Neath team manager Martyn Morris assures Gnoll supporters that the Welsh All Blacks have been busy behind the scenes and that new signings are in place.

“We appreciate that supporters are keen to learn of new players arriving to join our existing core squad for next season,” he said.

“However, we are bound by a Premiership protocol whereby we cannot release names until players’ existing contracts have expired as this would be unsettling for the players concerned as well as their clubs, some of whom still have fixtures.

“Without going into specifics, I can though confirm that as well as re-signing many of the current squad including full back Ed Howley, props Geraint James and Joel Ringer and others who arrived during last season, 8 newcomers have already signed for us and we are in advanced talks with others.

“One or two players have already gone public with news of their departure – and that is their prerogative – but supporters can rest assured that we already have the positions covered.

“We will be arranging a supporters meeting towards the end of the month to let everyone know first who the significant signings are so just a little more patience is called for I’m afraid.

“The date for that meeting will be announced on the web-site – so watch this space.”