Sonny outlook for LondonWelsh as Parker takes role
GRAND Slam winner and former Wales centre Sonny Parker will attempt to lead a London Welsh revival after taking on a Director of Rugby role.
London Welsh’s professional entity has ceased to exist and were booted out of the Greene King IPA Championship – the second tier of England rugby – as they ran into serious financial issues.
The decision came less than two seasons after rubbing shoulders with Wasps, Saracens, Bath and Leicester in the top flight of English rugby.
The RFU’s decision left the London Welsh amateur side – who play in the ninth tier of English rugby – unaffected.
The club have outlined a five-year plan to take them from Herts and Middlesex 1 – where they face teams like Barnet Elizabethans, Hillingdon Abbots, London French and Wasps FC – and up to the National Leagues.
Parker, who won a Grand Slam with Wales in 2008 and went to the 2003 and 2007 World Cups with Wales, ended his playing career with London Welsh before joining their backroom staff.
Now he’ll be a key figure in the success or otherwise of what the club have branded ‘the journey back.’
“London Welsh has been my club for some time now and I have a great affinity with it having been involved as a player, team manager and coach, and now I’m hoping to bring all of that experience to bear in helping the club to build a new future,” said Parker.
“I want to help get the club back to where we want it to be, and I believe the five-year plan is an achievable one.
“Everyone within the club is really passionate about London Welsh, from the minis up through all of the amateur sides, and it’s that passion and ambition which has driven me to be a part of this.”
Changes have already taken place at the club, with former Ospreys and London Welsh prop Cai Griffiths taking on a player/coach role and Pete Lowe being appointing as team manager.
Next on Parker’s agenda is a recruitment drive and one of the priorities outlined in the five year plan is to develop the first XV player pool and resources through a sustainable funding model.
“As well as coaching, I’m going to be involved in recruitment and preparations on the playing front for next season are already underway. The existing squad is a good one, but we’re already talking to several players who are very keen to join us and who would augment the existing group.
“On the coaching side, we already have a good set-up so I’m just looking to introduce a few new things such as changing our playing style a little bit, and that’s going to be the part of the challenge.
“The first year is going to be the real indicator, but the ambition is definitely there to make the five-year plan a realisation.”