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Leeds Tykes Director of Rugby Phil Davies has been appointed to the prestigious role of Director of Rugby at World Rugby, starting in February 2022. He will leave Leeds Tykes with a heavy heart but safe in the knowledge that he was instrumental in helping Tykes get back on to their feet and to start to thrive again, building new partnerships with our universities, with sponsors and attracting players to the rejuvenated club. Phil has left behind a structure at Tykes where we now have a clear vision supported by a quality rugby structure; this is underpinned and led by international coaches in Jon Callard and Wayne Procter working with the rugby department and with Jake Brady stepping up as operations manager for off-field activities as well as continuing as a player. In addition, we also have some significant partners in Ventur, Gregory Properties and Caddick Construction, along with both major universities in Leeds, all providing fantastic support to Tykes. At World Rugby, Phil’s role will be Director of Rugby focussing on the following areas: he will be charged with shaping performance management processes for elite match officials, nurturing relationships with high performance national team coaches, advancing World Rugby’s relationship with players on performance matters and providing expertise and supporting emerging nations in sustainably bridging the competition gap at the highest levels of the game. Chair of Leeds Tykes Alastair Da Costa commented: “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Phil for coming back to help Leeds Tykes out when we most needed it. World Rugby has made an inspired choice in appointing Phil and while we will miss him at Tykes he will always be welcome at our club. Phil has left us with the foundations to continue to thrive and we are very thankful to him for that” CEO of Leeds Tykes Gary Hetherington said: “Phil’s legacy is a rugby club whose mission is to provide the very best environment for its player’s, staff and supporters and he can be proud of what he has achieved in such a short time. The Club is in a good position to continue its progress and we all wish Phil well in his next venture. “ Phil Davies commented: “The club will always be special for myself and my family, it gave me my first coaching opportunity way back in 1996 and over our initial time at the club we created some amazing success and memories. It’s been a pleasure to come back to help support the club and with the support of some wonderful people both and off the field we have laid the foundations for a positive future, and wish Jon Callard, Jake Brady and all the players, staff, and supporters the very best moving forward. In conclusion, huge thanks to our Chairman Alastair and our board and investors plus our key partners Ventur, Gregory Properties and Caddick Construction along with our executive members and loyal supporters, none of this would have happened without your support. I wish everyone well at Tykes and hope for a positive and bright future for the Club.“ |
