RGC scrum-half Efan Jones has hailed the positive impact of his team mates and the club's coaching staff on his development within the game.

After advancing through the club's academy side, Jones made his senior debut for the club in the Championship three years ago under Phil Davies.

Since then he has forced his way to the fringes of Mark Jones' first team and has been battling for the number 9 shirt with Alex Schwarz this season.

Jones, 20, said: “Schwarzy has a few more years experience on me, and has better tactical nous as he has gone through the mistakes I am going through now.

"It is great for me to learn from him and he is a big help.

"Cam (Davies) also is challenging for the nine shirt so we all push ourselves in training. I also want to make sure I pass on what I have learnt to the academy players coming through, as that has been key to my development.

"Mark is amazing with detail and his analysis of the opposition in unbelievable. We go into games knowing a lot about who we are playing and an understanding of how to play the other team.

“I have also learned the importance of when to play the ball and when to clear the line, as of course you want to play expansive rugby but it has to be when it works for the team.

"The Championship for me was putting in pace and breaks, and as a 17-year old I did a lot of running around!

"In the Premiership you need to inject pace at the correct times in a game and know when you are on the front or back foot.

"Sometimes you have to slow the play down and it is about reading the game. Fitness is still vital, and Gaz Whittaker works us hard in the gym but the difference in the Premiership is that you have to be on your game for 80 minutes, if you don’t take chances or make a mistake you will get punished.”

The Gogs, who saw saw their title hopes ended by a 20-13 home reverse to leaders Merthyr last weekend, host Newport on Saturday.

Now nine points adrift of the summit, the Gogs can secure a top-three finish by winning both of their remaining games.