Thomas joins the coaching staff at Brewery Field as Fenton exits

BRIDGEND Ravens have appointed Matthew Thomas to the role of strength and conditioning coach.

Thomas joins the Ravens having also taken up a position with the Ospreys as Junior Academy strength and conditioning coach. His day job is as S&C coach at Force Strength and Conditioning.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to getting going with my new role at Bridgend.

“It’s an exciting role for me which will be paired with my job with the Ospreys Junior Academy, strengthening the links between the club and academy system.

“My job as a coach is to enable players to become better on the pitch, not just in the gym, and educate them on steps they need to take to become the best that they can be.”

Team manager Meredith Griffith was pleased to add Thomas to the backroom staff.

He said: “We are really pleased that Matthew has agreed to join our team. He will bring a great deal to the Ravens environment this season.

“He is very excited about the opportunity.

“If the players work with him, listen to his advice and put the work in, we will reap the rewards in terms of our performances and results. It’s great to have somebody of Matthew’s calibre leading on that front and we’re all looking forward to getting going when the Welsh Government and WRU say it’s safe to do so.”

Thomas started his career at Bridgend College as a player and student. His education at the college saw him progress to Swansea University, before taking on an internship with the Scarlets.

He was then offered a role at Llanelli RFC in his first solo S&C position.

Most recently, Thomas has completed an online masters degree at the University of Ulster in exercise and performance nutrition.

His work as an undergraduate in designing and authoring a study has now been accepted for official scientific journal approval.

He replaces the departing Alex Fenton, who leaves the club to take up a role with Cardiff Blues.

Bridgend wished Fenton the best for the future, following a playing and coaching career with the club that started back in 2014.