EBBW Vale have added pace for the upcoming Principality Premiership season by signing wings Kane Teear-Bourge and Dafydd Thomas.

Teear-Bourge swaps Bridge Field for Eugene Cross Park after making 17 appearances and scoring four tries for Bedwas in the Premiership last season.

The 20-year-old from Cardiff caught the eye of the Steelmen in the Boxing Day derby and is relishing the chance to play for Greg Woods’ team.

“I am looking forward to a new chapter in my rugby career at Ebbw Vale,” said Teear-Bourge, who has also represented Aberavon and Welsh Academicals and plays on the sevens circuit.

“I feel Ebbw’s style of play is a great fit for myself and it will be a privilege to pull the jersey on in front of what are passionate supporters. I am excited by the challenge of the coming season.”

Thomas came through the Cardiff Blues pathway and the 19-year-old from Aberdare, who has played for Pontypridd, was capped by Wales at under-16 level.

He said: “I’m delighted to be joining a strong and famous club like Ebbw and I am looking forward to playing in the Premiership.

“I already know several players at the club and know that there is a great spirit amongst the squad that helps to deliver quality performances.

“I can assure the Ebbw supporters that I will be giving 100 per cent every time I pull on that famous red, green and white jersey!”

Ebbw have had to do some cost-cutting and have seen captain Ronny Kynes (Bargoed), fly-half Rhys Jones (Merthyr) and lock/back row Rhys Clarke (Pontypool) leave.

A club statement in May said: “With the last few years being extremely tough financially it has become necessary for the club to bow to financial pressures whilst considering the squad for the coming season.

“The officials of the club would encourage all supporters of the club to assist in maintaining a strong club by getting involved in initiatives such as Friends of Ebbw Vale RFC, supporting the club lottery, assisting in raising sponsorship and volunteering to assist in any way they can.”

The Steelmen have appointed influential lock Ashley Sweet as Kynes’ successor as skipper and have signed Cardiff-born lock/back row Dan Hill, who has played for Clifton, Guernsey, Bath A and Wales Students.