Pontypridd season preview

Fortune did not favour Pontypridd as they built towards the new season.

After the coup of signing Neil Jenkins back from Cardiff, the world record Test points scorer then promptly 'did a Beckham' by breaking a metatarsal bone in his left foot.

At least Jenks will only be missing for a month of the season, with Ceri Sweeney more than capable of carrying Ponty's decision-making responsibilities.

Better news for the Sardis Road side was the collapse of prop Duncan Bell's move to Bath.

Bell is the cornerstone on which the Pontypridd scrum is founded, and his move to the Zurich Premiership would have left them with a large hole to fill.

But a spending cap in the top level in England sees the tight-head staying at Ponty for the last 12 months remaining on his contract.

Like Neath, Ponty are looking a well balanced side who lack strength in depth - although there should be plenty of competition in the backrow

With the addition of Geraint Lewis from Swansea and Kingsley Jones from Worcester, Ponty will have a hugely experienced, streetwise element to add to an already impressive line-up of Richard Parks, Michael Owen, Brent Cockbain and of course the Chief himself - Dale McIntosh.