team manager Shaun Rees and backs coach Steff Sankala
Bedwas RFC has confirmed its coaching set-up ahead of the new season with forwards coach Ian Gardner the man to replace stalwart Steve Law.
Last season’s beaten Principality Premiership semi-finalists announced in May that head coach Law would be leaving to take up the vacant role at Cardiff RFC.
Law had been at Bedwas for 16 years, making him the longest serving Premiership coach, and the Bridge Field outfit have moved to finalise their coaching team with pre-season preparations getting underway.
Ian Gardner will take the helm from next season, having been promoted from his position as forwards coach.
Gardner, a popular figure at Bedwas, brings a wealth of experience to the role and transformed the forward pack into the dominant group which was so integral to the club’s successes last season.
Despite losing 31-24 to Aberavon in their Principality Premiership Tier One play-off semi-final, Bedwas’ third-place finish was a club record, and they also lifted the Fosters Challenge Cup with victory over Carmarthen Quins.
Gardner will be joined by Pat McGee and Steffan Sankala, who take up roles with the forwards and backs respectively, having held other roles within the club.
Gardner, who also lectures at Cardiff Metropolitan University, said: “It’s an exciting time for myself and the new management team. We have just come off the most successful season to date for Bedwas in the Premiership. My aim is to consolidate or even improve on that this season.”
Director of Rugby, Mark Lewis, spoke of his delight at the recent appointments, saying: “I am very pleased to be able to promote from within. Ian, Pat and Steffan have played huge parts in ensuring our on-field successes, particularly last season when we won the Fosters Cup and made the Premiership semi-finals.
“They have put a lot into this side and now they have the opportunity to take us further forward again.”
Team manager, Shaun Rees and physio, Emily Buckley, complete the set-up, having joined from Championship winners Pontypool.
Lewis added: “Getting Emily and Shaun in is the cherry on the cake for us. They are both consummate professionals and we know that they will be critical in getting the most out of our talented squad.”