Key personnel from Warren Gatland’s backroom team will play a hands-on and supporting role in nurturing and developing the young talent being groomed for future honours.
National performance coaching structures now have high powered integrated coaching line-ups in readiness for the U20s, U18s, U16, Sevens and Women’s squad preparations.
Key staff from the senior backroom team have been added to the elite pathway structure as additional support coaches for individual disciplines, including Rob Howley, Shaun Edwards, Neil Jenkins and Robin McBryde as well as other support from key personnel such as nutritionists, analysts and strength and conditioning staff.
The additional support roles will be utilised by an elite pathway coaching team bristling with international and regional expertise which build on the work already done within the regions and the Principality Premiership.
Mark Taylor continues as U20’s Team Manager with Danny Wilson of the Dragons installed as Head Coach and forwards coach along with Byron Hayward (backs) and Ioan Cunningham (defence).
At U18 level Gethin Watts continues as Team Manager with the new WRU National Coaching Manager Allan Lewis taking a hands-on approach in this crucial age group, along with Dale McIntosh (forwards) and Gruff Rees, currently coaching Aironi in Italy, coaching the backs.
The WRU continue to support the U16 schools national structure and further enhance this partnership with Simon Davies continuing as Head Coach. The U16’s will also be supported with key personnel in Sophie Bennett appointed as Team Manager, Euros Evans of Llandovery, Assistant Coach, former Welsh international centre John Bryant (backs) and Paul Young (forwards) and Iestyn Williams (assistant coach).
The Women’s squad will be managed by Sara Davies with Rhys Edwards as head coach and former international Liza Burgess continuing her assistant coaching role.
The Sevens squad coaching team is unchanged to continue the development work now being achieved after having a great start to the IRB World series.
The new link up with national squad coaches has been devised following detailed discussions between WRU Head of Rugby, Joe Lydon, and the senior Wales Head Coach, Warren Gatland.
WRU Head of Rugby, Joe Lydon, said: “I am delighted to be able to announce a coaching structure which is again brimmed full of talent, expertise and vast experience, building on the exceptional work being done at regional and national level.
“In order to have continuity our previous appointments remain in place but we have bolstered the management teams and brought in some extra strength to continue the work in progress which is currently underway.
“The importance of the elite pathway structure is reflected in the calibre and range of personnel we now have in place and I am confident they will make an impact.
“There is never room for complacency in professional sport but I know we now have a structure and a team in place which can help our talented young players accelerate development in order to achieve their true potential.
“The Rugby World Cup in New Zealand proved for Wales that a steady stream of young talent is now emerging from the system and we want that to continue.
“It is very exciting and crucial that the senior national squad coaches and performance staff add their talent and expertise to the structure.
“Obviously they will focus on their national squad duties but by providing sessions within their individual disciplines when they are available they will help and inspire the youngsters in our squads.
“This system is designed to develop, test and monitor our young talent at all levels. These crucial arrangements are now in place with all the Wales international squads based at the National Centre of Excellence, so we know this operational structure can work well.”
Wales Assistant Coach, Rob Howley, added: “The elite pathway structure is vitally important to the success of Wales at senior level.
“This new initiative means we can ensure all our systems and structures are aligned and we work together to ensure that talented young players know exactly what we want them to achieve.
“The WRU now has an excellent team of coaches in place through the age grade system and it will be great to work together in a truly elite environment.
“Obviously the core focus for myself, and the other elite staff will always be on senior duties but it will be a pleasure to be part of the bigger picture as well.
“There are some excellent young players coming through the system and this ensures they will get as much help as they need to make the best of their talents.”
National Age Grade Management Teams 2012
Wales U20s
Team Manager: Mark Taylor
Forwards Coach (Head Coach): Danny Wilson
Backs Coach: Byron Hayward
Attached Defence Coach: Ioan Cunningham
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Ryan Harris
Analysts: Jonny Gardner, Gethin Jones
Wales U18s
Team Manager: Gethin Watts
Forwards Coach: Dale McIntosh
Backs Coach: Gruff Rees
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Eifion Roberts
Analysts: Craig Maloney, Marc Kinnaird
Wales U16s
Team Manager: Sophie Bennett
Head Coach: Simon Davies
Assistant Coach: Euros Evans
Attached Backs Coach: John Bryant
Attached Forwards Coach: Paul Young
Attached Coach: Iestyn Williams
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Rhodri Williams, Jason Larkham
Analyst: Marc Carter
Wales Women
Team Manager: Sara Davies
Head Coach: Rhys Edwards
Assistant Coach: Liza Burgess
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Josh Robinson, Sam Dodge
Analyst: Steve Bremner
Physiotherapist: Dal Lucas
Squad Doctors: Meinir Jones, Steph Foulkes Moran
Wales Sevens
Team Manager: Dai Jenkins
Head Coach: Paul John
Assistant Coach: Gareth Williams
Strength & Conditioing Coach: Wayne Proctor
Analyst: Marc Kinnaird
