James and Thomas called in as part of

FORMER Wales internationals Paul James and Rhys Thomas will assist Ioan Cunningham in coaching Wales U20s during this year’s Six Nations.

Cunningham is taking over from Gareth Williams as head coach after Williams’ elevation to a role with the senior squad.

Joining the former Scarlets forwards boss with Wales U20s will be the vastly experienced James and Thomas, with the 66-cap James focusing on the set-piece and Thomas in charge of lineouts.

Ospreys skills coach Richard Fussell will feature in his second successive Six Nations campaign, having been involved last season.

“I’m obviously delighted to get the opportunity to lead the talented team of coaches, players and staff,” said Cunningham, making a welcome return to the spotlight a year on from his release from the Scarlets.

“It’s always an honour to represent your country at any level and I’m extremely honoured and privileged to have this opportunity.

“I’ve been working closely with Gareth Williams over the last seven or eight months, looking at the depth of talent we have at this age group and helping to structure sessions and preparations which has been in uncertain times and difficult circumstances.

“He has done a great job with the U20s over the last few years

and leaves the position in a very good place.”

Director of elite rugby at Llandovery College, Cunningham did a fine job with the Scarlets before his departure, helping them to the PRO12 title in 2017.

He reckons the Wales U20 coaching group have hit the ground running as they prepare to kick off their

Six Nations campaign against Italy on Saturday 19 June.

It’s still early days for James as a coach, but he has attracted favourable comment working with young players in the Ospreys academy setup. One youngster who benefited from his expertise called the World Cup prop from 2011 and 2015 “outstanding”.

Thomas, capped 27 times by Wales at hooker between 2005 and 2008, is also said to have excellent technical and interpersonal skills, with much the same applying to Fussell.

Gareth Williams’s new role sees him take over as assistant coach for the contact area with Wayne Pivac’s senior Wales squad.