Former Flanker, Richie Pugh, rejoins the Ospreys as Contact Skills Coach
Ospreys Rugby are delighted to announce the appointment of Wales Sevens Head Coach and former Ospreys flanker, Richie Pugh, as Contact Skills Coach for the upcoming 19/20 season.
As well as leading the Wales Sevens coaching set up, Pugh also played a role at the Rio Olympics with Team GB.
Capped at all levels for Wales, Pugh enjoyed four seasons with the Wales Sevens side where he was part of the 2009 team who won the Melrose Cup at the 2009 Rugby World Cup Sevens.
Before an illustrious International career, Pugh spent five years at the Ospreys after signing as a youth. Making 78 appearances for the region, the flanker was part of the team that lifted the Celtic League trophy in 2005 and again in the 2007 Magners League. After leaving Ospreylia in 2008 to join Exeter Chiefs where he spent a season, Pugh returned to Wales where he spent the remaining four years of his playing career at the Scarlets.
Ospreys Head Coach, Allen Clarke, said: "I'm delighted to have Richie join our team as Contact Skills Coach. He knows the club well having made nearly 80 appearances for the region and brings excellent coaching pedigree having been Head Coach of Wales Sevens and worked at the Olympics with Team GB, as well as having Commonwealth Games experience.
“We identified the contact area as a key phase and wanted to make sure we got the person with the right skillset to take on this role. Richie not only brings his wealth of coaching knowledge to the Ospreys but, having been capped by Wales, his game knowledge and expertise will be important to us moving forward.
“I have every confidence, having spoken to Richie, that the transferable skills he brings from Rugby Sevens are exactly the right fit for this Ospreys side.
“I’m delighted to have Richie on our team as a young and talented Welsh Coach who knows the region well.”
Rugby General Manager, Dan Griffiths, added: "We are delighted to welcome Richie back to the Ospreys. “
“The contact area is such an integral part of the game on both sides of the ball and to add Richie’s energy and expertise is a real positive for both the coaching group and the team.
“Richie has gained valuable experience through the Sevens programme and his roles with the WRU. It’s great to be able to bring that knowledge into the region and continue the development of a talented young Welsh Coach.“