Two-time Grand Slam winner Martyn Williams believes exciting times lie ahead for Wales, after joining Wayne Pivac’s management group as national team manager.
Since retiring in 2012, the 44-year-old former flanker has combined a business career with media commitments and will take up his new role on January 1, 2020.
Williams becomes the fourth ex-skipper of the national side to join the fresh Welsh set-up, alongside Stephen Jones, Jonathan Humphreys and Sam Warburton, following Pivac’s arrival after the Rugby World Cup.
He replaces long-serving Alan Phillips who has been appointed Director of Operations for the British & Irish Lions, but Williams – who amassed 104 caps during a 16-year Test career – believes he has plenty to offer the reigning Grand Slam champions.
He said: “I hope to bring not only my rugby experience but experiences I have gathered from the world of business to the role and help the squad in any way I can.
“Wayne has put together an experienced management team and we have an excellent crop of players in Wales. I’m looking forward to working with them all.
“Alan has done a fantastic job as team manager and I thoroughly enjoyed playing under him. I wish him all the best with his new role with the Lions.”
Phillips’ move to the Lions marks the end of an 18-year period as Wales team manager, which saw him work with a series of coaches on more than 220 Test matches and five World Cups, winning four Grand Slams and five Championship titles in total.
In his new position, the 65-year-old former Wales hooker will once again link up with Warren Gatland ahead of the 2021 Tour to South Africa.
Wales’ clash with the Barbarians in Cardiff will spell the end of Phillips’ involvement with the World Cup semi-finalists, and while excited about the future, he insists he departs the Principality Stadium with a heavy heart.
He said: “I am hugely honoured to have been team manager for so long, it is a role I have thoroughly enjoyed, and it will be an emotional day leaving.
“I wish Martyn all the best. He has great experience across the game and is very well respected.
“But I am really excited at what lies ahead. The British and Irish Lions has a very special place in my heart, and it is a tremendous organisation.
“I cannot wait to start my new role and begin the preparations for the 2021 Tour to the home of the world champions.”
