Swansea RFC announced today that Ospreys lock Huw Sutton had joined the coaching staff as forwards coach. He will take up the role, whilst continuing to play for the Ospreys.
The Whites confirmed Sutton would be taking on the role alongside other appointment announcements, including former Osprey Joe Thomas as the new Head Coach.
Thomas was an influential centre with 78 appearances and 22 tries to his name in the famous all white shirt – including a hat trick in Saturday’s win over RGC - Thomas has served as an assistant coach to both Hugh Gustafson and Jonathan Thomas. He will now lead the team going forward after stepping up alongside Liam Gadd in recent weeks with positive effect.
Joe is in his third season as head coach of Swansea University’s men’s team in the BUCS Super Rugby Championship, having previously coached in the Ospreys age-grade set-up and served as a WRU Hub Officer.
Ospreys second row, and another All White, Huw Sutton, joins the coaching team to look after the forwards, while front row legend Paul James will continue his recent work, assisting the set-piece as part of his Academy Skills coach role with the Ospreys.
Managing Director, Keith Colclough, said:
“It gives me huge pleasure to be able to confirm these appointments, which will enable us as a club to build on the great work we’ve seen over the first half of the season. In Joe we’ve appointed an innovative, highly respected young coach who understands Swansea RFC, its history and its ambition. In appointing Huw, we have strengthened the coaching team with someone who is currently playing in the professional game, who like Joe knows the club well, and who is already working well with him.
“These appointments give us an excellent platform to build for the future and we are excited to see Joe and his team continuing to grow and thrive.”
Speaking about his appointment as Head Coach, Joe said:
“I’m proud to be given this opportunity and really excited about leading my home town club. We’ve got a good group of players who are in a good place and have responded brilliantly to what we’ve been trying to do. I’m optimistic that we can build something special.
“I’ve really enjoyed stepping up with Liam these last few weeks, the support we’ve had from everyone at the club has been brilliant, and that made me want to take this challenge on longer term. Everybody here will have a big part to play.
“I grew up playing for Swansea Schools, I made my senior debut for Swansea RFC as a 17-year old, and my family have always followed the Whites, so it’s a privilege to become Head Coach.”
Having made 11 appearances this season, Joe confirmed that while coaching will be his priority, he will continue to be available to play “as required”.
As well as Swansea, he has also played for the Ospreys, Dragons and Leicester Tigers, as well as spells in Major League Rugby in the USA and club rugby in New Zealand.
Sutton is appointed Forwards Coach, the role he also holds with Swansea University alongside Thomas. A Welsh qualified second row who debuted for the All Whites while a student at the Uni. He played 15 times for the club before being picked up by the Ospreys where he has continued to thrive. He said he’s looking forward to his new role:
“I’m really looking to getting stuck in. I’ve worked well with Joe over the past couple years at Swansea Uni and I’m very grateful for the opportunity he has given me to step up. I’m hoping to learn from not only him but the other coaches at the Whites while also hoping to bring some new ideas to the squad that will hopefully help deliver some more good results.”
The rest of the coaching and support team remains in place, with Liam Gadd continuing as Defence Coach and Jamie Cox as Strength & Conditioning Coach. Ben Andrew continues to assist in the S&C set up with Sophie Cooke-Williams & Lily Jones as sports therapist/physiotherapist respectively.
JP Bevan continues as Team Manager.
