These days the former Scarlets, Dragons and Blues hooker who won international honours for Wales at all levels is in charge of the forwards at the Brewery Field, sharing the coaching duties with Mike Hook.
He combines his current coaching role with a new business venture as a director of ‘So Exclusive Interiors’, a company specialising in luxury interior design, project management, bespoke furniture, general sourcing, home products and soft furnishings, and he is hoping a summer make-over at his club will allow them to rise up the table this season.
Bridgend finished ninth last season, but were clearly the best of the four clubs in the Ospreys region. With a dozen Ospreys players attached to them this season they are hoping to greatly improve on that finish and push for a play-off place.
“We’ve worked hard in the summer and were very disappointed to lose to Aberavon in the ninth minute of injury time in the British & Irish Cup play-off game. Now we want to go to Cardiff, which is a massive derby match for both clubs, and put the record straight,” said Young.
“We’ve got a good pack and a strong rolling maul game, but we also like to play a bit as well. The new pitch at the Arms Park should suit both sides and it promises to be a cracking opening fixture.
“We were delighted when the Ospreys offered Lloyd Evans a contract after he had shown his worth with us last season, but he will face a big back row battle with another gem we have picked up from a local club this season in Zac O’Driscoll.
“Zac is one of four brothers from Heol y Cyw and is a blockbusting openside flanker. We think he could go places and it will be great to see how he improves in his battle with Lloyd for a back row berth in the side.”
Among the dozen Ospreys linked with the club are the Wales Under 20 props Nicky Smith and Mark Thomas. Full back Ross Jones is also on the list, along with new back row recruit from north Wales, Ollie Cracknell.
“There is a lot of young talent available to us from the Ospreys and we will ensure we make the most of the players when they are released to us. But we also have a highly talented home grown team at the club which is determined to prove a point or two this season,” added Young.
“The Brewery Field is a great place to play rugby and we have been given the go-ahead to re-open the hospitality boxes this season to add to the atmosphere. It is a professional rugby environment and we want our players to take full advantage of what is on offer and make the most of themselves and the opportunities presented to them.”
