PONTYPOOL have added another loosehead option by signing prop Sam Cochrane from WRU National Championship rivals Bedwas, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 23-year-old heads to Pooler after a season in the Premiership at Bridge Field and made 16 appearances for Stef Sankala's men, who suffered the agony of last-day relegation.

Cochrane previously played for Cardiff Met and was part of the side that reached the BUCS final at Twickenham last year, with Harlequins' England hopeful Alex Dombrandt among his teammates.

The prop hopes to push on as part of Pooler's pack and help the club return to the top flight with a fourth title on the spin.

"Signing for a such a prestigious club is a big step for me," he said. "I'm a local boy and live a stone's throw from the Park, which makes this move that bit more special.

"Getting the opportunity to play in such a professional environment was a big motivator and the quality of the coaching is also right up there.

"I'm still young for a front-row forward and will hopefully do a lot of my personal development as a player at Pontypool Park.

"The club is built on front-row supremacy and with (head coach) Leighton Jones' experience in this area, I feel I have come to the perfect place to develop as a player.

"The club is remains hugely ambitious and I'm committed to playing my part in helping the club finally achieve promotion to the Principality Premiership. I can't wait to get started."

Head coach Jones is pleased to have another strong option for the 1 jersey.

He said: "Sam is an excellent addition to the squad. He enjoyed good game time for Bedwas last year and with Jamie Jeune leaving the club, we needed to replenish our loosehead stocks.

"With Sam, Aaron Coundley and Corey Hewlett, we have three high-quality loosehead options who all have plenty to offer.

"Sam is a physical competitor and is very much a Pontypool RFC sort of player. However, in the

modern game, you need to bring a range of skills to the table to thrive and he is also a dynamic

and adaptable player who will show up well in the loose, as well as the tight."