WELFARE Ground favourite Jason Williams has pledged to play "the Newbridge way" after being appointed as head coach.

'Bridge will be in Division One East next season after suffering relegation from the Championship.

Head coach Scott Williams has left to join his hometown club Cwmbran and the Pigs have turned to his namesake Jason to take the helm.

The former playmaker and record points scorer arrived to assist the management team at the end of the campaign and is relishing the chance to help 'Bridge bounce back.

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"It's a massive honour for me to coach a club I loved so much as a player," said Williams. "I have had some great experiences in my coaching career to date and hope that there will be many more to come with this massively historic club.

"I am very excited about the task in hand and would like to reassure all at the club that myself, the coaching staff and players will give nothing but 100 per cent to bring back the good times by playing the Newbridge way.

"I am also looking forward to continuing the great work of the mini, junior and youth coaches by developing the club's young talent.

"We find ourselves in a very difficult league with some fantastic local derbies to look forward to, but I am sure that with everyone's support we can enjoy a very successful campaign."

Williams previously cut his coaching teeth at Tredegar, helping them gain promotion from Division Two East, and then spearheaded Nantyglo's rise from Division Five to One.

Williams has worked with the Dragons regional age-grade teams and 'Bridge believe he has the perfect CV to turn around their fortunes.

Director of rugby Dafydd Lloyd said: "It's fantastic to be able to have Jason on board to lead our coaching staff and players next season. There really does feel like a fantastic buzz starting to build around the club.

"Jason came in to support with some duties towards the latter part of 2018/19 and really showed his coaching ability and his expertise in interacting with the players.

"Jason is a highly committed, well organised and innovative coach. In his short period of time here he has displayed excellent organisational and leadership skills with the ability to create an environment where a successful team is able to flourish."

- Newbridge are hosting an Evening with Frank Bruno on Saturday, May 11 (7pm start).

Tickets are available for the event with the boxing legend costing £40 each with a limited number of VIP tickets at £60.

Ring 01495 243247 or 07905 196508 for more information.