FORMER Newport Gwent Dragons prop Aaron Coundley has signed for Pontypool as they prepare to go for the SSE Swalec Championship title.

The 26-year-old from Blackwood, who made 27 appearances for the Rodney Parade region, heads to Pooler from Principality Premiership side Neath.

Coundley, a mobile prop who was highly rated by the Dragons only to suffer from injury, played for Pontypool on permit at the end of last season but was unable to help them secure a return to the top flight.

Nonetheless, the front rower is pleased to have turned the move permanent as Pooler prepare for three seasons outside the revamped and ring-fenced Premiership.

"I am delighted to be joining such a thriving Gwent club in Pontypool RFC," said Coundley.

"After learning of the club's ambitions for the coming seasons, it was an exceptionally easy decision to make.

"The club has such a tight-knit group of players and management staff and it is a pleasure to be a part of this team.

"It is also an amazing motivator to try and take Pooler back to the Principality Premiership in the next few seasons and I am very much looking forward to the challenge."

Head coach Leighton Jones expects former Wales Under-20s international Coundley to be a key figure for Pooler on and off the field.

"Naturally, Aaron is a hugely talented rugby player who has the ability to be very effective and mobile around the field, said Jones.

"But of equal importance is his character both on and off the field. Aaron is a true professional who in his short time with us has completely embraced the team spirit and got stuck straight in to training.

"Combine all of this with his Gwent-tough mentality and experiences at both regional and Premiership level, I have no doubt that we have filled a very vital piece of our jigsaw for next season."

Pooler will test themselves against Premiership opposition in pre-season when they host Aberavon on Saturday, August 20 (kick-off 2.30pm).

That clash is sandwiched by a home friendly with Swalec Division One East's Caerleon on Saturday, August 13 and a trip to Maesteg of One West Central on Saturday, August 27 (both kick-offs 2.30pm).