Newport Gwent Dragons Forwards Coach Danny Wilson has been named Head Coach and Forwards Coach of the Wales Under 20 side as part of the WRU’s new integrated national coaching teams.
Danny Wilson was understandably proud to be entrusted with working with potential future international stars. “I am delighted and honoured to be named as Wales Under 20 Coach. It is an exciting group of players and staff to be involved with and work alongside and I am looking forward to the challenges ahead.”
“Our first game is the first weekend of February which is only 4 weeks away so we have some work to get on with but I am excited about getting started.”
Byron Hayward (Dragons/ Dragons Academy Skills Coach) and Ryan Harris (WRU/ Dragons Academy Strength & Conditioning Coach) join Danny in the Wales Under 20 set up as Backs Coach and Strength and Conditioning Coach respectively.
Jon Gardner (WRU / Dragons Academy Performance Analyst) is also given a role in the Under 20 set up as an Analyst.
In the Under 16 set up, Newport RFC & Dragons Under 18s Backs Coach Jon Bryant is named as an Attached Backs Coach whilst Junior Academy Skills Coach Paul Young will be attached as forwards coach for the side.
The Dragons also contribute members of the Women’s back room staff. The squad will be managed by Dragons Team Administrator Sara Davies and Josh Robinson (Dragons Junior Academy Strength and Conditioning Coach) is given a Strength and Conditioning Coach role.
National performance coaching structures now have high powered integrated coaching line-ups in readiness for the U20, U18, U16, Sevens and Women’s squad preparations.
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.
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.”
Wales Assistant Coach, Rob Howley said: “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.
Danny Wilson (Dragons Forwards Coach) – U20 Forwards Coach & Head Coach
Ryan Harris (WRU/ Dragons Academy Strength & Conditioning Coach) – U20 Strength & Conditioning Coach
Byron Hayward (WRU/Dragons Academy Skills Coach) – U20 Backs Coach
Jon Gardner (WRU / Dragons Academy Performance Analyst) – U20 Analyst
John Bryant (Newport RFC & Dragons under 18s Backs Coach) – U16 Backs Coach
Paul Young (Dragons Junior Academy Skills Coach) U16 Forwards Coach
Josh Robinson (Dragons Junior Academy Strength and Conditioning Coach) – Women’s Strength and Conditioning Coach
Sara Davies (Dragons Team Administrator) – Women’s Team Manager
