Head coach Strange led Wales to their first Six Nations Grand Slam since 2005 earlier this year and the whole coaching team, which was established last summer, has now received a timely boost with the news, ahead of their World Rugby U20 Championship opener next week, that they will continue in the same roles until 2017.
Wales take on Ireland, Georgia and New Zealand in Pool A of the global tournament in Manchester, with Six Nations opponents Ireland first up at the Manchester City Academy Stadium next Tuesday (5.30pm).
“The work of this coaching team over the year has been excellent, they have developed as people and coaches and fully deserve another year with the age group,” said WRU head of performance Geraint John, speaking from the international Sport Performance Summit in New York which he is attending alongside representatives from each of the four Welsh regions – Steve Tandy (Ospreys), Danny Wilson (Cardiff Blues), Jon Daniels (Scarlets) and Huw Bevan (Newport Gwent Dragons).
“Over the year they have further developed the relationships with the national squad, the regions and Principality premiership coaches which are so vital for the development of the players and the program for the future.
“Even though everyone’s immediate focus is the World Rugby Championships in Manchester at the moment, the decision to confirm these appointments helps us in looking ahead and in our planning through to 2017 in Georgia.
“We now have the continuity we need and which will also give us added confidence going into this year’s competition.
“As well as constantly looking to improve the development of players, it is vitally important that we help to develop our coaches for the future, support them and show the extent of our confidence in them.”
Jason Strange continues as the Wales U20 head coach through to the World Rugby U20 Championship in Georgia in 2017. Richard Hodges is retained as the defence coach, Chris Horsman is the scrum coach and Geraint Lewis continues in the position of forwards coach.
