NEWPORT RFC have bolstered their coaching team with the addition of former fly-half Stuart Lawrence, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 40-year-old, who scored over 1,000 league points for Pontypool and also played for Pontypool United, Glamorgan Wanderers and Caerphilly, has joined head coach Craig Warlow and forwards coach Ty Morris at Rodney Parade.

Lawrence recently got his WRU level four coaching badge is relishing the chance to test himself in the Principality Premiership with the Black and Ambers.

He said: “I am really looking forward to working with Craig Warlow and Ty Morris to develop what is a young but very talented Newport squad. I believe I can make a difference by helping the players develop their skills further.

“Craig and Ty are two quality coaches and I hope that by adding an extra pair of eyes we can develop the environment within the squad and so improve the performances on the pitch to give the supporters the success they deserve.

“The welcome I have received has been excellent and I am really looking forward to the start of the season.”

Warlow hopes his new assistant can help the Black and Ambers build on their Premiership Tier Two triumph.

“The relationship with Stuart started when we took Newport to Pontypool Park to train alongside Pontypool when he was part of their coaching team. It was clear from our conversations with him that he was a ‘thinker’ of the game,” said the head coach.

“We swapped ideas straight away and developed a mutual respect for each other. Ty has regularly kept in touch with Stuart and monitored the excellent work he has been doing with Brynmawr developing individuals, units and teams.

“When the opportunity arose for Newport to utilise someone with Stuart’s experience and character we took it.

“We as a coaching team are already seeing the impact of another coach with fresh ideas and a new perspective. We are sure the players will see the benefit in both the short and long term.”

Newport kick off their Premiership campaign against old rivals Cardiff at Rodney Parade on the last weekend of August.