Former Wales international to step down from position on Cardiff’s backroom staff
Cardiff players form a huddle after their URC game against Munster.
Cardiff Rugby have announced that Richie Rees will step down from his position as the Welsh region’s backs coach at the end of the current season.
He has been part of the United Rugby Championship outfit’s backroom staff for the past six years – initially as an academy and transition coach – but will further his career at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School (HMS) in Wales.
Won nine Wales Test caps
Rees, who represented Wales as a scrum-half in nine Tests, will take up a position as the first director of the HMS Sports Academy.
“I’m delighted to be appointed the first director of HMS’ new Sports Academy and look forward to using my experience to enhance the development of all the sporting students, from the most hesitant to the highest performing,” he told Cardiff Rugby‘s official website.
“I have had a great time at Cardiff Rugby and remain enormously grateful to the club for all of the support and opportunities they have given me both in my playing days and as a young coach but feel this is the right time to take on a new challenge.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with all the players, coaches and staff at the Arms Park and will leave with a heavy heart but one filled with so many great memories and experiences.
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“I remain fiercely committed to Cardiff for the rest of the season and we are all focussed on having a strong end to the season.”
As a player, Rees had stints at the Ospreys, Cardiff, Dragons, Edinburgh and London Irish before moving into coaching. He previously worked as an assistant coach to Tonga and also led the Dragons academy.
Thanked for his service
Rees will join HMS in July and Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt wished him well on his new venture.
He said: “Richie is an excellent coach who has been a great servant to the club over a number of years in different positions – from a player to academy coach to an attack coach with the senior squad.
“He leaves with our best wishes to take up a new and exciting role at Monmouth School.”
Cardiff Rugby confirmed that a new assistant attack coach has already been identified and will be announced in due course.
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