Despite finishing third in Division One West and being the top try scorers in that division, Narberth Rugby Club has been busy strengthening their playing squad in the close season. In addition, most of the players from last season have signed again Commenting on some of the changes, backs coach Clive James said: "Prop Tom Slater, an up-and- coming prop from Haverfordwest has signed. He will provide cover in the front-row and Alan King, of Tumble, who formerly played for Carmarthen Quins, will add stability to the front row. "They will be joined by two locks. Alex Jenkins who played for the Scarlets Under 20 team has who come from Tenby United and Tristan Bowen from Llanelli will both prove excellent acquisitions. "In the back-row, Andrew Dennis is back from the Services and is an excellent player with and without the ball. In addition, Gareth Bateman, a blind side flanker or number eight has transferred from Llangennech and is a very strong running, direct player who is also strong in defence. "Twice last season in league matches, Bateman had excellent games for Llangennech when playing against Narberth and caught the eye of the Otters' coaching staff. "Sam Smith, a strong running number eight has transferred from Tenby United and is a wholehearted player who will join in the fight for a place in a very competitive back-row. "Great news for the club is that former Narberth junior player Lloyd Phillips has signed from the Scarlets Academy and we are expecting big things from this dynamic young flanker. "He did remarkably well last year when available, as it was his first season out of youth rugby and this Wales Under 19 cap is working extremely hard in training and showing a great attitude. "Adrian Killa, a favourite with everyone at the club has re-signed from Llanelli and will compete for scum-half duties with Andrew Davies, who has just had a teaching post in Pembroke School and who was superb for us last year. "We are delighted to have outside-half Aled Davies back at the club after a few seasons at Whitland. We know that he can guarantee 300 points a season and can kick the ball half the length of the field, but he also has far more to his game than people realise. "His range of passing is exceptional, he can play on the gain-line and his try-count over the seasons is impressive. We are more than happy with his signature, but he will have competition for the fly- half spot, with Steve Williams also vying for that position after recovering from injury. "Another player returning to the club is centre Richard Davies, who has transferred from Llanelli. With Neil Davies and Steve Martin already committed to us, we will have competition in midfield also. "We are really strong this year in the back-three. Tom Bonnell, who played up in Neath in the Brian Williams memorial match has transferred from Trimsaran, and he will compete with Nick Jones, Andrew Jones, jinky Matthew Davies and Sion Brace." Turning his attention to young players who have been immersed in Narberth's pro-active junior and youth development system James added: "A lot of the Youth team are training with the senior squad and we are expecting big things from a number of them. "Some have already played in a senior rugby environment including dynamic flankers Ryan Whatmore, Simon Griffiths and Richard Sharpe- Williams. "Gethin Salter is another who has a big future if he fulfils his promise, and he, along with Paul Beddis and Rori Bennett are exciting three-quarters. "Outside-half Rhodri James has already had first- team exposure and he handled some pressure games against Cardiff and Merthyr with accomplished performances. We wish him well as he is going to Oxford University, but we are hoping to utilise him when he is available. "Forwards Paul Brown and Gareth Jones are amongst many others all training hard at the moment." A handful of popular players from recent seasons have decided to return to their former clubs, scrum-half Chris MacDonald has decided to hang up his boots and one key member of the front row will be playing in England next season. James explained: "Supporters' favourite Chris MacDonald, has retired after a fantastic career with Narberth, Neath, Swansea and Llanelli. "Winger Mark Davies has gone back to his former club Llangennech and flanker Matthew Davies has finished his studies in Carmarthen and returned to his home town area of Bridgend "Unfortunately, mobile prop Nathan Williams, has had an offer he could not refuse and transferred to Moseley, but he goes with the club's best wishes. "Finally, one of Narberth's favourite players over the last ten years, Emori Katalau has taken a coaching job with Tenby United, but again he goes with our blessings and appreciation of his excellent service to the club". On the coaching side, Jonathan Dodd will continue as director of rugby, along with Sean Gale who made such a difference last season as forwards coach and influential backs coach Clive James who also doubles as kicking coach. As was the case last season, David Ebsworth, Robert Lewis and Jeff Jenkins will work together to carry out the duties of team manager. There is more! Looking around current Pembrokeshire based players James said: "We're also getting young quality players from all over the county turning up for training, to see what training is like at Narberth, and using the facilities. "Overall as coaches, we are delighted with the attitude of the players in pre-season training and everyone is putting their hand up for selection which bodes well for the coming season. The league is a lot stronger this time around and a top four or five position would be great as a stepping stone for future seasons." The Otters start playing in a match situation in earnest with the first pre-season friendly pre season friendly fixture away to Tumble on Wednesday, August 22. This will be followed by a mouth watering home fixture against premiership side Swansea on Saturday, August 25.
