The Ospreys are delighted to announce that Ben Rose has been appointed as the new WRU/Ospreys Regional Community Manager.
30-year old Rose has been a part of the Ospreys successful community set-up for three years, serving as Player Development Officer for the Swansea District, and he replaces Jason Lewis who left the Ospreys to become National Rugby Development Manager at the WRU during the summer.
Born in Bangor, North Wales, Rose studied Sports Science at UWIC before completing a Masters in Sports Development, and has remained in South Wales ever since his student days. He has combined an on-field career with Pontypridd, Glamorgan Wanderers and now Bridgend, with a role in player development, having originally joined the Ospreys from Cardiff Blues where he previously held a similar role.
Speaking after the appointment was confirmed, Rose commented:
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my role working as part of the player development team at the Ospreys over the last three years and now I’m looking forward to this new challenge, which will allow me to play a bigger part in the great work already being done in the community.
“The region has a very strong identity, something that from my work in Swansea I know that people are recognising and really identifying with. In this role I can now work across the wider region to help build a stronger community game, something that will benefit the Ospreys immensely in the long term.
“I’m passionate about development, and share the Ospreys belief that developing local talent is the way forward if we want to create long term, sustainable success. It’s what community rugby is all about and I’m excited about building on the fantastic work that the Ospreys Community Rugby Development team has done to this end under Jason Lewis in recent seasons.”
Ospreys Elite Performance Director, Andrew Hore, congratulated Ben on his appointment, saying:
“Ben’s appointment is good news for everyone involved in the community game across the region. He has done an excellent job in this previous role within the Swansea District, and I have no doubt that with his passion for development and his knowledge of the Ospreys vision and strategy, he will make a huge impact in the new role.
“This position is a key link between Ospreys age-grade rugby and the District set-ups. We value the Districts very highly, they have a major part to play in the development of rugby in this region, and as a consequence, this is a very important appointment.
“The importance of this position cannot be underestimated. Joined up thinking between the Community, Elite Development and senior management teams is an essential part of our outlook, something that Ben understands and has really bought into.
“His predecessor was also someone who believed in what we are trying to do at the Ospreys, and was able to provide leadership and guidance to a team that combines both WRU and Ospreys staff, something that brings it’s own challenges. I’ve no doubt that Ben can have a similar impact in this position.”