Merthyr coach confirms bids for Matthew Rees and Andy Powell

Matthew Rees captained Wales on eight occasions

Merthyr rugby coach Lee Jarvis says he is hopeful of signing two British and Irish Lions for the 2015-16 season.

The former Wales international says hooker Matthew Rees and back-row Andy Powell are both considering offers to join the Welsh Championship club.

Rees, 34, began his career with Merthyr before going on to play 60 times for Wales and three Tests for the Lions.

Powell and Rees are free agents after spending last season with the Dragons and Blues respectively.

"[Rees] has got to weigh everything up, really. We've offered him a good deal and we're just fingers-crossed that he will come on board," said Jarvis.

"And it's the same with Andy, we're just waiting now."

Powell played 23 times for Wales and toured with the Lions in 2009, but failed to make the Test squad.

Merthyr finished third in the Championship last season, but the Ironmen could be part of the Premiership next campaign if proposals to expand the semi-pro division to 16 teams are accepted.

Multi-millionaire Sir Stan Thomas, brother of Blues chairman Peter, is supporting Merthyr's recruitment drive and is ready to help finance a significant ground redevelopment at the Wern.