Danny Wilson named as Wales U20s coach

Danny Wilson takes over as Wales Under-20s coach from Richard Webster

Dragons assistant coach Danny Wilson has been installed as head coach of Wales Under-20s.

Mark Taylor continues as U20's team manager with Wilson assisted by Byron Hayward (backs) and Ioan Cunningham (defence).

Wilson takes over from last season's U20s coach Richard Webster, the former Wales flanker.

At U18 level new WRU national coaching manager Allan Lewis is taking a hands on approach.

Also involved in the U18s are Dale McIntosh (forwards) and Gruff Rees (backs), currently coaching Aironi.

At U16 schools level Simon Davies carries on as head coach, supported by Sophie Bennett appointed as team manager.

The Women's squad will be managed by Sara Davies with Rhys Edwards as Head Coach and former international Liza Burgess continuing her Assistant Coach role.

The Sevens squad coaching team is unchanged to continue the development work now being achieved after having a great start to the IRB World series.

The personnel announcements coincide with a new link up with national squad coaches following detailed discussions between WRU head of rugby Joe Lydon and Wales head coach Warren Gatland.

"The elite pathway structure is vitally important to the success of Wales at senior level," said Wales assistant coach Rob Howley.

"This new initiative means we can ensure all our systems and structures are aligned and we work together to ensure that talented young players know exactly what we want them to achieve.

"The WRU now has an excellent team of coaches in place through the age grade system and it will be great to work together in a truly elite environment."

National Age Grade Management Teams

U20s

Team manager - Mark Taylor

Forwards coach (head coach) - Danny Wilson

Backs coach - Byron Hayward

Defence coach - Ioan Cunningham

Strength & conditioning coach - Ryan Harris

Analysts - Jonny Gardner, Gethin Jones

U18s

Team manager - Gethin Watts

Forwards coach - Dale McIntosh

Backs coach - Gruff Rees

Strength & conditioning coach - Eifion Roberts

Analysts - Craig Maloney, Marc Kinnaird

U16s

Team manager - Sophie Bennett

Head coach - Simon Davies

Assistant coach - Euros Evans

Attached backs coach - John Bryant

Attached forwards coach - Paul Young

Attached coach - Iestyn Williams

Strength & conditioning coaches - Rhodri Williams, Jason Larkham

Analyst - Marc Carter

Women

Team manager - Sara Davies

Head coach - Rhys Edwards

Assistant coach - Liza Burgess

Strength & conditioning coaches - Josh Robinson, Sam Dodge

Analyst - Steve Bremner

Physiotherapist - Dal Lucas

Squad doctors - Meinir Jones, Steph Foulkes Moran

Sevens

Team manager - Dai Jenkins

Head coach - Paul John

Assistant coach - Gareth Williams

Strength & conditioning coach - Wayne Proctor

Analyst - Marc Kinnaird