BLACKWOOD RFC are bouncing back after a nightmare season that saw them experience a number of heavy defeats and suffer relegation for the first time.

The men Glan-yr-Afon Park have dropped down from the SSE Swalec Championship to Division One East but after a summer of hard work are feeling optimistic for the future.

Chairman Roger Moore paid tribute to the players, coaches and support staff who helped the club fulfil their fixtures in a challenging 2014/15 and feels that Blackwood are back on the up.

He said: "While the relegation was painful it has allowed the club to renew its focus on developing local talent and the support from our thriving mini and junior section has been outstanding.

"We cover every age group from tots through to youth and we are determined to create an environment where everyone can enjoy their rugby and develop to the best of their abilities."

The development of players has been helped enormously by significant sponsorship from local company, Amber Services.

Moore explained that the chairman and founder of Amber, Mike Jones, passed away earlier this year.

"Mike was a former president of Blackwood RFC and was greatly respected for his contribution to rugby in the town," said Moore.

"We are delighted that his son, Jay, and the board of Amber Services have arranged the sponsorship which will allow us to fund ambitious and innovative development programmes for our older youngsters and senior players.

"We want to use the money wisely to create a fitting legacy for Mike's involvement in the club."

Great strides have also been made in establishing a senior squad and coaching set up which will be very competitive.

Rhys Bowen has remained as head coach and is joined by Neil Williams as backs coach. Matthew John has taken over the role of team manager and Chris Jones has re-joined as conditioning coach.

Another very important appointment is that of former first team scrum half Mark Birkby as director of rugby, overseeing all rugby development at the club

"Mark has a long history with the club having played for a number of our age group sides including the Youth side which reached the Welsh Cup Final in 2004," said Moore.

"He was also an integral part of our National Division One Championship winning side in 2009 and also played for Blackwood Stars when they won the Welsh Districts Cup at the Millennium Stadium in 2007. Mark will oversee all rugby development within the club."

Blackwood ended their long run of league defeats last Saturday with a 15-13 home victory over a strong Blaenavon side.