CROSS Keys head coach Greg Woods has expressed his delight with the club’s signing of talented Wales Sevens World Cup-winning full back Aaron Bramwell.

The 27-year-old ex-Ebbw Vale and Pontypridd back has joined the Pandy Park outfit from Princi-pality Premiership rivals Neath.

“Aaron is an excellent signing for us,” Woods said.

“He is a very good player and will add pace to our back line and he will really strengthen our squad.”

The 6ft 2in and 13st 12lb Bramwell, who also plays in the centre, made 22 appearances for the Welsh All Blacks last season.

Keys are limbering up for the new season with four friendly matches next month.

First up, they face Gwent neighbours and Swalec Championship side Black-wood away at Glan-yr-Afon Park on Saturday, August 3 (kick-off 2.30pm).

They then host Blackwood at Pandy Park in a return fixture just three days later on Tuesday, August 6 (kick-off 7.15pm).

On Friday, August 9, Keys travel to play Swalec League Division One East team Merthyr (kick-off 7.15pm). And on Saturday, August 17, they entertain English National League One side Coventry (kick-off 2.30pm).

Keys start their competitive season with a home British and Irish Cup play-off against their big Gwent rivals Newport on Saturday, August 31 (kick-off 2.30pm).

The winners of that match then play Bedwas at Bridge Field for a place in the competition in which Keys ended as runners-up last year.

The Premiership starts on Saturday, September 14.

Keys have been building their squad for the new campaign, the club narrowly missing out on making the play-offs last season and the chance of challenging Pontypridd who retained their title in an excellent league and cup double campaign.

Rhys Jones, a Wales sevens star and brother of outside half Dorian, has joined from the Scarlets and will compete with his sibling for the number 10 shirt and can also play centre and full back.

Highly regarded back rower Reuben Tucker has also joined from Cardiff.