Welsh rugby has a rich history of producing top-quality coaches who have showcased their skills both domestically and internationally. While many Welsh coaches remain within the local confines of the four regions or the national setup, some have ventured overseas to broaden their coaching horizons. These coaches have made significant impacts in various roles and have earned accolades for their contributions to the sport.
One notable Welsh coach making waves outside of Wales is Stephen Jones, who currently serves as the backs coach for Moana Pasifika in Auckland. Jones, a former Wales fly-half, played a crucial role in the Pasifika team’s impressive away win against the Crusaders and has been instrumental in their rise in Super Rugby standings. Another Welsh coaching export is Robin McBryde, who has been thriving as the assistant coach at Leinster, contributing to the team’s success in the URC and Champions Cup competitions.
Lyn Jones, a seasoned coach with experience on three continents, has taken on the role of head coach for the Netherlands squad, aiming to guide them to their first Rugby World Cup appearance. Adam Jones, known for his prowess in the scrum during his playing days, has transitioned into a scrum coaching role at Harlequins and has also made valuable contributions to the Welsh national team during the Six Nations.
Steve Tandy, a former Ospreys flanker, has found success as Scotland’s defence coach, helping the team achieve notable results in the Six Nations and Calcutta Cup matches. Aled Walters, who previously won the Rugby World Cup with South Africa, now serves as the head of athletic performance for the Irish national team and the British & Irish Lions, bringing his expertise to top-tier competitions.
Other Welsh coaches making their mark include Luke Charteris at Bath Rugby, Ioan Cunningham as the head coach of the Fiji Women’s national side, Paul Turner at Ampthill, Mike Rayer at Bedford, and Barry Maddocks at Agen. These coaches have demonstrated their ability to excel in diverse coaching environments and play crucial roles in the development and success of their respective teams.
The contributions of Welsh rugby coaches working outside of Wales highlight the depth of coaching talent that Wales has to offer on the global stage. Their experiences and expertise gained from coaching abroad not only benefit the teams they work with but also contribute to the growth and evolution of Welsh rugby coaching standards. As these coaches continue to make their mark internationally, they serve as ambassadors for Welsh rugby and play a vital role in shaping the future of the sport.