Cardiff Rugby are pleased to confirm the appointment of highly-rated forwards coach Saul Nelson on a secondment from RGC.
Nelson will link up with the club’s academy set-up to provide front-five expertise to the next generation.
He returns to the Arms Park, having represented the club during an extensive playing career, which also included time at Bristol, Exeter and London Welsh.
Since turning his focus to coaching, the former hooker has amassed 15 years experience nurturing talent. Nelson has held positions at Filton College, Cross Keys, the Welsh Rugby Union and most recently RGC.
Gruff Rees said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Saul to our academy environment, he is a hugely talented coach and a fantastic person who really connects with people.
“He will make a massive difference in a key area that is hugely important to us with some promising, young front five talents coming through, supporting and guiding them in their pathway journey.
“It is a move that can help develop Saul further as a coach while giving him all the support he needs on and off the field.”
Nelson, who attended Cardiff High School, spent a season with the Blue & Blacks in 1998, and represented Wales at Under-16, 18, 19, 21 and A level when he toured Japan with Wales in 2001.
He is now relishing the opportunity to return to the Arms Park and hopes to help the next generation fulfil their potential.
“These young men share the same dreams I once had.”
Nelson said: “Having grown up in Cardiff, I have so many fond memories of playing for Cardiff Schools and Cardiff Youth, to coach within the Academy Pathway at Cardiff Rugby is a huge honour for me.
“We have a lot of talented front five players throughout our region. These young men share the same dreams I once had of playing for Cardiff and Wales, I am very excited about working closely with them and their families to achieve this.
“I’d like to thank RGC, Cardiff Rugby and the WRU for the fantastic support they have shown me and my family.”
Welsh Rugby Union Player Development and Pathway Lead, John Alder added: “We’re delighted at Saul’s appointment to Cardiff Rugby Regional Academy.
“Saul is a passionate and committed coach with a diverse career in rugby in education, Academy, and international age grade settings coupled with a strong connection to the Cardiff area.
“He will bring invaluable coaching expertise particularly in the area of scrum, throwing, and set piece to aspiring professional players in the Cardiff region. We look forward to following the impact he will have.”