TWO more former Pontypool players have joined the exodus to Rodney Parade after penning deals with Newport.

Openside flanker Craig Attwell, a former Dragons academy hooker who skippered Pooler at the end of last season, and lock/back row Rhodri Jones have signed up with the Black and Ambers.

It means that eight players that plied their trade for Pontypool last term will play for Newport in the coming season following the signings of full-back Geraint O’Driscoll, centres Dan Robinson and Adam Davies, fly-half Tom Hancock, scrum-half Andrew Quick and hooker Ryan Prosser.

The Black and Ambers have also snapped up Newbridge number eight Ross Coombs and props John Lavender and James Jones.

Coombs is the brother of former Newport captain and current Dragons forward Andrew and has previously played for the club on permit.

Lavender arrives from Bargoed while Jones, who can play on either side of the scrum, has been playing in France.

Head coach Sven Cronk said: “We have established a strong squad with a mix of young and experienced players.

“There are a lot of new faces in the squad but players have settled in and pre season training continues to go well.”