Welsh names new Director of Rugby

NEWS: The Welsh Rugby Union has announced that Dave Reddin has been appointed as its new Director of Rugby and Elite Performance.

Reddin will officially join the WRU full-time on September 1, with phased involvement beginning on July 1.

He will immediately contribute to the ongoing recruitment process for a new Wales senior men’s head coach and will lead the development and implementation of high-performance systems aligned with the WRU’s recently launched ‘One Wales’ strategy.

This work will encompass responsibility for all of the men’s and women’s national teams and pathways, as well as working closely with the professional clubs to ensure the high-performance system in Welsh rugby delivers on the aim of sustainable and enduring success.

Reddin boasts an impressive track record across rugby union, football, and the Olympic movement.

His career began in rugby in 1996 as a fitness coach with Leicester Tigers, before going on to play a key role in England’s 2003 World Cup triumph and the 2005 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand.

Reddin’s expertise extends well beyond rugby. As Head of Performance Services at the British Olympic Association, he oversaw athlete support for Team GB at the Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 Olympic Games. His six-year tenure with the Football Association saw him contribute significantly to the transformation of the England national teams, laying the foundations for age-grade success and notable improvements in senior men’s and women’s tournament performances.

Reddin played a central role in the acquisition and redevelopment of Spanish side CD Castellón, helping guide the club to promotion into Spain’s second division. Most recently, he has been consulting with UK Sport, helping shape long-term strategies for the UK’s Olympic and Paralympic high-performance system.

“We are delighted Dave has agreed to join Welsh rugby at this exciting time,” said WRU CEO Abi Tierney.

“He brings a level of expertise and experience in directly relevant elite sporting environments unmatched around the globe and we know the whole game in Wales will reap the benefits of this appointment.

“We looked at a wide range of candidates for this position and I would like to thank all the people who expressed their interest and all individuals who have offered advice and counsel on who would be the best person for this job.

“Without exception, everyone I have consulted about Dave Reddin has given a glowing recommendation and we know we have achieved a real coup by persuading him to join us.”

“I am delighted and honoured to be joining Welsh rugby at such a pivotal time in the rich history of the game here,” said Reddin.

“This is one of the biggest jobs in world rugby because of the passion and meaning the game has in Wales.

“There are well-documented challenges but I’m inspired by the very real potential implicit in the new vision and strategy Abi and her team have communicated.

“My immediate focus is on the appointment of the next senior men’s head coach but I will also be immersing myself in gaining an understanding of the people and the game in Wales as quickly as possible to give me the insight to start to make positive changes for the future.”