COACHING APPOINTMENTS
The WWRU are please to announce their new coaching team:
Phil John has been appointed National Squad Coach. Phil, who assisted outgoing coach John Williams last season, hails from Ammanford and has been working with the Welsh FIRA squad over the last few years.
Assisting Phil will be Alan Harries who will have sole responsibility for the backs. Ex Ebbw Vale winger Harries is currently backs coach at Newbridge RFC in Division One and will combine both roles over the coming seasons.
Ex Welsh International Bess Evans is the new team manager. Evans, capped 43 times before retiring in 1998 captained her country and will have invaluable knowledge to pass on to up and coming players.
North Walian Wayne Pugh is the new Welsh Development Squad Coach. Pugh, a seasoned second rower in the North Wales leagues, will be assisted by WRU development officer Griff Rees.
Gareth Mahoney remains head coach to the Wales U19 squad and will be assisted by Pontypool’s Stuart Lawrence with the backs and new Pontypridd signing Neil Hennessey with the forwards.
Director of Rugby Richard Hodges said: ” I am delighted with the new management teams. It has taken a while to get who we want in place but it has been worthwhile. We can now plan towards the next World Cup in 2006 knowing we have the right people in place to take us forward.”
