Lloyd and Tandy link up with Ospreys Age Grade sides

Ospreys Regional Performance Development Manager Andrew Millward worked with the age group sides for a number of seasons prior to being appointed to his current role last December as his long playing career drew to a close, and he says that Lloyd and Tandy will benefit hugely from the experience: "As players get older they start to think a bit more about what they want to do when the time comes to hang up their boots, so it's important that they look at what opportunities are available to them to get some experience, just as it is important that the region helps them take their first steps as a coach.

"Andy and Steve are great at passing on their knowledge and helping others, and they have always enjoyed working with youngsters so they are the right people to get this experience. They are following on from both Filo Tiatia and myself, who have been involved with the age-grade sides while still playing and have now stepped up into roles within the Ospreys set-up, so the pathway for them is clear.

'It's the perfect coaching environment for them to get started. Working with teenagers at that stage of their development is an incredible experience, they are like sponges, just soaking up information, and they really look up to guys like Steve and Andy who not only talk the talk, but deliver it on a rugby pitch for the Ospreys. The Ospreys facilities are first class and there is a strong support network in place to help their personal development, so I have no doubt that the pair of them will thrive on their involvement next season."

Andy Lloyd commented: 'I'm currently doing a sports science degree with Swansea University, fitting it around my rugby career, and when I finish playing I intend to do my teacher training on the back of that. Bully (Andrew Millward) knows what my plans are so he approached me to see if I was interested in getting involved with the age-grade sides.

"I've done some work with them, but next season I'll be stepping up my involvement. It's good experience for me with my teaching ambitions in mind, and it's great working with people of that age... they want to learn, they want to improve themselves and you really feel that you are making a difference. Hopefully I've got a few years playing ahead of me yet, but when the time comes that I have to stop, I'll be better prepared for the future thanks to this experience."

Steve Tandy added: "Getting the chance to work with the age-grade sides is a great opportunity for myself personally. Obviously, I want to develop myself as a coach for when I finish playing and this is a great first step on the ladder, but what is most important to me as a local boy who represents my home region is that I've got the opportunity to give something back to the rugby community in the region.

"To help youngsters achieve their ambitions and to see them improve can be very fulfilling so I'm really looking forward to next season, and getting this experience under my belt, which will hopefully benefit the Ospreys and the young kids in the squad."