In the newly-formed role, Williams is tasked with working with the best young talent in Wales to ensure they reach their potential. He will work alongside players and coaches from the WRU international pathway through the Sevens, U20 and U18 programmes as well as the regional development and age-grade sides to develop players to become regional and international players.
Williams views sustainable player development as being key to creating four strong regional entities and a thriving national squad for decades to come. “I have always seen Wales as having the potential to generate the best development programme throughout the world,” says Williams, who was part of the national squad coaching staff during their successful 2017 summer tour.
“What we lack in population, we gain in geography, and having such a small area allows us to work together and bring best practices together for everyone’s benefit.”
Part of Williams’s role will entail working on the recently-announced Regional Development (U23) competition which starts next season. “The new Development competition will offer superb focus periods for players in this age bracket,” explains Williams.
“Creating a strong motivational climate for the players will be key in allowing them to push for Guinness Pro14 and European selection with their senior regional squads. Words can’t express how excited I am by the challenge ahead.”
Williams says he looks forward to complementing the good work already being carried out by coaches throughout the international pathway – whilst emphasising that coaching will remain a significant part of his role: “Leading on the development of 16-23-year-olds, I am looking forward to working hands-on with the players and their coaches to help them develop their skills.
“My biggest passion is working with individuals and teams to support them in their goals. I want to aid the regions with this group of players to enhance competition amongst their squads, and subsequently increase the pool and standard of the players available for our national squad heading into the 2019 World Cup, and especially towards the 2023 and 2027 World Cups.”
Williams has reaped the benefits of a decade coaching on the World Rugby Sevens Series, during which time he has helped his country win the Sevens World Cup, as well assisting Team GB in claiming silver at the Rio Olympics.
“It’s been 10 amazing years on the World Series, and a superb foundation for me: developing my coaching, experiencing different player development models, and comparing various performance environments along the way,” Williams says. “This wider remit feels like a natural progression and it is an extension of my coaching career. I love coaching and working with players, and this will be a huge part of my identity moving forward.”
WRU Head of Rugby Performance, Geraint John, said: “This is another excellent appointment for the WRU performance department. With Gareth, Andy Lloyd [WRU Exiles] and Dan Clements [Performance Coach Manager], the performance team is now stronger than ever and these people will help to lead and develop our players and coaches towards our aim of boosting a world-class national team.
“Gareth has had great experience around the world and at Olympic events, and his knowledge and ability to work with people, building great relationships, will help him succeed in his new role. Having a team that will work together and challenge each other will be beneficial, and it is vital that player development and coach development work side-by-side moving forward.”
