NEWBRIDGE have appointed Neil Edwards as their head coach as they attempt to avoid a second successive Swalec Championship relegation battle, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Welfare Ground side have endured a tricky start to the season and sit bottom of the table after mustering just one draw from their five games.

'Bridge finished just above the drop zone last season and brought in coaches Rhys Bowen and Kristian Owen in the summer, along with a number of new recruits, but last week made their move for former lock Edwards.

The 38-year-old led Ebbw Vale to Division One East titles in 2011 and 2012 before leaving to take the reins at Neath in the Principality Premiership.

Edwards, who played for Newbridge along with Wales A, Ebbw, Newport and the Dragons, helped the Welsh All Blacks retain their top-flight status last season before leaving the Gnoll in the summer.

He said: "I am delighted to be joining Newbridge and hope to be able to restore the club back to being a competitive team in the Swalec Championship and then on to the Premiership.

"I am aware that we have a big task in front of us to accomplish these goals but believe that Newbridge can achieve this and I'm really looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting into it.

"The key thing at the moment is to bring stability to the side."

Newbridge, beaten 57-14 at Swansea on Saturday, will attempt to record their first win of the season when they host Tata Steel on Saturday.