BARGOED have signed former Newport Gwent Dragons number eight Ieuan Jones from Principality Premiership rivals Cross Keys.

Jones, 23, came through the ranks at Bargoed and returns after the last two seasons at Pandy Park.

Joining him in the Bulls’ pack will be Pontypool lock Matthew Thomas and back row John Armitage and hooker Geraint Clarke, both from Nelson.

Iain Smerdon, a Premiership winner with Ebbw Vale, signs from Bedlinog along with fellow fly-half Chris Davies of Oakdale. Full-back Matthew Lewis signs from the Dragons academy, centre Jordan Howells arrives from Newbridge and wing Liam Williams joins from Aberbargoed.

Meanwhile, Ebbw Vale have signed flanker Owen Jones from Premiership champions Merthyr.

The Steelmen have retained the services of Ronny Kynes, Cameron Regan, Rhys Clarke, Jonathan Davies and Mike Preece for 2017/18.