Connolly recruits old pal

Connolly will have a strong coaching team around him

John Connolly has appointed fellow Australian Paul Healy to work alongside him during is first season in charge at Swansea.

The pair have previously worked together at Stade Francais, where they took the Paris-based club to last year's Heineken Cup final.

Last season's caretaker coaches, Paul Moriarty and Tony Clement, will remain part of the coaching set-up, with Moriarty taking extra responsibility with the under-21 squad.

Former Wales scrum-half Robert Jones will help out with specialist coaching.

Meanwhile, the club's rugby director Richard Moriarty believes the recent signing of Joe Powell from Newport will prove to be a success.

Powell can play flanker and number 8

Powell, 27, has made the switch from Rodney Parade in a bid to play rugby more regularly.

"I am convinced Joe will do an excellent job for Swansea," said Moriarty.

"Not only does he have a physical presence but he is also very versatile."

Swansea have also signed young lock Gavin Evans from Ebbw Vale.

The double transfer deal brings the number of close season signings to five, with Richard Francis and John Slade having made the short move from Neath and Sam Cordingley on his way from Queensland.

Former Pontypridd and Bridgend coach Dennis John is set to take over at First Division Llanharan.

John, who's also been caretaker coach of Wales, left the Brewery Field midway through last season after being switched to director of rugby.

Llanharan finished 14th out of 17 in division one last season, winning just ten out of their 32 games.

Official conformation of John's appointment is expected later this week.