CHRIST College, Brecon, has landed a big hit with the appointment of former Dragons Rugby Academy Manager Gareth Nicholas as 1st XV Rugby Coach. The leading independent school has announced he will join the coaching staff in September.
Gareth brings with him an extensive body of experience in the field of Welsh rugby.
Having began his coaching career over two decades ago with Tondu RFC, Gareth has gone on to play important roles in several esteemed clubs, including the Cardiff Blues, the Wales Rugby Union’s youth set-up and most notably at the Dragons.
The news of Gareth’s appointment comes as part of the school’s ambitious investment programme, which includes the expansion of their fitness gym, strength and conditioning coaching and investment in performance analysis equipment to support the school’s rugby programme.
On his appointment, Gareth said:
“I am looking forward to working with Christ College Brecon at this exciting time in the school’s development.
“To work at such a prestigious school is an honour and I believe my experience across the spectrum of Welsh rugby can add to the work being done here and potentially open some doors for the school’s prodigious talents, too.
“The ongoing commitment to driving up standards at the school makes this an extremely attractive project and I cannot wait to kick on come September.”
James Reynolds, Director of Rugby at Christ College, added:
“I am highly excited by the prospect of working alongside someone as passionate and experienced as Gareth.
“His work as Director of Rugby for the Bridgend RFC and Bridgend College, at the Cardiff Blues and as a Wales U18 and U19 Head Coach exemplifies his pedigree as someone capable of working alongside young people within the sport.
“I have no doubt that his wealth of experience will bring further success to the school team that already has a distinguished heritage.”
Set within some of the UK’s most beautiful and energizing scenery in the Brecon Beacons National Park, Christ College is a school with a proud rugby tradition. It has produced many players who have gone on to achieve national representative honours for their country of origins as well as the British Lions.
The school fields 1st and 2nd XVs, as well as U16s, U15s, U14s, U13s and U12s teams. Teams play on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons in the Michaelmas Term, against strong local Welsh schools and English independent schools. Fixtures include the prestigious match against Crawshays Welsh Youth and a match against The Oratory School in Arms Park.
In the Lent term, pupils can also practice the art of rugby sevens, with Christ College hosting one of the most prestigious competitions as well as entering the National 7s Rosslyn Park tournament.
Christ College rugby teams experience regular domestic and overseas tours and each year will welcome overseas schools to play fixtures from countries such as Argentina, Belgium, South Africa and Australia.
