Jason Hyatt, one of the longest serving and best respected coaches in the second tier of Welsh rugby, has stepped back from his role as head coach at Aberavon.
Hyatt has led the Wizards for the past 13 years and built a great reputation for producing highly competitive teams and developing top young talent.
Wales skipper Jac Morgan spent a season under his expert guidance before joining the Ospreys, while Adam Beard, Ashley Beck and Justin Tipuric are others who came through the ranks at the Talbot Athletic Ground.
This season has been a struggle for his side with only four wins in 13 games in Super Rygbi Cymru. The stresses and strains of the job were visible for all to see when he broke down during a post-match interview in December 2023 after the Wizards beat Ebbw Vale to end a run of four straight defeats.
Since SRC was created two years ago Hyatt has dramatically changed the age profile at his club and recruited more young talent froom local clubs, while always keeping within the financial guidelines set out in the tournament rules.
“Jason has decided that he needs to step away from rugby for the remainder of the season to help deal with a mental health issue that he is currently struggling with,” explained Aberavon chairman Andrew John.
“We have agreed that it is in his and his family’s best interests to take a break from the game and the club he holds dear to him. It takes a very brave man to front up to challenges such as this and seek help, which is what Jason has done.
“All too often we hear stories of men, in particular, who bury their heads in the sand and suffer in silence, often with very serious consequences. He does not want to hide from the issues or make excuses, in the hope that it helps to highlight the ongoing problems that so many people face in life.
“As a club, we will provide him with as much support as we can to aid his recovery, and he knows that support is there for him. I am sure I speak on behalf of everyone at the club in wishing Jason a speedy return to good health.
“On that path he will be very well looked after by his wife Jo, together with his son and daughter, Lewis and Leah. Our very best wishes go to them all.
“In the meantime, Chris Davies will step up to head the coaching team, assisted by Nick White, Sam Williams, Tom Jones and Sam Brookes.”
Aberavon resume action on 24 January when they travel to Bridgend for their opening game in Pool B of the SRC Cup.