An interview panel comprising Steve Lewis (WRU General Manager), Terry Cobner (WRU Director of
After those interviews, discussions were held with the new regions and agreement was reached on the following appointments as Head Coach:
Bridgend/Pontypridd Region: Lynn Howells
– Currently Head Coach at Pontypridd, Lynn had a spell at
– Former
Neath/
– Currently Head Coach at Neath, Lyn is a former Welsh international who has coached at The Gnoll in two spells, taking his side to Welsh and Celtic League cup finals.
Newport/Ebbw Vale Region: Mike Ruddock
– Currently Head Coach at Ebbw Vale, Mike began his coaching career at Cross Keys before moving on to
Llanelli Region: Gareth Jenkins
– Currently Director of
‘This is a vitally important day in the life of the new rugby regions we have created in conjunction with the Welsh Premiership clubs. The five Head Coaches will be charged with producing winning teams who can highly competitive in the Heineken Cup and Celtic League,’ said the WRU Rugby Manager, Steve Lewis.
‘We went through a formal interview process with all the candidates because we felt it was vital that they heard from us what is expected of them, how they will be judged and what roles they need to fulfil.
‘It was an excellent exercise that has brought the WRU, the new regions and the coaches closer together. Moving forward, the five coaches need to understand they are part of a team that is dedicated to improving the standard of Welsh rugby.
‘We are in a new era of accountability and transparency in professional rugby and the WRU is determined to ensure that the highest standards are applied to all major appointments connected with the game at the highest level.
‘The five Head Coaches are all highly respected and highly successful men who we believe have the ability to make their teams major forces. All five will start off in the Heineken Cup and Celtic League next season, so they will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact on the biggest club stage in the northern hemisphere.
‘Today’s announcement is the start of the selection process for the coaching and medical teams at the five new regions. The next phase will be to jointly put in place assistant coaches, Academy Coaches, physiotherapists, doctors and fitness coaches.’
