McBryde stays loyal to Welsh Dragons
Wales forwards coach Robin McBryde signed a new contract on Thursday to remain part of Warren Gatland’s backroom staff until the 2015 World Cup.
Head coach Gatland has a contract through to 2015 and since Wales’ march to the World Cup semifinals, assistant coaches Shaun Edwards, Rob Howley and Neil Jenkins have all been tied to long-term deals.
Now McBryde, 41, has become the final member of Wales’ Grand Slam-winning coaching team to commit his future to the country.
Welsh Rugby Union Chief Executive Roger Lewis said: “I’m pleased to say we’ve successfully concluded discussions with Robin and he will now remain with us at least until after the 2015 World Cup.
“I was determined to deliver the coaching team Warren Gatland wants and Robin is part of that first choice group. We now have complete stability in the senior squad coaching team and so there is real and meaningful continuity ahead.”
McBryde will stay on as assistant coach, forwards – to oversee the technical skills preparation of all senior squads.
He has been operating at assistant coach level within the national squad since 2006 and was Wales’ caretaker head coach for the senior tour of Canada and the United States in 2009 when Warren Gatland was seconded to British and Irish Lions duty.
McBryde, 41, played 250 games for Llanelli and The Scarlets and won 37 caps for Wales as a hooker, playing in the 2005 Grand Slam squad.
He was also a British and Irish Lion on the 2001 tour to Australia.
McBryde said: “I am delighted to be staying in Wales to continue to build on the important achievements of the past few years. It is a great coaching environment in which to operate and I know that as a unit under Warren’s guidance we are ready to savour all the challenges which lie ahead.
“I am a very proud Welshman so it is particularly important to me that I can now help build our squad towards their involvement in the next Rugby World Cup.”
The Welsh pack has won plaudits for its performances during the recent Grand Slam success at the Six Nations and flank Dan Lydiate has been named as the tournaments most outstanding player.
