Lightning appoint new coach

LOUGHBOROUGH Lightning Rugby has announced that Rhys Edwards has been appointed as Head Coach and will lead the University’s women’s rugby programme.

Edwards joins Loughborough from Championship club Rotherham Titans, where he was the Attack and Skills Coach, and prior to that was Head Coach at Cardiff Blues Academy. Edwards has a strong background in the women’s game as well, having been Head Coach for the Wales Women’s 15s and 7s sides for over five years.

In his playing days Rhys was a talented junior international and will add an extremely broad skill set to the Loughborough Rugby coaching setup.

Of the move Edwards said: “I’m very excited and honoured to be joining such an illustrious sporting institution here at Loughborough University. The opportunity to work here and be part of the new RFU Women’s Rugby Competition was too good to ignore. It’s a hugely exciting time to be involved in women’s rugby, with 7s at the Rio Olympics last summer, and the 15s World Cup coming up in August.

“I feel there is a clear opportunity to create a World Class development/ performance programme here with the facilities available and the historical sporting heritage that inspires players to achieve.”

Director of Rugby Alan Buzza added: “I couldn’t be more delighted to welcome Rhys to Loughborough. Rhys has a rich depth of experience in teaching and coaching, with a solid academic foundation, and in combination with our opportunity in the top flight of women’s rugby, he is exceptionally well placed to deliver a world class programme for our athletes.”