Welshman Gustafson picks up a top award

WALES’ Hugh Gustafson has been voted coach of the season in British universities and colleges rugby.

The 34-year-old from Carmarthen steered Swansea University to a fifth-place finish in the BUCS Super League in the first full-campaign since they joined the top-flight ahead of the pandemic-affected 2019-20 campaign.

They finished the 2021-22 regular season with six straight wins, accounting for the likes of Cardiff Met, Cardiff University, Hartpury, Bath and Loughborough in the process.

Overseeing it all as head coach was Gustafson, with James Hook in charge of the attack.

Recognition has come with west Walian Gustafson being named as BUCS Super Rugby coach of the season, an award voted for by supporters.

“It’s a nice way to end the campaign,” he said.

“I didn’t expect it but all the players and coaches have worked hard so it’s been a group effort.”

The former front rower is part of the Ospreys’ coaching pathway and heads up the team operation at Swansea RFC, whose former chairman Stephen Hughes sang his praises.

“Everyone at our club has been impressed with Gus,” said Hughes. “The first thing to say about him is he’s a nice man who people connect with and want to do well for. He also thinks deeply about the game and likes it to be played with a bit of style.

“Maybe the university boys have warmed to him because he has a young mindset, but I can only speak about our thoughts on him.

“The Welsh Premiership isn’t just about results. It’s about development and Gus has helped a lot of young players over the last few years, Morgan Morris among them. You can only speak as you find and as young coaches go he’s been excellent.

“I see a bright future for him.” Two Welsh players have also been voted in the BUCS’ team of season, picked by coaches in the competition.

Both are from Super Rugby final winners Exeter University. Dafydd Jenkins features at lock, with Dan John taking the fullback slot.

The pair have famous dads – Jenkins is the son of ex-Wales A back-rower Hywel Jenkins, while John’s father Paul featured 10 times for the Wales senior team at scrum-half.

Cardiff Met backs Roma Zheng and Will Rigg are also in the team of the campaign, along with Cardiff University back rower Greg Ramage.