BRETT Davey is aiming to help local talent flourish in Caerphilly after returning to Virginia Park as head coach.

Former Wales A full-back Davey, 44, moved to play in the top flight with Caerphilly from Maesteg in the late 1990s and went on to enjoy great success with Pontypridd, representing Wales A.

His coaching career started with Beddau before he had spells with Coventry, Cornish Pirates and Doncaster Knights, where he was instrumental in tighthead Tomas Francis opting to play for Wales.

Davey believes the time is right to get back into the game and is thrilled it is with the Cheesemen, who finished fifth in Division Three East A this season, joining forces with director of rugby Christian Ferris.

“Caerphilly holds a special place in my heart with fond memories and is where my career really took off before the move to Ponty,” he said.

“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”.

Chairman Alex James says the appointment of Davey shows the club’s ambition and desire to tap into the talent in the area.

“As a community club we realize the need to develop players for the Premiership and Championship clubs in the Dragons region,” he said.

“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 first and second teams”.