Caerphilly RFC have announced that former club stalwart Brett Davey will take charge as their head coach from next season.
Davey, 44, will work with director of rugby Christian Ferris as Caerphilly look to kick-start their journey back to the top level of the league pyramid.
The club are set for a fifth place finish in League 3 East A this season, and hope that their former full-back can turn things around when players reconvene for pre-season in June.
Speaking about his new role, Brett Davey added: “Caerphilly holds a special place in my heart with fond memories and is where my career really took off before the move to Ponty.
“I worked with Christian earlier in the season and there is a real buzz around the place with a good group of young players and a passionate new committee.
“I decided to take a break away from the game after the passing of my mother and always said if the right opportunity came up for me I would reconsider. I have turned down three roles in the Premiership over the past 24 months because it wasn’t right for me at that time and I thank those clubs for their interest.”
“This has come about through Chris Ferris who, along with the other coaches and committee, I am really looking forward to working with to develop talent in the Dragons region and help to make Caerphilly a force once again”.
Davey played for Caerphilly between 1995 and 1998 before a move to Pontypridd. During that period, the full-back broke WRU records in 1997 having totalled 393 points for the season, including a 42 point haul in one game against Rumney.
Brett was also voted Most Overlooked Player in the national press awards of 1998, and has since had non-playing spells at Beddau, Coventry, Cornish Pirates and Doncaster Knights
Caerphilly Chairmen Alex James, said: “Brett is a highly respected coach and we are delighted he has come back to the club where he was such a favourite with the fans.
“I am sure his appointment will attract some talented young players to the club.”
“As a community club, we realize the need to develop players for the Premiership and Championship clubs in the Dragons region.
“We will be looking to work with these clubs in the area by identifying players, also bolstering the existing coaching team with additional support, skills and experience to develop both the 1st team and 2nd teams.”