RGC coach to take time out:
RGC head coach Matt Silva is taking a leave of absence from his role. The newly appointed figurehead, who arrived in the summer to replace Mark Jones, cited personal reasons for his decision to step down for a short period at the helm of the Indigo Group Premiership outfit.
The coaching team of Josh Leach, Latham Tawhai and Saul Nelson will be tasked with leading the Gogs during their forthcoming matches, with no timetable confirmed for Silva’s return to the fold.
Silva, who represented Wales B and won a Rugby League cap for his country, has worked within player and coach development roles for 15 years and coached Bridgend for the last three seasons prior to his arrival at Stadiwm Zip World in Colwyn Bay.
He has masterminded an encouraging start to the season for RGC despite losing a number of key players in the offseason, with the club currently occupying sixth in the standings after winning four and losing four of their opening eight contests.
They are just three points off fourth-placed Aberavon ahead of a busy series of fixtures over the festive period, which begin at Bridgend this Saturday.
This will be followed by a crunch home encounter against Aberavon on December 14, and the Gogs conclude the calendar year with a trip to defending champions Merthyr and former winger Sam Jones on December 27.
With his coach development background, Silva aims to work closely with North Wales coaches to develop the next RGC coaching team.
“Taking on this role is a big but very exciting challenge and I can’t wait to get started,” he said shortly after taking the role.
“It’s key that I get to know everyone involved with RGC and buy into the culture of North Wales rugby and it’s also important I get straight into pre-season so that we can hit the ground running come September.
“I want to build on the legacy that Mark Jones and all the other past RGC coaches have created and I hope my actions will speak louder than words when it comes to the rugby we produce on the field.
“While it’s a fantastic achievement to win the cup, my main aim is to finish in the top six and qualify for the Super 6 crossborder competition.
“There is certainly the talent within the current squad to do that.
“I very much plan to work with North Wales community clubs to unearth playing and coaching talent and bring them on the journey with us.
“It’s fantastic to step into a stable coaching team but when Phil John leaves his post, it would be great to fill it with a North Wales coach and certainly, further down the line, the goal is for RGC to be self-sufficient in terms of players and coaches.”
The important Stonewall campaign runs through to Sunday December 8, and RGC are proud to be supporting it.
People can visit stonewall. org.uk/rainbowlaces for more information.
Rainbow Laces has helped foster positive attitudes towards
LGBT people in sport and persuaded allies to play their part.
Many LGBT people live and breathe sport, however, according to Stonewall research, four in ten LGBT people (43 per cent) think public sporting events aren’t welcoming for them.
Whether people are cheering or competing, everyone is at their best when they feel part of the team and people can all lead the way by doing little things to be more inclusive, to make sport everyone’s game.
Sport has an amazing power to bring people together. Following and taking part can give us community, energy and a sense of belonging.
Stonewall is encouraging people to: Step up and play your part, others will follow; Challenge anti-LGBT language; Celebrate LGBT people in sport; Share your story; Wear your Rainbow Laces and show you care; Play your part, bring Rainbow Laces into your community and come out active during this year’s campaign; Do something active while wearing your rainbow laces and raise some vital funds.