strength in depth in key positions and we will definitely have competition for the start at hooker."

- Former Ebbw Vale boss Neil Edwards has left his role as head coach of Neath.

The 37-year-old former lock had been in the hotseat at the Gnoll since leaving Eugene Cross Park in October 2012.

Former Wales flanker Rowland Phillips has been named as Neath's director of rugby with Pat Horgan as his attack coach.