Newport Rugby Club signs ex-Magners League player Alex Murphy

Newport Rugby Club have pulled off a transfer coup - signing former Magners League player Alex Murphy, writes CHRIS HUDSON.

The 25-year-old second row played three games for Newport Gwent Dragons in the 2008-09 season and has also been capped by Wales at under-16s, 18s and 19s level.

He has also featured for the Welsh Crawshays - the Principality's version of the Barbarians - and has agreed to move to Forton Road after securing a teaching job at Ellesmere College.

Murphy, who started out at the Cardiff Blues Academy, was due to join up with his new team-mates for the first time at training tonight — but is not available for Saturday's National League Three Midlands clash at home to Kenilworth.

"He'll bring some size to our pack," said delighted team manager Gareth Davies.

"He will be a huge asset for us - he's not available for this weekend but he'll be with us after that and we look forward to welcoming him to Forton Road."