Pugh joins Wales 7s as assistant coach

On his return from the Olympic Games where he is hoping to guide GB Women to golden glory in the Rio 7s, Richie Pugh will take up a new position as WRU 7s assistant coach to Gareth Williams.

Currently in Rio de Janeiro acting as assistant coach to Simon Middleton for Team GB 7s Women’s squad, Pugh was an integral member of the Wales squad who stunned the rugby world in 2009 when claiming the Rugby World Cup Sevens crown in Dubai.

He has been influential in the development of the sevens game for women in Wales over the past three years and is now looking forward to assisting Williams in preparing a competitive squad for the forthcoming World Rugby Sevens series which kicks off in December in Dubai.

“Once the Olympics is complete I will be a full-time assistant for Gareth and the men’s programme which is really exciting. I’ve been in and out working with them over the last year or so while working with the women’s programme – it’s great that I get the opportunity to progress my coaching development and get to work with Gareth’s quality on a full time basis,” said Pugh.

“I’ve always said working with the girls has been a huge factor in how I approach my coaching. I am still in my infancy in a sense as a coach but working with the girls has helped me develop and I’ve really enjoyed working with them over the past three years, and if there is an opportunity I will continue to help and support the players and women’s 7s team,” he said.

“I’ve worked with Gareth over the past as a player and now I’m really looking forward to working alongside him as an assistant coach. These are exciting times for sevens and I’m delighted to have been given this opportunity.”

WRU Rugby Performance Manager, Geraint John, added: “This new role shows our commitment to the sevens programme. Richie has a wealth of experience of sevens at the highest level and I have no doubt he will be an invaluable addition to our sevens management team.

“Richie will work and support mainly with the men’s team, plus help in the identification of players both at a young age and Premiership level. He will also support the women’s 7s team and their coaching team when he has an opportunity to do so.