Tipuric swaps the rugby spotlight to help Trebanos taste success

Tipuric and Jones are happy to give back some of their top class knowledge to the players who are currently helping their home village team head up through the SWALEC League divisions on the game in Wales.

Jones is the Head Coach while Tipuric takes on the forwards to drill them with the techniques he has learnt at the top level of the game.

The results of their hard work are clear to see with Trebanos celebrating their debut season in league three by becoming contenders for immediate promotion to the next level.

Both coaches say their work at Trebanos is a labour of love but they believe it is good for players who have experienced top class rugby to deliver some of that knowledge back into the game.

At Trebanos the professional ethos is evident on matchday and in training where drills are carried out at pace with communication between players replicating what happens at the very top.

Rhodri Jones said:

"Everyone likes winning and we find the players enjoy taking their rugby seriously and working hard to be as competitive as they possibly can be.

"Even at this level it is important to work at being as good as we can possibly be and the boys respond to being treated with respect.

"We may not be the biggest side but the teams we play know we will be competitive and give our best in every game.

"Justin is a great asset to us and the players respond to the commitment he is giving to our club.

"On international matchdays now there is plenty of noise in the clubhouse because Justin is playing and we know he will be back with us in the week to keep the hard work going here."

Tipuric teaches the forwards technique and modern drills for lineouts and scrums while also sharing his knowledge of the importance of effective play at the breakdown.

He said:

"The players here have a great attitude and I love helping out with training whenever I can.

"We have a good laugh but their attitude is really good and the hard work is paying off with some good results.

"Rhodri Jones is doing an excellent job and I concentrate on helping the forwards with their skills.

"The boys work hard in training so their fitness is good and that is very important at any level."

Tipuric is now one of the top players in Wales with a regular starting place for the Ospreys and is also adding to his international cap total with some eye-catching displays in the number seven jersey.

Gareth Hopkins, who plays centre for Trebanos RFC, said:

"The feeling in the club is great at the moment and all the boys are just really enjoying being part of this.

"Rhodri and Justin bring a professional attitude to preparation and the players are really enjoying that.

"A couple of the boys have been permitted up to play in the Premiership Division but I know they really enjoy coming back to Trebanos because we all enjoy it here so much.

"Justin is really special and to be able to watch your coach playing international rugby for Wales is just amazing."