NEWPORT believe Reuben Tucker will provide them with a "hard edge" after signing the back row forward from Gwent rivals Cross Keys.

The 23-year-old has made the short trip from Pandy Park to Rodney Parade and played for the Black and Ambers on their recent tour to Canada.

Tucker signed for Keys from Cardiff in 2013 and went on to make 54 appearances for the club, although injuries plagued him last season.

Newport forwards coach Ty Morris said: "Reuben will be a great addition to our squad as he offers a real hard edge in his all action approach.

"With his previous Premiership experience, he will add real quality to our squad, giving us the strength in depth needed to contest for the title next season.

"He is a very grounded young man who will fit into our squad with ease. Reuben has had a bit of bad fortune with injury recently but I'm sure he will add a real competitive edge to our forwards next season."

Another back row forward on the move is Wales 7s international Luke Crocker, who has left Premiership champions Ebbw Vale and signed for Cardiff.

The Blue and Blacks have announced that Duane Goodfield, former forwards coach with the Steelmen, will head up their management team next season.