PONTYPOOL head coach James Chapron has backed lock Sam Pailor to make an impression with Newport Gwent Dragons after giving up his job to train full-time with the region.

The former Wales Under-20s lock is following the lead of club mate Rhys Buckley, who earned a development contract with the Dragons after impressing at the end of last season.

Swindon-born Pailor, an electrician, turned down the advances of a number of English Championship sides in order to try and make the grade.

The 21-year-old hasn’t signed a contract with the Dragons but Chapron believes he will reap the rewards of working with the professionals, even if his efforts don’t lead to a deal at Rodney Parade.

“Sam is already turning some heads in training at the Dragons and it’s up to him now to make the most of the opportunity,” he said.

“It is great experience for him – if he gets a contract at the end of it then great, if not then he will be a better athlete for it.

“In the past there has been a stigma that the Dragons and Pontypool don’t get on but Rhys signing a full-time contract has spurred Sam on to think this is a region where he can get an opportunity.

“Sometimes we forget how young he is because he has been around for a while, 21 is really young in terms of experience for a front five forward.

“And Sam staying is massive for us at Pontypool. He showed real promise at the end of last year and was one of our standout players.

“Keeping him is a huge bonus and I think we will see a leap in his form this season.

“If he has a whole season like he had at the end of the last one then the world is his oyster.”

Meanwhile, Chapron has declared himself pleased with Pontypool’s summer recruitment.

So far they have added props Alex Ng and Dan Matthews, hooker Ryan Prosser, lock Kristian Smith, back row forward James Thomas, centres Dano Roberts and Adam Davies, wings Ryan Owen and Rory Budina and utility back Gareth Walters.

“It was pretty clear after last season that there were a few areas that we needed to target,” he said. “We needed to strengthen at tighthead behind Nicky Blake, we needed more experience and leadership and we needed to add some pace to our outside backs.

“We have managed to tick those boxes and have got more than the bare XV, which is what we had last year.”

Meanwhile Pooler will benefit from the presence of a new back row forward this season… Craig Attwell.

The 20-year-old, who was released by the Dragons Academy in the summer, has stayed on with the club and will be converted from hooker.

“We just feel that a player with his all round rugby ability can add to the side,” said Chapron.

l Pooler are looking to recruit a forwards coach for their development side.

The successful applicant will work alongside coach Matthew Chapman and receive support and mentoring from the current first XV coaching team.

Applications can be emailed to pontypoolrugby@me.com