NEWPORT RFC have continued to bolster their ranks for next season with the permanent signings of back rower Chris Williams, lock Connor Shefford, prop Liam Bodman and scrum-half Tom Lucas.

The Black and Ambers have snapped up the quartet, who all made appearances at the end of the last Principality Premiership campaign.

Williams arrives from Cardiff University to replace his varsity teammate Alex Everett, who has left to concentrate on his masters degree. The 23-year-old started at number eight in the losses to Bedwas and Pontypridd.

Prop Bodman, 27, played for the club on permit from Cifynydd against Llandovery and Swansea in the run-in while lock Shefford, 20, heads to Rodney Parade after coming through the ranks at Newport HSOB and Caerleon. He played four times on permit last term.

"Chris has played a big part in the Cardiff University success this season as captain," said forwards coach Ty Morris.

"When featuring for Newport on permit he showed glimpses of what he is capable of with his talent and gives us options at 6 and 8.

"He has a very high work rate, good ball handling skills and what stood out most for me was his rugby intelligence. I'm looking to Chris to provide the team with leadership qualities next season.

"Liam has Premiership experience with Pontypridd and came to our aid from Cilfynydd at the end of last season.

"In both games he showed real potential, not only in the set piece but also his carrying game. He has the ability to play both loose and tighthead, which will give us further options up front."

Scrum-half Lucas also heads to Newport after showing glimpses in three outings in the run-in on loan from Trebanos. He will join Ryan James, Ryan Bates and Geraint Watkin in the battle for the 9 jersey.

"I have watched Tom developing in his time at Swansea University," said head coach Craig Warlow.

"He has good basic skills and very fast feet to test the fringe defences. I am looking forward to helping him further develop here within our environment."

Newport previously announced the signings of scrum-half Watkin, props Dan Preece, Jack Williams and Lewis Smout, lock Andrew Mann and back row forwards Josh Reid and Matthew Reed.