He said, “I’m thrilled to have been chosen to take on this exciting new role. Having spent ten years away from Wales, I feel I have a huge amount to give back to Welsh rugby, developing the next generation of elite coaches for Wales.
“The ultimate goal of this role is to develop our top, up-and-coming coaches so that we have Welsh coaches who can coach Wales. I’ll be looking at our national age grade and pathway coaches, and working with coaches within the Regions and the Premiership, to see how we can help and support them. We also have some excellent Welsh coaches working outside of Wales so I’ll look to see how I can help and advise them too with the ultimate vision to help develop coaches who can step onto the international scene.
“Each coach is different, with different strengths and requirements, so my first role will be to create an affinity with them and a good relationship going forward.”
WRU Head of Rugby Josh Lewsey said, “Strategically, this is a vital new role and we are delighted to have secured the services of such an experienced coach as Geraint. His track record speaks for itself, and his knowledge of Welsh rugby is considerable.
“As a governing body, we invest a huge amount in the development of talented players, but equally, for that talent to reach its full potential, we need to invest in our coaches.”
Geraint John background:
As Canada Rugby Sevens head coach, Geraint John led Canada Sevens back to IRB core status in 2012 and to sixth in the world in the world in 2013. As Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens head coach, he led the side to a bronze medal at last year’s Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Prior to leaving Wales, John had been Wales assistant coach on the tour to Japan in 2001, joint head coach of Wales in Canada in 2000, skills coach under Graham Henry, Cardiff Blues assistant coach and Hartbury College Director of Rugby.
As an outside half, Geraint represented Wales A, Wales B, the Barbarians, Crawshays and Welsh Schools.
