Martyn Williams appointed as Wales team manager
Wales have appointed former captain and test centurion Martyn Williams MBE as their new Team Manager.
Williams, who is highly respected and regarded across the game, will take up the position on January 1st 2020, replacing Alan Phillips who has been appointed Director of Operations for the British & Irish Lions.
Williams becomes the fourth former Wales captain to join head coach Wayne Pivac’s management team alongside Stephen Jones, Jonathan Humphreys and Sam Warburton.
The former flanker called time on his 16-year international career in 2012 and has since combined his business career with media commitments. He has been Head of Business Development at JP Private Clients and St James Place since retiring and will remain a partner of the business. Williams has extensive experience of both the international and domestic game with wide-reaching relationships and management experience.
Phillips leaves the WRU after nearly 18 years in the role and more than 220 test matches and five RWC Cups. The former Wales hooker who worked alongside the likes of Graham Henry, Steve Hansen, Gareth Jenkins and Warren Gatland as head coaches, has helped Wales clinch four Grand Slams and a further Six Nations title in his time in the role. He links up with the Lions to begin preparations for their 2021 tour to South Africa.
“Martyn is a fantastic appointment for us and it is great to have someone of his statue and experience in the role,” said Wales head coach Wayne Pivac.
“Martyn has a wealth of international experience, 100 caps for Wales and three British & Irish Lions tours under his belt so he understands the test scene. He is hugely respected across the game, from players, coaches, supporters and media alike and I believe he will be a great addition to our management team.
“He will spend a few days with us next week as part of the Barbarians match preparations and will be in New Zealand with me next month as part of the planning recce ahead of next summer’s tour and then will begin the role full-time in January and I’m really looking forward to working with him.
“I would also like to wish Alan all the best in his new role. He has been a fantastic servant to Welsh rugby and will be a great asset to the Lions for their tour in 2021.”
Martyn Williams said: “I’m hugely delighted and honoured to be appointed team manager. It is an exciting role and I cannot wait to get started.
“Wayne has put together an experienced management team and we have an excellent crop of players here in Wales and I’m looking forward to working with them all.
“I hope to bring not only my rugby experience but experiences I have gathered from the world of business to role and help the squad in any way I can.
“I’d like to thank the team at JP Private Clients for the last seven years and for being so accommodating with this new role.
“Alan has done a fantastic job as team manager and I thoroughly enjoyed the environment and playing under him and I wish him all the best with the new role with the Lions.”
Phillips said:
“I am hugely honoured to have been team manager for the past 18 years, it is a role I have thoroughly enjoyed and it will be an emotional day leaving.
“I have worked with some brilliant people and they have made the job what it is and I am proud to have helped support them and deliver for them.
“I’d like to wish Martyn (Williams) all the best in the role. He has great experience across the game and is very well respected. I will always be on hand for any advice and support I can give him as he takes on his new role.
“The Barbarians match for me will be my last with Wales and it will certainly be an emotional afternoon but I am really excited at what lies ahead.
“The British & Irish Lions has a very special place in my heart and it is a tremendous organization and I cannot wait to start my new role and begin the preparations for the 2021 tour, a tour to the home of the World Champions.
“As a former Lion, I know how special the Lions are across the game and I’m excited to be part of the set-up and to help deliver one of the most memorable and enjoyable tours.”
