Ian Davies appointed WRU National Elite Performance Match Official Manager

With over 100 first class appearances behind him in the United Rugby Championship and in Europe, Davies brings with him a wealth of experience at the highest level.

“We are delighted to announce the appointment of Ian Davies as the WRU National Elite Performance Match Official Manager,” said Welsh Rugby Union performance director, Huw Bevan.

“Following a rigorous process Ian emerged as the outstanding candidate from a high-quality pool of applicants. The panel were particularly impressed with the clarity of his vision for developing elite match officials in Wales, and his intended approach.

“The WRU has a proud history of developing elite referees, with some of the most highly regarded match officials of all time being produced in the principality.

“The creation of a role with a specific focus on elite match officials demonstrates our commitment to upholding this tradition.

“Ian has extensive relevant experience and I know that he is excited about the opportunity this role presents. He is committed to building on the work that has been done previously and evolve a a pathway that identifies, supports, and develops those with the potential to represent Wales in the elite game and at pinnacle events.

Davies is eager to continue the hard work his predecessor Paul Adams put in place with the likes of Amber Stamp-Dunstan, Jenny Davies, Ben Breakspear and Ben Connor all beginning to make their mark at international level. He is looking forward to having the opportunity to try and develop and change the perception in terms of how Welsh referees are viewed globally.

“If you look at Welsh refereeing in general you think of the legends like Clive Norling, Derek Bevan and Nigel Owens but underneath that the last referee representing Wales at a World Cup was Nigel Williams 21 years ago.

“We’re now seeing the fruits of the work Paul did with the Ben Breakspears and Ben Connors of the world, so let’s try and get them to where Nigel [Owens] got to.

“If we can actively promote refereeing to a younger generation then hopefully we will see the fruits of our labour in years to come.”