STEFAN Sankala has made the step up to take the reins as Bedwas head coach from Ian Gardner.

Gardner, who took over from Steve Law last summer, takes on the role of technical rugby director as part of the club’s new coaching and management structure.

Sankala, a big favourite among the supporters on the pitch at Bridge Field, was previously the team’s backs guru and strength and conditioning coach.

Fondly known as Sanky, the new head honcho has been involved with Bedwas for the past 16 years and accumulated vast experience through regional age grade squads and rugby league.

The new coaching team will also include Pat McGee, Sam Feehan, Tom Cole and Gareth Davies.

McGee is going into his fifth season as forwards coach and will work closely with Feehan who makes his coaching debut as backs chief after 97 appearances in Bedwas colours from 2010-16.

Cole continues as skills and attack coach, building on extensive coaching experience which includes work with Ospreys U18s and U20s, Dragons U18s, the Dragons academy and Wales Women.

Meanwhile, Davies has been given the responsibility of team manager.

Another former player at Bedwas, Davies represented the club between military tours to Iraq and Afghanistan as a Royal Marine Commando.

He has also played for Caerphilly, Glasgow Hawks, Launceston and more recently held coaching positions with Pontypool United. He is also a WRU referee.