CARDIGAN RFC has wasted no time in appointing a senior coach to succeed Derek Burton who, as reported in last week's Tivy-Side, has resigned as coaching supremo.

Former ace centre-threequarter Keith Leighton, who also for a time went on to play for Whitland in the Pembrokeshire RU Championship, has had a hand, together with Glan Morgan in coaching Cardigan's youth squad over the past four seasons.

While he will take special responsibility for coaching the club's first XV, he will also have coaching charge of the seconds.

Leighton, now 48 and a builder, was highly rated as a player by all invoved in Pembrokeshire rugby.

"I recognise that the task is far from straightforward but through my time in the game I have always relished a challenge. That is certainly the case this time and that is why I shall be giving it a realistic go.

"I trust that the players will pitch in and give assistant coach Eifion Collins and our new forwards coach Tony Mason their wholehearted backing," said Leighton.

Mason is joining Cardigan fresh from finishing his army career with the Royal Welch Fusiliers.

New club chairman Ian Gollop says he is looking forward to the players working in complete harmony with the club's new coaching team.