A new era commenced at Hamilton Park on Tuesday 14th July when new head coach Dave Irwin and his assistants Roy Lawton, Scott Young and Graeme Taylor take charge of pre-season training.

Director of Rugby Stevie Nutt, believes Ards have built one the strongest coaching teams in Qualifying Rugby.

As well as being a formidable presence Dave Irwin brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience having played at Newcastle Falcons and Belfast Harlequins and coached at Ards (as assistant to Cois Beukes), Lisburn and Dungannon.

Roy Lawton returns to Ards after being head coach at Civil Service, Roy is well known to all at Ards having previously been 1st XV team manager and coach of very successful Ards youth teams many of whom feature in the Ards senior squad.

Former Ulster player and one of the most consistent Ards players in recent seasons Scott Young will continue to play as well being the attack coach.

Former Ards 1st XV centre and current Northern Ireland Rugby League coach Graeme Taylor will be contact/defensive coach.

Ricky Sadler moves up from Youth rugby at Ards to coach Ards 3rds.

Stevie Nutt will continue to manage the 1st XV and Colin McClean will manage the 2nd XV.