As pre-season training fast approaches at the end of this month, Neath have added to their front row strength by adding two big young prop forwards – Keelan Marney and Tyla Murvai.

In strictly alphabetical order, Keelan Marney, a Neath College and Glynneath product, is now 21 and has already played for Neath but spent last season with Pontypridd. With strong roots in the Melyn area of the Town, Keelan is the heavier of the two and is raring to go with his home town Club.

Tyla Murvai joins after a very successful season with Championship high-riders Trebanos after graduating from Vardre Youth. The 20 year old electrician who works in Neath is 6’1” tall, tips the scales at over 18 stones and, like Keelan, can play on either side of the scrum.

The pair will comprise a solid bunch of front row technicians alongside the previously announced new signing Luke Garrett (Dragons) and the already established Ben Uphill, Ryan Thomas and Liam Tobias.

Neath coach Lyn Jones said, “The Neath club has a tremendous tradition of producing top-quality front row forwards and it is essential that we have a strong scrummaging base ahead of what is a very important season.

“Tyla and Keelan are both good scrummagers – they have the physique to compete at this level and will benefit from a pre-season with us. We look forward to them coming on board, working hard and fulfilling their potential by making an impression with us.

“If they put in the hard work expected of them and all Neath players, we believe they could come on very quickly,” said Jones who as coach has never worried about giving deserving youth its chance.

Former Neath internationals Duncan Jones, Adam Jones and Paul James are obvious and recent prop examples.

So it is welcome aboard, Keelan and Tyla – train hard and Gnoll supporters look forward to seeing you both in the famous All Black shirt.