PONTYPOOL have bolstered their pack for their push for promotion to the Principality Premiership by signing former Cross Keys favourite Danny Hodge, writes Chris Kirwan.

The abrasive lock from Bristol became a Pandy Park talisman after heading over the border in 2010.

The 33-year-old made 204 appearances for the Keys and helped them to lift the WRU National Cup in 2012.

Hodge left for Old Redcliffians in 2017 but has returned to Wales to join forces once again with flanker Rob Nash, the man who lifted the cup at Principality Stadium six years ago.

The second row – hugely popular with teammates but a pain for opponents – is relishing the chance to help Pooler retain their Championship crown.

"Everything the club has worked for over the last couple of seasons has been geared towards returning to the top tier of Welsh club rugby and we will be going all out to deliver promotion back to the Premiership,” he said.

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to play my part in making sure the club gets back to where it belongs, but I fully appreciate the commitment required to ensure that this happens at the first time of asking.

"I am really looking forward to starting pre-season and getting to know the rest of the squad. The opportunity to join such an ambitious club is one I simply could not pass up and the prospect of what we can achieve is hugely exciting.”

Head coach Leighton Jones is delighted to have added bulk and a physical edge to his pack.

He said: “We are pleased to have made such a quality addition to our forwards in what is going to be a pivotal season for everybody connected with the club.

"Danny will bring a huge amount of experience and know-how to our already highly mature and capable squad.

“Our pack options were already strong last season and Danny's arrival will only strengthen us further in this department.

"Danny is able to contribute in every facet of the game, but his work in the tight is his bread and butter and that is where we expect him to excel most at the most crucial periods during the season.”