Disappointment at Cardigan Rugby Club following the resignation of director of rugby Nigel Smith less than two months after his appointment in June has been replaced by enthusiasm and optimism with the arrival of a new coaching duo relishing a new challenge in the WRU Division Two West writes John Adey.

Retired PE teacher Nigel Smith from Gwent who recently moved to live in this area reluctantly gave up the coaching job after only a few weeks due to unforeseen circumstances but it is understood he could still be involved with the club in some capacity in the future.

With the start of a new season a week on Saturday when the Cardis visit Aberystwyth the club hierarchy wasted no time in bringing in a replacement director of rugby in the form of ex-Aberaeron head coach John Addis.

The former Welsh Youth and Abertillery lock has coaching experience at senior and junior levels in Wales and England and has tasted promotion success. In addition to his most recent club Aberaeron the 41-yiear-old has had stints at Westbury-on-Severn RFC and Cheltenham RFC.

Married with one child he runs a landscape gardening business from his smallholding at Dihewyd between Aberaeron and Lampeter.

After his first well-attended coaching session when several exciting youngsters were to the fore the new director of rugby said “I am extremely proud to be involved with such a forward-thinking and progressive club which has a long and proud history.

“It is the first time for the club to appoint a director of rugby and I am looking forward to being involved in all aspects on the playing side,” he said.

The new man will be assisted by club stalwart and highly-respected forwards coach Mark Phillips who has coached from junior level through to the senior team.

An early move by Addis sees the resurrection of the ladies team and here he will be assisted by head coach Sami Connelly – training for the ladies is at King George Playing Field on Thursdays at 6pm with a warm welcome extended to old and new players.