Western Mail

Phillips confirms team of coaches

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WALES Women head coach Rowland Phillips has confirmed his coaching team ahead of the upcoming autumn series.

Backs coach Gareth Wyatt, the former wing/fullback capped by Wales at all levels, continues in the position he first took up during this year’s Women’s Six Nations. Meanwhile, Phillips has a new recruit as forwards coach in former Ospreys, Dragons and Wales U20 hooker Hugh Gustafson.

“Gareth and Hugh are both rugby people, and while both have played to a high level they’ve also made great inroads into coaching, so they understand the environmen­t we’re creating for the team,” explained Phillips.

Wyatt will leave a similar role he has held at Pontypridd, where he became a household name thanks to his try-scoring prowess, while Gustafson is currently academy skills coach at Ospreys, forwards coach for Swansea and head coach of Swansea University.

Phillips said: “They’re very in tune with how the women’s game is developing in Wales, and they’ve got a clear, detailed approach to the internatio­nal game which will serve the women’s programme well going forward.

“Hugh has shown a lot of promise already, making a smooth transition from playing to coaching via the Principali­ty Premiershi­p, BUCS and Regional Age Grade pathways, so it’s an exciting move for him.”

On Wyatt’s continued involvemen­t, after making a positive impression in his first spell with Wales Women earlier this year, Phillips said: “Gareth’s already worked with us through last year’s Women’s Six Nations, where he had an immediate positive impact. His involvemen­t reinforces how women’s rugby is a viable coaching pathway.”

The vacancy created as Pontypridd RFC backs coach will be filled by former player Paul Matthews.

Matthews made 70 appearance­s for Ponty between 2003 and 2008 as a creative centre who also captained the club.

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> Rowland Phillips

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