PROMOTION hopefuls Bournemouth Lions look well positioned for a title tilt after capturing former Samoan international fly-half Ngapaku-Ngapaku.

The number 10, who has joined from National League Havant, adds experience and talent to the Lions backline, having been capped once by Samoa and represented New Zealand at touch rugby.

Ngapaku-Ngapaku, known as Pucs, is one of four new signings to impress during the club's warm-up fixtures.

Lions have performed well in their pre-season friendlies against Luton and Nuneaton and the Chapel Gate outfit's credentials will be further tested on Sunday, when they travel to face National League One big-guns Exeter Chiefs.

Head coach David Dunn envisages a successful campaign for his side, who finished last season in fantastic fashion by winning silverware at the Bournemouth and Moscow Sevens festivals.

He said: "We had a really slow start last year and showed our true mettle by finishing fifth with a great run.

"Pre-season has gone really well and our three games against National League opposition should prepare us well.

"We've done a lot of work on the experimental law regulations so there's no surprises there and we're all geared up."

Another man in confident mood is new skipper Chris Hughes, who succeeds successful captain Dan Cawley in the post.

"I think we're at least six weeks ahead of where we were this time last year," the Welshman told the Daily Echo.

"The guys are gelling and plays are coming together.

"All the guys are reacting to the training and the fitness we've done since the beginning of June.

"Everyone has been putting in a great effort right from the chairman to the players and coaching team.

"We've stuck together and managed to keep a similar squad, as well as get some new players.

"We've battened down the hatches and had a good, hard, consistent pre-season - hopefully that will bode well."

Hughes believes new signing 'Pucs' will prove to be a great addition to the Lions ranks.

He said: "He's very experienced, a great distributor and a great tackler.

"Hopefully he will be able to help us expand our game. We're looking to play more expansive, running rugby."

Centre Martin Lever, who tasted National League action with Hertford, returns to the club after attending boarding school.

Another familiar face is hooker Matt Morris, who is back following a year out.

Former Amersham and Chiltern and Bristol University prop forward Andy Stikings has also joined the influx.