HEAD COACH Leighton Jones believes having a settled backroom team will help Pontypool bounce back from their promotion disappointment to challenge again for the Premiership.

The WRU National Championship winners missed out on the top flight after losing to Llanelli in a play-off.

The club are now preparing to challenge for a fourth title on the spin which would carry the prize of a return to the Premiership after an eight-year absence.

Jones will attempt to spearhead that bid with the assistance of defence coach Andrew Quick, head of performance Rhys Dyer and team manager Gareth Rusby-Davies, who have all committed to another season with Pooler.

South Wales Argus: Andrew QuickAndrew Quick

“A number of solid foundations have been laid over the last three years and the coaching and management staff have been integral to that,” said former hooker Jones.

“Although last season did not finish as we would have liked, we are undoubtedly heading in the right direction and are looking forward to coming back together as a group next month and preparing for the new season.

“The retention of our coaching and management team is an endorsement of the environment that exists at Pontypool Park.

South Wales Argus: Gareth Rusby-DaviesGareth Rusby-Davies

“This group are key to driving and maintaining the standards we expect from everybody who represents the club.

“We have an excellent mix of individuals who will continue to work tirelessly for the club and I am looking forward to once again working alongside them during another vitally important season.”

On Thursday Pooler announced that they have replaced backs coach Matthew Jones, who is returning to Neath, with former fly-half Tom Hancock, who was in charge of analysis last season.