EBBW Vale attack coach Lewis Roberts is relishing selection headaches whenever the go-ahead is given for the return of the Premiership thanks to the Steelmen added to their firepower.

Ebbw should have been on their travels to face Boroughmuir Bears this weekend but instead of taking part in the new competition with Scottish clubs the club have been busy recruiting and retaining.

The Steelmen announced that they had bolstered their pack at the start of the month and recently have confirmed that wing Jordan Thomas and scrum-half Scott Gibson have arrived to go along with the backs that ensured a strong start to 2020.

"I am delighted that we have been able to secure the playing services of the backs announced," said assistant coach Roberts.

"I feel that, as a club, we have an exciting and versatile group of backs, many of whom are experienced Indigo Welsh Premiership players.

"With the quality of player we have to choose from, match day selection will be hugely competitive and will drive the players to ensure that their standards within training and matches are consistently high.

"I am excited to work with the group for the coming season and can't wait for us to get back to the training field, once it's safe for everyone to do so."

Ebbw added several new recruits in January – notably securing the return of former Dragons playmaker Rhys Jones – and they made an immediate impact.

The Steelmen were looking good to win their relegation duel with Bridgend when the Welsh Rugby Union suspended and then cancelled the season.

There is uncertainty about when the semi-professional and community game will be able to return but head coach Greg Woods is confident that they have the strength to avoid another scrap at the bottom when the green light is given.

South Wales Argus:

"I am pleased with the squad we have put together for the up and coming season," said Woods, who moved from Cross Keys at the start of 2018.

"We wanted to assemble a squad that provides strong competition for matchday spots and players that can cope with the demanding weekly nature of the Indigo Welsh Premiership.

"We wanted to bulk up our back five in the pack and make sure we had plenty of Premiership experience in the back division. I believe we have done this with the players we have signed.

"I would also like to thank the club officials for the hard work behind the scenes which has enabled us to increase the off-field resources along with assembling a quality squad of players.

"We want to build on the momentum post-Christmas and we are certainly going in the right direction with some exciting talent in the squad, we are sure that they will make a real impact in the league.

"No one knows when we will start, but we will be ready for when rugby activity is allowed and permitted. I can't wait to see this squad grow together over the coming season."

Ebbw will be captained by Joe Franchi after the hooker was chosen to replace lock and stalwart Ashley Sweet, who has left for a new challenge.

The Steelmen have also bolstered their backroom team with skills coach Gethin Robinson, who will also have added strength and conditioning duties, and performance coach Ed Bruce.

Ebbw Vale squad: D Haymond, M Powell, A Grabham, J Thomas, R Evans, P King, D Franchi, E Phillips, L Williams, R Jones, S Gibson, M Flanagan, R Jones, L Garrett, J Harries, E Evans, J Franchi (captain), M Blake, R Sevenoaks, S Evans, D Whiting, C Talbot, K Evans, D Hill, A Grey, S Parson, D Rubasniak, H Harding, O Young, L Young, E Doyle.