Gardner follows in the footsteps of Steve Law, who has moved to Cardiff after 16 years at Bedwas, and was instrumental in his side’s success in winning the Foster’s Challenge Cup last season and reaching the semi-finals of the Tier 1 tournament in the Premiership.
Supporting the Cardiff Met university lecturer, who was previously head coach, will be Pat McGee, as forwards coach, and Steffan Sankala, as backs coach. Both coaches are well acquainted with the club and squad and have been rewarded for their success with promotion.
“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 and my aim is to consolidate or even improve on that this season,” said Gardner.
Completing the new management team is new team manager, Shaun Rees, and physio, Emily Buckley. They are both joining Bedwas from WRU National Championship winners Pontypool.
“I’m 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 Foster’s Cup and made the Premiership semi-finals,” said Bedwas team manager Mark Lewis.
“They have put a lot into this side and now they have the opportunity to take us further forward again. Getting Emily and Shaun in is the cherry on the cake for us because they are both consummate professionals who will be critical in getting the most out of our talented squad.”
