He will be assisted by former Wales and Ospreys centre Sonny Parker and Richard Tonkin as the Exiles seek to hold onto the British & Irish Cup title they won last season and push for promotion back into the Aviva Premiership
“We wish Rowland the very best of luck in his new appointment. I am sure that he will raise the profile of the women’s game in Wales to new heights. He has been a great servant to London Welsh and has been a pleasure to work with,” said London Welsh’ Director of Rugby. Steve Lewis.
“Throughout the tough times he has remained positive and upbeat and the progress that the team made after Christmas is in no small means down to his belief in the side and his unique personality, – the players especially will miss the uniqueness that Rowland brings to the group.
“James Buckland will take over as Head Coach at the club with immediate effect. He made eight appearances for the club on loan from London Irish and spent some time on the coaching staff under Lyn Jones in season 2012/13.
“He returned to the coaching staff last season when Rowland took over as Head Coach, and has been a key member of the coaching group since then, originally last season on a part-time basis but then on a full-time basis since January. James knows the club’s coaching philosophy, and has been a key part of the coaching group delivering the pre-season coaching program.
“He knows the players well and the requirements to be a successful club at Championship level. We have 22 of last season’s squad available again and the continuity that James’ appointment brings is essential to start the season strongly. James will be supported by Sonny Parker and Richard Tonkin, who are both taking on additional coaching responsibilities.”
For his part, Rowland Phillips says it was a very difficult decision to leave “a truly unique club”, but is backing Buckland to continue the good work of last season.
“Last season was a challenging one at times but a thoroughly enjoyable one as well, culminating in winning the British and Irish Cup. I believe I’ve grown both as a coach and as a person for the experience,” said Phillips.
“As a group we stuck together and reaped the rewards of our hard work and commitment to the club, and it’s those values and beliefs which will continue to drive this great club forwards. With the squad the club has assembled, and James [Buckland] taking over the reins as head coach, I believe the momentum we created at the end of last season can be carried forward.”
