Ospreys 'original' Shaun Connor heads up new look coaching team
As the 2013/14 season approaches, Ospreys Rugby have unveiled a new-look coaching team for the regional age-grade U18 team.
Shaun Connor, current WRU Performance Skills Coach for the region, working with players on the development pathway, will lead the team as Head Coach.
He will be assisted in his role by two newcomers to the Ospreys age-grade set-up who are familiar faces in the regional rugby community. Former Bonymaen RFC Head Coach Steffan James is Forwards Coach, while Kevin James, brother of Ospreys ‘original’ Paul James and a stalwart of Neath RFC where he has scored more than 100 tries from the wing, has been appointed Backs Coach.
Dai Davies continues as Team Manager, combining the role with his new position as Team Administrator within the senior Ospreys set-up, while Conditioning Coach James Prosser also continues.
Connor, who was only the second Osprey to reach 100 caps for the region, commented:
“This new coaching team has already begun working with an extended training squad ahead of the coming season and is looking forward to assisting the next generation of talent to fulfil its potental.”
Andrew Hore, Chief Operations Officer at the Ospreys, welcomed the new team, saying:
“Development from within is our ethos at the Ospreys and we’ve put together a world class development structure at the region, overseen by Andrew Millward, WRU Regional Performance Manager, that gives coaches the same opportunity to progress along the pathway as it does to players.
“Sustainable success on and off the field is what we are aiming for as a business and the continued development of young coaches will allow us to deliver just that.
“These are extremely significant appointments for Ospreys Rugby, as you can’t underestimate the importance of the individuals tasked with developing young talent.
“The coaches concerned are three stalwarts of Ospreylian rugby who have served the game in this region with distinction. This is a great opportunity for them to take the next step along the successful coach development pathway that we have in place here, following in the footsteps of young coaches like Steve Tandy, Gruff Rees, Dan Griffiths, Mefin Davies and Ben Rose, all of whom have done their apprenticeship working with our Eyasses.”