Former Wales coach Scott Johnson is in the running for the Welsh Rugby Union’s (WRU) director of rugby position. The WRU, in search of a successor to Nigel Walker who vacated the role before Christmas, has conducted interviews with several final candidates, with Johnson being one of them. The WRU Chief Executive Officer Abi Tierney has indicated that an announcement regarding the new director of rugby is imminent, expected within the next couple of weeks.
The WRU emphasises the significance of the director of rugby role for the future of Welsh rugby, and the necessity of appointing someone before recruiting a new head coach. The new director of rugby will be responsible for overseeing all rugby activities in Wales, including the men’s and women’s national teams, as well as supporting the development of the four professional clubs – Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys, and Scarlets – to achieve success.
Scott Johnson, a former Wales attack coach, brings a wealth of experience to the table. He previously served as Mike Ruddock’s assistant during Wales’ 2005 Six Nations grand slam triumph and later as an interim head coach. Johnson has also held coaching positions with teams such as the Ospreys, the Wallabies, Scotland, and Canada. While Johnson is a strong candidate, there are other contenders for the role, including former Wales openside Kingsley Jones and current WRU performance director Huw Bevan.
Additionally, Cardiff Met’s Huw Wiltshire, Dragons general manager James Chapron, Scarlets managing director Jon Daniels, former Dragons assistant coach Dai Rees, and Harlequins director of rugby Billy Millard are also being considered for the director of rugby position. The WRU is also eyeing former England head coach Stuart Lancaster as a potential candidate, although he is also being linked to coaching roles with the Wallabies.
The selected candidate for the director of rugby role will face the challenge of revitalising Welsh rugby. The WRU aims to steer Welsh rugby towards a brighter future by appointing a capable individual who can lead and shape the game’s development in the country. The director of rugby’s role will be instrumental in driving growth and success across all levels of rugby in Wales.
In conclusion, the Welsh Rugby Union is on the verge of finalising its choice for the director of rugby position, with Scott Johnson and several other candidates being considered for the role. The upcoming appointment is crucial for shaping the future of Welsh rugby and is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. The new director of rugby will play a pivotal role in guiding and nurturing the development of rugby in Wales, from grassroots to the professional level, in the years to come.