Andy Lloyd takes new exiles role

Andy Lloyd has been appointed Elite Performance Exiles Manager at the Welsh Rugby Union.

The former Wales international lock, who made over 80 appearances for the Ospreys, left his position as recruitment & welfare manager for the region earlier this month to take up a new role for the new year.

Lloyd will concentrate on recruitment and retention at the elite end of the game and joins Gareth Davies and Paul Turner in the WRU’s exiles department, ultimately reporting to head of rugby performance Geraint John.

“Andy is a welcome addition to the team, covering a vital area for Welsh rugby,” said John.

“He will be working at the top end of our retention and recruitment operation, concentrating on players in the academy, schools and senior game who can potentially make a difference at regional and Welsh international level.

“Andy has a wealth of personal experience, coming through our development system himself and playing for Wales at U21 level, but also playing outside of Wales at Bath Rugby before dedicating himself to the Ospreys.

“He will be presiding over a core part of the WRU strategy for the future, which, under the guidance of both Paul Turner and Gareth Davies has already achieved some real momentum.

“The provision of full-time resources is a critical factor to us achieving a clear pathway for Welsh players to our regional and national teams.”

Lloyd has represented his country playing in the Wales Development XV and for the U21 side and has one senior cap, gained in Wales’ 10-64 victory over Japan in Osaka on the 2001 tour, when he also scored a try.

Lloyd appeared in the Ospreys’ historic win over Australia in 2006 but retired from playing in 2011, when he became a key member of the Ospreys back room staff working most recently on recruitment for the region and overseeing player welfare