Despite the early end to the Welsh Premiership 2019-20 season, business has resumed to sort squads out ahead of next season. Last Word on Rugby brings you 11 exclusive transfers.
Ben Flower
The rugby league star has made a surprising switch, not only in codes, but a shock move to National Championship side Pontypool. The powerful ball carrier will add that professional edge to a side chasing their dream of promotion to the top table of Welsh community rugby.
Matthew Jarvis (confirmed)
Jarvis has been one of the best goalkickers the league has seen in recent years. The 30-year-old Merthyr fullback has a fantastic cannon on him that ensures any opposition penalty usually gets punished.
The former Connacht player has joined up with Championship outfit Pontypool in their bid for promotion under the terms that he fights for the fly-half jersey, rather than the fullback one.
Rhys Downes (confirmed)
Another player leaving the Ironmen behind is scrum-half Rhys Downes. Leaving the club after 92 appearances he finds himself moving to Newport, which is based nearest to where he lives.
James Garland (confirmed)
Aberavon has already announced that Garland will be leaving the club this summer, but Last Word understands that he’ll be joining up with Llandovery in a player-coach role. The 32-year-old fly-half has been a fantastic player for the Wizards and they could well miss him if Aled Thomas misses any game time.
Jack Maynard (confirmed)
The first of three Drovers on the move as we understand it, Maynard leaving has been the catalyst for Garland to move to Church Bank. The fly-half has left the sunny hills of Llandovery for the bustling streets of Cardiff where he’ll link up with the league leaders from the cut-short season.
Llyr Green (confirmed)
The 21-year-old prop has impressed this season under Euros Evans and will look to further his talent under Steve Law. The move to Cardiff will undoubtedly set him up for a bright future as he’ll look to push for a Cardiff Blues jersey if his form rises.
Alun Rees (confirmed)
The final player in the triad of Drovers on the move and he too moves to Cardiff. The hooker has worked well this season alongside Green and Law’s men will be hoping that magic continues next year.
Ashley Sweet (confirmed)
The Ebbw Vale captain has already announced that he’ll be on his way this summer. Amassing nigh on 250 games for the Steelmen Sweet was at the core of the side that won the Premiership in 2015-16. His lineout presence will be huge for Pooler working alongside veteran Danny Hodge and bright spark Curtis Gregory.
Sean Moore (confirmed)
Pontypridd second-row Sean Moore is making the short trip down the road to the Arms Park as he links up with Cardiff. At 6-feet-4 and nearly 18 stone he’ll make an impact on the artificial turf of Cardiff, just as he has done in his 79 games for Ponty.
Will Evans (confirmed)
Newport hooker Will Evans is moving up to the Wern as he joins Merthyr RFC. The powerful hooker has made 70 appearances for the Black and Ambers, scoring seven tries in the process. His experience and set-piece work will benefit the Ironmen who look to regain the title.
Tom Pascoe (confirmed)
Another player making the trip from Rodney Parade to the Wern is centre Tom Pascoe. The former Cardiff Blues academy product has spent four seasons at Newport following a spell in Australia and will join up with a fourth different Welsh Premiership side, Cardiff and Pontypridd being the others.
Kieran Martin (confirmed)
The Cardiff lock is making his way out west as he joins up with Bridgend Ravens. Making way for Moore’s arrival the 27-year-old returns to the club he was at when he first started, also the town of his birth. Featuring 24 times in 2018-19 he was a mainstay in Cardiff’s rise to success, but the form of others meant he was limited to just seven games last season.
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