Neath have bolstered their ranks by the addition of two extra backs.

Winger Ian Ellis who played 11 games for the Blacks two years ago before breaking a leg re-appeared on permit from Aberystwyth against Pontypool in Neath’s 31-29 win when he scored a match-winning try in the right hand corner at the Union end of The Gnoll.

He also played in last week’s opener against RGC at Ruthin RFC and did more than enough to suggest that further appearances should be in the offing.

Mountain Ash-based outside-half Callum Hall has also linked with Neath following the arrival of Rhys Jones at Ebbw Vale from the Scarlets.

Callum has also played in the Premiership for Cardiff (under Simon King) and Pontypridd and he could well feature in Saturday’s squad against Bridgend as regular No.10 Iwan Evans is away on Wales Sevens duty which rather gives the lie to the WRU viewpoint that the Premiership is not developing young players.

Neath team manager Martyn Morris said, “We continue to improve the squad and when Ian revealed his intention to return we were very pleased as he is a real finisher and did well for us until his unfortunate injury.

“Callum is a versatile performer of huge potential. He is an accomplished goal-kicker too which is another string to his bow who has a point to prove and wants to do it with Neath. Both players have fitted in quickly and we look forward to them flourishing in the Premiership with Neath.”

** The Neath team to play Bridgend on Saturday will be named after training on Thursday evening.