GWENT rugby clubs have made more significant signings. Pontypool have signed Wales A centre Jonathan Hawker from Ebbw Vale and Welsh tourist wing Lenny Woodard, who returns to the club where he started after spells with Ebbw Vale and Pontypridd.

And Wales under-21 wing Neil McKim has left Newport to join Gwent rivals Ebbw Vale on a one-year contract.

He joins a series of other promising young players at Eugene Cross Park, prop Martin Jones and lock Peter Sidoli among them.

McKim didn't play for Newport last season and instead was part of their under-21 squad. "Neil is ambitious and wants to succeed.

"He wants to get a bit more exposure and hopefully he can take his chance," said Ebbw Vale chief executive Ray Harris.

McKim said: "I don't think I was given a chance at Newport and didn't want a repeat of last season.

"Ebbw Vale are in the top division and they've signed a few young players, so I hope it goes well for me."

Hawker and Woodard have both signed for two years for Pontypool, Mark Jones and Byron Hayward already having committed themselves for three years. "We have decided immaterial of what the Welsh Rugby Union do we will be a premier club next season operating outside the premier division," said Pontypool benefactor Bob Jude.

"They all want to help rebuild Pontypool, and I've targeted these players for months (Tongan Kuli Faletau, the former Ebbw Vale lock is his other signing). "Jonathan and Lenny offer hardness in professional play, and they will do the job." Hawker said: "I was surprised to be released by Ebbw Vale, but it looks quite good at Pontypool.

"It'll be huge if there is promotion, I'll be having a crack at it."