Jones, who has 75 caps, will join the WRU Executive Board with a remit to get more people across Wales engaged more often with rugby at all levels and in all its forms. In doing so he will represent more than 300 clubs across Wales and provide them with a voice at rugby’s top table.
Martyn Phillips, Chief Executive, WRU said, “Whilst Ryan’s credentials as a player and captain of Wales are obvious, of more importance to me is his reputation as a role model for players, his desire to put something back into a game that has served him so well and to put his obvious energy into being the figurehead for the community game in Wales.
“He impressed us with his desire to be very visible in the role, to roll up his sleeves and to take accountability for growing participation across men’s, women’s and kids’ rugby via existing and new forms of the game. We are a rugby organisation and along with Geraint John, we have two individuals who are steeped in the tradition of the game in Wales and importantly open to modernisation for a healthy future.”
Jones is one of an elite band of players to have won three Grand Slams with Wales (2005, 2008 and 2012) and he also played an integral role in his country’s retention of the RBS 6 Nations title in 2013.
Jones also captained the Ospreys from 2007 to 2010 and counts four Guinness Pro12 titles amongst his achievements.
Of his new position Jones said, “We are a passionate rugby nation and I am a product of that. My goal is to make the game that so many of us love and care about accessible to more people, more often with more fun. Rugby has helped shape me into the person I am today and I believe I have a duty to put something back. I’m excited to get started.
“The impact rugby can have on a community and the wonderful values and opportunities it can offer individuals of all ages from personal development to fitness and friendship is something to celebrate. I want to combine my passion with the existing great work being done by the team at the WRU to open up those opportunities to more people. I really believe that whatever your age there’s an aspect of the game you can be a part of – be it as a player, a coach, a referee, supporter or volunteer. The modern game is evolving. The increasing popularity of the women’s game, sevens and tag and touch makes it an exciting time to be involved in the sport.
“I will champion at board level the needs, concerns and direction of the community game in Wales. I want to remain both visible and accessible and I would encourage those with a modern perspective on the game and a desire to innovate to get in touch and share their ideas.”
Jones’ formative years were spent playing rugby at Risca, Newport, University of Wales Institute Cardiff and Bridgend.
Despite retiring from the professional game in 2015 Jones continues to play an active role in rugby at a community level as a coach at Mumbles. He is also a Director and Trustee for Disability Sport Wales.
Jones will join newly appointed Geraint John, Head of Rugby Performance, on the WRU Executive Board. By splitting the former head of rugby role into two new roles the WRU aims to give greater focus and representation to both participation and, at the later stages, performance aspects of the game.
