Wales head coach Warren Gatland, Wales Under 20 head coach Danny Wilson and WRU coach educator Tim Hoare have made the final three in their respective categories of High Performance Coach, Performance Development Coach and Coach Educator.
WRU Coach Development Manager Gerry Roberts said: “The WRU coach development department is delighted to have three nominees shortlisted for the Sport Wales Coach of the Year awards. The three nominees have been outstanding in their particular fields during the last year.
“Warren Gatland has again proved his qualities by delivering another Grand Slam, Danny Wilson guided the Wales Under 20 side to their best finish in a Junior World Championship, and the best in any global age grade competition for thirteen years and Tim Hoare has been instrumental in the development of coaches within the North Wales region.”
The Sport Wales Coach of the Year accolade, previously won by Rugby World Cup Sevens winning coach Paul John and Graham Henry, will be awarded to one of the category winners.
A panel of judges – which included representatives of sports governing bodies, young people, sports coach UK, Disability Sport Wales and Sport Wales – has narrowed down the nominations to the following groups:
Coach Educator of the Year
Neil Roberts (Multi-Sports) Caerphilly
Tim Hoare (Rugby) Colwyn
Georgina Williams (Athletics) Cardiff
High Performance Coach of the Year
Anthony Hughes (Athletics) Vale of Glamorgan
Warren Gatland (Rugby) Cardiff
Billy Pye (Swimming) Neath Port Talbot
Performance Development Coach of the Year
Neil Smith (Cycling) Newport
Danny Wilson (Rugby) Carmarthenshire
Ian Shore (Rowing) Cardiff
Chair of Sport Wales, Professor Laura McAllister said: “We had a record number of entries to our awards this year and I know the panel found it difficult to create the shortlists, which is testament to the quality of all nominees.
“But we have an outstanding group of finalists who are a credit to their fellow coaches and volunteers. Every year I am humbled by the dedication of these women and men to sport in Wales and I’m looking forward to hearing more about their inspirational work.”
The winners will be announced in a ceremony at the Sport Wales National Centre, Cardiff, on Wednesday 14th November 2012.
For more information visit: www.sportwales.org.uk/coachoftheyear
