John given WRU role

Former Wales assistant coach Geraint John has been appointed as the Welsh Rugby Union's elite coach development manager.

Welshman John has resigned as head coach of the Australia men's sevens team, and the WRU announced that he will take up his new post from September 7,

John was Canada Rugby's high performance director and sevens head coach before moving to Australia as director of sevens in May last year.

"I am thrilled to have been chosen to take on this exciting new role," he said.

"Having spent 10 years away from Wales, I feel I have a huge amount to give back to Welsh rugby, developing the next generation of elite coaches for Wales.

"The ultimate goal of this role is to develop our top up-and-coming coaches so that we have Welsh coaches who can coach Wales."

And WRU head of rugby Josh Lewsey added: " Strategically, this is a vital new role, and we are delighted to have secured the services of such an experienced coach as Geraint. His track record speaks for itself, and his knowledge of Welsh rugby is considerable."