EBBW Vale have bolstered their ranks with a pair of backs with Premiership experience but a promising prospect has left after catching the eye of the Scarlets.

The Steelmen, who won the inaugural Swalec Championship last season, have signed utility back Will Hodnett and fly-half/centre Ian Smerdon.

Hodnett, 22, made nine appearances for Newport last season, scoring one try. He will mainly be used in the back three.

Smerdon, also 22, arrives at Eugene Cross Park from Bedlinog but played for Bedwas and the Black and Ambers last term.

“I’ve seen Will play a few times and have been impressed by his running game, particularly his pace,” said Ebbw head coach Jason Strange.

“Ian is a very talented young player and will fit really well with our style of play.”

One player heading in the other direction is fly-half Josh Lewis, who has earned a development contract with the Scarlets.

“It would have been great if we could have held on to Josh, but a player of his enormous potential was always going to attract regional attention,” said Strange, who signed Lewis from Mountain Ash last summer.

“We all wish Josh well, and look forward to seeing him go all the way in the professional game.”