NEWPORT have bolstered their pack with the signings of number eight Matthew Reed and prop Jack Williams, writes Chris Kirwan.

Strong-running Reed arrives from Hartridge after helping the club rise through the leagues with five titles on the spin.

Williams is the son of former Black and Ambers prop Alun ‘Benny’ Williams and has the ability to play on both sides of the scrum. The 25-year-old made 13 appearances for Bedwas last season after previously playing for Bargoed.

Forwards coach Ty Morris believes the pair will add to the strength in depth at Rodney Parade ahead of a Premiership campaign that sees the return of relegation to trim numbers down to 12 for 2019/20.

“We have kept an eye on Matthew in recent seasons,” said Morris.

“Hartridge have been winning everything they enter and he has been a big part of that. We hope he can continue his strong ball carrying game from number eight in the Premiership.

“Jack has plenty of Premiership experience at both Bargoed and Bedwas and adds further quality and depth to our already strong front row.

“He will provide a real competitive challenge to the other props in the squad for the starting jersey.

“Something we are trying hard to achieve at Newport is to get local players to the club and we know that with Jack being a Newport lad it will mean a lot to him running out at Rodney Parade.”

The Black and Ambers, WRU National Cup runners-up last season, have previously announced the signings of looseheads Dan Preece from Bedwas and Lewis Smout from Cross Keys. They help fill the void left by John Lavender, Nicky Boyce and Matt Prosser.