PONTYPOOL have signed seasoned tighthead prop Ryan Harford from Aberavon.

The 32-year-old has a wealth of experience in the Principality Premiership after coming through the ranks at Pontypridd and going on to also represent Cardiff and the Wizards.

Harford will get his feet under the table for the rest of the current Swalec Championship campaign on permit before arriving permanently to help in Pooler’s bid to return to the top flight next season.

“I am extremely happy to be joining a club with such tremendous passion in Pontypool RFC,” he said. “I look forward to contributing to the club’s development for the remainder of the season and then hitting pre-season training hard.

“The goal is to achieve promotion to the Premiership division next season and I will strive to do my part to ensure that Pontypool gets back to where it belongs.

“Pontypool RFC has such an amazing history and I am very thankful for the opportunity to represent the club.”

Team manager Shaun Rees believes Harford will give Pooler an on-field boost as well as aiding in the development of their younger forwards.

He said: “Ryan is an experienced tight head prop who is not only known for his excellent scrummaging ability but also for his contributions in the loose.

“Ryan will not only bring a level of depth to the pack, but will also aid the development of our younger squad players through his contributions.”