Blaenavon RFC ended their season on a high note with a solid 34-17 home win over Senghenydd to leave them sixth place in Division One East - a position they aim to improve upon next season as the Torfaen club rings the changes.

Blaenavon’s current coaches, former scrum Half Gareth ‘Betsy’ Betts and Wayne Jones have decided to step down after three memorable and hugely successful seasons which saw them guide Blaenavon to two SWALEC League promotions as well as winning the Ben Francis Cup for the first time since 1963.

They were ably assisted by team manager Wayne Gregory, who will remain as Club President, but is keen to take a less active role in the management side of things.

The pair will be replaced by experienced level three coach Rhys Bowen, who will be putting the mighty Blaenavon forwards through their paces, and this season’s Captain Dan Phillips, who will be stepping down and concentrating on coaching the Blaenavon backs.

“Rhys and Dan have both played together for Newbridge in the past, and they work well together,” explained Blaenavon Chairman Mr Paul Tanner.

Rhys joins Blaenavon from Blackwood, whom he coached last season, and is looking forward to tackling the new challenge head on.

The club presentation evening is on Saturday June 25 at the Blaenavon clubhouse and pre-season training will start on Tuesday July 6, where Rhys and Dan will lay found the groundwork in an attempt to improve on the club’s sixth placed position this season, in the tough and uncompromising SWALEC Division One East League.