RGC 1404 boss Phil Davies admits the heat is on to pip either Pontypool or Bargoed to promotion to the Principality Premiership after the heavy investment in the game in north Wales.

The Welsh Rugby Union have spent a lot of money on the development of the sport in Colwyn Bay and on the facilities at Parc Eirias.

However, with four places up for grabs in the Premiership – which will be ring-fenced for three seasons – there is the danger that RGC could be on the outside looking in.

They are currently embroiled in a battle with Pontypool and champions Bargoed for two spots behind the leading pair of Merthyr and Swansea in the SSE Swalec Championship.

Pooler are currently third on 58 points from 15 games, RGC are on 44 from 13 while Bargoed have 38 from 12 fixtures.

The north Walians recently bolstered their squad with Lithuania captain Zygimantas Radzius and Oxford University triple Blue Ian Williams in a bid to add more experience.

And former Scarlets and Cardiff Blues coach Davies knows that the pressure is on to be part of the revamped top flight of club rugby.

He said: "We're still very much in the hunt for promotion this season and that is the goal. There is a great set-up at Eirias Parc and a huge appetite for top-class rugby in the region.

"That's why the addition of players like Ziggy and Ian can only help us as we push for promotion. It is a tough league and our teenagers need a few elder statesmen around them."

He added: "It is vitally important given the investment that has gone into developing a real region in north Wales by the WRU that we get promoted this season. If we don't make it the potential growth of the region will be stunted.

"We know exactly what we've got to do and I believe we have the talent here to get enough points to finish in the top four.

"We have two big games coming up against Pontypool and another against Swansea, they look like being the ones that will be critical for us."

The Pontypool encounter in Gwent was postponed in November while the fixture in Colwyn Bay is set for March 5. Pooler, who have only lost twice this season, to Swansea home and away, also face key dates against Merthyr (home) and Bargoed (away).

RGC host Llanharan in the Swalec Cup this weekend while a number of their Championship colleagues will be scenting upsets.

Swansea play in arguably the pick of the ties when they welcome Pontypridd to St Helen's, Bargoed could add to the woes of Premiership bottom club Neath while Beddau host holders Bridgend.

Swalec Cup round one fixtures: Tata Steel v Llanelli, Beddau v Bridgend, Glynneath v Newcastle Emlyn, Llandovery v Cardiff, Narberth v Merthyr, Neath v Bargoed, Pontypool v Bedwas, RGC 1404 v Llanharan, Swansea v Pontypridd