The 31-times capped former Pontypridd and Ospreys centre has taken over as the club’s Director of Rugby and will have former Ospreys and Wales Under 20 prop Cai Griffiths as a player/coach. Pete Lowe will be the team manager.
London Welsh’s professional team was expelled from the Championship in January after failing to satisfy the RFU criteria for Championship rugby. A five-year plan has since been created to plot ‘The Journey Back’ through the leagues as an amateur club from Level 9 back into the National League structure.
“London Welsh has been my club for some time now and I have a great affinity with it having been involved as a player, team manager and coach. Now I’m hoping to bring all of that experience to bear in helping the club to build a new future,” said Parker, who played at two World Cups and was a Grand Slam winner in 2008.
“I want to help get the club back to where we want it to be, and I believe the five-year plan is an achievable one. Everyone within the club is really passionate about London Welsh, from the minis up through all of the amateur sides.
“It’s that passion and ambition which has driven me to be a part of this. As well as coaching, I’m going to be involved in recruitment and preparations on the playing front for next season are already underway.
“The existing squad is a good one, but we’re already talking to several players who are very keen to join us and who would augment the existing group. On the coaching side, we already have a good set-up so I’m just looking to introduce a few new things such as changing our playing style a little bit.
“The first year is going to be the real indicator, but the ambition is definitely there to make the five-year plan a realisation.”
The community club, playing as London Welsh Druids, finished fifth in Herts and Middlesex 1 this season, winning 10 of its 20 matches. Among the teams they played this season were Saracens Amateurs, Wasps FC, London French, Old Streetonians, Barnet Elizabethans and champions Verumalians.
“The last few months have been a very difficult time for anyone connected with our club. With the season at a close, now is the time to begin a new chapter for the Dragon in Exile,” said London Welsh Amateur RFC chairman, Gwyn Williams.
“With over 750 players aged from 6-60, amazing sponsors and supporters, we have the opportunity to focus on our core strength as an inclusive family orientated club where we measure our success not only by our league position but through providing excellence in the player and supporter experience.”
The core elements of the club’s Five Year Plan – The Journey Back – are as follows:
Priorities for 2017/18 season and beyond
- Developing 1st XV recruitment and resources – we are committed to competitive National League rugby, playing at the highest level we can achieve through a sustainable funding model.
- Continuing to provide a broad range of community rugby, including game variations and multiple adult men’s teams, for all ages, male and female, as part of an integrated and diverse club.
- Working to meet all the Club’s liabilities at Old Deer Park in collaboration with the other sport clubs sharing the grounds to develop the facilities in order to improve player and supporter experience.
Development of talent
- To provide a performance player pathway for talented 18-24 year olds through our ‘Griffins’ academy side through to National League Rugby .
- To grow women playing numbers and ultimately to develop a female ‘Griffins’ academy. Our goal is to increase the player base and to finish in the top three in our league.
- To develop skills for youth players aged 13-17 via the West London Skills Academy. Our goal is to have at least three players in each of these age groups represented at County level and other selective governing body programmes.
