Another coach moves to higher level

Another of Ebbw Vale’s coaching staff has been snapped up on a fulltime basis with Nick Wakley being appointed as Wales Women assistant coach as preparations for next year’s World Cup in Belfast and Dublin begin in earnest. Wakley initially joined Ebbw Vale in November 2014 as Assistant to Jason Strange, a role he continued under Nigel Davies last season. He will be joined by Paul Young as Forwards coach.

Under head coach Rowland Phillips’ tutelage, Ebbw Vale backs coach Wakley, who also heads up the women’s sevens program on a full-time basis, will coach the Wales backs.

“Nick Wakley is already delivering the sevens program with the Welsh women so he will bring a lot of playing and coaching experience to the 15-a-side international game,” said WRU head of rugby performance Geraint John. “The calibre of these appointments to the national women’s programmes, following that of Rowland Phillips as Wales Women head coach, reflect a clear decision by the Welsh Rugby Union to increase the resource and support available to one of the fastest growing sports in the world.”

Ebbw Vale are delighted at this latest development and are fully supportive of Nick’s transition to a professional coach role. We thank Nick for his work as we returned to the Premier Division and the winning of the title in a high quality performance at Pontypridd in May.

At this time Nigel Davies will not look to fill the role.