EBBW Vale boss Jason Strange is relishing his Eugene Cross Park rebuilding job after confirming his coaching team for next season.
The Steelmen brought Strange last December and the head coach used the Premiership campaign to assess his squad.
He was joined by forwards coach Geraint Lewis, backs coach Steve Lang, strength and conditioning coach Nicky Strange and scrum coach Aaron Coundley.
The management group are staying for the 2022/23 season and Strange is now spearheading a recruitment drive.
“Last season gave the coaches an opportunity to look at the squad and the club’s position both on and off the field,” said Strange.
“It became obvious that it was a big rebuilding job with changes needed. There’s a lot to turnaround which isn’t going to happen overnight, but next season’s squad will be increased, improved and stronger.
“It’s now important we look towards the future by recruiting the right type of characters, working hard in pre-season and getting everyone going in the same direction towards a clear goal.”
Stalwards Rob Sevenoaks and Dan Haymond retired at the end of last season and Ebbw have announced their leavers.
Fly-half Rhys Jones, wing Mike Powell, centre Ryan Evans, lock Corey Talbot and back rowers Dan Hill, Harry Harding, Owen Young and Alex Grey head for the exit.
Up front the Steelmen have retained looseheads Luke Garrett, Joel Harries and Lewis Kinsella, hooker Joe Franchi, Harry Bee and Mikhail Blake, tighthead Dave Whiting, lock Lance Randall and back rowers Lewis Young, Alex Howes, Joe Thomas and Dawid Rubasniak.
There will be a glut of arrivals behind to join scrum-halves Jonathan Evans and Matthew Flanagan, centres Dom Franchi, Ethan Phillips and Paul King and wing Jordan Thomas.
Ebbw finished one from bottom of the Premiership with three wins from 11 fixtures.
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