Bedwas have bolstered their already formidable pack with the signing of two physical back-row forwards.
Last season’s beaten Premiership semi-finalists have confirmed the captures of Nathan Hudd and Morgan Allen to their much-lauded forward ranks, having beaten several other clubs to the latter’s signature.
Hudd made ten appearances for Bedwas last season, and joins permanently from the Newport Gwent Dragons Academy having previously featured for Cross Keys and Newport.
He said: “It was a natural progression to sign for the club. I know we can build on last season’s performances and be real challengers for the league title.”
Bedwas have also fired a warning to their rivals with the signing of Allen from the Scarlets in a clear statement of intent.
The explosive No.8 made 27 appearances for the West Wales region last season, where he’d been playing since 2015 after a five-year spell at the Ospreys.
A former Welsh under-18 and under-20 international, Allen’s arrival at the Bridgefield is something of a coup for Bedwas, and will fill the significant gap in the back-row left by Robson Blake’s departure to the Dragons.
Allen, 27, said: “I’m very much looking forward to working with Ian Gardner and the rest of the coaches at Bedwas. Their and the club’s ambition to win trophies matches my own.”
Head coach Gardner, who takes over from Steve Law, spoke of his delight at the two deals, adding: “We are excited to sign a player of Morgan’s ability, especially given the number of clubs coveting his signature. It is a statement of intent from the new management team and demonstrates the ambition of the club.
“Nathan is an outstanding prospect, his high work rate and abrasive nature fit into the high tempo, physical game we play.”