The 36-year-old Millward, who has made 94 appearances in an Ospreys shirt since making his debut against Ulster in their first ever Celtic League fixture against Ulster in September 2003, is to call time on his playing career to focus on his new role, and will also stand down from the position of forwards coach at Bridgend, a position he took up in May.
The key aims of the role will be to identify and manage the development of elite young players within the Ospreys region, leading the WRU’s overall Performance Programme to ensure an effective flow of young talent into the regional set-up, and potentially into the international structure.
In his new WRU role, Millward will work closely with regional age-group and senior team coaches as well as coaches at the clubs across the region and WRU development staff to ensure the on and off-the-field development of young players.
Speaking about his appointment, Millward said: “I’m really excited about taking up this new challenge. It is an important role within the Ospreys set-up and is one where I really believe that I can have an impact. I’ve always had a keen interest in assisting with the development of young talent, going back to my younger days when I qualified as a PE teacher and combined playing for London Welsh with working in education.
“The WRU already have a great track record of developing young talent and I’m looking forward to continuing this good work in this new role.
“Of course I’m disappointed to be hanging my boots up, I think every rugby player dreads the day when they have to bring their career to an end, but to be honest about it, I’m 37 next month and I’ve had a good career so I can’t be too disappointed. I’ll miss the day-to-day involvement as a player, but this opportunity is one that I couldn’t refuse, it’s a fresh challenge that should prove to be just as fulfilling as my playing career.”
Ospreys Elite Performance Director, Andrew Hore, commented: “He has always had a hugely positive influence on the Ospreys environment and will continue to do so as Regional Performance Development Manager.”
