IOAN SPEAKS OF SHOCK AT LOSING JOB
FORMER Scarlets forwards coach Ioan Cunningham has spoken of his shock at being released by the region after nine years and suffering a second setback in missing out on a plum job in the Gallagher Premiership.
Last month it was announced Cunningham would be departing the West Wales region as the Scarlets reconfigured their coaching team postBrad Mooar.
Cunningham, who worked under Mooar, was left without a contract under Glenn Delaney’s new team. It was a decision that left pundit Sean Holley “bewildered”.
The 37-year-old was part of the Scarlets’ recent success under now Welsh coach Wayne Pivac, including their memorable PRO12 title in 2017 and their march to the European Champions Cup semi-finals 12 months later.
His CV had looked to seal an immediate move to be part of Paul Gustard’s coaching team at Harlequins, alongside Welsh front-row legend Adam Jones, only to be pipped at the post for the job at the Twickenham Stoop by ex-Ireland international hooker Jerry Flannery.
Cunningham told the BBC’s Byd Rygbi Cat a Charlo Welsh language podcast: “I was in advanced talks with Harlequins, but they decided to go with Jerry Flannery.
“I’d love to help Welsh rugby in some shape or form, but there are positives in experiencing different cultures and competitions.”
Academy and Wales Under-20s forwards coach Richard Kelly will take over Cunningham’s role at Parc y Scarlets under Delaney, with former All Blacks prop Ben Franks appointed scrum coach.
“Yes I was a little bit shocked, but it’s rugby, it’s pro sport, we have to adjust and deal with things very quickly,” added Cunningham of his release by the region.
“I’ve been speaking to (ex-England and current Leinster head coach) Stuart Lancaster and (England and British and Irish Lions lock) Geoff Parling, who is at Melbourne Rebels, about how they’re preparing to return to play.
“It’s a really exciting time. I’m learning. This break has allowed me to look at my strengths and weaknesses.
“The Scarlets will always hold a place in my heart. We had some great times and I’m really proud to be part of the successes.”
Cunningham’s departure, and the apparent lack of other opportunities in Wales, has sparked warnings that homegrown coaches could be being wasted.
THE Welsh Rugby Union has outlined its initial plans for the community game next season, which could mean delaying kick-off for some clubs until January 2021.
The union held an online “return to play webinar” with their grassroots clubs last week when the clear message was that the game below professional level in Wales faces a prolonged period of time in lockdown.
In March, the WRU followed the lead of their Irish and English counterparts by cancelling the remainder of the 2019-20 grassroots season due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The union decided there would be no promotion or relegation in any of the WRU leagues and teams will remain in the division they are currently in for the start of the 2020-21 season.
Now, nearly three months on, the community game could have a different look from what club rugby has been accustomed to in recent seasons when it’s back up and running.
One proposal could be a more localised set-up for next season to cut down on the travelling and a staggered start to the season, but clubhouses may have to remain closed.
The traditional September start to the Welsh club rugby season has already been ruled out by the union and, depending on how things pan out regarding the Cov