New signings at Narberth Rugby Club have created an air of expectancy for the new season as current internationals Fifitapuku Faletau (Tonga) and Emori Katalau (Fiji) are just two of the new players signed by the Otters in the close season.
Club secretary Tony Jones explained: "Narberth finished third in division two last season and just missed out on promotion in the closing stages of the season. One of the reasons for failing to win promotion was the lack of adequate cover when key players suffered injury."
Continuing, he said: "We will be striving hard for promotion in the new season and will continue playing the attractive 15-man rugby which drew supporters to the Lewis Lloyd ground last season, and have signed 12 new players to date to strengthen the squad.
"The Athletic team will be playing in an exciting new league next season with the formation of the West Wales Premier League involving like-minded clubs. This will enable squad players to have meaningful competitive rugby even when not on first team duty."
The list of new signings is fullback Andrew Jones (Llanelli); wings Gavin Jones (Tenby) and Eifion Roberts (UWIC); centre William Morgan (Dunvant); outside-half Simon Daniel (Dunvant); scrum-half Oliver Brace (Tenby United); utility back Andrew George (Swansea); prop David Balkwill (Carmarthen Quins and Tenby United); utility forwards Fifitapuku Faletau (Tonga) and Emori Katalau (Fiji); locks Conrad Rees (Tenby) and Peter Jennings (Mumbles).
The only player to have been transferred from Narberth in the close season is winger and fullback Steve Hartland who has moved to Whitland.
In concluding, Tony Jones emphasised: "At the present time, no other player has left the club, despite reports to the contrary. Unfortunately, New Zealander Scott Penney will be unable to play for the club this season as two other overseas players have been signed, but we would like to thank Scott for his contributions as an utility back over two seasons and wish him well in the future."
Narberth will commence their league programme with a home fixture against Tredegar on Saturday, September 1, when a bumper gate is expected.
This weekend Narberth have a training camp at the Morfa Bay Outdoor Pursuits Centre in Pendine and the following Saturday have a friendly away fixture at Bynea.