Ospreys Rugby has introduced two new members of staff to the support set-up at Llandarcy Academy of Sport as part of changes made to the talent identification and development structure at the region.
- Former Wales U21 Head Coach and Cardiff Met DoR Chris Davey takes post overseeing international recruitment while Gareth Walters appointed to oversee the development pathway
- Dan Griffiths becomes Rugby General Manager with responsibility for day-to-day operations at Llandarcy
- Andy Lloyd joins the WRU after 14 years with Ospreys on and off the field
Gareth Walters joins as Development Pathway Manager and will oversee the pathway below the senior team at the Ospreys. He is joined on the team by the familiar and well-respected figure of Chris Davey, appointed as International Recruitment Coordinator.
Dan Griffiths, take up the role of Rugby General Manager having previously held responsibility for the development arm at the Ospreys.
The changes come following a thorough review of the academy structure, in line with Andy Lloyd, Recruitment and Retention Manager at the Ospreys, leaving to take up a new role with the WRU.
Andrew Millward, Managing Director, Ospreys Rugby, said;
“I’m delighted to be able to confirm these key appointments. Our pathway has consistently served us well, allowing us to bring through players for the Ospreys and Wales, with no region developing more international players over the last 15 years.
“We believe that these changes will allow us to reshape our development operations and stay one step ahead of our competitors in an area of the business where we have always been forward thinking and innovative, continuing to give us a real advantage.
“In Chris, we are bringing in someone with a proven record in identifying and developing international class rugby talent while Gareth has huge experience in sports development administration and will be a real asset to the business. These appointments enable Dan to take a more senior administrative role, taking on more responsibility around the wider day-to-day rugby operations, working closely with all departments at Llandarcy.”
Davey joins the Ospreys having recently retired from his position as Director of Rugby at Cardiff Met, formerly UWIC, after 15 years in the role. During a successful period as Head Coach of Wales U21s, he oversaw five Championship successes, including three Grand Slams.
Walters has an impressive background in sports development administration, previously holding roles with Bridgend Council, Badminton Wales and Disability Sport Wales among others.
As they arrive, Lloyd has joined the Union to take up the position of National Elite Exiles Manager, bringing to an end a 14-year association with his home region as player and administrator, dating back to the inaugural season.
Having signed for his home region from Bath in November 2003, Wales cap Lloyd played 85 times for the Ospreys prior to retiring in January 2011 to become Rugby Operations Manager with responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the senior team, before becoming Recruitment, Retention and Welfare Manager in 2014.
Lloyd said:
“It was a difficult decision to leave a place that I love, that has been my home for 14 years. However, this is an exciting opportunity to further my career at a national level, working with all four regions and being involved in the World Cup cycle until 2023. That was something I couldn’t say no to.
“At the Ospreys I’ve worked in an environment geared towards being the best and learned so much, as a player and administrator, and I’m extremely grateful to everybody involved at the region for the support I’ve had.”
Millward added:
“Andy leaves with our best wishes as a true Osprey, someone who put his body on the line for the cause as a player and continued to serve the cause after hanging up his boots. We wish him good luck in the new role and look forward to him continuing to be a familiar face around our environment in the future.”