Neath Rugby have added to their squad with the signing of ex Ospreys and Dragon’s number eight Ieuan Jones from Bargoed RFC. The 6’3’’, 16 stone, 25 year old backrower played thirty two times for the Dragons before a loan spell at the Ospreys saw him make six appearances in the 2014/15 season. Since then he’s had two seasons with Cross Keys and last season went back to Bargoed where he played his junior rugby.
Ieuan, a Gwent valley’s product came through the Dragons Academy picking up honours for Wales U18s and was part of the Wales U20s team that lost to England in the final of the Junior World Cup in 2013.
Neath Rugby Team Manager, Martyn Morris commented on the new signing ‘We’d signed most of the squad needed for the forthcoming season so were pleasantly surprised with the availability of a player of Ieuan’s quality. Once I met up with him it was clear we had to find a space in our squad as he ticked so many boxes for us. He’s a big carrier, Tredegar tough, athletic and gets through a lot of work so pretty much in the mould of a Neath backrower. He knows a couple of boys in the squad so he’s fitted in seamlessly.’
Ieaun commented on joining up with Neath ‘When I met up with Martyn, Neath were already up and running with pre-season and I was impressed with the professional feel of the Club and the rugby programme that Lyn, Paul and Lewis have put in place. I’m still only 25 years old so I still want to be in an environment and a rugby programme where I’m learning, developing and challenging at the top end of the league. Pre-season has been tough so far, training three times a week but I can see the hard work going in will undoubtedly pay off once the season starts. I can’t wait to put on the famous Welsh All Black jersey and get to work.’