Celtic Crusaders have thrown down the gauntlet to their new National League One rivals by unveiling a host of new faces.
The only professional rugby league side in Wales have signed six Welsh internationals to boost their squad for their 2008 campaign.
The Crusaders were promoted as National League Two champions last month and will be applying for a Super League place for 2009.
To help them in that bid, they have signed a total of eight players. Welsh internationals Mark Lennon and Luke Dyer have both signed from Super League side Hull Kingston Rovers while prop David Tangata-Toa joins the Welsh side from the same club.
Welsh Internationals Jordan James and Ian Webster, as well as team-mate Aaron Summers, all join from the 2007 National League One play-off finalists, Widnes Vikings.
There is a welcome return to rugby league for Welsh international Steve Thomas.
The 27-year old Neath centre previously turned out for London Broncos in Super League before signing for the Welsh All-Blacks.
Ben Flower will make his rugby league debut after signing from Welsh Rugby Union Premiership side, Bedwas.
Flower, who turns 20 this month, has also turned out for the Newport Gwent-Dragons and is a Wales under-20 international.
Crusaders' chief executive David Thompson said: "The signing of these top quality players is a real statement of intent by the club.
"We are not simply going into National League One to make up the numbers. The intention is to make a genuine impact on the competition. This season we had some success against League One opposition in the cup and next year we'll be even stronger.
"It's important to the club that six of these new signings are Welsh internationals. We have always strived to keep the bulk of our squad Welsh qualified and these signings reinforce our intentions.
"The future of the club lies with Welsh players and to that end we are also launching an academy side in 2008 which will help to develop young Welsh talent."
Lennon, Dyer, James, Thomas and Webster are all expected to join their new Crusader team mates Gareth Dean and Anthony Blackwood in the Welsh international rugby league squad ahead of the game against Papua New Guinea at the Brewery Field on October 28.
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