By Lestyn (24/06/03)
June 24 2003

Elvis is alive and well in the Neath-Swansea region, Vaughton and Rhodri Jones are wanted men and Bridge-Ponty have ambitious plans.

• Lyn Jones has completed the surprising signing of Elvis Seveali'i from Bath. The Samoan winger who's tries saved Bath from relegation last season, will be a big boost to the "Osprey's", who until looked quite week back wise. Seveali'i is the type of quality foreigner the regions should be looking to take on (within reason)

Jones also signalled that they would have the services of under 21 wing Johnny Vaughton for next season. Vaughton had been named in the Blues squad, but it now seems that Mike Cuddy has won the tug of war over his signature, enforcing the one year option in the youngster's Swansea contract. However the capital club may still be able buy out that clause.

Looking at both region's backlines, I would say that he would get a lot more games with Neath-Swansea, but inevitably it is up to the player to decide.

• A player going in the opposite direction of Seveali'i, is Rhodri Jones. Having not been offered a contract with the Neath/Swansea side, the scrum half has found himself out of contract, and has been holding talks with Bath who are looking to strengthen their squad following the return to Wales of both Gareth Cooper and Andy Williams.

Jones has also interested Gwent, but due to their squabbles a move is unlikely at the moment. He's not the most spectacular player in the world, but we are short of a decent scrum half or two in Wales at the moment.

 • Having announced everything other than the name of their region, Bridgend and Pontypridd are looking very ambitiously at the future. Leighton Samuel is aiming high. The benefactor believes that a realistic target would be for the region to win the the Heineken cup in three years time.

The region are also planning new purpose built stadium, which could possibly be near Miskin. Their were no surprise inclusions or exclusions from the region's squad, but it looks very strong indeed. More details courtesy of Dai

They'll warm up the season with a trip to Old Deer park to play London Welsh on Saturday August 9th, followed by another away game at Bristol and then hosting Sale at the Brewery Field. Borders will be their first opponents in the Celtic League.

• The under 21's play their penultimate game in the under 21 world cup final tomorrow against their English counterparts in Henley. The winner goes through to a play off for fifth place.