With just a month to go until the under-16 Regional Age Grade Championship returns, Cardiff Rugby have confirmed their coaching staff for the North and South outfits for the upcoming campaign.
With the under-18’s campaign drawing to a dramatic conclusion last month, the Blue and Blacks pathway is now preparing for a first taste of under-16 action since February 2020.
Under-18 head coach, Chadd Mutyambizi, was initially involved with the club at under-16 level before progressing to his current role in the age grade system, highlighting Cardiff Rugby’s drive to develop the next generation of coaches as well as players.
Talent pathway manager, Aled James, and academy manager, Gruff Rees, have formed two coaching teams, which contains an exciting mix of dedicated local coaches, those who are knowledgable about the club’s pathway alignment and former players who have tasted life at the highest level of the game.
Cardiff Rugby North
With play set to kick off on April 3, Cardiff Rugby North will be led by former Ospreys, Wales and British and Irish Lions lock, Ian Evans. Since hanging up his boots in 2017, the 33-year-old became a hub officer with Welsh Rugby Union and has joined the Cardiff RFC coaching team, with Craig Everett currently in camp with Wales under-20.
He is assisted by a fellow ex-professional rugby player in backs coach Gareth Bowen. The former Scarlets outside half has built up his coaching CV with Cynon Valley schools and continues his role in Cardiff’s age grade set-up.
Luke Thomas, who takes charge of the forwards, heads into his third year in the system, having also been a member of the Cynon Valley Schools coaching team alongside duties with Aberdare RFC.
A new face takes charge of the defence in Callun James, but there’s no doubt that the current Pontypridd back row knows all about rugby at this level.
James came through the age grade sides, earning a place in Cardiff’s academy. While he would later be released, the club was eager to continue to support his development beyond his playing contract.
Finally, Cefncoed RFC stalwart Damian Regis is named team manager, having previously been on the coaching team.
Cardiff Rugby South
Iestyn Williams is the man heading up the Cardiff Rugby South set-up. Williams is a familiar face at Cardiff Arms Park, having served as team manager of Cardiff RFC and head coach of Cardiff School’s Dewar Shield side.
He is joined in the coaching team by Gethin Thomas and Llyr Davies, who both look after the attack and backs.
Thomas, who is currently studying for his Level Four coaching course, is a member of the Cardiff Met coaching team and steps up having been involved with the under-17 programme last summer.
Davies is another familiar face from his time with Cardiff Schools, while he also assisted Martyn Fowler as Cardiff and Vale College claimed their first league title earlier this season.
Cardiff Met’s Nick Fish will take charge of the forwards, while former Swansea forward Chris James will lead the defence, having built up a coaching career with St Peter’s RFC and in rugby league.
Team manager Lawrence Weekly, also of Cardiff Met, completes the coaching line up.
Following the confirmation, talent pathway manager Aled James said: “We’ve taken a good amount of time and thought into putting these coaching teams together and we’re really excited about their potential. We’re confident that the next generation of Blue and Blacks are in excellent hands as they head into a key stage in their development.
“They’re all good rugby people who have built excellent experience across development rugby across the region. But what was also important to us was their attitude and morals, and we’re delighted to see that they’re all passionate about developing these players both on and off the field.
“To have a British and Irish Lion leading the North side will be really exciting and inspiring for that crop of players. His input to Cardiff RFC over the last month has been brilliant and he’s assisted by a good crop of young coaches.
“A special mention goes to Callun James. It wasn’t long ago that he was in the players’ shoes, so he knows exactly what it takes to progress in the pathway.
“Unfortunately it ultimately didn’t work out for him in the academy, but we’re delighted to be able to support his ambitions as a coach and we’re proud to still have a man of his calibre remaining involved with the club.
“On the other hand, Iestyn’s appointment gives us alignment throughout the club. Dewar Shield is already a vital part of our pathway and his work with Cardiff Schools, as well as Cardiff RFC, means that we can have the continuation of languages and structures that we strive for, from under-15 right through to the first team.
“We’d also like to thank each club and schools or college who have shown support to be able to bring these high quality coaching teams together. We’re just excited now for the action to kick off next month.”
The North’s home fixtures will take place at Merthyr RFC’s The Wern, with the South calling the Cardiff Arms Park their home for the campaign.
Cardiff Rugby North
Head Coach - Ian Evans
Attack / Backs Coach - Gareth Bowen
Forwards Coach - Luke Thomas
Defence Coach - Callun James
Team Manager - Damian Regis
Cardiff Rugby South
Head Coach - Iestyn Williams
Attack / Backs Coaches - Gethin Thomas and Llyr Davies
Forwards Coaches - Nick Fish
Defence Coach - Chris James
Team Manager - Lawrence Weekly
Cardiff Rugby under-16 Fixtures
3 April 2022
RGC 2 v Cardiff North
RGC 1 v Cardiff South
13 April 2022
Cardiff North v Scarlets East - The Wern, Merthyr RFC
Dragons Black v Cardiff South
20 April 2022
Dragons Black v Cardiff North
Cardiff South v Ospreys West - Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff
27 April 2022
Scarlets East v Cardiff South
Cardiff North v Ospreys East - The Wern, Merthyr RFC
4 May 2022
Cardiff North v Cardiff South - The Wern, Merthyr RFC