Wales confirm Lydon role

Lydon: New role

The new role will enable me to draw on that passion, the unique sporting history and pedigree of rugby in Wales.

Joe Lydon
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Joe Lydon has been officially confirmed as the Welsh Rugby Union's new head of rugby performance and development.

The appointment of the Great Britain rugby league legend ends the WRU's two-year search for the right man.

Lydon had spent two years working as the England backs coach from 2004, before he was removed from his role by the RFU as part of a reshuffle.

That saw Lydon return to rugby league to work as the performance director at Wigan Warriors.

However, Lydon will now manage a new WRU development structure which oversees the elite game through to the grassroots in the community clubs and schools.

WRU chief executive Roger Lewis said: "I promised we would secure someone special for this vital role and I am delighted to be able to announce that we have achieved that aim in appointing Joe Lydon.

"The head of rugby role is a key appointment in our senior management team and heads a structure which controls and develops all aspects of the game in Wales.

"Joe's rugby and business CV speaks for itself and when I met him I was impressed by his knowledge of Welsh rugby and his clear strategic thinking on the way forward for Wales.

"All of us know about his legendary status as a player and I know the whole of Wales will grow to respect his rugby intelligence and management skills.

Talented

"We have been through a challenging restructuring process and I know that Joe realises he will be taking charge of a talented and skilful team because of that.

"There is a lot of hard work to be done but Welsh rugby is now in the right shape to meet the challenges of the future."

Lydon, who played alongside Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards for Wigan and Great Britain, is relishing the new role.

He said: "I look forward to drawing on my experiences gained from being involved in professional rugby of both codes over the last 25 years and feel confident that this role will provide opportunity and challenge within one of the most passionately supported rugby playing nations in the world.

"Just as it is in my hometown of Wigan, rugby in Wales is much more than a sport, it's a way of life.

"The new role will enable me to draw on that passion, the unique sporting history and pedigree of rugby in Wales. Working with all like-minded partners throughout the game and in so doing assist the WRU in its vision and an ambition for the enhancement and development of rugby in Wales.

"A lot of hard work is already taking place and I will be making sure that continues within a clear strategy and focus."