CROSS Keys have strengthened their squad for next season by signing an up-and-coming utility back and prop from their Principality Premiership rivals Bridgend.

Ravens full back/centre Owen Howe and loosehead Gary Carpenter are highly rated by the Pandy Park side’s director of rugby Jonathan Westwood.

Both Howe and Carpenter starred for Bridgend in their shock 19-15 Swalec Cup final victory over Pontypridd at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium earlier this month.

Howe, 20, had a big influence on the outcome of their giant-killing victory in the Welsh capital after kicking 14 points through four penalties and converting wing Tom O’Flaherty’s 67th minute try.

The 24-year-old Bristol-born Carpenter played the full 80 minutes in the front row as his unfancied side ruined Ponty’s dream of a treble double.

Of Howe, who was privately-educated at Llandovery College, Westwood said: “We are delighted Owen has joined us.

“He can play in a couple of positions and will strengthen us behind the scrum.

“He kicks his goals and had an excellent end to the season – he was instrumental in Bridgend winning the cup.”

On Carpenter, Westwood said: “Gary is very good scrummager who has given our scrum trouble over the last couple of seasons.

“Our loosehead Luke Garrett will be with the Newport Gwent Dragons on a full-time basis from next season, so we aren’t going to see him a great deal.”

Ospreys Under-18s player Howe made 37 appearances for the Ravens since making his debut two years ago.

He scored 78 points for the club, bagging one try, 14 conversions and 15 penalties.

The 5ft 10in and 18st 3lb Carpenter played 61 times for the Brewery Field side, after making his first appearance against Swansea in 2012, and also crossed for one try.

Keys, who enjoyed a successful season which saw them make the Premiership play-offs (after finishing third in the league) and the semi-finals of the Swalec Cup, had already snapped up three quality players for the next campaign.

Ex-Dragons No 8 Ieuan Jones, Neath wing Jamie Davies and Bargoed outside half Josh Prosser have all joined.